Milos is often referred to as "the jewel of the Cyclades", as it combines everything to a superlative degree. Lacy shores with emerald waters, picturesque fishing villages with colorful houses and a raw volcanic beauty that competes in photogenicity with the most famous exotic beaches in the world!
A few words about the island
Milos is an island in the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades island complex. It is a volcanic island in the shape of a horseshoe, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, while today it has 5129 permanent residents! Its name seems to come from the Greek word "vilos" which evolved into "milos" and meant "sheep", as there were reportedly many of them in the area. Below I have selected for you, what I think someone visiting the island for the first time should see.
10) Polonia
Polonia or Apollonia is located at the north-eastern end of Milos and is the second port of Milos after Adamantas! This picturesque seaside village is thought to have taken its name from a temple of Apollo that existed at the Pelekouda Lighthouse (to the left of the village). It has beautiful beaches with fine sand, plenty of cafes and nice restaurants on the beach. However, the reason this specific settlement is known is its regular connection with Kimolos! So if you find yourself in the area, don't hesitate to take the small liner and in about half an hour you will be on this beautiful little island.
9) Catacombs
A few meters outside the picturesque village of Tripiti you will find the catacombs of Milos. These are the second largest catacombs in Europe, covering an underground network of 184 meters! In fact, it is estimated that more than 8 thousand Christians have been buried at this point! Of course, only a small part is open to the public, with the entrance costing 4 euros. Very close to the catacombs there is also an ancient theater dating between the 1st and 4th century AD, while right next to it was found the iconic Venus of Milos, which is currently in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
8) Beaches
Although the Cyclades are not famous for their beaches, Milos has some excellent spots for diving, sunbathing and taking pictures. I will refer to the most famous of them in more detail below, but personally I think it is worth visiting the lesser known ones that are not crowded with people and have kept a more natural character. The first of these is Paleochori, with its red rocks, fine pebbles and crystal clear waters! Provatas is an equally beautiful beach, with its golden-red sand and cool crystal waters, while you should not miss Theiorixeia. A special beach with white-yellow sand, colored pebbles and crystal clear waters. Finally, a stop to Papafragas seems imperative. It is a small creek, formed between high rocks, the access is demanding but the scenery will compensate you!
7) Adamantas
Adamantas is the main port of Milos and is built in the middle of a bay, being one of the largest natural ports in the Mediterranean. It is the most touristically developed settlement of the island, which has, however, kept many elements of traditional Cycladic architecture. There you will find many taverns, cafes, bars, tourist shops, restaurants and rooms to let, while most of the island's public services are based in Adamantas. Finally, in the central square, all the buses of the island start and stop, as well as the taxi rank at the same point, while along the coastal promenade, you will also find various boats that carry out excursions to the island.
6) Kleftiko
One of the most famous beaches of the island, which is only accessible by boat, is Kleftiko. It is a complex of impressive volcanic white rocks, created by the waves of the sea and the air, in the blue-green waters of the Aegean. Something that has given it the nickname "Sea Meteora". It seems that the name Kleftiko came from the pirates, as in the past this place was used both as a refuge and as their base, since the small coves protected the ships and themselves from the strong winds of the Aegean. It is also considered an ideal place for diving and snorkeling, while it also has many caves to explore. It’s photos adorn most tourist guides that advertise Greece and it has become the trademark of Milos and the entire country. An ideal way to explore Kleftiko, as well as other parts of the island, is Zephyros Boat Tours.
5) Mandrakia-Firopotamos
Two picturesque fishing villages that are close to each other and worth visiting are Mandrakia and Firopotamos. Both settlements are known for the wire, white houses with colorful doors, used by fishermen as storage areas for their boats and gear. Mandrakia also has a beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise crystal clear waters, attracting people looking for peace, swimming and relaxation with a view of the vast Aegean. In the village there is still the Church of Zoodochos Pigi, some picturesque accommodations and traditional taverns!
On the other hand, Firopotamos is a fishing village with only four permanent residents, where time seems to have stopped. Diving there is an experience in itself, since the waters are heavenly, blue-green and transparent, with volcanic stones surrounding you. You will also have the opportunity to admire the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas and the ruins of an ancient castle, which according to the locals is the old ore processing factory. Finally, keep in mind that Firopotamos is one of the northernmost beaches of Milos and to enjoy it at its best you should check the weather, since it usually has a lot of waves, while the mobile signal is ignored.
4) Klima
The most beautiful fishing village of Milos, however, is without a second thought Klima! And here the colored wires dominate, on the wave that will set your camera on fire. In my opinion, it is worth to be in Klima during the sunset, when the reflections from the sky and the picturesque houses in the sea are simply magical. Of course, this is the time when most people gather in the area, so if you plan to sit down to eat in the tavern there, it would be good to make a reservation in advance.
3) Tsigrado-Firiplaka
I continue with two more beautiful beaches of Milos that you definitely should not miss. I am, of course, referring to Tsigrado and Firiplaka. Tsigrado is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach of the island and I understand very well why. It is a small cove with fine white sand, clear blue waters and caves, but it is difficult to access. So to get there you have to go down a steep cliff with the help of a wooden ladder and a rope. The impressive scenery, however, will compensate you! If you are not that daring, you can reach Tsigrado by boat.
On the other hand, Firiplaka is something completely different even though it is right next door. It is a chaotically huge beach, which gathers countless people every day, as it is one of the most famous of the island. It has a beach bar, while you can also try water sports. But there is no shade, so I suggest you bring your umbrella with you or visit it after 5 pm when the sun goes down.
2) Plaka
In the second place of the list I have placed the “capital” of Milos, Plaka. It is a picturesque settlement that is only 3 kilometers from the port of Adamas and 8.5 kilometers from the airport. It is built at an altitude of 220 meters and took its name from the level ground on which the houses were built when the castle was no longer sufficient to house the population. Plaka has a strong traditional color, with Cycladic architecture, narrow cobbled streets and small traditional shops, restaurants and cafes. Car traffic is prohibited inside the settlement, while at the highest point of the village, on a hill of volcanic origin, is the Castle, which was built by the Venetians in the 13th century. At the top of the castle is the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin or Mesa Panagia, which according to the locals is the ideal spot to see the sunset in Milos. Finally, in Plaka is also the Metropolis of Milos, the Holy Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos or Panagia Korfiatissa, which was built in 1820, and the Archaeological and Folklore museum of Milos!
1) Sarakiniko
The most photogenic beach of Milos is, without a second thought, Sarakiniko. It is said to have been named after the Saracen pirates, who used it as a base and when the atmosphere is clear it has views as far as Sifnos and Kimolos! It is an idyllic and at the same time enchanting setting, which many liken to the moon. The northern winds and waves have sculpted the white volcanic rocks in such a way that, together with the turquoise waters, have created a setting that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. To enjoy it, it is advisable to visit it very early in the morning, when there will not be many people and the hot sun.
How to go
There are two options, if you want to visit Milos. Either by boat from the port of Piraeus or by plane. If you choose the first option, you will be on the island and the port of Adamas in 3 to 6 hours depending on the ship you choose. If, on the other hand, you choose to approach the island by air, you will land at the State Airport of Milos, which is located approximately nine kilometers from the port. From there you can take the bus and in nine minutes you will be in Adamas.
What to eat
The volcanic terrain of the island is responsible not only for the beaches that have made Milos famous, but also for its distinctive crops and its particularly delicious products. And although Milos is an island, it is famous for its livestock and its special cheeses. So you are not allowed to leave the island without trying some of the most famous dishes of the region. Start with pork or mutton, continue with garlic lasagna or ravioli and finish with the famous pitarakia and the delicious watermelon pie. For delicious local dishes visit Oh xamos in Adamantas, Archontoula in Plaka and Medusa in Mandrakia, for pizzas Fournos Artemis in Adamantas and for delicious sweets Angeliki in Adamantas and Anezina's Glykofilema in Polonia.
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Mouzakidis Pantelis
