The guide we give our own guests: where to swim depending on the wind, which villages are worth an evening, and how to see the coastline from the sea.
Ferries reach Adamas, the main port, from Piraeus (Athens) and from other Cyclades islands. Crossings take roughly three to six hours depending on the boat. In summer, book ahead.
Milos has a small airport with short flights from Athens, around forty minutes. Seats are limited and go early in high season.
A car or quad is the easiest way to reach the beaches; public transport is limited. We can arrange transfers and rentals for you.
On Milos, the wind decides the beach. When the north wind blows, choose the south coast; when it comes from the south, the north coast is calm. Each beach below says which day it suits.
White volcanic rock shaped by wind and sea into smooth, moon-like terraces. There is little sand: you swim from the rock platforms into clear water.
Villas nearby: Villa Hera | D | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera | B | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera | C | by Milos Concierge
BeachA narrow inlet between tall cliffs on the north coast, with sea caves and calm, clear water when the wind is not strong.
BeachA sandy south-coast beach below coloured volcanic cliffs, with a taverna and sunbeds. A good choice on days when the north wind blows.
BeachA small, hidden beach at the foot of a cliff, reached by a steep path with ropes and ladders. Best for confident walkers, and worth it for the setting.
BeachA south-coast beach known for warm ground under the sand, where volcanic heat is even used to cook. Coloured cliffs and sheltered swimming.
BeachA long, easy sandy beach on the south coast with shallow water, a good base for a relaxed day with children.
Villas nearby: Anesea Milos
BeachA sandy beach on the south-east coast, usually calmer and less busy than the best-known ones.
Beach
The island’s main port and busiest village: ferries, shops, bakeries, tavernas and the sea front. A convenient base for everything else.
Villas nearby: Villa Eva Milos, Villa Boa Esperanca, Villa Hera | C | by Milos Concierge
Village
The whitewashed hilltop capital, with winding lanes, the castle hill and one of the island’s best sunsets. Best in the evening.
Villas nearby: Villa Hera |A| Milos, Villa Hera | C | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera | B | by Milos Concierge
Village
A fishing village below Plaka, known for its brightly painted boat houses (syrmata) opening straight onto the water.
Villas nearby: Villa Hera | C | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera |A| Milos, Villa Hera | B | by Milos Concierge
Village
A tiny fishing harbour of colourful boat houses and a small taverna, with sheltered swimming right beside the village.
Villas nearby: Villa Hera | B | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera | D | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera |A| Milos
Village
A relaxed fishing port on the north-east coast with tavernas along the water, and boats across to the neighbouring island of Kimolos.
Village
A small fishing hamlet on the north coast around a sheltered cove, with boat houses right at the water’s edge.
Villas nearby: Villa Hera | B | by Milos Concierge, Villa Hera |A| Milos, Villa Hera | C | by Milos Concierge
VillageMuch of Milos is best seen from the water: sea caves, white cliffs and coves that roads never reach.
White cliffs, rock arches and sea caves at the south-west tip of the island. Reached by boat, and the highlight of most Milos boat trips.
By seaA short list of places we would actually send friends to. Our concierge team can book any of them for you.
A taverna on Papikinou beach, just outside Adamas, known for traditional island cooking served on its own clay plates and mugs.
Eat & drinkWe are adding the rest of our favourite tavernas, beach bars and sunset spots. Until then, our concierge team is happy to recommend one and book your table.
Early Christian burial tunnels cut into the rock near Tripiti, among the most significant catacombs in Greece. A short, atmospheric visit.
History & cultureThe ancient theatre of Milos, on a hillside near Tripiti with a view over the bay. The area is also where the Venus de Milo statue was found in 1820; the original is now in the Louvre.
History & cultureFinds from ancient Melos in Plaka, including material connected to the island’s early volcanic-glass (obsidian) trade.
History & cultureNear Adamas, the story of mining on Milos, one of the reasons the island’s landscapes look the way they do. A good option for a hot or windy day.
History & cultureAbandoned sulphur mines in the south-east, with yellow and orange rock and old ruins. Striking light in the late afternoon.
History & cultureMay – June
The island is green, quieter and pleasantly warm. The sea is still cool, so it suits walkers and sightseers more than long beach days.
July – August
The hottest and busiest weeks. The north wind (meltemi) blows often: on windy days head to the south-coast beaches, and take boat trips early.
September – October
The sea holds its summer warmth, the crowds thin out and the light is at its best. Many people who know the island choose these months.
A first taste of Milos
Time to slow down
Easy beaches, short distances
The places in this guide, and our villas. Tap a pin for details.
For the beaches, yes: a car or quad makes the island easy. Buses run between the main villages but not to most beaches. We can arrange a rental or a driver.
Look at the wind direction. When the north wind blows, choose the south-coast beaches (such as Firiplaka and Paleochori). When it comes from the south, the north coast is calmer.
Strong winds can delay or cancel crossings. If you have a flight home the next day, keep a little flexibility and tell us if plans change.
Ferries and flights in summer, boat trips, and dinner at the most popular tavernas. Our concierge team can take care of the bookings.
Tell us when you would like to come and what you enjoy, and we will match you with the right villa and help you plan the rest.
