The island of Milos, located in the Greek Cyclades, is a volcanic gem with rugged, colorful and almost surreal coastlines that frame it and a dramatic center caldera. Generally, this island is associated with the well-known Venus de Milo, which is found in the Louvre in Paris, but it is also a priceless gem, with many fantastic beaches that many other Cyclades islands do not offer.
Charming villages, each with its own character, add to its irresistible appeal. Whether you’re on the vibrant waterfront in Adamas or exploring the ancient streets of Plaka, there’s no shortage of unique sights and experiences to find on the island of Milos. Sun-drenched beaches, ancient history, or the true atmosphere of an island, whatever you prefer, there are endless things to do in Milos.
Things to Do in Milos
1. Visit Klima & more fishing villages
Located near Plaka, Klima is one of the most picturesque places in Milos. The small seaside town houses the fishermen of the island and is known for the traditional houses called “syrmata” carved into the rocks. The houses are unique with coloured doors and balconies and were originally occupied in winter as homes and boat sheds.
Many people have been wonderfully restored and are now wonderful beach rental properties. The stunning sunset view of Alma clap of Klima makes it a must-visit. Other beaches around the same area, where the fishermen’s villages Fourkovouni, Mandrakia and Areti have a similar colonial and romantic setting, are also very picturesque.
2. Take the Oneiro Boat Tour
Oneiro Milos gives one of the most popular experiences of Milos. The boat tour of the island’s amazing beaches. The trip lasts about 8-9 hours, starting at the port of Adamas and passing through some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the region. The experience covers the impressive volcanic nature of Vrijepont Vani, the unique open roof cave at Skyvia and the historic hideout of pirates at Kleftiko. The crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs and hidden caves en route offer a combination of exploration, history and natural beauty along the boat tour route for Milos.
3. Rent a Boat and Go to Kleftiko
The best experience on Milos’s beautiful shoreline is to rent a boat from Firiplaka Boat Rental. Visit some of the outstandingly beautiful beaches in the city of Kefallonia, ie Kleftiko, by sea only. The Kleftiko is the alleged site of the pirates, and is paradise for those with daring enough to descend into the numerous dramatic caves and secret grottos, with its almost surreal clear turquoise waters.
Renting and self-driving a boat is the ultimate way to explore at your own pace, swim, relax, take photo opportunities and discover some of the hidden places in the world without ever losing your breath. Firiplaka Boat Rental offers hassle-free experience, leaving no room for confusion before leaving port and making safety easy thanks to GPS tracking in the boats. It is an amazing experience of nature, an unforgettable event and it’s definitely a must do on Milos.
4. Mandrakia Fishing Village
Mandrakia is a picturesque fishing village that features idyllic blue boat garages and the traditional Cycladic character. The coastlines form a serene backdrop with elements of sea white-washed buildings and rugged cliffs. The unknown sharply contrasts with Medusa, the restaurant stretching out along the cliff with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and its pounding waves at the outskirts of the village. Arriving just before sunset offers the opportunity to see the village in its finest hour – golden lights are seen shimmering over the water. Return with a nice refreshing Greek white wine and see the sun slowly set on the horizon.
5. Sarakiniko Lunar Landscape
One of the most popular and even iconic of the multiple places in Milos where the viewer can experience a landscape resembling that of the Moon is Sarakiniko. It’s a truth that’s taken to the internet and followed by visitors from all over the world with its other-worldly white rock formations to its incredible walls. The terrain is covered in smooth and chalky soil, while the ocean appears blue with a shark swimming.
The background is a beautiful landscape of chalky flats against a deep blue ocean, and there is a shark swimming in the water. It is not such “large” beach; the rocky surroundings are much more attractive. These cliffs are grippest – naturally so, and so are the ladders; it is so easy to climb these ladders up and down. Sarakiniko: A truly unique & unforgettable natural wonder!
6. Eat, Drink & Play in Plaka
Most of the time is spent at the beach in Milos, and the cooler mornings or evenings are best in Plaka. It rains on the island’s capital and historic centre, which is located on a hilltop. It’s compact and heavily pedestrianised and the whitewashed buildings and narrow streets provide a tranquil break. Although it has become a more up-to-date port town of Adamas, people often find that they like evenings here more.
Spending a day wandering around without a definite agenda will take you from cafes to churches and then on to viewpoints throughout Milos, albeit at a fewer rates than the average. Plaka also offers excellent dining, laid-back bars, and evening entertainment, making it a perfect place to enjoy things to do in Milos.
7. Discover more about the Venus de Milo
In 1820, a farmer, as he was working in his field, discovered the marble statue, Venus de Milo, on the island. From there one can go up hill to the Archaeological Museum of Melos, a small museum but quite educated with some fascinating exhibits. One interesting relic is a huge clay pithos which served as a burial container for a kid. The tiny colored stones that are linked with the child’s remains are believed to be toys that belonged to the child. In the museum in Melos there’s a copy of the Venus de Milo and the original one is kept at the Louvre in Paris.
8. Visit the Milos Mining Museum
Milos’ mining museum is an interesting museum of the island that depicts the rich geological and industrial history of the island. It sits close to the middle of almsgiving town of Adamas and is easily accessible to the visitors exploring the area. It highlights the long history of mining on the island and how minerals like obsidian, sulfur, and perlite developed its economy and had been an island development. The story of extraction and processing is well-explained with detailed exhibits, maps and preserved tools. The visitors learn about the ancient and the modern mining techniques and about the importance of Milos as a natural source of natural resources in the Aegean region.
9. Dine Along The Waterfront At Nostos Seafood Experience
At Nostos Seafood Experience, the sheer beauty of the Aegean Sea and the delightful taste of their exceptional meals are unparalleled, offering a truly memorable dining experience. It’s a balance of ocean charm and pristine cuisine that’s ideal for the setting. The local goat cheese is served with “pumpkin spoon sweet” over a delicate fennel salad, and refreshed with fennel pollen. The rich milk pie dessert served with the rum raisin ice cream to complete this indulgent meal in high style. This popular and picturesque request is almost a necessity for this highly sought-after meal spot.
10. Stay at a Syrma house
Love all the colorful fishermen’s houses in Klima and in search of an offbeat accommodation, well we have just what you need! Yes, it’s 100% attainable to walk in a house of syrma and vacation straight by the sea. We think this represents ‘the ultimate island encounter’ and it should be done on your list of ‘must do’s’.
Approximately 10 littler houses have been converted to apartments and guesthouses, which are available to do so. They all look out towards the sea and are finally dressed in authentic island furniture and decoration to give a sense of real island ambiance. Staying here is one of the most unique things to do in Milos, Greece, combining culture, scenery, and coastal living in one unforgettable experience.
11. Watch the Sunset from Utopia Cafe
Consider Utopia Café on the picturesque village of Plaka on the island of Milos to be one of the best places to witness an awesome sunset. Visitors can relax after exploring the entire island with a refreshing drink and enjoy panoramic views after a full day on the island. Day giving way to dusk, all of a sudden turns into a wonderland as the sun gilds the waters and skies with glowing hues. A very popular walk that has to be booked in advance in order to guarantee a place. With its picturesque scenery and atmosphere, and its seaside location, it’s a great place for an evening stroll in the Cyclades.
The Best Time to Go to Milos, Greece
The ideal time to visit Milos, Greece is from May to October, when the island is fully in tourist season. Most activity and tourist numbers (and prices!) occur during the warmer months of July and August. June or September is a nice time to visit with temperate weather and not as many crowds. May is the best month for a more downplayed vibe, fewer crowds, lighter prices and somewhat cooler seas, but not everything is open and not all businesses may be operating on May at full capacity in May. If special facilities and/or restaurants will be used, early planning is recommended.
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