Milos, Greece: The Ultimate Sun & Fun Guide

A trip to Milos, Greece, transports you to a simpler life of seafaring and relaxation. You can shed the world’s weight and relax amongst the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. Whether on the sand, in a boat, or cliff jumping into the ocean, the clear waters surround you, inviting you to relax and play. 

Milos Island was formed by volcanic activity and has a history dating back millions of years. The unique geography formed by volcanic influence is evidenced in some of the island’s landscapes and structures. A visit to Milos is like a visit to another world.

Here is everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your time in Milos, Greece.

How To Get To Milos, Greece

Milos is accessible by plane or ferry. Adamas is home to the main ferry and airport. The ferry dock is central in town and easily walkable to and from the hotels in Adamas. 

Adamas is an excellent starting point for adventure. Here, you can rent vehicles, go on sailboats, explore many shops, and find delicious eateries. 

Milos Island National Airport (MLO) has frequent flights to Athens and accepts charter flights. It is a fast 3-mile drive to Adamas. 

Where To Stay In Milos?

Milos has three significant towns with walkable access to beaches, stores, cafes, and restaurants. Adamas, Plakas, and Pollonia. These are all excellent places to stay if you want to be in a walkable location near the water.

The hotels in these towns are all relatively small, and availability can vary. I recommend searching for a room in one of these towns via search engines, Airbnb, or Vbro. 

When I visited Milos, we stayed at a small bed and breakfast in Adamas, the central port town. I liked how close Adamas was to everything. We could easily rent ATVs to explore the rest of the island, walk to the port, and visit many restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues. 

When Is The Best Time To Visit Milos?

May, June, and September are excellent months to visit Milos as you avoid the highest summer temperatures and the largest crowds of tourists. 

Visiting in the summer months (July and August) will be typically more crowded with hotter weather.

Many restaurants, stores, tourist activities, and cafes close during the winter months. If you visit in the winter, be prepared for many places on this post to be seasonally closed.

How Much Time Should You Spend in Milos?

How much time you spend in Milos will depend on your schedule, available time, and itinerary. You can easily spend a week or more on Milos and bask in the sun and laid-back culture. 

At a minimum, I recommend spending at least three full days in Milos to visit everything on this list. During a 3-day trip, you can spend a day on a boat, riding around the island on ATVs, and relaxing by whatever beach or town you’re staying in. 

However, the more time you spend on the island, the more time you have to relax on the beaches and lounge. 

Do You Need to Rent a Car?

While staying in one of the major towns will allow you to walk to many things, I recommend renting a vehicle for at least one or two full days. The island is very spread out, and there is much to see. 

While public transportation via the bus is available, it falls short of bringing you to all the unique spots you’ll want to visit in Milos.

While a car is a good choice if you have a family, I recommend a moped or ATV if you travel solo or with a partner. These vehicles can more easily access the off-road beaches. 

Here are some options for places to rent a moped or ATV in Milos.

What To Pack For Milos, Greece:

For a complete guide to packing for Greece, check out this page. 

First and foremost, if you visit Milos to have fun in the sun, protect your body from sun damage. 

Here are my top recommendations for must-bring items to have fun in the sun in Milos, Greece.

• Sunscreen – I always recommend reef-safe sun protection to protect the marine ecosystem
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Bathing suit
• Water shoes for the rocky beaches

Milos, Greece: The Ultimate Sun & Fun Guide

Grab your bags, and let’s explore Milos, Greece. This island is a sun and beach lover’s dream. It has crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, excellent fresh food, and adventures.

Here are the top beaches and adventures I recommend during your time in Milos. As mentioned above, these places can be seen on a 3-day trip, although the more time you spend on them, the better.

Milos Beautiful Beaches

Milos is known for its beautiful beaches; some genuinely feel out of this world. When in Milos, exploring beaches is essential. 

Here are some beaches to visit while you’re in Milos. They range from more populated beaches on the edge of villages to more secluded beaches you must trek to.

Sarakiniko

Walking along Sarakiniko’s seaside feels like walking on the lunar surface. This beach, one of the most famous in Milos, is known for its white rock formations and cliffs surrounding the ocean. 

Visit Sarakiniko to be transported away from Greece to another world. Wear sturdy shoes to trek along the ridges and caves of the rocks. The water is also rocky, so you’ll want the water shoes if you get in. 

Bonus! If it’s not a windy day, there’s a perfect spot to cliff jump into the ocean and climb back up the cliff. Be cautious, as it does get windy.

Papikinou

Papikinou Beach is one of the most popular and crowded beaches in Milos. Located along the bay along Adamas and Plaka, it’s easy to access and within walking distance of many lodging options.

While Papkinious feels like a “city beach,” it is nonetheless beautiful. The clear water is fun for play and relaxation. This is an excellent option if you are staying in Adamas and don’t want to rent a vehicle to visit the other beaches on this list.

Kleftiko

Klefiko is a stunning beach filled with cliffs and sea caves, only accessible via boat. It’s a stop on the boat tours of the island and one of the most beautiful seascapes iconic to Milos.

In Klefioko, you can snorkel, explore sea caves, swim, or hang out and relax on the boat.

Tsigrado

Tsisgrado is a private beach tucked away amongst white sands and tall cliffs. It’s primarily accessible via a steep hike, which culminates by descending a wooden ladder from the top of a cliff to the sand. If you fear heights or cannot physically walk down a ladder or a steep hike, this beach isn’t for you.

Also, to reach the hike and parking lot, be prepared to drive down a dirt and rocky road. 

If you don’t want to hike to the beach, you can access it by kayak or paddleboard.

The harder to access, the sweeter the reward. Once you get to the sand of this beach, it is beautiful with clear blue water. 

Pollonia

Pollonia Beach, located on the northeast tip of Milos, Greece, is an excellent laid-back beach destination perfect for relaxing, especially with a family. It’s only 6 miles from Adamas and accessible by public transportation reasonably quickly.

The bay protects the waters of this beach, keeping them calm. It is easy to access, just off the road. 

You can rent chairs or bring your own. A significant bonus is that it sits in town, so you can take a break from the sun to eat at the numerous restaurants and cafes or go shopping.

Enjoy Wonderful Food

Milos is a top destination for foodies. Greece prides itself on using local ingredients to create fresh, flavorful food, which is especially relevant in Milos, which is filled with farmland.

Here are some top picks for restaurants to enjoy while in Milos.

O! Hamos! Tavern 

O! Hamos! is a family-owned culinary institution in Milos. It is located along Papikinou Beach in Plaka. This farm-to-table restaurant has fresh, flavorful food, hospitality, and charm.

This restaurant has charming features. The menus, handwritten with love in multiple languages, detail the restaurant’s history. 

The ceramics are handmade, each one a little different from the next.

The food is outstanding, from lamb to a traditional Greek salad; everything is flavorful.

Enalion

Enalion is an incredible restaurant in Pollonia, steps from the beach. It serves exquisite fresh seafood, and it is hands-down one of my favorite meals in Milos. 

I’m not usually a sweet lover, so when I recommend a dessert, you know it’s out of this world. That said, I can’t stop thinking about the Orange Pie from Enalion. Pictured below, it looks more like a coffee cake than a pie, and it’s served warm and delicious.

Utopia Cafe for Sunset

Utopia Cafe in Plaka offers the ultimate dining experience: fantastic food, delightful drinks, and an incredible sunset view. You must reserve a table outside around sunset to see the views for yourself. 

I’ll share some pictures here because the views speak for themselves.

More Milos Adventures

Milos is brimming with adventure. Many of the beaches listed above have their adventures with hiking to the water, snorkeling, and water fun. If you want other options, here is a list of exciting things to do in Milos. 

Take a Sail Around Milos

Milos is known for its vibrant sailing community. Some celebrities have even been spotted anchoring their boats there.

A must-do that you absolutely must do in Milos is take a sail around Milos. The boats stop at many beaches that are accessible by boat, with fun sea caves and snorkeling. 

Sailing around Milos was my favorite part of my trip, and I highly recommend it. We used Horizon Yachts in Adamas as a tour company, and they were excellent. 

Explore Klima

Klima is an old fishing village that looks like it was crafted from a fairytale. With white wooden cottages painted brightly colored and bright-colored doors and railings, there’s a majestic appeal to this little nook of Milos.

Renting ATVs

I mentioned above that renting ATVs is a great way to get around Milos. Whether renting ATVs for a day or the whole time you’re on the island, they are an adventurous way to explore and see the island.

Traverse The Historic Towns

Milos’s modern history dates back thousands of years. Walking through its villages, one feels transported to a past era. 

Many of the items already listed on this list are in, or close to, the major towns in Milos. While you’re out adventuring, take time to explore the towns. There are many unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

Adamas – The central port town in Milos where you will likely arrive and depart. It also has nightlife options.

Plaka – The capital of Milos. Located on a hill, Plaka has beautiful sunset views. 

Pollonia – A more relaxed fishing town. It is excellent for getting away to a more tranquil spot and a wonderful place for families.

Final Thoughts on Milos, Greece

Milos, Greece, is an island filled with beauty, sun, and adventure. It’s the perfect place for somebody who wants to get off the beaten path and enjoy more of an eclectic, rustic beach and town experience in Greece.