21 Best Things To Do In Milos, Greece [Updated 2024]
LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MILOS, GREECE?
Mike and I lived on the island of Milos for two months while we explored a few Greek islands. Spending this much time on the island helped us find the most exciting activities, places to see, and things to do.
So, to help you have the most incredible trip, here’s our exclusive guide on the best things to do in Milos, Greece:
21 Best Things To Do In Milos, Greece 2024
There are thousands of islands in Greece, each with its unique characteristics. I can’t pinpoint exactly what led me to Milos, but I’m not disappointed.
In my opinion, Milos is the best Greek Island thanks to its unique bleached-rock coastlines, turquoise blue waters, ancient ruins, and adorable Cycladic villages. While other travelers choose Santorini or Mykonos, you should most certainly choose to explore the Greek island of Milos.
There are plenty of amazing activities and things to do in Milos, Greece to fill your itinerary at your own pace, whether you plan to stay for two days or 30 days. Here are our favorite adventures in Milos:
Things To Do In Milos, Greece: Best Beaches
Let’s start by talking about Milos’ incredible white sand beaches. Visiting each of the unique beaches on Milos is one of the best things you can do on the island. Here are the ones we recommend adding to your itinerary:
1. Walk On The Moon at Sarakíniko Beach
During our first day in Milos, we drove over to Sarakíniko Beach. The drive to Sarakiniko is easy, straightforward, and only 9 minutes from the main town of Adamas. It’s so close, in fact, that you could even make this a day trip and walk over to Sarakíniko.
Sarakíniko is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The white volcanic cliffs made me feel like I was walking on the moon or exploring an all-white desert.
Take the path down to the small sandy beach of Sarakíniko, where you’ll be able to swim in the bay if you arrive on a calm day. There are also caves nearby that you can walk through, but just know that these caves are full of trash and aren’t very appealing.
Cliff Jumping At Sarakíniko Beach
Another exciting thing you can do while visiting Sarakíniko is cliff jumping into the sea. From the beach, there is a path that leads up the volcanic white rock formations. Follow this path until you see the small natural bridge pictured below.
On top of this bridge, many people jump from the cliff into the sea on the other side. Many travelers believe this is one of the best things to do in Milos on a hot summer Greece day.
Be sure to only jump where it is safe; my best advice is to watch other people do it first before attempting it yourself.
Swimming At Sarakíniko Beach
Venturing to Milos, Greece with kids? Or maybe you just aren’t keen on cliff jumping into the sea.
You can still have an amazing time at Sarakiniko Beach. In fact, there is even a small beach area that is perfect for wading and cooling off on hot summer days.
We recommend bringing a towel, swimsuits, sunscreen, snacks, and water for your day trip to Sarakiniko Beach.
Note: To find Sarakiniko Beach, park at the gate and take a short walk down toward the sea. As you approach the sea, turn left and the beach should come into sight. Or, you can simply follow others that have the same idea.
➡️ Need a tour to Sarakiniko Beach?
It would take hours to walk from the port to Sarakiniko. If you don’t plan to rent a car in Milos, I highly recommend booking this “Best of Milos” tour here.
With this tour, you’ll explore some of the best sights and beaches on the island. The itinerary is perfect!
2. Hike To Kleftiko Cove And Beach
In my opinion, hiking to Kleftiko Beach is one of the most incredible things you can do in Milos, Greece. Kleftiko Beach is something out of a fairytale; the bluest water and some of the most dramatic cliffs I’ve ever seen.
We decided to make our trip to Kleftiko Beach last all day. We left our house in Plaka at around 10am and drove over to the other side of the island, where we spent 8 hours hiking, lounging, and basking in the sun.
You’ll need to follow a GPS to get to the trailhead for this hike, but once you arrive, the hike is straightforward and relatively easy. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles. You’ll descend down the trail to the beach and hike up on your way out.
Be sure to pack water and snacks because if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to spend several hours down by the small cove. You can also swim in the lagoon, so bring your swimsuit!
Take A Boat Trip To Kleftiko Beach
Most travelers opt to take a boat over to Kleftiko Beach. This is a popular option in the summer, but it is the more expensive option (as opposed to hiking).
💡 If you decide to take a boat out to Kleftiko Beach, we recommend this full day cruise to Kleftiko Caves.
3. Climb Down To Tsigrado Hidden Beach
One of the coolest things we did in Milos, Greece was climb down to Tsigrado Beach. I like to call it Tsigrado Hidden Beach because you need to walk through a canyon and down a ladder to get there.
The beach itself is pretty; however, there are definitely more beautiful beaches on Milos. In my opinion, Tsigrado Beach is worth visiting because of the adventure it takes to get there.
Gawk At The Shoreline Near Tsigrado Beach
While you’re visiting Tsigrado Beach, be sure to walk along the coastline to the west to find some of the most stunning views of Milos. I can’t explain the views as well as the pictures can, so take a peek below.
If you continue down the shoreline from Tsigrado Beach, you’ll run into Firiplaka Beach. While other guides on the internet might recommend visiting this beach, Mike and I found it to be really dirty and gross. There are other beaches around the island that are much cleaner and overall better.
4. Find Agates At Paliochori Beach
Located on the island’s south coast, I was surprised by Paliochori Beach. When we arrived, it looked like any other beach we had been to on the island. Soon, we realized that all of the rocks on this long beach were agates. We spent an entire afternoon sifting through the beautifully smooth rocks.
Soak In The Hot Springs At Paliochori Beach
Another really cool part about Paliochori Beach is that there is a lot of geothermal activity. As you approach the beach, you can find hot springs and a natural sauna to the right side. So, be sure to bring your swimsuit, even if you venture here in the winter.
5. Stroll The Beach In Kiriaki
The vibe I got from Kiriaki Beach was that it would be a good place for a Sunday stroll. This beach is expansive, clean, and beautiful.
Kiriaki Beach is relatively quiet place compared to other beaches, so bring your swimsuit, a towel, and enjoy a day under the sun.
6. Search For Obsidian Rock At Papafragas Caves And Beach
We expected a different adventure before making our way to Papafragas Caves and Beach. Based on the pictures we saw on the internet, we thought there would be more opportunities for exploration.
It was difficult or impossible to get to many of the beach caves, so we had to observe from afar. Luckily, we were able to get down to a beach nearby, which we can only assume was called Papafragas Beach.
At first, I was not impressed by this beach. It was too rocky and there was trash in many places. It was also unswimmable, so if you plan on visiting in the summer, take note of that.
But the one thing that made this trip worthwhile was finding obsidian rock all over the beach. Obsidian rock is of volcanic origin, formed during an eruption from the heating and cooling of lava. If you haven’t seen obsidian rock before, take a look at the picture above.
Explore Fishing Villages
One of our favorite things to do in Milos, Greece was explore the colorful fishing villages that are tucked away along the shores of the island. Here are two of our favorite fishing villages to add to your Milos itinerary:
7. Hike To The Colorful Fishing Village of Klima
Personally, I was blown away by Klima, a small fishing village perched on the sea. The colorful boathouses matched perfectly with the turquoise seawater.
Klima is located at the bottom of the hill from Trypiti. You can drive to this village or, if you’re looking for a good workout, you can walk down.
There are many restaurants open in Klima during the summer, so bring your appetite and enjoy this beautiful town. We visited Klima in the winter and had the entire village to ourselves.
Note: Many of these boathouses are up for rent on Airbnb. If you get the chance, I definitely recommend staying in Klima for a few nights. It is one of the most amazing things to do in Milos, Greece.
➡️ Looking for a tour to Klima?
If you aren’t planning on renting a car in Milos, consider booking this tour for an amazing view of this quaint fishing village. Klima is not to be missed, so add it to your itinerary.
8. See Mandrakia, An Adorable Fishing Village
After seeing Klima, we thought we had visited the only cute fishing village on Milos. Little did we know, another small village gives Klima a run for its money.
Mandrakia is located on the north coast of the island next to Sarakíniko. Although a bit smaller than Klima, Mandrakia offers its own charm and natural beauty. Plus, the sea surrounding Mandrakia is the most magnificent color I have ever seen.
Best Dining Experiences & Activities
If you’re in Greece, you have to spend time devouring all of the Greek food you can find. From fresh seafood to delectable Greek salads, you’re going to fall in love with the wide array of cuisine available.
9. Eat Fresh Fish At Sirocco Restaurant
After you’re done walking along Paleochori Beach, soaking in the natural hot springs, and sitting in the sauna cave, stop by Sirocco Restaurant for some fresh seafood.
Sirocco is situated right on the beach, which is the perfect location for enjoying dinner and watching the waves crash in.
Not only does Sirocco have some of the freshest seafood on the island, but their Greek salad is to die for. When we had lunch here, the owners were sitting at the table next to us harvesting fresh greens for their specialty dishes. It was awesome and very authentic.
Note: Sirocco is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
10. Eat A Traditional Greek Salad And Gyro At Glaronisia Restaurant
You can’t go to Greece without trying the local food and you won’t be disappointed when you do.
One of our favorite things to do in Milos, Greece is to go to Glaronisia Restaurant for a delicious Greek salad. Order a plate of the pork gyro, too. You’ll have so much food that you’ll need a take-away box, but that just means you’ll have more delicious food the next day.
Glaronisia is located in Trypiti, so stop in here while you’re strolling the narrow streets or after visiting the Ancient Theater of Milos.
11. Grab An Island Cocktail
You can’t visit an island paradise without sipping on a tropical cocktail (or mocktail) while watching the sunset. It’s by far one of the best things to do in Milos.
Here are a few of our favorite places to grab a drink in Milos, Greece,
Verina Cocktail Bar – Plaka
Grab a piña colada at Verina Cocktail Bar located in central Plaka. Sit outside and admire the sea view from this cute bar.
Cactus Cafe Bar – Pollonia
Looking for a cozy bar with inviting staff? Cactus Cafe Bar in Pollonia, Milos is known for its quality drinks and delicious food.
Akri – Adamas Port
You’ll likely be staying in Adamas or Plaka during your time on the island. Akri is a bar located in the heart of Adamas near the port, making it easy to visit any time you’d like.
Things To Do In Milos, Greece: Best Hikes & Walks
Our favorite part about Milos island was all of the hiking trails and scenic views. In our opinion, Milos has some of the most incredible viewpoints in all of Greece. I recommend adding these hikes and walks to your schedule:
12. Hike To Sykia Collapsed Cave
One of the most unique things to do in Milos, Greece is to visit Sykia Cave. On a day hike in northwestern Milos, we stumbled across this incredible sea cave.
We had no idea it was there, but we were blown away.
Sykia Cave appears to be a collapsed sea cave that boasts a small beach and endless views. Throughout our month-long stay on the island, this was one of our favorite excursions.
Note: Go to Sykia Cave in February and you’ll likely be the only ones there, which is a real treat.
Hike To Sykia Cave
It is possible to reach Sykia Cave in Milos on foot, which is what we chose to do during our visit. – Good thing we packed comfy shoes though!
The hike out to Sykia Cave is relatively straightforward, but if you don’t know what to look for, it can be difficult to find the dirt track trailhead. The picture below will help you find the trailhead, which is just past the Monastery of St. John Siderianos. Use this Google Maps link to find your way to this monastery.
Once on trail, you’ll need to hike approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach the cave.
Follow the path the entire way, but we also recommend bringing your phone with GPS to help steer you in the right direction.
Note: If you don’t get cell phone service while in Greece, you can still bring your phone on the hike and use Google Maps. The compass on your phone will still tell you which direction you are headed and you can use it to find the cave, which is obvious on the map.
You may even download the map from Google before heading out.
Boat Tour To Sykia Cave
You can also take a boat tour of Sykia Cave while visiting Milos, Greece. This great option will allow you to explore the cave, swim, and experience other coastal gems that are hidden on Milos.
We suggest booking your boat tour with Milos Small-Group Full-Day Cruise. Not only will you stop by Sykia Cave, but you’ll also get to explore Kleftiko during the same trip.
This particular tour even lets you snorkel through the caves of Milos, which is an unforgettable experience. Visiting Sykia Cave is one of the best things to do in Milos, so don’t miss it.
13. Walk Along The Cobblestone Streets Of Plaka And Trypiti
I don’t know about you, but when I think of the Greek islands, I think of cobblestone streets and Cycladic homes. That’s exactly what we found while strolling through the villages of Plaka and Trypiti.
Both of these villages have plenty of restaurants and photo-ops, so I suggest spending some time exploring them. Plaka and Trypiti are within walking distance of each other, so you’ll easily be able to see them both in one day.
And if you’re an ancient history buff, you should definitely check out the Archaeological Museum in Plaka!
14. Enjoy The Sunset At The Top Of Milos
Our favorite nights on Milos were spent watching the sunset over the island. Although you can watch the sunset from many different places on the island, the absolute best place is at the top of Milos at Plaka Castle.
Hike up to the Venetian Castle of Milos, located above the main town of Plaka. As you approach the Venetian Castle, you’ll see a church perched just below the castle. Sitting at this church and watching the sunset is one of the best things to do in Milos, Greece.
Of course, you should venture to the top of the hill where the actual castle is located. The panoramic views from atop this hill are incredible. But, in our opinion, the best place to see the sunset is the church below.
Note: Be sure to stay at the top for at least 30 minutes after the sunsets. The sky will turn orange, pink, and purple, and you’ll be absolutely blown away.
More Outdoor Activities
The truth is, you’re going to spend 99% of your time in Milos, Greece outdoors, so let’s fill up your itinerary with some of the best excursions this island has to offer:
15. Snorkel Along The Coast
As mentioned above, snorkeling along the coast of Milos is one of the best things to do in Greece.
Whether you take a snorkeling tour or go without a guide, you’ll be amazed at what you can see under Milos’ sea.
A few popular places to go snorkeling in Milos are Sarakinko Beach and Kleftiko Cove. We recommend going with Milos Small-Group Full-Day Cruise because you’ll get the most value for your money.
Snorkel along the coast in Kleftiko and visit Sykia Cave on the same tour.
16. Day Trip To Kimolos
Milos’ next-door neighbor is a small island called Kimolos. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, a day trip to Kimolos is definitely a good idea!
Kimolos is 26 kilometers from Milos, making the transfer between islands quick and easy.
Spend time strolling the streets of all of Kimolos’ quaint villages, soak up the sun at their pristine beaches, or grab some authentic Greek food at one of their many delicious restaurants.
There are two ways to get to Kimolos, which we have details about below:
DIY Kimolos Tour
If you plan on renting a vehicle while visiting Milos, Greece, it will be very simple to get around Kimolos. And in that case, we recommend a DIY Kimolos island tour.
Start by crossing the sea by ferry at Pollonia’s pier. There are several trips to the island each day, so you can choose a time that works best for you.
Once you’ve made it to Kimolos, you can explore the island by driving around it. Since this is a small island, it’s very easy to visit and see all of the things you want to see.
Kimolos Road Trip Tour
If you don’t plan to rent a car while in Milos, you may want to book a tour of Kimolos with a company. The best Kimolos island tour is the Daily Kimolos Road Trip.
With this tour, you won’t have to worry about crossing on the ferry; simply sit back and relax in their luxury vans while they show you the best of Kimolos.
17. Kayak Through Milos’ Caves
Just like beaches, Milos has a plethora of caves as well. Most of these caves are sea caves that can be accessed by boat and sometimes by land.
A great way to explore these small caves is by kayak. With a kayak, you’ll be able to get into places that a large sailboat wouldn’t be able to do.
For this excursion, we do recommend going with a guide since the caves are on the other side of the island. Starting your kayaking journey in Adamas to get to Kleftiko by yourself would be a very bad decision.
The company Sea Kayak Milos is highly rated among travelers and you can read more about the tour they offer here.
18. Go Fishing
Smack dab in the middle of the Aegean Sea, Milos is a great spot to explore the surrounding clear waters. In fact, one of the best things to do while visiting Milos, Greece is go fishing.
Join a small group fishing trip with Milos Fishing Trip and fish to your heart’s desire.
And the best part of all? You’ll be surrounded by Greek island beauty the entire trip. It’s hard to compete with that.
Best Things To Do In Milos: Visit Ancient Historical Sites
Milos is well-known for its ancient historical sites, so it would be a shame to miss them during your trip to the island. Here are some of the best historical sites to visit during your holiday:
19. Visit The Ancient Theater Near Trypiti
Want to discover some neat history while on the island of Milos? Walking to the Ancient Theater of Milos, Greece is definitely one of the top things to do on the island.
Dating back to the 3rd century BC, you’ll be amazed by the preservation of this incredible landmark. The theater is also just down the trail from the location where the Venus de Milo was found. YES, one of the most famous sculptures of all time was found on Milos!
To find the Ancient Theater of Milos, start at the trailhead located in Trypiti. The walk is short and easy on the way down, but you’ll encounter some elevation gain on the way back.
To add more to your hike, continue down the trail to find Klima, the adorable fishing village that we mentioned above.
20. Check Out The Catacombs of Milos
Although the catacombs weren’t my favorite thing to do on the island of Milos, that shouldn’t stop you from experiencing it.
This underground cemetery holds ancient tombs that are widely known as one of the most important catacombs in the world. And according to catacombs.gr, Milos’ catacombs may be even older than the ones in Rome!
Note: The catacombs are nearby the ancient theater and the fishing village, Klima. I would plan to visit all three in one day, so you don’t have to backtrack.
21. Visit The Site of Venus De Milo
Another historical stop that you should add to your Milos, Greece itinerary is the site where the Venus De Milo was discovered. As one of the most famous sculptures in history, seeing its discovery location is pretty astonishing.
The site where the Venus De Milo was discovered is also near the catacombs, ancient theater, and the fishing village of Klima.
Note: You may have to hike a little to get here, but we thought it was such a neat excursion to add to our Milos, Greece itinerary.
How Do You Get To Milos, Greece?
Since you’re reading this blog post, you’re likely going to Milos, Greece, right? If that’s the case, you’ll want to know how to get there as quickly and as budget-friendly as possible, right?
Here are three different ways you can get to Milos:
Athens To Milos By Boat
Typically the cheapest way to get from Athens to Milos is by ferry. However, keep in mind that the ferries only run during certain times of the year.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to 50 euro for a one-way ticket. It takes approximately 3-5 hours to get to Milos by ferry from Athens.
Athens To Milos By Plane
The fastest way to get from Athens to Milos is by plane. This is the option we picked and we were happy with the quick trip.
Book a ticket with either Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air and expect to pay around $60-80 euro for a one-way ticket.
Island Hopping
If you decide to visit Milos during a Greece island-hopping holiday, there’s no reason to go all the way back to Athens. Milos is accessible by ferry from many islands, making an island-hopping trip simple.
We took the ferry from Milos to Santorini for a long weekend. The ferry was much more affordable than flying and it was surprisingly really clean and comfortable.
The price of tickets will depend on the type of ferry or boat you take between Greek islands. The slower ferries are the cheapest.
We used DirectFerries to book our ferry tickets from Milos to Santorini.
Where To Stay In Milos, Greece
As you plan your trip to Milos, Greece, consider these two neighborhoods for your “home base”.
Adamas
Adamas is the first town you’ll see when you arrive in Milos. Whether you’re coming via ferry or by plane, Adamas is the most obvious cluster of homes, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Best Budget Option – Joannes Vacation Rooms
Best Luxury Option – Thalassitra Private Pool Suites & Spa
Plaka
We stayed in Plaka during our stay in Milos. Plaka is perfectly located between the most idyllic towns, making it easy to visit all the nearby attractions.
But why leave Plaka in the first place? This town is charming in its own right. The cobblestone streets, Cycladic homes, and cute cafes were everything I could have expected from a town in Milos.
Best Budget Option – Piazza Castello
Best Luxury Option – Studios Betty
For even more information, check out our post about where to stay in Milos, Greece. Where To Stay In Milos Greece: The 7 Best Locations.
How To Get Around Milos, Greece
Milos is a relatively small island compared to other popular Greek islands but, it is still big enough to pose a challenge to travelers. How do you get around Milos, Greece?
Here are the two main ways to get around the island:
Exploring Milos By Car
The best way to see everything in Milos is by car. Renting a car isn’t too expensive, so I do recommend this option. – Just be careful on the winding, narrow roads!
Out of the various rental companies, we decided to hire a car from MilosRentCar.
As a tourist, you’ll need to acquire an international driver’s license in addition to your country’s driver’s license. Mike did this at our local Walgreens and it was very simple.
Tour Groups
If you don’t want to drive in Greece, you can always stay near the pier in Adamas and join tours throughout your trip.
While in Adamas, you’ll have access to plenty of restaurants and cafes, in addition to many tour companies.
This will be the most expensive option and possible more restricting (you won’t be able to explore off-the-beaten-path), but it is a good alternative to renting a car.
Best Time To Visit Milos, Greece
While most people will recommend a trip to Milos during the summer high season, I have to contest.
Sure, the summer months are a beautiful time of year in Greece but, you’ll be battling the crowds. For a more authentic and quiet experience, consider visiting Milos in spring or fall. It will still be warm enough to enjoy the beaches and fun sea activities but it’ll be much cheaper and of course, fewer people.
We stayed in Milos, Greece for a month during February and we experienced decent weather (approximately 50-60 degrees) and ZERO people.
So even if you visit Milos in the winter, you’ll still have an awesome time.
Which Island Is Closest To Milos?
Island-hopping in Greece is on most people’s bucket list and I don’t blame them!
The Greek islands are some of the most gorgeous islands in the entire world, so although I think Milos is the best island of them all, you should still visit other islands, too.
Here are the closest islands to Milos:
Kimolos
We mentioned that a day trip to Kimolos is one of the best things to do on the island, thanks to its close proximity to the Pollonia coast of Milos.
Kimolos is 26 kilometers away and can be reached by ferry multiple times per day.
Sifnos
Sifnos is 35 kilometers to the north of Milos. Here, you’ll find pristine beaches and impressive white cliffs. This island also flies under the radar with tourists, so you’ll notice fewer people on the streets.
Sikinos
Located near Ios, the island of Sikinos is due east of Milos. This is a great stop before continuing your journey to Ios for popular tourist destinations. But, spend some time hiking the gentle hills of Sikinos first.
The Wrap-Up: Things To Do In Milos, Greece
A true gem of the Cyclades Islands, exploring Milos has been an amazing experience for us. We’ve been able to see the entire island and find all of the best places and hidden gems. These 21 incredible things to do in Milos will fill your itinerary and make your time in Greece extraordinary.
Visiting more Greek islands? Check out our ultimate Greece travel guide.
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