One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Greece in the beautiful island of Milos. Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is a volcanic island that features crystal clear waters, enchanting sea caves and charming fishing villages filled with welcoming locals and delicious, fresh food.
To help you make the most of your time in Milos, I’ve put together my top 10 can’t miss things to do in Milos:
- Sarakiniko Beach: Cliff Jumper's Paradise
- Mandrakia: A Picturesque Fishing Village
- Firopotamos: A Classic Greek Village
- Plathiena: Idyllic Sandy Beach
- Plaka: The Hilltop Capital
- Klima: Historic Fishing Village
- Tsigrado: Explore the Secluded Beach
- Fyriplaka: Cliffside Beach
- Kleftiko: A Marvellous Sea Cove
- Sikia Cave: A Natural Wonder
- Milos Travel Info
Sarakiniko Beach: Cliff Jumper’s Paradise
On the north coast of Milos, Sarakiniko Beach is a sight to behold. This iconic destination boasts breathtaking white volcanic landscapes, perfect for cliff jumping enthusiasts. Located just a 10-minute drive from the main port Adamantas, the beach area is easily accessible.
Upon arrival, you’ll see a picturesque cove to the left, complete with a small beach and a tranquil swimming area. The main attraction, however, is the unique rock face, featuring a ledge perfect for cliff jumping. The jump heights vary from 5 to 8 meters, depending on your preferred takeoff point. After taking the plunge, swim underneath the adjacent rock arch to exit the crystal-clear waters. Be sure to bring your goggles to fully appreciate the underwater experience.
As the day winds down, Sarakiniko Beach transforms into a serene spot to witness the sunset. With fewer crowds and a warm, golden glow, it’s the perfect place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Milos.
Mandrakia: A Picturesque Fishing Village
Located just 9 minutes up the coast from Sarakiniko Beach, Mandrakia is a charming seaside village that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. One of the village’s standout features is its picturesque cove area, lined with colorful boat garages that add to its rustic charm. It’s easy to imagine having a quaint little house in this idyllic setting.
Mandrakia is also home to the renowned Medusa restaurant, which serves up delicious seafood dishes. We enjoyed a pleasant lunch here, savoring the local flavors and taking in the village’s relaxed atmosphere.
Firopotamos: A Classic Greek Village
Firopotamos is another picturesque fishing village only ten minutes from Adamantas. This classic Greek village boasts white houses and colorful fishing boats, creating a charming atmosphere. The village is surrounded by a beautiful beach area with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the town, exploring its narrow streets and taking in the local culture. On a hot summer afternoon, Firopotamos is an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun.
Plathiena: Idyllic Sandy Beach
Plathiena Beach is a must-visit destination for all beach lovers. This expansive beach is the perfect place to unwind and take in the breathtaking scenery. The stunning rock formations and cliffs on the right side of the beach are a sight to behold. The crystal-clear waters add to the allure of this incredible spot, making it a perfect haven for relaxation and admiration of nature’s beauty.
Plus, there’s an adjacent beach bar that makes it all the easier to take it slow and enjoy a relaxing visit.
Plaka: The Hilltop Capital
Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the entire island, the charming town of Plaka serves as the capital of Milos despite its population of only 900 residents. Plaka’s narrow streets are a delight to explore, lined with excellent restaurants, picturesque architecture and stunning views of the entire island.
For the best view, you can take a short hike up to the church that overlooks Plaka. The 10-minute climb is well worth it, offering breathtaking views of Milos. Plaka is an ideal spot to watch the sunset, so try to time your visit accordingly.
Klima: Historic Fishing Village
Located just a few minutes from Plaka, Kilma is a quaint settlement with a population of only around 20 people. Despite its small size, Kilma boasts a rich history, with its first inhabitants dating all the way back to the 7th Century BC.
As we strolled through the village, we were struck by the picturesque white buildings, adorned with colorful fishing boat garages. The atmosphere was serene, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset. We relished the opportunity to amble along the water’s edge, marveling at the traditional Greek houses. Kilma’s tranquil ambiance and stunning scenery make it an unforgettable destination.
Tsigrado: Explore the Secluded Beach
Located on the southern side of Milos, approximately 20 minutes from Adamantas, lies the secluded beach of Tsigrado. While it’s a bit more challenging to reach than other beaches on the island, the journey is well worth the effort.
To access the beach, you’ll begin with a short walk down, followed by a climb down a ladder. Once you’ve made the descent, you’ll find yourself nestled in a picturesque cove, surrounded by towering walls of volcanic rock.
I spent my time exploring the beach, discovering hidden caves and swimming through crystal-clear waters. The experience was truly unforgettable, making Tsigrado a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
Fyriplaka: Cliffside Beach
If navigating the ladders to Tsigrado Beach isn’t your thing, Firyplaka Beach is a fantastic alternative. Located right next to Gerakas, this long beach boasts stunning rock cliffs with vibrant pink and orange hues, perfectly complemented by the crystal-clear blue waters. The volcanic rocks of Milos create some truly breathtaking landscapes, making this area ideal for swimming and relaxation.
Kleftiko: A Marvellous Sea Cove
Of all the places I visited in Milos, Kleftiko was the one I wanted to see the most, and it was definitely worth the hype. This area is renowned for its stunning coves, numerous sea caves, and breathtaking turquoise water.
There are two ways to reach Kleftiko: by boat or on foot. We did both, and I highly recommend taking a boat tour if you can. If you prefer to hike, be aware that the road on this side of the island is rough, so consider renting an ATV or four-wheel-drive car. The hike took us about 30 minutes, and it was all downhill until we reached the water.
As I explored Kleftiko, I was struck by its natural beauty. We found a flat, rocky spot to relax and take in the surroundings. I decided to swim through a channel connecting to the cove and discovered a little rocky cave entrance. Although I was initially hesitant, I ventured deeper into the cave and was amazed by its beauty.
On our second visit to Kleftiko, we rented a boat and anchored in the middle of the cove. We spent our time swimming, exploring caves and marvelling at the stunning scenery. Kleftiko is an absolute must-see destination for everyone visiting Milos.
Sikia Cave: A Natural Wonder
Located on the southwest corner of Milos and only accessible by boat, Sikia Cave is a breathtaking natural wonder that left me awestruck. This massive sea cave has a collapsed ceiling which forms a perfect circle you can swim below.
The crystal-clear waters, surrounding boulders, and overhead cave entrance create a beautiful, otherworldly setting. I felt like I was swimming in a giant fishbowl. Although the water was a bit chilly, it was exhilarating to swim around and explore the cave.
A massive boulder in the middle of the cave provided a perfect spot to climb up and jump into the water. We spent a significant amount of time here, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Sikia Cave is a natural marvel and truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and you should make sure you don’t miss it.
Milos Travel Info (Getting There, Lodging, Transportation, etc.)
Before we wrap up this list of Milos’ top destinations, here are some helpful tips for visiting the island:
- Getting to Milos: You can fly into Milos or take a ferry from Athens or neighboring islands like Santorini. We took a 5-hour ferry from Athens, which worked out great.
- Getting Around: Rent a car or ATV to explore the island. Most places are within a 10-20 minute drive from the island center.
- Accommodation: There are plenty of lodging options available. We stayed on the northeastern side of the island, and most places were just a few minutes’ drive away.
- Duration of Stay: You can see the main spots in a few days, but to truly enjoy Milos, consider staying for at least a week.
- Renting a Boat: Expect to pay between €150 to €400 per day, depending on the boat and rental duration. You can also hire a skipper. I recommend Rent Boat Skipper Milos.
Milos is just one of the many incredible Greek islands there are for you to explore. To see more of what this beautiful country has to offer, check out my guide to the 10 best Greek islands.
To keep exploring everything the amazing island of Milos has to offer, you can watch my video below:
