After travelling in Europe for the past year, I can officially say that Greece is one of my favourite countries in the entire world! Because of this, I’m beyond excited to share my Milos Travel Guide, as part of my Greece blog post series. In this guide, you will find where to stay, what to do, how to get around, the best beaches to visit, and most importantly, where to eat! Everything you need to plan a blissful trip to Milos is right here in this travel guide.
Why Milos Greece?
While planning out our Greece itinerary, we were torn to which islands to visit. It was Ben’s first time to Greece, and my second; however my first trip was a work conference, so for this trip, I was really excited to see more of Greece and relax.
When picking islands, my first thought of Mykonos, but after hearing it can be very touristy, expensive and popular for its party scene, we decided to skip it. Although it looks beautiful, we both agreed we wanted a different Greek experience this time. Ben and I are both love to swim, so when we learned Milos is known for its beautiful variety of beaches and small island charm, we were SOLD!
[su_quote] At this point, Milos doesn’t have any major cruise lines and tours companies flooding it with tourists, so it still has an authentic Greek vibe. [/su_quote]
In fact, Milos is a little off the tourist track, but because of its beauty, it’s starting to become the new ‘it’ island to visit. The locals shared that every summer it gets busier and busier, so I highly getting there soon, before it becomes too popular.
How to Get to & from Milos Island
A great way to start this Milos travel guide is sharing how to get there! In order to get to the Greek Island of Milos, you will first have to fly into Athens. From Athens, you can then either catch another flight or take a ferry to Milos.
- Milos has a very small airport, and only has two flights a day that fly from Athens. Flights can be around €50-€100, so they could be a good option to look into if you get seasick or are on a tight time schedule.
- As for the ferries, there are both slow and fast ferries to choose from. The fast ferries tend to be a bit more expensive, but obviously save you time. For our trip, we booked with Seajet Fast Ferries, for €40-50, which took us about 5 hours. From what I have heard, slow ferries take about 8 hours.
Tip: If you tend to get seasick on boats, get these acupressure motion sickness wrist bands. I swear by them! Plus they are low cost, and you can re-use them.
Lastly, most ferries from Athens leave super early in the morning, forcing travellers to spend a night in Athens. Because of this, we decided to add a full day in Athens to explore the history mecca of Greece. If you decide to spend some time exploring Athens, which I highly recommend you do, make sure to read The Perfect Itinerary for 24 hours in Athens.
FAQ about Milos Island
Getting Around Milos Greece
For this Milos Travel Guide, we rented an ATV. We rented ours from Nikos car and Moto ATV for $25 a day, and they even picked us up from our Airbnb to bring us to the shop. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable driving an ATV, you can hop on an e-bike tour that shows you the main attractions and beaches on the island.
Best Time to Go to Milos Greece
Greece’s summers sizzle with vibrant tourism from June to September. However, brace yourself for scorching hot days and crowded beaches in July and August, as they are peak tourist months with inflated prices. So choosing to explore Milos during the tranquil months of spring or fall promises a more serene and budget-friendly vacation experience.
How Long Do You Need on Milos Island
For this Milos Travel Guide, I recommend staying on Milos Island for at least 3 days. However, if you are looking for a more relaxed stay, you’ll be happier with 4-5 days.
Drinking Water on Milos Island
Our Airbnb host told us it wasn’t safe to drink the water, so buy bottled water. Hopefully, this will change in the coming years. I hate buying bottled water, due to the plastic waste, which is why we always travel with our own re-usable self-cleaning UV water bottle.
Electrical Plugs
Requires European Plugs. So if you don’t already have a universal adaptor plug that works worldwide, I recommend bringing this on all your travels. We have this one and love it! Not only does it work with my computer and hair curler, it has the additional four USB plugs at the top, to charge all your phone and any other gadgets!
Currency
Euros (€) We were able to use credit cards in major restaurants and stores; however, cash is preferred
Language in Milos Greece
Greek. Learning a couple of phrases will get you a long way with the Greek people. Seriously, they will adore you and give you better service if you use some simple Greek. Here are a couple of phrases to get you started:
- Kaliméra = Good Morning
- Kalispéra = Good Afternoon
- Kalinychta= Good Night (when you say goodbye at night time)
- Efcharistó (Eff-are-é-sto) = Thank You
- Parakaló= You’re Welcome
Where to Stay on Milos Island
The Plaka Area
The traditional ancient town, which can be more touristy and busy in peak season. We stayed at the Plaka Suites in October and really enjoyed being steps away from restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Plus the whole area had amazing views and a great vibe.
Pollonia
A small fishing town, with a small sandy bay. Here you can find restaurants, boutiques and some small resorts, like Unique Milos Suites.
Paliochori Beach
Artemis Deluxe Rooms or the Volcano Luxury Suites right on Paliochori beach, if you are looking for something a boutique hotel, tucked away from the crowds.
Mandraki
At Lithos Luxury Rooms is an adults only resort with a stunning pool, ocean views and an included daily breakfast spread. This resort would be perfect for a romantic getaway, or honeymoon.
What & Where to Eat on Milos
Let’s be honest, one of the things I loved most about travelling to Greece was eating their incredible FOOD! It’s all so flavourful, healthy and fresh – what’s not to love. Here are some places I highly recommend you check out during your visit to Milos Island. To make your life easier, I’ve listed them in order of preference (my most favourite place first), in case you are short on time and can’t try them all.
Palaios Coffee & Pastry Shop in the Plaka area
Not only is this pastry shop in the Plaka area adorable, but the food is also sensational. I highly recommend their vanilla slice with a ‘freddo cappuccinos’, which is essentially a cold cappuccino with a ridiculously think foam. We also tried their orange cake and their savoury pies, but I still dream about their vanilla slice.
Insider tip, if it is nice out, use the small balcony upstairs for the best view of the ocean. You can access this private balcony with the stairs inside or outside on the main patio. This café quickly became one of our favourite places on the island, which we visited regularly during our stay. I guess it helped that the Pastry shop was just steps from our doorstep.
Rifaki in Pollonia
There are a variety of restaurants on the seaside Pollania stip, but it is was the busy patio at Rifaki that pulled us in. We ordered their shrimp dish and eggplant paste, which although doesn’t sound appetizing, turned out to be an authentic version of baba ganoush. We were blown away by their quality of food and amazing service. After our delicious lunch, we wandered around to the surrounding shops and explored the beach area.
O! Hamos
Make sure to stop by for lunch. Enjoy authentic Greek food with a lovely relaxed atmosphere near the beach. O! Hamos served us the best Greek salad we had on the island! We also loved their grandma’s cheese pies.
Madusa
In the small area called Mandrakia, there is a seaside restaurant called Madusa, which has an ocean view that is hard to beat. Do note, this restaurant is only open for lunch. Ben tried their famous octopus and I enjoyed their swordfish Slovakia! Don’t miss their donuts for dessert.
Warning: there are a LOT of stray cats and kittens on the island of Milos. Since they are always searching for food, you will likely see a lot of them around restaurants. Unfortunately, Madusa was swarming with these cats, and although the staff urge you not to feed them, it is heartbreaking to see them so skinny. However, when I accidentally dropped some food on the floor, all the cats swarmed us, and one even scratched at me. Needless to say, they aren’t kidding when they tell you not to feed them.
Astakas in Klima
A lovely place to come for a drink and watch the sunset. We actually didn’t try their food because the menu looked a bit overpriced due to the view. Arrive early to see the colourful houses (see below under Klima).
Phatses
Down the street from the main Plaka area, you will find a funky restaurant called Phatses. The patio looked quirky and cute, but in October, we opted to sit inside for dinner. Everything was tasty, and the service was spot on.
Aggeliki in Adamas Ice Cream
On a hot day, there is nothing better than ice cream to cool you down. Down by the marina, where you get off the ferry, we found Aggeliki in Adamas, which became our go-to ice cream stop on the island.
The Best Things to Do in Milos Greece
Welcome to Milos, Greece’s hidden gem in the Aegean Sea, where natural wonders and cultural treasures await. From jaw-dropping beaches with pristine turquoise waters to ancient catacombs and charming villages perched on hillsides, Milos offers an abundance of experiences for every traveller. Whether you seek sun-soaked adventures, historical explorations, or delectable gastronomic delights, this enchanting island has it all. In this next section of this Milos Travel Guide we unveil the best things to do in Milos and embark on a journey of unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.
Mandrakia Small Village
Mandrakia is a tiny fishing village with colourful boathouses. This is a picturesque destination that will steal the hearts of travellers with its vibrant colours and coastal atmosphere. Be sure to snap some photos, pet dozen homeless kitties that live in the area, and enjoy a cold drink and warm meal at the neighbouring tavern, Madusa.
Pollonia
Small fishing village with a lovely vibe. In this area, you will find a cave winery. Unfortunately, they were closed in October, which is the off-season. But if you come in the summer, it looked like a lovely place to try some wines.
Klima
See the colourful houses & have a drink at the seaside restaurant: Astakas Klima. We also found out that some of these seaside homes are available for vacation rentals if this sparks your interest. 
Sailing Cruise
One thing I regret not doing is a Sailing Cruise around the island to Kleftiko Bay. Sailing trips take you to some isolated caves and beaches that aren’t accessible by land, which means you’ll have the place all to yourself. During this excursion you’ll dip in the serene waters to swim, snorkel and relax. This cruise is a full day and includes lunch and drinks!
Unfortunately, when we were there in October it was very windy, making the oceans too rough and cold to operate the sailing trips. But if you go in the summer months, promise me you will go, as I hear it’s a trip highlight.
Plaka Area
Shop the adorable streets of the Plaka and stop in for a bit to eat. In the summer there is live music and lots going on in this area. Additionally, I recommend climbing to the top of the church mountain to see 360 views of the island. It is a short but steep climb that can be done in 10 -15 minutes from Plaka area parking lot. The views are particularly beautiful at sunset!
Milos Catacombs
While in the Plaka area, visit the Milos Catacombs, a unique archaeological site that gives insight into the island’s early Christian history. After, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the winding streets and discover the quaint shops and beautiful viewpoints.
Best Beaches and Swimming Spots on Milos
This Milos travel guide wouldn’t be complete without include the best beaches and swimming spots on the island. Milos truly is a paradise for beach lovers, boasting a diverse coastline with over 70 stunning beaches to explore. From the iconic Sarakiniko with its lunar-like landscape to the secluded coves of Firiplaka and Tsigrado, the beaches of Milos offer breathtaking beauty and crystal-clear turquoise waters that are simply irresistible. Let’s dive into each one of them in this section.
Sarakiniko Beach
This is the white rock, moon landscape beach you have most likely seen on Instagram. This can be the perfect place for some swimming and cliff jumping in the summer, but unfortunately, it was dangerously windy when we visited in the fall.
Tsigrado Beach
We called this the Indian Jones beach, as you need to use a rope and a ladder to get down to it. Because of this, the beach tends to be mostly adults and not as busy as some of the other ones. You will also find a small cave with some of the bluest water I have ever seen underneath it.
Firiplaka Beach
Personally my favourite beach on Milos, but that might because they had the cutest tiki-like beach bar. We stumbled upon Firiplaka beach right before sunset and met some locals at the bar who were putting on a simple BBQ on the beach. We spent the evening dancing with the sand between our toes and drinking beers with our new fast friends. This sandy beach would be a fantastic place to spend the day and swim.
Paliochori Beach
As I have mentioned before, we visited Milos in October, which we didn’t know, tends to be very windy. Because of this, a lot of the locals recommended this beach, as it’s typically sheltered from the wind. There is also a restaurant at the entrance to the beach that cooks traditional food deep in the ground.
Also, if you are looking for a nude beach, I think this is the one. At the far end of the beach, we noticed a couple people tanning in the buff.
What to Pack for Greek Island Hopping
1. Sun Hat:
A stylish sun hat is a must-have accessory for your Greek island hopping adventure. Not only does it add a touch of glamour to your outfit, but it also provides much-needed shade and UPF 50 to protect your face from the scorching Mediterranean sun.
2. Lightweight Cover-ups & Towel:
From beach to bar, you’ll want a versatile cover-up to throw on over your swimsuit. Choose a breezy dress, a flowy kimono, or a cute sarong to add a touch of effortless elegance to your island-hopping wardrobe. Also, a sarong can double as a lightweight towel. But if you don’t have one, you can also bring these lightweight and quick-dry towels to use at the beach. We found a lot of our hotels/Airbnbs didn’t supply us with beach towels, so these were handy to have!
3. Comfortable Sandals:
Exploring the charming cobblestone streets and ancient ruins calls for a pair of comfortable sandals. Opt for these ones that are not only cute but also sturdy enough to keep up with your island adventures. Your feet will thank you!
4. Stylish Swimwear:
Get ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Greek islands in style! Pack your favourite bikinis and one-piece suits to make a splash and feel fabulous. Don’t forget to snap those Insta-worthy beach pics!
5. Travel-sized Camera:
Capture the breathtaking beauty of the Greek islands with a compact camera that fits in your purse. From stunning sunsets to picturesque landscapes, you’ll want to preserve those special moments forever. Get snap-happy and create memories that will make you smile long after you return home.
6. Flowy Dresses & Linen sets:
Embrace the carefree island vibes with a collection of flowy dresses and this trendy linen set. Perfect for exploring charming villages or sipping cocktails by the beach, these breezy outfits will keep you stylish and comfortable throughout your island hopping adventure.
Remember, the key to a perfect Greek island hopping adventure is to pack light, stay comfortable, and embrace the carefree spirit of summer! Pack these essentials, and you’ll be ready to make unforgettable memories while looking effortlessly fabulous.
Will you go to Milos Island?
Honestly, choosing to stay on Milos Island was honestly one of the best decisions I made when planning our trip to Greece. Before we left, Ben and I were already planning our next trip back. No joke! We loved it so much and hope to stay longer during our next visit. I hope you make it to Milos during your trip to Greece and enjoy it as much as we did.
So that completes this Milos Travel Guide! Have I convinced you to go to Milos Island? If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below.
Best Photo Locations on Milos Island
Sarakiniko: Google Map
Tsigrado Beach: Instagram | Google Map
Klima: Instagram | Google Map
Read next: Onward Travel from Milos
The Ultimate 10 Days in Greece Itinerary: The Best Greek Island Hopping Route
The Ultimate Santorini Travel Guide
Pin for Later: Milos Travel Guide
