Last updated August 2026
After visiting over twenty Greek Islands, I still maintain that Milos, Greece is one of the most picturesque islands you’ll ever see. Between the unforgettable beaches (if you haven’t checked out photos of the ‘moonscapes’ of Sarakiniko Beach, check them out ASAP), delicious fresh seafood, and quaint downtowns, it’s truly a slice of paradise. Milos has a port that connects directly from Athens so it’s the perfect jumping off point to spend a summer Greek Island hopping.
When I first visited Milos in 2018, the island was still relatively undiscovered. That’s no longer the case. On a recent return trip in July 2026, I found real crowds at beaches like Sarakiniko and Firopotamos, wait times at popular tavernas, and hotels booked out months in advance. Even so, after seeing most of the Cyclades, Milos still wins for me when it comes to unique beaches. There are landscapes here that don’t exist anywhere else in Greece, that have to be seen to truly be appreciated. This guide reflects everything that’s changed between those two trips.
Planning a multi-island trip? My Greek Islands Digital Guide includes day-by-day itineraries, ferry routing, and done-for-you plans that pair Milos with nearby islands like Paros, Naxos, and Santorini.
Unlike most places, you don’t need a strict schedule in Milos, just a shortlist of beaches, towns, and restaurants you want to hit. In this Milos travel guide, I’m sharing my favorite spots on the island: an updated breakdown of the beaches (including which ones now get crowded and which still feel undiscovered), where to eat around the lines, and where to stay given how quickly hotels fill up.
Left to right from top: sunbathers at Mandrakia fishing village, traditional fisherman’s houses (syrma) on Firopotomos Beach, underwater at Sarakiniko, the famous Sarakiniko beach during the day, octopus drying in Mandrakia, a traditional home in Plaka.
5-8 DAYS
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BEST TIME TO VISIT – MAY THROUGH OCTOBER
WEATHER – MILD, RAINY WINTERS & WARM, SUNNY SUMMERS
GETTING AROUND – MOTORCYCLE, ATV OR RENTAL CAR
CURRENCY – EUROS, MOST PLACES TAKE CREDIT CARDS
LANGUAGES – GREEK, MOST PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH
AIRPORT – MILOS AIRPORT (MLO)
ISLAND HOPPING
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Milos is ideal for: Dramatic beaches, boat days, relaxed towns
Pair it with: Sifnos (1 hour ferry) or Paros (2.5 hour ferry)
Best bases: Pollonia (seaside with restaurants), near Sarakiniko (beach hopping) or Adamantas (most central)
Don’t miss: Sarakiniko at sunrise + boat trip to Kleftiko
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Search Ferries in Greece | Search Flights in Greece
Getting to Milos
Milos is reachable two ways: by air into Milos Airport (MLO), a short 40 minute flight from Athens, or by ferry from Piraeus (Athens’ main port). Ferries tend to be more a more common choice since many visitors are including Milos on an island-hopping route, but a ferry isn’t necessary to get to Milos if you prefer air travel. A few things to note:
- Ferry frequency drops outside peak season. In July and August you’ll have several sailings a day. By October, service thins out fast, so if you’re visiting in shoulder season, check ferry routes early (I recommend reserving early on Ferryhopper) and have a backup flight in mind if your dates are tight.
- Book your car, ATV or scooter before you land. Milos doesn’t have a robust taxi network, taxis exist but need to be arranged ahead of time. Most visitors rent an ATV, motorcycle, or car right at the airport or port, or you can ask your accommodation to arrange one in advance (and in some cases they can have it ready for you at the hotel or property if you ask). This gives you the flexibility to reach the more secluded beaches later in this guide. Otherwise, you can also use the local bus network (find the schedule here) to get around.
- Plan for an additional travel day if your schedule allows. If you’re pairing Milos with another island, build in a buffer day for ferry schedule changes, especially outside of June through September.
The view from our Airbnb, Anemosyrma, in a traditional fishing village.
A bedroom at Phos Villas, one of my top picks in Pollonia.
Sunset over Pollonia, my favorite town to stay in on Milos.
Where to Stay in Milos
Most recently I stayed at Melian Boutique Hotel in Pollonia. The hotel is quiet and lovely; the biggest draw for me was the sea view from our balcony and the dramatic sunsets in the evening. It’s worth noting the hotel is currently in the midst of building a separate structure next door, set to open in 2027, which will include larger suite options, a gym, and full-service spa. They also plan to undergo a complete renovation of the existing boutique hotel around the time the project is completed.
For a complete overview of the best areas to stay in Milos, along with my top picks for boutique hotels and Airbnbs, don’t miss my complete guide to choosing where to stay on Milos.
If I was planning another visit, I would stay at Phos Milos which is directly across from Melian Boutique Hotel. The spaces are larger and more modern, with a kitchen and private plunge pools (great for families). The only downside here is that they don’t offer breakfast on the property, so you will need to walk into town in the mornings; there are plenty of options to pick from, but if you prefer to lay low in the mornings this might not work for you. Alternatively, Salt Suites sits directly next door to Melian and offers breakfast as well as the same sea views. It’s worth comparing nightly rates for your stay as it’s often more affordable.
I’ve also previously stayed at Asterias Boutique Hotel, a family-run boutique hotel located between Sarakiniko beach and Papafragas beach. During this trip each night we’d take our ATV for a 15 minute drive into the seaside town of Pollonia to grab dinner.
Hotels in Milos
Asterias Boutique Hotel – $ – we loved this family-run boutique hotel. It was affordable, comfortable, and in a perfect location for exploring the best beaches in Milos. Where I stayed my first visit near Sarakiniko Beach.
Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel – $$$ – beautiful Cycladic-style rooms in a design-forward property perched above Pollonia, with sea views and a pool. This property is high on my list for next time.
Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa – $$$$ – one of the few luxury boutique hotels on the island – snap it up if it’s available during your trip! Where I stayed during my most recent visit.
Captain Zeppos – $$$$ – this boutique hotel is often booked out, as it’s the only of it’s kind in the center of Pollonia. Unique decor, a hot tub courtyard, direct sea access and the perfect location make it a dream stay. Where I’d stay if wanted to be in the center of Pollonia.
Erema, A Member of Design Hotels – $$$$ – newly opened in June 2026, this clifftop property is the only one on my list that sits on the south side of the island. It’s exclusive, luxurious, and definitely worth considering if you want to be removed from the main crowds of Milos, but with easy access to some incredible south beaches. Where I’d want to splurge.
Hotel Tip: Milos doesn’t have many hotels, so book months in advance as they tend to fill up quickly. I booked our stay at Melian Boutique Hotel in Pollonia around six months in advance of our summer trip in July, but it was already fully booked on our last night, so we split our time at an Airbnb.
The private balconies at Melian Boutique Hotel .
Views over breakfast at Melian Boutique Hotel.
Cycladic minimalist design at Erema Hotel.
Airbnbs in Milos
Milos has some of the most unique Airbnb stays in the Greek Islands, from beachside retreats to clifftop hideaways and fishermen’s houses. Here are my top picks for Airbnbs in Milos with the best combination of value and location on the island:
- Pollonia is my top pick for where to base yourself. It’s a charming seaside town with great restaurants, a swimmable beach, and easy access to Milos’ most beautiful spots, like Sarakiniko. Don’t miss Kostantakis Pool House, Green Suite, Elyos Apartment, and White House (ideal if you’re traveling with a group).
- If beach access is your main priority, take a look at Aqua House, Echoes Suite, and Ergina’s Boat House.
- For a traditional stay in a fisherman’s house, check out Anemosyrma.
- For more space, a private pool, and central proximity to the island’s towns and beaches, Adriana Villas and Théa Sunset Suites are both great choices.
- For couples looking to relax, retreat, and reset in the tranquility of nature, look at Skinopi Lodge, just steps away from Skinopi Beach. Note: the property fills up quickly, so be sure to book early.
Read Post: Where to Stay on Milos: Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs
Our bedroom inside Anemosyrma Airbnb.
The traditional fishing village where you can stay at Anemosyrma Airbnb.
If I went back to Milos, I would choose to split my time between a boutique hotel and a house rental or Airbnb on two different parts of the island. There is truly so much to discover, and having two points to explore from will give you a whole new perspective on the island! Plus, I love the homemade Greek breakfasts that come from a family-run hotel stay like Asterias Boutique. If you want my exact Milos itinerary and insider tips, my Greek Islands Digital Guide includes full day-by-day schedules, guidance on how to structure beach days and boat trips, and much more. Take a look.
Want help planning a Greek Island hopping trip?
If you want everything mapped out, including ferry routes, hotel picks, and realistic day-by-day itineraries, my Greek Islands Digital Guide is designed to help you choose the right islands and take care of the planning for you. View the guide.
Where to Eat in Milos
Kyra – right at base of Plaka you’ll find this casual all-day spot for brunch favorites alongside traditional Greek dishes. Great for groups and lounging in the square before exploring the town.
Kyra restaurant has shaded seating right in Plaka’s square.
Astakas Klima – for an evening out, this waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sunset. You’ll want to come early to explore the quaint town of Klima, a little fishing village. Reservations recommended.
Enalion Restaurant – a great spot for classic Greek dishes and a relaxed dinner atmosphere in downtown Pollonia.
Medusa – located adjacent to Mandrakia beach, this seaside taverna known for their octopus has become increasingly popular over the years (with wait times up to 2 hours). My advice: only go if it’s quiet; when you’re visiting in peak summer, you’ll be disappointed by the quality as they try to meet the demand.
Yialos – one of our favorite meals on the island. This trendy restaurant right on the water in Pollonia has incredible seafood and is perfect for a date night.
Tables on the water at Yialos restaurant.
Fresh seafood at Yialos Restaurant, one of our favorite spots in Pollonia.
Ergina – recommended to us by a local, this Greek restaurant serves up amazing homemade pasta and lots of other Greek specialties. Perfect for a date night – make reservations.
Avli-Milos – authentic Greek food in the heart of downtown Plaka. You can’t go wrong at this restaurant, with tables all along the side streets!
Café Palaios – a MUST for dessert! Everything is homemade and the entire shop smells delicious. Don’t miss the orange cake with olive oil, it melts in your mouth.
The orange cake at Cafe Palaios.
Outdoor seating in the center of Plaka at Avli-Milos.
What to Do
Try food cooked in the sand – Paliochori Beach is known for its red rock and sand that gets so hot…you can cook food on it! Don’t miss this unique beach. We ordered our food delivered to our lounge chair.
Watch the sunset – we loved finding different spots around the island to catch the sunset. I included a list at the bottom of this post with photos of some of our favorites. I highly recommend exploring on your own though, you never know what views you’ll find.
Visit the Catacombs of Milos – these preserved catacombs date back from the 1st – 5th century and are located near the fishing village of Klima. We didn’t get a chance to visit during our trip, but I’d love to see them if we return.
Get lost on an ATV – there may be plenty on your list to explore, but spend at least one afternoon getting lost on the island. We stumbled on a deserted pebble beach with no one around while exploring the coastline.
Go on a boat trip to Kleftiko Caves – this incredible part of Milos is only accessible by boat. We rented our own boat for a half day through this site. There’s also plenty of charter boat tours to choose from, but I recommend booking in advance as they do fill up. This full day boat trip on a yacht is my pick if you don’t want to captain your own boat.
KLEFTIKO CAVES BOAT TRIP
A must on Milos is booking a half day or full day boat trip to see Milos’ coastline and Kleftiko caves.
Views from our boat on our day trip to Kleftiko caves. I highly recommend booking a boat tour like this one.
Beaches to Visit in Milos
Sarakiniko Beach
A unique beach made of lava that’s been bleached by the sun and sea. There is a sandy beach, cliff jumping spots, and a swimming hole open to the ocean. Sarakiniko gets very crowded now during the day, with tour buses arriving starting in the morning onwards. If you want to see the beach at a quieter time, I’d highly recommend going at sunrise or sunset.
Food options nearby: one local food truck at the entrance of the beach, so it’s not guaranteed.
Tsigrado Beach
This small beach is only accessible via a steep set of two ladders, but opens out to turquoise blue water that’s perfect to wade in. It’s worth noting that on my recent trip in 2026, the ladder was missing some rungs and is not as accessible, so I’d pass on this one if you’re not fully comfortable or if you are visiting with kids.
Food options nearby: there is nothing on Tsigrado Beach, but you’ll find drinks and snacks across the way at Firiplaka. It’s within walking distance.
Firiplaka Beach
A long stretch of sand surrounded by beautiful red rock cliffs. On the beach you’ll find a small beach bar and sunbeds (20-40 EUR for the day depending on location) serving snacks and drinks, as well as some basic lunch options like pre-made Greek Salads and sandwiches. The beach is accessed via a path that sometimes requires you to wade through shallow water depending on the tide. Note that rising sea levels have washed away some of the beach, so seating is more limited.
Food options nearby: yes, a small beach bar with snacks, basic food and drink options.
Papafragas Beach
This beach is actually made up of two ‘fingers’ of water that carved the rock out from the ocean, so be sure to check out both. The original Papafragas beach (location pin here on Google Maps) is no longer easily accessible as the sand has almost disappeared and the climb down is treacherous. However, it is still worth a stop to check out the water and surrounding sea caves from above. Directly adjacent, you’ll find Kapros Beach (location pin here), which is a swimmable cove nearby that is often mistaken for Papafragas.
Food options nearby: none. The closest place to grab lunch is downtown Pollonia.
Firopotomos Beach
A pristine stretch of beach protected by the nearby cliffs. Known for its white-washed buildings, aesthetic fisherman’s houses, and nearby cliff jumping spots. It’s a wonderful beach to spend an afternoon, though it does tend to get crowded in the summer months (and parking can fill up), so go early or late in the day for a quieter atmosphere.
Food options nearby: Yes, there are food and drink options on the beach and nearby.
Paliochori Beach
Restaurants on this beach will cook your food in the sand using heat from the underground geothermal springs, a unique experience in itself. You can purchase sunbeds and umbrellas here from the local beach clubs (though expect to pay anywhere from 40-100 EUR for a set of two depending on the month). It is also the best beach to head to if it’s windy on the island, as it’s quite protected from the local Meltemi winds.
Food options nearby: Yes. There are beach clubs and restaurants, and you can even order food straight to your lounge chair.
Kleftiko Caves
Not necessarily a beach, but rather a series of caves and lagoons off the coast of Milos. A must-visit for the perfect blue water and unique coastline! We captained our own boat through this website (it took us about 20 minutes to get to Kleftiko from the nearest beach). If you’d prefer not to seek it out yourself, I definitely suggest booking a boat tour in advance of your trip as they fill up. Here is a highly rated small boat tour I recommend which will take you to Kleftiko and other surrounding beaches not reachable by foot; they also provide lunch, snacks and drinks.
Food options nearby: No, once you get there you can only drop anchor and there’s nowhere to dock. If you go with a boat company, many provide meals.
Where To Watch The Sunset in Milos
Klima Village – this traditional fishing village features multicolored houses along the rocks, steps from the water. Few inhabitants still live here, but if you’re visiting around sunset, you might catch them going for an evening swim! I recommend catching the sunset first and then making your way to dinner nearby.
Venetian Castle – one of the highest points on the island, this castle dates back to the 13th century and is still preserved. It offers panoramic views of the island, and is easily one of the best spots to catch the sunset – if you don’t mind climbing stairs! Try to arrive at least 20 minutes before sunset to snag a good spot, then head down the hill to Plaka for a Greek dinner in town.
Sarakiniko Beach – I’ve visited this beach multiple times during each of my stays, and each time it has been an entirely different experience. If you want to experience it at its quietest, go at sunrise. Mid-day brings crowds and heat, but the water is a perfect turquoise that contrasts against the white rock. At sunset the sky tends to turn into a pink-purple haze. It’s a surreal experience to visit during this time of day; I highly recommend watching the sunset here at least once during your visit.
From the road – you could search all around the island, but sometimes the best spots are just off the road during a drive home at sunset. We captured this moment after the sun went down over Plaka, during a late trip home from the beach. Milos is simply stunning.
Pairing Milos With Nearby Greek Islands
Milos is an excellent base for Greek island hopping and pairs easily with several nearby islands, depending on the type of trip you’re planning. Here are some popular pairings:
- Sifnos – An easy pairing with Milos for ease of ferry transfer (Sifnos is about an hour away by ferry) and more low-key beaches. It has incredible restaurants and plenty of swimming spots and towns to explore. Find my Sifnos travel guide here.
- Paros – Paros is also a natural pairing with Milos, with more lively seaside towns, excellent restaurants, and sandy beaches. It’s a great complement if you want more dining, shopping, and atmosphere. My Paros travel guide.
- Santorini – If you’re looking for the most iconic pick before or after Milos, Santorini wins in terms of romance, epic stays and incredible restaurants. It’s especially popular for honeymoons or shorter trips. My Santorini travel guide.
My top 3 favorite Milos photo spots
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Anywhere on Sarakiniko Beach – Instagram | Google Maps
The white-washed buildings and blue water at Firapotomos – Instagram | Google Maps
Venetian Castle at sunset – Instagram | Google Maps
FAQ
How many days do you need in Milos? I’d recommend 5-8 days to see the island properly without rushing. If you’re island hopping, 4-5 nights is enough to hit the highlights (Sarakiniko, a Kleftiko boat trip, and a few of the south coast beaches) before moving on.
Is Milos worth visiting? Yes! Though it’s become more crowded in recent years, it has some of the most unique landscapes in the Greek Islands: from lava-rock moonscapes to red cliffs to hidden coves reached by ladder. If beaches are the priority for your trip, Milos delivers more variety than almost anywhere else in the Cyclades.
What’s the best way to get around Milos? An ATV, motorcycle, or rental car. Taxis exist but need to be arranged in advance, so they’re not practical as your main way of getting around. Renting also means you can chase down the quieter, more secluded beaches on your own schedule.
Do the beaches in Milos get crowded? Yes, especially Sarakiniko and Firopotamos during peak summer and midday hours. Early morning or sunset visits are noticeably quieter, and I’ve noted crowd levels for each beach above so you can plan around it.
Should I split my time between Milos and another island? It depends on your pace. If you like a slower, single-base trip, a full week in Milos is easy to fill. If you want more variety, pairing 4-5 nights in Milos with Sifnos, Paros, or Naxos will give you a nice mix of unique beaches with a different island’s towns and pace.
How far in advance should I book a hotel in Milos? Months in advance. Milos has fewer hotels than islands like Santorini, Paros or Mykonos, and the boutique properties fill up quickly for peak season.
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Ana Mafalda Silva Says
This is making me want to go to Greece right now!! Your photos are amazing!( as always!:p) Your travel guides are the best, I have used them to my trips to Lapland, and last week to Slovenia and Budapest!! I always wanted to go to Greece, been looking the last couple of years for a summer holidays but seems so expensive! But definitely gonna look again this year, specially to Milos!!! <3
Selena Says
Post authorThank you so much Ana! I love hearing that! Hope you had the best time in Slovenia and Hungary – we loved both countries so much.
Hope you make it to Milos, definitely worth the trip 😉
Celyn Says
oh wow this place looks absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sahring all this info – Milos is now on my bucket list!
Nofilter Travel
Selena Says
Post authorSo glad to hear it 😉 thank you xx
Clarissa Zhu Says
I went to Greece in the summer and loved it but holy moly this is next level amazing. I will have to put Milos on my bucket list. I am going to the states this May-June and I’ve already got my travel bug on. I can’t wait to read your guides and see what other places I have to go to!
https://sheislostinwanderlust.blogspot.com/
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Clarissa! Yes Milos is definitely next level 😉 great to combine with another Greek Island as well. Enjoy and happy travels! xx
Lydia Says
Selena,
It makes one yearn to go over to Milos wherever they are right now. When I was in Greece I went to Athens, the sceneries, beaches and all you described are worth every penny. There is so much to experience in Milos,now I know.
Selena Says
Post authorYes, every time we make it to Greece i’m just reminded of how many places I have yet to see! Hope you make it to Milos soon. 🙂
Alina Says
Hi Selena, I love your instagram and blog so much, I check in every day to see your posts. I have gotten so much inspiration from you!
My husband and I travel quite a bit and typically prefer to stay in one destination for an extended time rather than rush many destinations. We have 8 days to spend in the Greek islands and I can’t decide if we should spend the whole week in Milos or split it and do 4 nights each in Milos and then Naxos. Any advice?
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Alina, that made my day! 🙂
And this is a tough one. I could easily spend 8 days in Milos! But if you want something totally different, Naxos can offer that. And 4 nights in Milos is definitely enough to see plenty of beaches – especially if you’re hitting two a day (and really, it’s just beach, sleep, repeat!). If I were you, I’d do both if you want to have a more active schedule, and only one if you just want to relax. Hope that helps!
Alina Says
Selena, thank you so much for responding! I was so excited you wrote back!
My husband and I went to Santorini 10 years ago and spent 5 nights there. We spent every day exploring the island and beaches on our scooter and then meandering through towns in the evenings. It felt like home for the week and we loved it so much!
That is pretty much what I have in mind for Milos. Does it have cute towns to walk around and explore? Do the towns of Naxos offer something more unique/special over Milos? Or does Milos also have charming towns with good restaurants to sit at for hours?
Thank you so much for your help! I will let you know what we end up doing. Congratulations on your place in NYC, how exciting to live in and experience different cities like you have!
Selena Says
Post authorMilos definitely has cute towns to walk around at and explore! And sit down for hours at. 🙂 We loved having our hotel near Pollonia since it’s on the beach. Adamantas is next to the port and is fun to walk around, and Trypiti and and Plaka are both so picturesque and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Naxos is unique because it has lots of mountain towns in addition to the picturesque main town on the port. When you’re driving the island it’s easy to forget you’re on an island – you can kind of get lost in the hills (which has it’s own perks!). I found there to be less tourists as well, but it could’ve been more due to the time of year we went (mid-September).
Hope that helps. Have the best time…Greece never gets old!
rosieruby Says
This is Wonderful! Greece is a very popular place for holidays. The best time to visit Greece is between May and October. Especially that is the best time to visit I think so….i have to plan next month.
Selena Says
Post authorYes so true! I love shoulder season (May and September/October). The water is still warm at the end of summer, which is perfect. xx
Su Says
I was inspired by your blog to make the trip to Milos in late October – do you know whether I will still be able to catch a ferry from and to Athens around that period? I am wavering between taking a gamble for a ferry vs. booking a flight and being done with it. The websites don’t have any information about ferry trips in this period. Not sure if it’s too early, or just that the service stops after peak period.
Selena Says
Post authorThe ferries get far less frequent in October, so booking a flight is a great option! You can also try letsferry.gr which should allow you to search and book ferries in advance (it’s what we used for our last trip). Hope that helps – enjoy Milos, it’s amazing 🙂
Lindsey Says
Hello! So glad I found your blog. My husband and I are trying to plan a short Greece trip and are torn between doing Rhodes and Symi together or just camping out at Milos and maybe visiting Santorini. Any tips on deciding?!
Selena Says
Post authorSo glad you found me too 🙂 That’s a tough one – I’ve heard great things about Rhodes (and Symi!), but personally haven’t been to either of them. So I can only comment on Milos. I’d say if you’re in it mainly for the beaches, Milos has the most diverse beaches of any island I’ve been to. Santorini is the opposite as the beaches are mostly rocky and not very swimmable. But, Oia in Santorini is breathtaking and worth a visit alone as it’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been. Note that – it’s also quite crowded!
Hope that gives a bit more insight. No matter where you end up, both are great itineraries xx
Alina Says
Hi Selena! Thank you so much for the advice about Milos. We decided to add two nights to our time in Turkey and spend 6 nights in Milos. We are so excited! Thank you for helping me discover such a cool place!
Selena Says
Post authorThat sounds amazing! Have the best time – and send me a DM on Insta @finduslost so I can see your Turkey pics (we still haven’t made it there!).
Ariana Says
Are there taxis on Milos? What is the best way to get around? I’m visiting in July and can only seem to find a place available in Parasporos village, just 5 minutes from Adamas town. Your photos are getting me so excited though 🙂
Selena Says
Post authorHey Ariana! There are taxis but you will likely need to arrange them beforehand whenever you need a ride, so I wouldn’t recommend it as a main form of transportation. We rented ATVs which was great for getting around, you can use them on all the roads around the island. There’s also the option to rent a car or motorbike.
Hope that helps! I’m excited for you 😉
Ariana Says
Yay! Thanks so much! When will your full guides to Paros and Naxos be out? Can’t wait to read them!
Selena Says
Post authorHopefully soon 🙂 lots in the works at the moment! xx
IPG Says
Where did you rent the ATVs from?
Selena Says
Post authorHonestly, not sure which company it was! We contacted a couple and chose the one that would deliver the ATV’s to our hotel. You can also ask the host / where you’re staying for a recommendation. xx
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Lyla Iljaz Says
Wow such a great guide! Going for my birthday thanks for the inspo and tips! Xx
Lyla
Selena Says
Post authorBest birthday trip ever! Enjoy!!
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Jazmin Says
Hi Selena!
This is so amazing!
I’m going to Milos in two weeks and have been having a hard time deciding between car and ATV. We want transportation the whole time we are there and currently think of doing car for 3 days and atv for 1 day. Do you think this makes sense or should we add another atv day?
Currently for ATV we were thinking of doing Firipalka, Tsigrado, Paliochori, and Paliorema Sulfur mines. The rest of your highlights done in car. Thank you! It’s hard to find a map that shows where it’s best to ATV.
Selena Says
Post authorHi Jazmin – so excited you’re going to Milos! I’d honestly choose one or the other for the duration of the trip, so you don’t have to organize returning / swapping them out halfway through! You can take the ATV on all the roads around the island (there aren’t separate roads for cars versus ATV’s, everyone drives on the same one) so it’s really up to your comfort level. The main benefit of using an ATV is that you can also go on dirt roads and potentially explore lesser-known beaches, but if you’re going for 4 days and mostly planning to hit the main ones, it’s not necessary. The benefit of a car is A/C…haha!
I hope that helps! Have a great trip. xx
Louisa Says
This guide is so thoughtful and beautiful. it inspire me to book my trip there this September !
Thank you
love it !!!
Selena Says
Post authorThanks Louisa, I’m so glad! Enjoy it!
Thomas Says
Hi Selena,
We plan a trip to Milos in two weeks for about one week. Our plan is to take a car getting around , but there is no choice of booking an ATV online . Are you having links to do this?
We plan to stay in Polonia , but not sure we split the time of staying there and have another time in Adamas before we leaving to Athens. By car getting around is not as far as it seems .
Are there more good hotels or private rooms from Airbnb than on booking.com?
We need also good Greek restaurants around for dinner . ?
Thanks , also a very good information site and I guess it makes a lot of work. I Work for airline Industrie and when I should do this beside my job , oh my good . If there is anything you want to know for your next trip, ask me , maybe I can answer some of your questions.
Regards
Thommy
Selena Says
Post authorHi Thomas – I think I already responded but for some reason my comment is gone! Sorry about that.
It’s really up to you if you want to move around while staying on Milos, but you really don’t need to. Everything is fairly close as long as you have a car or ATV.
My go-to is booking.com because they tend to have the most options, if it’s not on there or Airbnb either I’d just make sure to double check reviews before committing!
As for restaurants, our favorites are listed above. 🙂 hope that helps!
Naomi Says
Hi, Thanks for your guide it is incredibly informative and beautifully collated. We are heading to Milos next year and deciding where to stay. I have taken on your above advice and will certainly look in to those, but what are your thoughts on staying in the waterfront fishing village houses at Klima. Do we have easy access to best beaches and town from here.
We have 2 young children. Thank you.
Regards Naomi
Selena Says
Post authorHi Naomi – I personally didn’t stay in Klima, but it’s a great little area and so beautiful at sunset. In terms of being close, the island of Milos isn’t very large so anywhere you stay you’ll be close to amazing beaches. That said, you’ll definitely want a car or other mode of transport to get around. Klima is at the bottom of a hill so you’d be driving up to get into town, go on the road to head to other beaches, etc.
Hope that helps!
Linda Says
Hi, thanks so much for this beautiful and informative guide. My husband and I have got 9 days booked in Milos in July this year, and we’re very excited. I’ve heard it can be quite windy on the island – what was your experience of this like? Is it bad? We will be staying in Pollonia and will have a scooter to get around.
xxx
Selena Says
Post authorHey Linda! We visited in late August / early September and didn’t have any issues with wind. From what I understand though, it tends to be windier in the early summer months (June/July) and mellows out towards the end of summer. The nice thing about Milos is that there are beaches on many different sides of the island, so I’d always ask a local where to go when it’s windy if you’re in doubt that day! Enjoy, Milos is incredible xx
Cammy Says
Hi, thank you so much for this stunning guide to Milos! I have followed you on Instagram for a while and have only just recently migrated over to your blog, but I am finding all your travelling so inspiring. At the beginning of 2019, I decided to finally follow my dream and moved to Oslo all by myself for a year. It ended up being the best thing I’ve ever done and I found a second home there. This year I’m planning to go somewhere a bit sunnier and do some travelling around the Greek Islands so this guide is absolutely perfect! All your food and drink tips are extremely helpful, so my question is do you have any favourite suncream brands you prefer to use when you travel to these warmer destinations? Any recommendations that are waterproof and non-greasy would be wonderful since it’s often hard to find sun protection products that really cover all bases. Thank you again
Selena Says
Post authorOoh that’s a good question! Congrats on the move btw, and glad to have you on the blog! I personally have used Avene in the past and love it, but I’m planning on buying supergoop this year since it seems to be the only brand out there that’s completely reef-safe. Linked below! Hope this helps.
Supergoop: https://shopstyle.it/l/bex2n
Avene: https://shopstyle.it/l/bex1e
Stephy Says
What a beautiful article! Thank you so much. I am surprising my partner with a trip to Milos for a week in July for our anniversary and his birthday. Someone told me to stay in Adamas however I am worried that it will be incredibly touristic. Is this true?
We won’t be hiring a car and probably only want to get an ATV for two days. Would you recommend any specific area to stay in that it is easy to get to the beaches, restaurants etc.
We are both in our late 20’s and want to spend our days by the beach and night at some of the beautiful restaurants you suggested above. Thank you!
Selena Says
Post authorHi Stephy! What an incredible surprise. Yes, I did find Adamas to be more touristic than the rest of Milos. It’s on the water so has many more outdoor cafes, shops, and ATV rentals catering to tourists. It also has access to the port, which means tourists entering the island are dropped off here by boat (usually daily). By contrast Plaka (inland from Adamas) had many more locals, and we found ourselves going there more often for dinner. In Pollonia (near where we stayed) we also thought the restaurants were more authentic, though there were fewer options. It’s a much sleepier town at night, but it is on the water. I really liked this part of the island because it was really accessible to Sarakiniko beach and Firapotomos, two of my favorites.
The good news is the island is not huge so you’ll never be too far from a beach. When we were visiting most beaches by ATV, a lot were within 5-15 minutes of where we were staying. When we went to the complete opposite side of the island, the drive was anywhere from 20-40 minutes. I think the longest drive we had was around 40-45 minutes. We really enjoyed going by ATV and it never felt difficult to get around. We rented one for the entire time, which may give you more flexibility on where you choose to stay (and you’re likely to spend less if you’re staying right outside of a town, rather than in the center. So it might be a decent trade off if you’re budgeting).
Hope this helps!
Selena Says
Post authorI should also add – Plaka is closed to cars, which is also why it is a more charming small village. Both Adamas and Pollonia are not closed to cars.
Steph Says
Thank you so much for your reply!!
You have really helped me with organizing and planning:) Do you think it is an issue if we do not get an ATV nor a car? Do you really need to have one or the other to be able to travel around Milos? We are trying to get my partners driving license sent over from Australia but because of covid, it seems to be taking longer. I really love the place you stayed at, would you recommend staying there during our time without a car? It looks like it is a bit out of nowhere. Thanks:)
Selena Says
Post authorI’d highly recommend having an ATV or car. Otherwise you’d have to rely on taxis or far walks to get around, which isn’t ideal. If you don’t rent either, staying within a town probably makes the most sense.
We enjoyed the location of where we stayed because it was quiet at night and we were positioned halfway between some of Milos’ best beaches and the small town of Pollonia. Since we had an ATV it took us less than 10 minutes to get to either. That said, it’s not for everyone – you may find it more convenient to be closer to restaurants/shops.
Maria Says
Thank you Selena for such an informative post I cant wait! I tried clicking onto the link to hire the boat for half day but it redirected me to another one of ur post.. could you let me know which site you used to book the private boat 🙂
Selena Says
Post authorHere it is! https://rentboatmilos.com/en/our-boats/
Zooey Says
Hi Selena, thanks for this amazing guide!
We are planning to visit Milos at the end of September/beginning of October and I’m trying to gather some information about the boat trip to Kleftiko. Do you remember how much was the private boat rental? I checked some of the boat tours organized by many companies on the island, now they usually take about 20 people but it costs even 150 euros (for two), so I’m wondering whether a private boat is a better option… But I’m also a bit worried if we handle navigating this thing 😀 How difficult it was? I’ve heard it may be a bit windy or even stormy in October, that’s why I’m worried.
BTW, you wrote in other comment that Plaka is closed to cars. How about ATVs? We are thinking about staying in Plaka for a few days and we will probably rent an ATV so I’m just wondering if it would be an issue.
Anyway, thanks again, your post is super informative and we will definitely try some of the restaurants you recommended! 🙂
Selena Says
Post authorHey Zooey! Good question. I asked my husband and we remember it being maybe 40-50 euro an hour, but it’s been awhile so don’t quote us on it! You can email them for an accurate quote, which is what we did prior to going. I would only suggest this route if you’re comfortable captaining a small boat. There is a fair amount of wind on Milos and you’d also want to be comfortable navigating in coves, around land, etc.
The actual downtown of Plaka that’s shut for motor vehicles (and ATVs) is reaaaally small! We only had an ATV during our trip and we visited Plaka to have dinner a handful of times. In those cases we parked just downhill of the downtown and walked to our dinner spot in 5-7 minutes. So you can always navigate to and around Plaka without an issue. It just means you would likely have to park your ATV elsewhere if you’re staying in the center (though it’s likely your hotel or bnb will be outside of the small downtown center anyway). Hope that helps!
Zooey Says
Hi Selena, thank you so much for replying! We ended up booking a hotel in Trypiti, 10 minute walk from Plaka so the problem with ATV is solved! 😀 We will only use it to go to more remote areas of Milos.
Thanks for the boat trip recommendation. I contacted a few companies, but it seems like it’s a quite expensive thing (at least if you want to rent it for a half day), and I’m not so sure about navigating it after all! So we are now thinking about a short trip to Kleftiko with a small tour, they says it’s max. 10 people. We are going there at the beginning of October so hopefully there will be no crowds 🙂
Selena Says
Post authorSounds like a great plan! And I’m sure you will love the boat trip – that’s an ideal size and means all your focus can be on enjoying the scenery, not navigating the boat 😉 enjoy every minute!
Vara Says
Hi Selena, thanks for all useful tips and recommendations. I’m writing this while having brunch in Hanabi! And will heading to Medusa for lunch. Your blog is incredibly informative and help me to have the best time here in Milos. xoxo
Selena Says
Post authorI’m living vicariously through this comment! Have THE BEST time! I can taste (and remember) every dish I had at Medusa…
Lee Sanderson Says
My husband is Greek and we’ve been coming to Milos for many years. Your guide and insights about the island are absolutely spot on and really well put together. Unusual for an ‘ξένος’ (foreigner 🙂 ). Thank you.
Selena Says
Post authorI love hearing that, thank you so much! Probably the best compliment I could receive. My mother’s side is Greek-Cypriot..so perhaps it’s innate 😉
Lyanne Says
Love it so much!! Question: did you- or is it possible to- travel to different islands during your trip?
Selena Says
Post authorDefinitely! We visited Milos, Paros and Naxos on this trip. There are ferries between each, but it’s important to check ferry schedules as they don’t run every day (and change frequency during certain times of the year). This post has more info on other islands I recommend: https://finduslost.com/greek-islands-how-to-choose-which-to-visit/
Bob Says
What are AVT ?
Selena Says
Post authorATV = small vehicle used for off-roading, but is frequently used in the Greek Islands for getting around.
Paloma Castillo Says
Another question: you’re allowed to use the ATV anywhere? On regular roads too?Or just at the beaches..
Lee Sanderson Says
The Greeks call them ‘Oinks’. 4 wheel drive buggies. ATV = All Terrain Vehicle.
Selena Says
Post authorCan’t wait to use this term next time I’m there!
Kailyn Says
Any tips on what to wear? We will be going to Milos in June. Cover ups? Bathing suits?
Selena Says
Post authorI lived in a bathing suit and light dresses during our trip (think linen or breathable cotton). Definitely bring: lots of swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, hat, dresses, light pants/shirts, and some type of sweater or jacket to throw on in the evenings when you’re sitting outside for dinner or walking around town after sunset. The evenings are still relatively warm, but the wind will pick up depending on the time of day or part of the island you’re on. Hope that helps!
Anna Says
Hi! We are going to Greece for two weeks in august so your guides have been super helpful! Where did you get most of your dresses/outfits in all your Greece pictures? I am having a hard time finding good options haha
Selena Says
Post authorExciting re: August trip! Some of my favorite places to shop are: & Other Stories, Sezane and Anthropologie, but I will say there are plenty of cute boutiques on the Greek Islands so shopping locally is always preferred. : )
Annabelle Says
Hi! loved the article and pictures, I’m currently booking a summer vacation, island hopping in Greece and we want to visit Milos as well, however I’m hesitating on how long we should stay on the island, we like to be active during our vacations, any recommendation for length of stay?
Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorWe stayed for 6 days and I honestly could have stayed more! It was enough time for us to see a variety of beaches, explore the downtowns, and even go back to some of our favorite spots.
Kira Cooper Says
Loved this post! We are going in October and thinking about staying at Asterias – feels our vibe! Wanted to ask – how did you get the ATV ready for you at the hotel on arrival? Did the hotel folks help arrange that?
Thanks!
Selena Says
Post authorGood question! We asked the ATV company if they could deliver it, and I recall that they planned to arrange it with the hotel but we ended up picking it up anyway. You could certainly request it from the company directly, or Asterias might be able to point you to a company they recommend that will drop it off for you. Good luck, and enjoy!
Paloma Castillo Says
Quick question! I am planning on going to Milos with my sister in August – we are on more of a budge trip but still trying to enjoy! How much should we budget per night for dinner?
Selena Says
Post authorDepending on your choice of restaurant and how much you order, you could eat very inexpensively (think $9-18 for dinner) or find a three-course meal and drinks for around $20-40 per person. So, all depends on your preference, but there are a variety of restaurant options so no shortage of places to choose from!
J zee Says
Love your blog about Milos. Thank you for sharing your precious Knowledge, I used it exclusively for our week trip here right now, found it much better than google!
We went to Astakas restaurant in Klima for sunset, we were a bit disappointed with the service and food compared to all the other restaurant we ate at off your recommended places, but the view of sunset was unbeatable.
Another amazing restaurant is called Tarantella, it is off Provatas beach, amazing authentic food! And the Provatas beach is also amazing, less people and sandy calm beach. I honestly enjoyed it more than Fyriolaka.
All the best for the future 🙂
Selena Says
Post authorI’m so glad it was useful! Thanks for the restaurant tip — hope to make it back again and I love to hear of new spots to add to my list x
Moni Says
Hi there! Would you please tell me if in Milos you can encounter many wasps/hornets like e.g. you do in Ionian Islands of Greece? We are planning to visit in late September time. Thanks!!
Selena Says
Post authorWe don’t remember this being significant during our trip (and we went in September), however I know this year there was a general increase in bees/wasps as we encountered more than usual on the islands. I believe this has more to do with the months leading up to summer and can vary depending on the year.
Francine Hattingh Says
Thankyou Selena for your helpful article. However thought I’d let you know wherever I look up your Asterias hotel – Booking.com or luxury hotels etc and whichever dates I choose until 2023 and opting for different numbers, it says unavailable, which is strange as they are still on the site.
Selena Says
Post authorThanks for the heads up Francine! I’m seeing availability starting in June 2022, so it’s possible bookings were temporarily paused due to current events.
Gabriella Zina Says
Hi Selena! Thank you so much for all the details on your trip to Greece, it’s making planning a honeymoon so much easier. We are planning on going for 12-13days. We are landing in Athens and then planning on heading to Santorini, Milos and Paros. Do you think this is a good order? Also how many days do you think we should spend on each island? We are planning on just spending 1 day in Athens as we would rather explore the islands.
Selena Says
Post authorCongrats Gabriella! Sounds like a wonderful honeymoon. I think that schedule sounds perfect. It depends on your priorities, but you could easily spend 4 days on each island or prioritize based on your travel style (Santorini is romantic and has beautiful dining out and shopping experiences but can be crowded; Milos is great for exploring unique beaches and adventuring, and is more laid-back; Paros has great towns and beaches but is the largest and lends itself to day trips around different parts of the island). Purely from my own experience, I would do 3 nights Santorini, 5 nights Milos, 4 nights Paros. That way I’d maximize my time on Santorini with a beautiful hotel and dinner reservations (it’s the pricier of the three islands), hit some incredible beaches in Milos, and then spend the end of my trip in Paros exploring at leisure. Enjoy, you’re in for an amazing trip!
Amanda DiRenzo Says
Hi Selena! Your website is so helpful and filled with important details (such as food spots) and your pictures are stunning! You named a lot of great places I cannot wait to visit for my first time in Greece/Milos. But I was wondering where is the best town to stay location wise? The closest or most central spot to have the easiest access to all the wonderful beaches and caves.
Selena Says
Post authorWhen it come to Milos, it’s truthfully hard to go wrong as there are so many beaches scattered all around the island. We loved staying in between Sarakiniko and Papafragas. The town of Pollonia was a short ATV ride away, but we had peace and quiet in the evenings since we weren’t centrally located. You’d have a hard time staying somewhere that’s more than a 5 minute ATV ride from a great beach! So I would prioritize staying either in town (if you want a walk away from shops, restaurants, etc) or nearby a beach (for quiet and easy access to swim). Hope that helps.
Sierra Says
Hi Selena!! Thank you for all these insights! 🙂 We’re planning a honeymoon trip to Greece and are planning to stay in Santorini and Milos? We’re planning on being gone 10-11 days and go to Milos first for about 6 days and then Santorini for 4 days. Do you think that order is good and is it a good amount of time? Lastly, how expensive were renting boats for the day? It’s something we wanted to do while in Milos.
Selena Says
Post authorThat sounds like the perfect itinerary! I wouldn’t change a thing. I want to say the boat rental was around 40-50 euro an hour, but it’s been a few years since we’ve been so I could be off. The best thing to do is email them in advance for a quote and reservation.
Miguel Almeida Says
Hello Selena!
Thank you for such a complete and usefull guide!
I will be going there this summer! So I have just some questions….
did you travel allways by ATV? is it better than a small car?
Other thing, the boat ride, even without boat experience, is it okay to travel by yourself, visiting the caves?
Thankyou once more!!
Selena Says
Post authorIt depends on the island but because Milos is relatively small, we found that an ATV was the best way to get around. On the other hand, for example, we rented a car in Paros so we could explore more of the island as it’s quite a bit larger.
If you aren’t comfortable on a boat yourself I would recommend using a boat guide! We have rented boats in a number of places and Jacob is knowledgeable about boats, so he usually captains. As far as Milos goes the water is generally not rough when you stay near the shore, but that said you will be more relaxed having someone else captain if you don’t have experience.
Courtney Says
Selena,
Your post has helped me SOOO much. Thank you for this.
I am going to Greece next next week. I have 9 days to spend alone before meeting my family in Crete and Santorini.
Should I do Milos and Paros, or Milos and Naxos before I leave to meetup with family. Or all 3?
Or just stay in Milos for 9 days.
I am single. Traveling alone. I’ll be working and heading to the beach, relaxing and exploring.
I def will rent a boat as well.
Thoughts?
Selena Says
Post authorAll of these options sound amazing! I personally wouldn’t get tired of Milos in 9 days, and you’ll definitely have the opportunity to see most of the beaches on the island. If I were traveling alone and wanted to do 2 islands I’d opt for Naxos since it’s smaller, a bit different, and the downtown is really special; that said you can’t go wrong with Paros either. Enjoy!
Tamia Says
Hi Selena! Thank you for sharing good tips about Milos. Me and my friend are going there late September. We are interested in renting a push or electric bike to get around, instead of car or ATV. Do you know of an good rental places? Or do you have any experiences with biking in Milos?
Thank you!!
Selena Says
Post authorUnfortunately not, I don’t have experience with bikes here as we rented an ATV for the duration of our trip.
Molly Says
Hi Selena,
My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in the Cyclades in late June/early July and your blog has been very helpful as we decide where to go!
We have 9 days to explore the islands and are looking for a trip that consists of both relaxing and exploring/getting to know the greek islands! We are definitely going to do Santorini and then we’re deciding if we should just do Paros and visit islands nearby (Naxos, Antiparos) for day trips or if it wouldn’t be too much, we’d love to include Milos as well!
Do you think fitting the 3 islands in 9 days would be too much or would you recommend that plan? If we do that we’d probably do 4 nights Santorini and 2-3 nights in Paros/Milos.
Thank you again!
Selena Says
Post authorI would personally keep it to two islands! You’ll have more time to explore and enjoy the local spots without feeling rushed through each experience.
Charlotte Says
BEST BLOG. THANK YOU🤍
Selena Says
Post authoryou’re so welcome x
Allie Says
Hi Selena! This is so informative and helpful. What company in Milo’s did you rent your ATVs from?
Selena Says
Post authorI don’t remember unfortunately, I believe our hotel just recommended a place in town for this trip.
Lisa Steiner Says
Hi Selena. WOW I just love looking through your amazing website. Right now I am trying to plan a trip to Greece the end of this May/first part of June. We are celebrating our daughter graduating from college and it’s our 30th wedding anniversary. I am working with a travel agent and this is a rough itinerary. I would love your insights.
Fly from Atlanta to Athens.-1 night
2 night-Santorini-Oia
3 nights-Milos-
3 or 4 nights Naxos
1 more night-Athens
I’m not sure whether to stay just 3 nights each in Milos and Naxox or bump to 4 in either Milos or Naxox(I see your info on Milos is dated 2019) so would love your insight? Have you been to Naxos? Also do you have any updated info on Greek islands especially where we plan to go. Thanks so very much. Love ALL your gorgeous photos.
Lisa–
Selena Says
Post authorCongrats! 4 nights on Milos for sure. To be honest, I would consider focusing in on 2 islands rather than 3 islands, so you aren’t moving around as much. We stayed 6 nights on Milos and felt that gave us just enough time to explore most parts of the island. We loved Naxos as well and it is not as crowded as either Milos or Santorini.
Allie Says
Hi Selena! This blog is so great! I keep coming back to it as my husband and I are planning a trip to Greece in September and are highly considering staying at the Asterias boutique hotel when we are in Milos! I would like to know if they provide or could arrange transportation to and from the port for arrival and departure?
Selena Says
Post authorI’d recommend contacting them directly, most hotels can!
Adrian & Tina Says
What a fantastic website, with beautiful photography!
Very helpful and inspirational, thank you
Selena Says
Post authorThank you both so much! Hope Milos lives up to everything and more. x
Danny Deysher Says
Hello, we’re planing to go to Milos in the first week of September. Do we need to book a hotel way in advance? We usually book 3~4 days in advance so we can be flexible. Will that be a problem? Thank you!
Selena Says
Post authorThat will be tougher on Milos since stays book up months out! Doesn’t mean you can’t find anything, but you are better off booking a place with a flexible cancellation policy so you aren’t scrambling for last minute accommodation.
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