Milos rewards travellers who explore: white volcanic rocks, coloured cliffs, fishing villages with painted boathouses and some of the best seafood in the Cyclades. Here is our short list for a first visit, with the places to eat that we recommend.
The sights you should not miss
Sarakiniko
The island's signature beach, a moonscape of smooth white volcanic rock carved by wind and sea into ledges, inlets and caves. Go early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds, and watch children near the cliff edges. (North coast (near Kaminia))
Kleftiko
A cove of white rock pillars, arches and sea caves once used as a pirate hideout. It is best reached on one of the boat tours that leave from Adamas, with swimming stops in the turquoise water. (Southwest coast)
Christian Catacombs of Milos
Underground burial galleries cut into volcanic rock and used by the early Christian community between the 1st and 5th centuries AD, among the most important of their kind. Check opening days before visiting (closed Tuesdays at last update); entry costs €10. (Trypiti)
Plaka & Venetian Castle
The island capital sits on a plateau above Adamas, with cobbled lanes, mansions and small shops. A path climbs to the 13th-century castle on Profitis Ilias hill, one of the best sunset viewpoints on Milos. (Plaka)
Klima
A fishing village whose brightly painted syrmata, houses built with boat garages at sea level, line the shore under 6 km from Adamas. It is a classic photo stop and lies just below the ancient theatre and the catacombs. (Klima)
Ancient Theatre of Milos
The marble Roman theatre of ancient Melos looks down over the bay, close to the spot where the Venus de Milo statue was discovered. The ruins of the ancient city around it can be explored on foot from Trypiti. (Trypiti / Klima)
Where to eat after a day at the beach
- O! Hamos! – Papikinou (Adamas) A cheerful family tavern by Papikinou beach whose meat and cheese come from the owners' own farm and cheese dairy. Expect hearty Milos specialities served on clay plates in a shady courtyard; reservations are not taken, so arrive early.
- Medusa – Mandrakia A seafood taverna perched on the rocks above the tiny fishing cove of Mandrakia on the north coast. Fresh fish, octopus and local cheeses are the draw; tables are generally first come, first served.
- Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant – Paleochori An all-day beach restaurant on Paleochori where some dishes are slow-cooked buried in the naturally hot volcanic sand. The menu focuses on fish, seafood and local products, enjoyed with your feet almost in the sea.
- Enalion – Pollonia A family-run seafood restaurant on Pollonia's waterfront that buys fish from local boats landing at the harbour each morning. Vegetables and herbs come from its own farm, and tables can be booked online.
- Gialos – Pollonia A seaside fish restaurant in Pollonia mixing traditional and modern Greek cooking, from homemade pies to tuna tataki and shrimp ravioli. Tables overlook the small harbour and there is a well-chosen wine list.
- Barriello – Trypiti Set in an old building on Trypiti's traditional square, Barriello serves modern Greek and Mediterranean dishes built on produce from its own farm. The terrace looks out over the sea and is popular at sunset; closed in winter.
- Astakas – Klima A café-restaurant at the water's edge in Klima, the village of colourful boathouses below Plaka. It specialises in fresh fish and seafood with a view straight across the bay.
- Nostos Seafood Experience – Adamas A harbourside seafood restaurant in Adamas giving traditional recipes a modern twist, with fish and lobster from local fishermen. It offers Greek wines chosen by a sommelier and food-pairing sessions on request (reservations also on +30 697 196 4981).
Plan your days with the wind
Milos gets the summer meltemi from the north. On windy days the south-coast beaches are usually calmer; our Milos beach finder shows which beaches are sheltered today and tomorrow.
