Table of Contents:
THE PORT.
PLAKA
THE REST OF MILOS.
The island of Milos is one of the better secrets of the Cyclades. Unfortunately, the word is out.
You can see Milos has the charm of Mykonos’ whitewashed town. The dramatic coastline that rivals Santorini’s black and red sand beaches.
What it is missing, are the millions of visitors the other islands attract. But that may be changing.
Now is the time to see Milos’s natural beauty, prehistoric sites, and quaint fishing villages.
See Milos Port.
Adamas (Adamantas).
This is the main port where the ferries arrive. Two large volcanos and several smaller ones create this natural bay.
Like any ferry port, you will find cafés, tavernas, shops, markets, and lower-cost hotels. If you are looking for nightlife, what exists will be in this area. You will find a few clubs and tavernas with local music.
Church of Agios Haralambos.
The church overlooks Adamas from its hilltop location. It is the largest church in this part of the island. There are some good sunset vistas from this area.
Milos Mining Museum.
A ten-minute walk south of the ferry pier is this small but interesting museum to the island’s mineral past.
The port area is easy to navigate on foot. You will find everything you need here if you are on a budget.
See Milos’ Plaka Area.
At the top of the hill behind Adamas is the capital of Milos.
The Plaka is almost all pedestrian streets, meaning you have to park and walk to it. Through the narrow white-washed streets, you will find bustling squares, museums, souvenir shops, and tavernas.
Venetian Castle of Milos.
200 steps above the Kastro, on the second-highest peak on Milos, is the only remains from the Venetians. Dating from the 13th century, it will also serve the Ottomans and Nazis.
Church of Panagia Korfiatissa.
Commanding a view over the bay, this is the cathedral of Milos. Dating from 1820, they use parts of the Plaka’s old churches to build this one.
Triovasalos.
This suburb of Plaka to the east has many accommodations that have parking on-site or nearby. However, it has only a few restaurants and markets in comparison to Plaka or Adamas.
Saint Spiridon Orthodox church.
This Greek Orthodox church is possibly the only photo stop in Triovasalos. Its clock tower is a favorite subject of photographers.
Tripiti (Trypiti.)
Just below Plaka to the south, it is confusing where one area ends and the other begins. By my next visit, I imagine they will all be together.
Catacombs of Milos.
Just below the Plaka, in the area of ancient Melos, are the Christian catacombs dating from the first century A.D.
Ancient Theater of Melos.
Sitting on the site of a previous Greek theater from the Hellenistic period is this Roman theater. The Romans rebuild it with marble. In the summer, performances still take place. Parking is for the theater and catacombs.
The Venus de Milo.
The statue in Paris’s Louvre Museum is probably Aphrodite. They uncover the statue near the theater in 1820.
Other statues from Milos include the Asclepius of Milo. This head from an enormous statue of the Greek god of medicine is in the British Museum.
In storefronts in the Plaka, you can find smaller versions with unique color schemes.
Klima.
What once was a charming fishing village is today an Instagram destination.
Boathouses (syrmata).
At one time, these colorful small fisherman houses were also their office. The boats and fishing gear would be in the lower “garage” while the home was upstairs.
See the Rest of Milos.
Mandrakia.
Just north of Triovasalos on the coast is this authentic fishing village.
Pollonia.
At the northeast end of Milos is this small fishing village which is becoming a touristy area. Here, you can find small hotels and guesthouses.
There are several eateries, look for the locals eating, and shops for tourists. In the summer, some tavernas have nighttime entertainment near the ferry terminal.
Archaeological Site of Phylakopi.
Five minutes drive west of Pollonia is this important site from the prehistoric Aegean Period (3300-1100 B.C.) You can identify parts of the wall, parts of the sanctuary, and the megaron.
Beaches.
Although the island has over 70 beaches, not that many are great for sunning. Several are worth visiting just for the photo.
Sarakiniko Beach.
By far, the most popular beach on Milos to photograph really isn’t a beach. There is a small patch of sand. But people come to photograph and jump from the white moon-like volcanic rock into the turquoise water.
Kleftiko Beach.
Another photographic stop due to millions of years of erosion. The best way to reach this “beach” is by boat. I have never seen any sand, but the natural caves and rare geological formations more than make up for it. Needless to say, no services or facilities on land.
Cave of Sykia.
This is one of the few sea caves they do not try to pass off as a beach. A boat is the only way to reach the cave. Luckily, it is usually a stop on the boat trip to Kleftiko. What makes it most interesting is that the cave dome is missing. This creates a stone bowl your small boat can pass into.
Firiplaka Beach.
On the south shore, you can drive to it, and there is actually sand. Still, American feet will probably appreciate aqua shoes. There are chairs and umbrellas for rent, food and drink, and facilities.
Panagia tou Kipou Church.
If you drive as far as Firiplaka, also check out this church 15-minutes west. Dating from the 5th century A.D., it is one of the oldest Byzantine churches on the island.
Tsigrado Beach.
Not even a 5-minute drive from the parking area at Firiplaka is this Instagram Beach. The access is down two questionable wooden ladders and pulling yourself along a rope.
Papafragas Cave Beach.
On the road to Pollonia is another “beach” for photos and swimming, but very little sand.
See Milos Summary.
Hopefully, you can see Milos has quite a bit to offer. The volcanic makeup of the island offers incredible natural beauty. The historic sites add just enough sightseeing for those wanting to explore.
The locals and the cuisine are enough to please anyone.
Come, see Milos before the crowds descend.