As one of the biggest villages in Milos, with over 1,300 inhabitants, Adamas is the vibrant cultural center of Milos and the biggest port on the island. In fact, the only ferries not disembarking in Adamas are the ones traveling between Milos and the neighboring island of Kimolos. Those trips only leave from the smaller port in Pollonia.
Adamas was founded by Cretan refugees in the 1830s and has since become a cultural, commercial, and touristic center on Milos island. In addition to restaurants, shops, tour agencies, rental companies, and hotels, Adamas is also a transportation hub and is the center of the road network for the island.
Let's dig in, here are 12 things to do or see in Adamas, Milos!
- 12. Rent a Car to Explore the Rest of Milos
- 11. Visit the Art Gallery in the WWII Bomb Shelter
- 10. Visit Museums
- 9. Admire the Cycladic Architecture
- 8. Enjoy a Meal with a View
- 7. Hike for a Panoramic View
- 6. Shop Your Heart Out
- 5. Have a Beach Day
- 4. Take Advantage of the Local Bus and Visit Top Sights
- 3. Have a Drink with a View
- 2. Catch a Killer Sunset
- 1. Book Your Milos Tours
- Where To Stay in Adamas
- My Amazon Picks for Milos Island
- Adamas on the Map
Related: Milos, Greece: 9 Unique Facts You Should Know
12. Rent a Car to Explore the Rest of Milos
If you're looking for more flexibility than the bus has to offer, get some wheels! Adamas has the highest concentration of car and ATV rental companies and tour agencies on the island.
One of the perks of being here is being able to rent a vehicle and roam around the island. I got my car from Tourlakis – you can rent online and pick it up in Adamas or Pollonia.
I've had experience renting cars around Europe from SiXT, and they also have an office with Athena Travel agency in Adamas. I also heard great things about Niko's Cars & Moto and Milos Rides Cars & Moto Rentals.
Rentalcars.com is also really good for finding the best deals.
I recommend starting with picturesque villages – Plaka, Klima, Mandrakia, and Pollonia. Then check out the top beaches in Milos – here's a guide to the best beaches to add to your list.
11. Visit the Art Gallery in the WWII Bomb Shelter
During the German occupation in WWII, Minoans built a network of underground tunnels that acted as a bomb shelter. It's now repurposed as an art gallery, which is both cool and slightly eerie.
You can see it in less than an hour and it'll set you back only €4.
WWII Bomb Shelter Art Gallery in Adamas.
10. Visit Museums
Milos has 7 museums, 3 of which are in Adamas. They each reveal a different side of the culture in Milos and are interesting in their own way.
Check out the Milos Mining Museum to learn about the island's rich geological past. It's €4 and is open on most days between 10 am and 2 pm (April-October). It also opens from 5:30 pm to 9/10 pm in June, July, and August.
You can learn more about Milos under Venetian rule by visiting the Ecclesiastical Museum – it also has cool carvings, jewelry, and art pieces. It's fairly small so you don't need a lot of time, but interesting to see.
Ecclesiastical Museum, Adamas
A third and less popular museum is the Naval Museum (also known as the Maritime Museum). It's close to the Cultural Centre and down the street from the main church, Agios Haralambos.
Related: T
9. Admire the Cycladic Architecture
You can easily spend half a day just walking around Adamas and admiring the Cycladic architecture. You can't go wrong with wandering around charming streets in Greece.
Agios Haralambos church, Adamas center
Adamas is on a hill, so you will be rewarded with views over the bay and the island. Stop by the Greek Orthodox church, Agios Haralambos.
8. Enjoy a Meal with a View
The variety of restaurants in Adamas is unrivaled by any other village in Milos given the island is still growing in popularity with tourists. Walk along the port and you’ll find a ton of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from that’ll suit every mood.
Considering how beautiful this island is and the potential it has to become the next big thing in Greece, you’ll find the prices extremely reasonable — think €2.50 for a glass of wine! Be sure to try the local cuisine while you're here, after all, it's one of the top reasons to visit!
I've tried out quite a few restaurants in Adamas and generally, the food was delicious and the views were great! Here are my favorite restaurants and cafes:
- Kinigos Restaurant TripAdvisor
| Map
- Flisvos Restaurant TripAdvisor
| Map
- Mikros Apoplous Facebook | TripAdvisor
| Map
- Egoist Cafe Facebook | TripAdvisor
| Map
- Aggeliki Ice Cream Shop TripAdvisor
| Map
Related: Eat and Drink Your Way Through Milos: Top Restaurants and Bars To Check Out
[optin-monster-shortcode id=”ja2nnwh4sk1fhiprxzmx”]
7. Hike for a Panoramic View
Few people know this, but you can walk around the port and past Lagada beach to be rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of Adamas.
Better yet, keep following the dirt path and go up the hill towards the Adamas lighthouse for a panoramic view of Milos bay.
On the way, you'll see a couple of WWII monuments and a park mostly locals know about, and not a lot of people frequent. Enjoy the privacy and tranquility!
6. Shop Your Heart Out
Adamas is full of cute little shops you won't find anywhere else on the island. Stroll the streets and take in the locally made products.
If you're looking for souvenirs, this is the spot to get them from!
5. Have a Beach Day
If you need a break from drinking, shopping, and eating, break out your bathing suit and check out one of the two local beaches. Both have sun loungers you can rent out for a few euros and restaurants nearby.
Lagada beach is west of the Adamas port, walking distance from restaurants and cafes.
Alternatively, Papinikou beach is a bit farther down the coast and is more serene. You have two restaurants nearby:
- Lydia Restaurant Website | TripAdvisor
| Map
- O! Hamos! Tavern Facebook | TripAdvisor
| Map
4. Take Advantage of the Local Bus and Visit Top Sights
Adamas is a hub for local buses, and the network extends widely around the island. This is the most convenient place to start if you're exploring the island by local bus. Here's the bus schedule.
You can see the cultural side of Milos, with a trip to the Early Christian Catacombs, Ancient Amphitheatre, Plaka, and Trypiti. Hike down to Klima and enjoy the picturesque fishing village
Explore the south side of the island by taking the bus to Fyriplaka and Tsigrado beaches, Achivadolimni or Provatas, or to Paliochori beach for some volcanic food.
The secluded and remote Tsigrado beach.
Jump on the bus to the family-friendly and quiet village of Pollonia, and stop by Pachena, Papafragas and Kapros beaches en route.
Don't forget to take a trip to Sarakiniko beach, Instagram darling and the most popular beach in Milos.
3. Have a Drink with a View
There aren't too many bars or clubs in Milos, but there are a couple of great ones in Adamas with views over the port.
Watch the sunset or enjoy yourself after dusk with a relaxing drink by the seaside. I recommend checking these out:
- Akri TripAdvisor
| Map
- Mostra Bar at Hotel Adamas TripAdvisor
| Map
2. Catch a Killer Sunset
Right down in the middle of Milos Bay, Adamas has great views over those famous Greek sunsets.
Gorgeous sunset at the Adamantas Port in Milos.
The port city of Adamas, Milos.
Whether you watch the sunset from a restaurant or a cocktail bar, or walk around the port, you'll love the colors dancing in the sky here.
1. Book Your Milos Tours
Milos is an interesting island, and the best way to see it is by
Cape Vani Polyegos island Kleftiko Bay
I recommend booking a full-day tour around the island to see its best beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. I chose a tour that passed by nearby islands Glaronisia and Polyegos, two natural marvels in the Aegean sea. You can read my review here.
If caves are more your deal, I recommend a Milos Highlights tour that goes around the island but replaces Polyegos with time at Sykia roofless cave.
Where To Stay in Adamas
There are lots of options in Adamas, here are the ones I recommend based on your budget:
Get $25 off your Booking.com stay with my referral link.
Venus de Milo Studios or Hotel Eleni | € |
Portiani Hotel or Orama Studios | €€ |
Hotel Thalassitra or Villa Notros | €€€ |
Santa Maria Village | €€€€ |
My Amazon Picks for Milos Island
Adamas on the Map
To help you plan your stay, I marked the beaches in blue, villages in pink, and attractions in green.
Do you have any activities to add? Let me know by commenting below.