Milos island has some of the best beaches in the Cyclades, and a ton of them that compete for that title (75… but who's counting!).
Finding the top beaches in Milos is no easy feat. From remote beaches and pick-your-jaw-off-the-ground-gorgeous
I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks on this beautiful Greek island. The beauty is unparalleled. Milos is truly a gem and its beaches are known to be among the most picturesque in the Cyclades, if not in all of Greece. The island is also relatively undiscovered, so this is the time to check it off your bucket list!
Here are the top beaches in Milos to choose from during your visit in 2020.
- Milos Beaches on the Map
- 20. Lagada Beach
- 19. Papikinou Beach
- 18. Provatas Beach
- 17. Agios Sostis
- 16. Thiorichio Beach
- 15. Achivadolimni Beach
- 14. Pollonia Beach
- 13. Tourkothalassa Beach
- 12. Pachena Beach
- 11. Agia Kiriaki
- 10. Paliochori Beach
- 9. Firopotamos Beach
- 8. Fyriplaka Beach
- 7. Plathiena Beach
- 6. Kleftiko Bay
- 5. Sarakiniko Beach
- 4. Tsigrado Beach
- 3. Papafragas Beach
- 2. Kapros Beach
- 1. Gerakas Beach
- Bonus: Polyegos Island
- Bonus: Sykia Cave
- Pin It for Later
Milos Beaches on the Map
Before we explore all the best beaches in Milos, here's a handy map of where they're located.
20. Lagada Beach
Panoramic view of Adamas.
| Remoteness ✧✧✧✧✧ | Uniqueness ✧✧✧✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✧✧✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✦ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: Plenty! You can purchase drinks and snacks from Lagada Beach Hotel, located steps away. Lagada beach is also 5-minute walk from Adamas port, which has the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, and bars on Milos island. |
Lagada is the closest beach to Adamas and one of the few in the proximity of the port. It's extremely convenient if you're looking for a “city beach”, don't have a car to head to some of the remote beaches, or are running short on time.
It's low key but nestled in a quiet and beautiful bay. However, it's also very close to the port, which can get annoying and loud on busy ship days.
For a panoramic view of Adamas, follow the path and pass the beach until you reach a park (Google coordinates). If you're a hiker, there's also a lighthouse near the park that provides a better view over the entire Milos Bay.
Accommodation options: Lagada Beach Hotel is steps away from the beach and has a cool pool. Alternatively, there are other options for every budget in Adamas.
Getting here: Lagada is located in the Milos Bay, just west of the Adamas port. It's close to a back road that'll take you to Plaka (4.3 km/2.7 miles away). Pollonia is about 11 km (7 miles) away. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking nearby. The nearest bus stop is at the Adamas port.
Related: 12 Things To Do in Adamas (Plus Photos)
19. Papikinou Beach
| Remoteness ✧✧✧✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✧✧✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✧✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✦ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
Food options: Lydia Restaurant is across the street and serves on the beach. The popular restaurant, Oh Hamos, is also close by. Papikinou is a 20-minute walk from Adamas if you need more options. |
Papikinou is a sandy beach and nothing too special. However, I think it belongs on this list because of what it offers. It's close enough to Adamas, across the street from a couple of really great restaurants, is maintained and has a nice view of the port. It's one of the few beaches in Milos that has beach chairs and food service.
Noise won't bother you on this beach as it's far away from the port. It's also really long, so you can pick up and move further down if you don't want neighbors. It's a great spot if you don't have a car or time to travel farther.
Milos bay is a great spot for water sports given the windy conditions. Check out Hang Loose Club on the beach if you're interested in learning how to windsurf or paddleboard.
Accommodation options: It's best to stay in Adamas so you can have more things to do at your fingertips.
Getting here: Papikinou is located on the main road, 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from Adamas, 5.6 km (3.5 miles) from Plaka, and 9.3 km (5.8 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's a small gravel parking nearby. Street parking is also available. Though it's on the local bus route, the bus skips the beach and only stops at Adamas and Zephyria.
18. Provatas Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✧✧✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✧✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✧✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: A couple of options nearby. Muses restaurant is practically on the beach. Alternatively, Maistrali and Tarantella are on Agios Sostis beach, a short 7-minute walk away. |
Provatas is one of the popular beaches in Milos, located on the south coast of the island. You can easily spend a day here, as the beach has everything you need: food options, beach chairs, great sand, and vibrant colors during golden hour. That being said, I recommend only spending 2-4 hours here, including lunch or dinner, before checking out one of the other awesome beaches in the area.
Despite being well-known, Provatas doesn't get as busy as you'd expect. It is fairly large and remote, so you'll be able to avoid the tourist crowds.
The most popular attraction on the beach is a group of goats coming home in the evening. Boy, do they ever draw an amused crowd! Keep an eye out for them if you're here around sunset time, they're really cute.
Tour options: A geological and volcanic activity tour starts in Provatas and hits Paliorema, Kalamos volcano, Agia Kiriaki and the northern side of the island. The tour only runs in the mornings, so you can hang out on the beach afterward.
Accommodation options: There are a few hotel options close to Provotas if you want to stay nearby.
Getting here: Provatas is located on the main road, 9.3 km (5.8 miles) from Adamas, 12.9 km (8 miles) from Plaka, and 16.6 km (10 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's a small parking lot nearby and it can get tight. The easiest way to get here is by car or ATV. It's also on a bus route from Adamas if you have no wheels. Here's the bus schedule.
17. Agios Sostis
Sunset over Provatas and Agios Sostis beaches seen from Tarantella restaurant.
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✧✧✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✧✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✧✧✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✧ |
| Food options: Agios Sostis is next door to Provatas, so you have the same 3 restaurants nearby: Maistrali and Tarantella on the beach or Muses restaurant next door on Provatas. |
I liked Agios Sostis beach a lot more than I expected to. In fact, I hadn't heard about it as much as I heard about Provatas so I didn't know what to expect.
The beach is mere minutes away from Provatas. As soon as you park and get out of the car, you are welcomed with a breathtaking view of the two beaches below, sailboats bopping in the waves, and the vibrant colors of the volcanic rocks the south coast of Milos is known for. It's quite something.
There are a lot of stairs down to the beach, but you can have just as much fun taking in the view from Tarantella restaurant at the top. Hanging out here during daytime is great, but golden hour will reward you with the best colors.
Accommodation options: There are a few hotel options close to Provotas if you want to stay nearby.
Getting here: Agios Sostis is just 500m (0.3 miles) from Provatas. Save it on Google Maps. There's a small gravel parking nearby. Like with Provatas, the easiest way to get here is by car/ATV. You can also take the local bus to Provatas and walk over. Here's the bus schedule.
16. Thiorichio Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✦✦✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: There's nothing nearby. The closest restaurants are at Paliochori beach, a 15-minute drive away (6 km/3.7 miles). |
Thiorichio beach was the biggest surprise for me. I didn't expect a small beach near an abandoned sulfur mine to be so quaint, unique, and serene.
The beach itself is amazing. You will likely have it to yourself, aside from small tours passing by here and there. The golden color of the beach along with the yellow pebbles owe their hue to the sulfur.
Walk around and explore the old Paliorema mines, which are unique, cool, and (somewhat) eery. The mines were operational until the 1960s but weren't shut down entirely until 1978, when all the miners moved out and Paliorema was officially abandoned.
There's nothing around Thiorichio/Paliorema (which is part of its charm), so you will need to bring everything you need with you. Don't forget swimwear and proper shoes for walking around the mine! There are still shards of metal laying around.
Available tours: You can learn more about the history behind Paliorema with a tour. There are a few you can choose from.
Accommodation options: There are a few hotel options close to Paliochori if you want to stay nearby.
Getting here: The dirt road to Thioriochio/Paliorema is a challenge (which is why you'll have more privacy than on other beaches). ATV or a 4×4 would be the best choice as the road can get rough. Paliorema is 12.4 km (7.7 miles) from Adamas, 16 km (10 miles) from Plaka, and 12.3 km (7.6 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. You can park on the road.
Related: Milos, Greece: 9 Unique Facts You Should Know
15. Achivadolimni Beach
Wind surfers at Achivadolimni beach. View of Adamas and Plaka from Agias Marina Church.
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: There's nothing nearby. Your best bet is finding a restaurant at Provatas beach (3 km/1.9 miles away), Papikinou (6 km/3.8 miles), or Adamas (7.5 km/4.6 miles). |
Achivadolimni beach sprawls across a large portion of the Milos Bay, directly across from Adamas. It's probably the largest beach in Milos. The quality of sand is much better than the beaches you find around Adamas.
Its size and location ensure that it remains unpopulated by tourists. Therefore, if you're looking for an awesome beach you can have to yourself, this one is for you. It doesn't hurt that you get badass views from across the bay of Adamas and Plaka.
Achivadolimni bay winds are awesome for windsurfers, and it's known as the best spot on the island for the sport.
There's a small Achivadolimni lagoon nearby as well that's very important to migrating
Accommodation options: Achivadolimni Camping resort is across the street. Alternatively, there are a few hotel options close to Provotas if you want to stay nearby.
Getting here: Achivadolimni is located on the main road, 7.5 km (4.6 miles) from Adamas, 12.9 km (8 miles) from Plaka, and 16.6 km (10 miles) from Pollonia. It's also 3 km/1.9 miles from Provatas on the south side of the island. Save it on Google Maps. There's street parking all around the beach. There's a direct bus from Adamas, but it's also on the bus route from Adamas to Provatas. Here's the bus schedule.
14. Pollonia Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✧✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✦ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: Plenty. The beach is within steps of |
Pollonia beach is the most family-friendly beach on Milos island. It's not a far stretch since Pollonia is a small fishing village known to be quiet and family-friendly overall. However, the beach is perfectly positioned between Pollonia's restaurants, cafes, and hotels, and has plenty of shadow if you want it.
If you're not staying in Pollonia, I recommend coming here for a day trip and spend the time eating, drinking, exploring, and sunbathing your way around Pollonia. Consider it a vacation from your vacation.
The beach has a view of Kimolos island, which you can only visit from the Pollonia port (daily trips are available).
If you're looking to explore Milos beneath the surface, check out the Diving Centre in Pollonia.
Accommodation options: There are many places to choose from in Pollonia if you want to spend more time here.
Getting here: Pollonia is located in the north-east corner of Milos island. It's 9.9 km (6.2 miles) from Adamas and 12.3 km (7.6 miles) from Plaka. Save it on Google Maps. There's a big parking lot across the street from the beach. Alternatively, you can take the local bus for €2 from Adamas. Here's the bus schedule.
13. Tourkothalassa Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Popularity ✦✧✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✧✧ |
| Food options: Tourkothalassa is minutes away from Medusa Cafe Restaurant, a sea-side traditional restaurant in the picturesque fishing village of Mandrakia. |
Tourkothalassa is a such an awesome hidden gem. Most people that venture to this part of the island do so in order to see Mandrakia, and often miss this little corner of paradise. Maybe it's because the name is so hard to spell or remember!
You'll have to get off-the-beaten-path, quite literally, to find the beach but it'll be worth the effort! It's rockier than some of the other beaches. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water, and enjoy the privacy.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs, giving it better protection from the northern winds than any other beach on this side of the coast.
Accommodation options: There are a number of cool hotels in Mandrakia and nearby.
Getting here: Tourkothalassa is off the main road between Pollonia and Adamas. It's 3.9 km (2.4 miles) from Adamas, 2.8 km (1.7 miles) from Plaka, 11 km (6.9 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking near Mandrakia. There aren't any local buses that stop here.
12. Pachena Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✧✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✧✧ |
| Food options: Limited. There's a beach bar on the beach that's sometimes operational, though it has limited hours and isn't always open during windy days. Your best bet is Avra Gastro Bar, a few minutes away (open May-September). |
Pachena was another great surprise for me. It doesn't look like much when you pull up and park. However, the beauty hits you once you follow a dirt road through a small forest and get to the other side.
It's a relatively small and quaint beach, with a seasonal bar and comfortable beach chairs. On one side, you have cliffs and rock formations jutting from the sea, and on the other side, a small hill populated by hotels, traditional houses, and restaurants.
It's a great beach to lounge on, as long as the winds aren't blowing from the north. The magic happens at sunset, so it's worth sticking around if you're in the area.
Accommodation options: From traditional fisherman ‘syrmatas' to rooms with a view, here are your hotel options in Pachena.
Getting here: Pachena is located on the northern coast of Milos island. It's 9.2 km (5.7 miles) from Plaka, 6.8 km (4.2 miles) from Adamas, and 3.3 km (2 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's a small gravel parking lot near the beach. Pachena is also on the Adamas-Pollonia bus route. Here's the bus schedule.
Related: Klima, Milos: A Guide to the Most Colorful Fishing Village in Greece
11. Agia Kiriaki
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✦ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: Thalassopetra Tavern is right on the beach. If you want to enjoy the view from the top of the hill and splurge a little, head to Psaravolada Restaurant. |
Agia Kiriaki beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Milos. I had planned on only spending an hour here and I ended up sticking around for much longer because I just couldn't get enough.
The magic starts as soon as the paved road turns to dirt and opens up to reveal Paliochori Bay and Agia Kiriaki beach.
The beach has chairs and
Accommodation options: see all the hotels in Agia Kiriaki.
Getting here: Agia Kiriaki is located on the southern coast of Milos island. It's 9.2 km (5.7 miles) from Adamas, 13.3 km (8.3 miles) from Plaka, and 15.4 km (9.6 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's a gravel parking lot near the beach. Buses don't stop here.
10. Paliochori Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: There are a few beach tavernas and beach bars on Paliochori. I recommend Sirocco for an authentic volcanic food experience. The Greek coffee at Pelagos Tavern is amazing. |
Paliochori beach is one of the most unique beaches in Milos. The various shades of blue from the sea perfectly complement the vibrant volcanic rocks that line the beach.
There are hot springs underneath the water and the beach, which warms up the water in certain spots so it's perfect for swimming. They also heat up the sand to the point that you can cook in it.
In fact, Sirocco Cafe-Restaurant on the beach offers various traditional dishes cooked in sand – you read that right. Check out their website to see their process and menu. It's quite interesting and an experience you won't soon forget. Not to mention, it's delicious!
Paliochori beach has pebbles on it that will also become very hot to walk on during the summer. Consider bringing water shoes to walk around the beach. You can rent a lounge chair and umbrella if you need some shelter from the heat. The water is pretty deep, something to keep in mind if you're traveling with kids.
If you want to rent equipment and learn how to windsurf, jet ski, wakeboard, and engage in other adrenaline-pumping activities, there's a water sports center here as well.
Accommodation options: There are a few hotel options in Paliochori.
Getting here: Paliochori is located on the southern coast of Milos island. It's 14.6 km (9 miles) from Plaka, 10.6 km (6.6 miles) from Adamas, and 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking nearby as well as a direct bus from Adamas to Paliochori. Here's the bus schedule.
[optin-monster-shortcode id=”ja2nnwh4sk1fhiprxzmx”]
9. Firopotamos Beach
Sail tour around Milos, first stop: Firopotamos beach.
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: There's nothing nearby. Your best bet is to head to Plaka, Trypiti or Mandrakia for lunch/dinner. |
Firopotamos is a beach all the locals rave about. It's one of the first ones that come up in conversations about the best beaches to check out in Milos. I was on the fence about going until I went on a full-day sailing trip and we stopped at Firopotamos to swim.
The water couldn't be more clear and blue, and I couldn't get enough. I came back to explore the tiny fishing village on my own the next day. It doesn't disappoint one bit!
The road in isn't too bad but there isn't a lot of space at the bottom to turn around, which makes for tight 3-point turns! Luckily, I had a Smart car and went on a windy day when it wasn't packed, but something to keep in mind. It might be worth parking a bit higher up the mountain and walking down.
On your way out, continue upward on the main road and pass Firopotamos to get the best panoramic view from the top.
Accommodation options: The closest hotel options to Firopotamos are in Plaka and in Trypiti.
Getting here: Firopotamos is located on the northern coast of Milos island, close to Plaka (2.2 km/1.4 miles), Trypiti (2.6 km/1.6 miles) and Mandrakia (3.7 km/2.3 miles). It's 5.3 km (3.3 miles) from Adamas and 12.8 km (8 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's street parking but it gets tight and challenging when it's busy since the road is on an incline. There are no bus stops, but it is a swim-stop during sailing trips around Milos.
Related: Sailing Around Milos with Aquatta (2019 Review)
8. Fyriplaka Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: There's a convenient beach bar right on the beach for coffee, drinks, and snacks. |
Fyriplaka is another well-known beach in Milos, and with good reason. Located in a bay, the beach has sun exposure all day, rock formations you can explore, and enough space to find privacy if it's what you're craving.
The red volcanic cliffs make this beach extremely interesting. It's a bit of a hike down, but nothing too crazy. There's plenty of parking at the top.
The beach bar on site is enough to help you make it through a whole day, or a few hours if you plan on exploring Tsigrado as well.
Accommodation options: The closest hotels are near Agia Kiriaki or in Provatas.
Getting here: Fyriplaka close to Tsigrado on the southern coast of Milos island, 15.2 km (9.4 miles) from Plaka, 11.1 km (6.9 miles) from Adamas, and 18 km (11 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There are gravel parking lots and street parking at the top as well as a direct bus from Adamas to Fyriplaka and Tsigrado. Here's the bus schedule.
7. Plathiena Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✧✧ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✦ | Organization ✦✦✦✦✦ |
| Food options: There's a small beach bar for coffee, drinks, and snacks. Otherwise, the closest restaurants are in Plaka. |
Having visited a number of beaches on the north coast, I didn't expect Plathiena to be anything more than a strip of sand with an opening to the sea. However, it's far from that and I can't recommend it enough.
It's truly a hidden gem. I visited during a day with high winds from the north, and I was shocked to find that despite facing north, Plathiena is completely protected by the nearby cliffs. Sipping cocktails on a beach chair and roaming the beach, you would hardly know there are any winds at all.
It's large enough to fit a crowd but there's no need to since it's not listed on most “must-see-beaches” list on the island. Few people make the trek, and they're missing out. There's plenty of parking on dirt roads nearby.
Accommodation options: The closest hotel options to Plathiena are in Plaka and in Trypiti.
Getting here: Plathiena a northern beach, close to Plaka (3 km/1.9 miles) and Trypiti (3.4 km/2.1 miles). It's 6.4 km (4 miles) from Adamas and 13.6 km (8.5 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking right on the beach. The bus doesn't stop here.
6. Kleftiko Bay
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: None aside from what you bring with you and what's provided on your sailing tour. |
Kleftiko beach is practically synonymous with Milos island. Known as a pirate-haven back in the day, it doesn't take long for Kleftiko to make a great impression on tourists.
It's more of a network of caves and rock formations than a traditional beach, but there are plenty of swimming opportunities. You can only reach it by boat and most of the sailing tours incorporate it. You can even rent a private boat and make your own itinerary here.
Hiking to Kleftiko
If you love adventure, you can also hike it here but the trail is about 1.5 hours each way. The view is worth the effort. However, I recommend starting in the morning to avoid the heat as well as to have enough time to explore the caves and return before it gets dark (or at least to catch the sunset on the way back!). An ATV can help you get halfway there and then you'd have to hike. Here are detailed instructions if you're interested in the adventure route.
Bring snacks and lots of water and wear proper shoes, there are vipers around Milos and it's best to have protective footwear in case you accidentally step on one.
Tour options: The tour I took went around Milos and to nearby Polyegos and Glaronisia islands. We stopped at Kleftiko in the afternoon to snorkel and explore the caves. Here's my review. Here are all the sailing tours available.
Accommodation options: None on this part of the island.
Getting here: Accessible by hiking or sailing boat. Save it on Google Maps.
5. Sarakiniko Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✦✦✧✧✧ |
| Food options: Limited. A food truck with drinks and snacks is parked at the entrance sometimes. The closest restaurant is Medousa Cafe-Restaurant in Mandrakia. Alternatively, there are plenty of options in Plaka (5 km/3.1 miles away). |
If there was a beach on the moon, I'm certain it would look just like Sarakiniko beach. The volcanic rock-surfaced beach is as unique as they come and is arguably one of the best beaches in the world.
Though it's not the most comfortable beach (after all, you're laying on a smooth rock surface), you have to experience the beauty Sarakiniko has to offer. It does have a small sand beach if comfort is what you're after.
Whether you cliff dive, explore caves, sunbathe, sail around it or kayak through it, it's a bucket list experience that will stay with you.
But wait, there's more…
The beach is not only amazing during the day, but it'll also take your breath away at sunrise and sunset, and is the best spot in Milos for stargazing. It is the beach that keeps on giving. The only downside is that it gets hit by northern winds, so you have to plan your visit around that.
Tour options: Consider taking a guided full-day tour of the best attractions in Milos (including Sarakiniko beach) if you're pressed for time or want to learn more.
Hotel options: Two hotels are within a 10-minute walk of Sarakiniko: Sarakiniko View Studios and Limeri Apartments.
Getting here: Sarakiniko is a northern beach, close to Plaka (3 km/1.9 miles) and Trypiti (3.4 km/2.1 miles). It's 6.4 km (4 miles) from Adamas and 13.6 km (8.5 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking right on the beach and a direct bus from Adamas. Here's the bus schedule.
A sunrise worth waking up for. Golden hour over Sarakiniko. 
Credit: Eduard Gutescu
Related: Sarakiniko Beach: A Guide to the Most Photographed Beach in the Aegean Sea
4. Tsigrado Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: Limited. Your best bet is to go nearby to Fyriplaka beach, which has a beach bar with coffee, drinks, and snacks. |
Tsigrado is one of the most beautiful beaches in Milos, but it's also the most secluded and most challenging to get to. The entrance to the beach leads down through an opening in the cliffs and requires the help of ropes and ladders. Here's a complete guide to the beach and how to get to it.
If ropes and ladders aren't for you, Tsigrado is also visible from a hilltop above.
The effort to get down is rewarded with caves you can explore, rock formations to swim around and plenty of snorkeling opportunities. There's also plenty of parking nearby.
Tour options: You can see Tsigrado from the sea during a Milos sailing daytrip.
Accommodation options: The closest hotels are near Agia Kiriaki or in Provatas.
Getting here: Tsigrado is close to Fyriplaka beach on the southern coast of Milos island, 15.1 km (9.3 miles) from Plaka, 11 km (6.8 miles) from Adamas, and 18.8 km (11.7 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There are gravel parking lots and street parking at the top as well as a direct bus from Adamas to Fyriplaka and Tsigrado. Here's the bus schedule.
Related: Tsigrado Beach: The Most Secluded Beach in Milos, Greece
3. Papafragas Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✦✦✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: Limited. Your best bet is Avra Gastro Bar, a few minutes away (open May-September). For more choice, head to Pollonia (2.5 km/1.5 miles away). |
The first time I came to Papafragas was at sunset during a very windy day, and I remember audibly gasping after getting out of the car. While the wind was so aggressive that I couldn't make it down to the beach, I saw enough to know I needed to come back.
Watching the sunset from Papafragas is a spectacular experience. The rock formations and cliffs are impressive and jaw-dropping.
During a sunny and calm day, the beach gets better, if that's possible. Papafragas is a very well-known beach, but that doesn't translate in a high number of visitors. There's a huge parking lot by at the entrance.
This is likely because climbing down to the beach is pretty intense. The staircase down is carved out of the cliff, is incredibly narrow and has no other support. If this is
Accommodation options: Your best bet is to stay in Pachena, which is a few minutes away.
Getting here: Papafragras is near Pachena and Kapros on the northern coast of Milos island. It's 7.3 km (4.5 miles) from Adamas, 9.7 km (6 miles) from Plaka, and 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's a gravel parking lot near the beach. Papafragras is also on the Adamas-Pollonia bus route. Here's the bus schedule.
2. Kapros Beach
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✧✧ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✧✧✧ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✦✦✦✦✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: Limited. Your best bet is Avra Gastro Bar, a few minutes away (open May-September). For more choice, head to Pollonia. |
Another hidden gem – Kapros is often lumped in with its famous sister beach, Papafragas. However, it has more than enough to offer on its own. It's not as popular as Papafragas as most people either there or next door to Pachena. However, it is more accessible since you don't have to risk your life to get to the beach.
You can easily spend a day beach hopping between Papafragas, Kapros, and Pachena. Catch a sunset here if you can. There's lots of parking on the roads nearby, or in Pachena.
Accommodation options: Your best bet is to stay in Pachena, which is a few minutes away. From traditional fisherman ‘syrmatas' to rooms with a view, here are your hotel options in Pachena.
Getting here: Kapros is nestled between Papafragas and Pachena. It's 7.3 km (4.5 miles) from Adamas, 9.7 km (6 miles) from Plaka, and 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Pollonia. Save it on Google Maps. There's parking nearby. The bus stops at next door at Papafragras and Pachena. Here's the bus schedule.
1. Gerakas Beach
Full-day trip around Milos. Gerakas Beach, accessible only by boat.
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: None aside from what you bring with you and what's provided on your sailing tour. Gerakas is usually a lunch spot during sailing trips. |
Swimming in the waters of Gerakas beach was my favorite experience on Milos island. The beach is a strip of sand at the bottom of an imposing cliff, which you can only reach by swimming from your boat.
Gerakas makes you work for it. First, you need to take a sailing tour, and then you have to swim over during the lunch break. It's as secluded as it gets since you can't even hike to it.
Somehow, the exclusivity makes it more special. The water is so clear you can see your toes and all the rock formations under the surface.
Swimming here is a dream — I highly recommend the tour if only for this beach alone (though you'll get to see so much more than just Gerakas!).
Tour options: I took a one-day tour around Milos and to nearby Polyegos and Glaronisia islands. We stopped at Gerakas for lunch and had time to swim. Here's my review. There are a number of sailing tours available.
Getting here: Gerakas is on the south side of the island, close to Tsigrado and Fyriplaka. Accessible only by sailing boat. Save it on Google Maps.
Bonus: Polyegos Island
Sailing around Milos, the perfect way to see all the remote beaches, including neighboring Polyegos.
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: None aside from what you bring with you and what's provided on your sailing tour. |
This one is technically cheating because Polyegos island is administratively part of Kimolos, not Milos. However, it's worth including on the list because the water around this uninhabited island is a shade of blue I have never seen before. I didn't even have to edit the pictures above, Mother Nature did it for me.
It's such a special place.
Your captain is going to have a hard time getting everyone back into the boat.
Tour options: Here's the one-day tour to see Polyegos and all the famous Milos beaches. We stopped here to swim, and it was glorious. Here's my review.
Getting here: Polyegos island is across from Milos and Kimolos. It's uninhabited, so it can only be accessed by sailing boat. Save it on Google Maps.
Bonus: Sykia Cave
| Remoteness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Uniqueness ✦✦✦✦✦ | Popularity ✦✦✦✦✦ | Instagrammability ✦✦✦✦✦ | Accessibility ✧✧✧✧✧ | Organization ✧✧✧✧✧ |
| Food options: None aside from what you bring with you and what's provided on your sailing tour. |
This one is cheating as well – unlike Polyegos, Sykia is part of Milos, however, it's not your standard definition of a beach. It's technically a cave whose roof collapsed, and has a small beach inside. Said beach is not always accessible, especially when there are high winds.
When the sea is calm, you can swim inside the cave and hang out on the small beach. It's a unique experience since it's not something most people ever get to do.
While all the tours pass by Sykia, not all of them stop. Some boats bring a dinghy so they can get really close, but most don't and only slow down outside of it for pictures. Your best bet to see it is to take a tour that only goes to Kleftiko Bay and Sykia Cave. Monitor The Weather Network app to plan it for a day that has winds lower than 20 kph/12.4 mph.
Hiking to Sykia
As with Kleftiko Bay, you can hike to Sykia. The trail is about 1 hour each way. It's a separate
The view from the top is cool, it basically looks like a huge basketball net in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Bring snacks, lots of water and a friend/partner. Wear proper shoes, there are vipers around Milos and it's best to have protective footwear in case you accidentally step on one. It's unlikely you will, but better safe than sorry.
Tour options: Here's a tour around the island that allows time to explore Sykia Cave and Kleftiko Bay by dinghy. The tour allows time to explore inside the cave. Lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are provided.
Getting here: Accessible by hiking or sailing boat. Save it on Google Maps.
Pin It for Later
Very nice write-up. I absolutely appreciate this
site. Keep writing!
Appreciate you sharing, great blog post. Really, thank you! Really Cool.
Thank you so much for sharing! This is so helpful. Appreciate all the details.