Klima, Milos: A Guide to the Most Colorful Fishing Village in Greece

You've likely heard of Klima if Milos island is on your bucket list. The colorful seaside village tops all must-see lists, up there with the infamous Sarakiniko and Tsigrado beaches. It's hard to visit Klima and not fall enamored.

A long strip of multi-colored traditional fishermen houses, known as “syrmatas” lie along Milos Bay. The village is divided in half by the only seaside restaurant. The houses were initially painted different colors so they're easily recognizable by their owners.

The two-story design is very practical – the bottom serves as the boat garage and kitchen, while the second floor makes for a great living space.

Here's my guide to everything you need to know about Klima village in Milos.

Klima History

Klima inhabitation goes back to around 1100 B.C. when the first settlement at Fylakopi was destroyed. Due to its strategic position in the Aegean Sea, Klima flourished, reaching its peak from the 7th to the 5th centuries B.C.

The present-day Klima used to be the ancient harbor. There's an illustration on site of the ancient city of Melos, as Milos was historically called. See below for what the area used to look like.

The village today isn't what it used to be, but it's still one of the main points of interest on Milos island. While the syrmatas are no longer used by local fishermen, they still serve as an ode to its history. Some of them have been turned into vacation homes. You can rent one for an authentic experience.

What To Do in Klima

There's nothing to do in Klima beside ogle at the pretty houses, watch the sunset, enjoy a seaside meal and take Instagram photos. This is, after all, the most picturesque spot on the entire island.

I mean, just look at these houses…

Come at golden hour and stay for a magnificent sunset over the bay. The colors of the sky complement the dynamic boathouses for a night you won't soon forget.

Some of the boathouses have also been turned into shops. They feature local, handmade products that make great gifts for yourself or others.

Attractions Near Klima

Klima is just one of the interesting tourist sights in this area. If you're making it all the way here, I recommend planning it so you also stop at the Ancient Theatre of Milos, the discovery site of the Aphrodite of Milos statue, and the Early Christian (or Roman) Catacombs.

I also recommend spending some time in Trypiti, Plaka, and going up to Plaka castle for a truly unique panoramic view of the island and the bay.

Getting to Klima

Klima is at the bottom of a winding road starting from the village of Trypiti.

Unfortunately, the closest bus stop is in Trypiti. It takes about half an hour to hike down (if you take the main car road), or about an hour to hike down the hill from the Catacombs. It's a dirt road but it's pretty easy on the way down.

You can take the bus from Trypiti to Adamas or Plaka but you'll have to get yourself back up the hill on foot. I did it in pitch dark by taking the main road because I couldn't resist leaving before the sunset.

Can't say walking uphill wasn't creepy, but it was doable if you're stuck. Here's the bus schedule.

As Klima is pedestrian-only (with barely enough space to fit anything between boathouses and the sea), the only space one can park is on the main road. As you can imagine, it can get tight, so plan accordingly.

If you need to rent a car, you can use RentalCars.com to find the best deals.

Looking to hike down but don't want to walk back up the hill? You can call a taxi. Milos taxis are stationed at the main taxi station in Adamas, so it might cost you a bit extra to have them come to you. However, it's a small island and worth the price if you're out of options.

When To Go

I always recommend going to Greece outside the busy tourist season, mostly because it's packed with tourists (read: shoulder-to-shoulder), tourist prices are in full effect, and it's super hot.

If you can avoid July and August, and especially the latter, I recommend you do. The sweet spot is the end of May, the end of September or early to mid-October. June is great as well. Klima and Milos are great during these months.

To book accommodation in Klima, plan early. The specialty hotels and syrmatas are in high demand and sell out quickly.

Sailing Around Klima

There are a number of sailing tours around Milos, and a few of them make Klima their first stop. It's a great way to see a different side of the quiet village.

The boat shuts off the engine and glides by the village, while the guide offers interesting bits of information about the village and surrounding parts.

I took a sailing tour around Milos which included nearby islands, Glaronisia and Polyegos. You can read my tour review here.

Where to Eat in Klima

There are two restaurants in Klima, one in the village itself, and one perched on the hill right above it. I recommend making reservations if you're planning on coming here for sunset.

• Astakas – great food with a seaside view of the sunset TripAdvisor | Map
• Panorama Restaurant (at Panorama Hotel) – higher on the hill, but the food is great and the view is even better TripAdvisor | Map

Where to Stay in Klima

A few of the fishermen houses, “syrmatas”, are now holiday houses and rented out during the high season. They're as authentic and interesting as accommodation options get in Milos, so they're naturally more expensive than the options you have anywhere else on the island.

If you're looking to stay in Klima, I recommend booking as soon as you know your vacation dates — the earlier you book, the better! Prices fluctuate a lot. These are owned by locals, and the prices have been known to double (or triple!) in high season (July & August) over what you could find in May, September, October, or even in June.

These are in high demand, act fast!

Recommended Tours in Milos

Map of Klima

To facilitate your trip planning, I marked the villages in green, the beaches in blue and the attractions in pink.