I pinched myself when I got to Milos and realized that this gem of an island has remained relatively undiscovered. I couldn't believe there are still fabulous islands in Greece that you don’t have to elbow your way through and pay through the nose to enjoy a few days in.
I initially planned on staying for seven days but ended up staying for two weeks (for a working holiday) once I discovered all the things you can do in Milos!
Volcanic nature has led to a unique landscape and archaeological coastline. You can also find caves, thermal springs, salt hotels and a plethora of beaches (75 to be exact – yes, 75!). It's overall a very unique island with an interesting history and a lucrative mining past.
Milos is the island that will surprise you at every corner and shatter your expectations. It may just become one of your favorite Greek islands. You've been warned.
While Instagram has helped popularize the island due to its most unique beaches (i.e. Sarakiniko and Tsigrado), Milos is yet to see a tipping point in tourism, meaning it remains unspoiled, reasonably priced, and ripe for discovery.
Here's my comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about visiting Milos, one of the hidden gems of the Cyclades Islands.
- Last Updated: December 17, 2019
Table of Contents
Top 5 Things To Do and See in Milos
One of the best ways to enjoy Milos is by sailing around the island for a day. See the 75 beaches that line the coast of Milos island and explore some that can only be accessed by boat, including Gerontas and Gerakas. The tour also goes to neighboring natural-wonder islands, Glaronisia and Polyegos. You'll also be provided with snorkeling equipment so you can explore former pirate-lair, Kleftiko Bay. Read my sailing trip review for more info.
A visit to Milos isn't complete without exploring the most famous of 75 beaches, Sarakiniko beach. This unique moon-like rock beach was carved over time by natural elements. Spend the day cliff jumping, sunbathing or exploring (bonus: there's a shipwreck close by). Better yet, bring a bottle of wine and a packed dinner to catch the sunset and star gaze — you'll likely have it all to yourself. If you're short on time, see it as part of the Best of Milos tour.
Perhaps the most famous village on Milos island, Klima, is as picturesque as it is colorful. Fishermen hideouts, known as Syrmata, line the edge of the Aegean Sea. Walk around, get hand-crafted local souvenirs or enjoy a sunset dinner at the only restaurant in the village. Better yet, splurge and rent a Syrmata for the night to enjoy the sunset or sunrise from your own balcony. How's that for an authentic experience?
It's not every day you get to visit a former pirate lair. Kleftiko Bay is not easy to get to, but worth the effort. Visit during a day-long sailing tour, take a private boat, or hike (1.5 hours) to get there. You'll be rewarded with crystal clear turquoise waters and caves you can dive and explore. The best part, the bay is so remote that you won't be swimming with hundreds of people. Take your underwater camera, you won't want to miss those shots! Here are all your tour options.
The ruins of Kastro Castle are a must-visit during your visit. You won't only get great 360 views of the island, but you'll see the old quarter where people lived before the city expanded towards what is now known as Plaka. Some locals still live here and the houses that remain are quaint and charming, just as you’d expect from an old Greek quarter. There are two churches at the top (you are in Greece, after all) and you’ll get an amazing glimpse of the sunset from both.
Other Things To Do and See
1. Get Lost in the Capital, Plaka
With so many colorful houses and small cobblestone streets, Plaka will satisfy your craving for Cycladic architecture. Indulge in Greek delicacies, get lost on the typical Greek cobblestone streets and catch the sunset from Panagia Korfiatissa church. Beside a ton of restaurants, Plaka also has three cool museums, including the Archaeological Museum that houses a replica of Venus de Milos statue.
2. Swim at Milos' Top Beaches
You have 75 beaches to choose from, and most of them are gorgeous! Top beaches like Sarakiniko, Tsigrado, and Kleftiko Bay have captivated Instagram (with good reason!), but there are so many others to see. Some are secluded, some have beach bars, others are great when it's windy and some are only accessible by boat. This beach guide will help you come up with your beach-hopping hit list!
3. Wander Around the Villages
Besides the best known villages, Adamas, Plaka and Klima, Milos has 12 other villages you can explore. Some are popular, and some are remote, but each has its own vibe, energy, and attractions. There are villages you can miss and others you can skip if you’re short on time, however, from fishing villages to port cities, there's something for everyone. Start with Trypiti, Mandrakia, and Pollonia.
4. Go Back in Time at the Ancient Theatre of Milos
Surround yourself with hundreds of years of history. Enjoy a short hike from Trypiti to the ancient theatre and walk around the marble marvel. Sit and imagine what it was like watching a play here against the backdrop of gorgeous views. On the way to the theatre, you'll be able to see the site where Venus of Milos, now residing at the Louvre, was discovered in 1820.
5. Walk Through the Early Christian Catacombs
Take a short but worthy tour through the Roman Catacombs, a burial site and place of worship for early settlers from the 1st to 5th century. The site is close to the Ancient Theatre and accessible by car (and foot) from Trypiti. The entry includes a guide and will only set you back €4. The Best of Milos Tour stops by the Catacombs along with a number of other tourist hot spots on the island.
6. Hike to the Three Cross Monument
7. Enjoy Fresh Seafood in Pollonia, Mandrakia or Adamas
Lunch with a view! Can't go wrong with a local dish by the sea in one of the port cities, Pollonia, Mandrakia, or Adamas. Plaka also has a lot of restaurants that have their own charm, but no sea view. Check out the guide to eating and drinking in Milos.
8. Explore (and Go Shopping in) Adamas Village
Adamas will be your first point of contact if you travel by ferry, and has the highest concentration of businesses on the island, including restaurants, shops, and tour agencies. Here's everything you need to know about spending time in Adamas.
9. Check Out the Art Gallery in the WWII Bomb Shelter
Milos has an interesting past which involves being invaded by Germany during WWII. The former bomb shelter in Adamas has been repurposed for an art gallery that's worth checking out (and it's €2!) Here are other unique facts about Milos!
10. Explore Famous Caves Around the Island
Hike or sail to Kleftiko and Sykia caves and swim in crystal blue waters. See why Kleftiko was the perfect pirate hideout. These two are unique sites and will leave you impressed. Kleftiko Bay is bigger than you’d expect, with volcanic rock formations protruding from the clear waters. Sykia is a small cave that had its roof collapse and is only accessible when the sea is calm.
11. Engage in Water Sports
12. Explore Milos' Mining History
Milos owes a lot of its former glory to its rich mining history. Go for a visit to the Milos Mining Museum or visit the abandoned sulfur mines at Paliorema alone or on a geological tour (leaves from Adamas or Pollonia). If you want to fit in the inactive Kalamos volcano, there's a second tour that leaves from Provontas and also includes a catamaran portion and swimming time.
13. Take a Kayak at Sarakiniko Beach
See a different side of Milos and get in your cardio at the same time! Kayak underneath the cliffs of Sarakiniko beach and tick this off your bucket list. I recommend Sea Kayak Milos, based out of Triovasalos. They have daily tours and a variety of routes.
14. Watch the Sunset from the Agias Marina
15. Hike to the Adamas Lighthouse
16. Explore Interesting Museums
Are you a museum lover? Milos has seven unique museums to shed light on different aspects of the island’s history, clustered in its two main villages. The Archaeological Museum (which has a replica of Venus de Milos statue), Folk & History Museum, War Museum, and Marmara Sand Museum are in Plaka. The Milos Mining Museum, Ecclesiastical Museum and the Naval Museum are in Adamas.
17. Explore Hidden Corners by Car/ ATV
Despite giving the appeal of a small island, Milos is relatively large with lots of hidden corners to explore. By renting a car, you’ll be able to beach hop, explore the traditional fishing villages sprinkled around the island, and get off-the-beaten-path – literally. Choosing an ATV will give you access to more of the island since some of the dirt roads are not car-friendly and considered “no service car rental areas,” meaning if you get stuck there, no one can get you.
18. Go Scuba Diving (or Snorkeling)
19. Go Hiking Around the Island
20. Spot Seals Off the Coast
21. Relax at the Thermal Springs
Map of Milos
Here's a map of Milos island to help you visualize where villages (purple), beaches (blue), and attractions (green) are to help you plan your trip.
Milos Villages
With over 15 villages on the island, you'll have plenty to explore.
The more famous ones will keep you plenty busy Adamas, Plaka, Trypiti, Klima, and Pollonia — will keep you plenty busy. They're also bigger than the rest and have facilities
If you want to get off the beaten path, Mandrakia, Triovasalos, Skinopi, Plakes, Fourkovouni, Mytakas have you covered.
Other quaint villages but remote and harder to get to include Mikri Skinopi, Areti, Emporios, and Zefyria. If you have time, they're worth seeing as they're all charming in their own way. If you're short on time, these are the ones to skip.
Milos Beaches
With over 75 beaches, it can be tough to choose which beach to spend your time going to.
Here's a guide to the top 20+ beaches in Milos. Enjoy!
Most beaches on the southern side are great to visit during those times, and some are even nestled between walls of rocks for additional protection.
If the winds come from the south, you'll want to check out a northern beach! However, beaches on the northern side of the island tend to get more winds and are best visited when wind speeds are lower than 20 mph. This includes Sarakiniko, Papafragras, Firopotamos, and Mytakas, which have virtually no protection from the winds and can see relatively aggressive waves.
Sailing trips get canceled when there are high winds (typically over 25-30 mph). If you book in advance, keep an eye on weather and touch base with your tour company a couple of days before the tour, they'll be able to confirm whether or not it's still a go.
I use The Weather Network app to track weather when I'm traveling.
Where To Stay in Milos
Accommodation options in Milos are growing as the island becomes more of a tourist hotspot. There are lots of options when it comes to choosing the village you'll call home during your time on the island. Each has its own magic and will deliver a different experience.
Before visiting, I spent a long time researching where I should stay and I found it very confusing and overwhelming. I hope the summary below helps speed up your decision.
Adamas (also known as Adamantas)
Adamas is the biggest village in Milos so it offers the most choice when it comes to hotels, restaurants, hotels, shopping, banking needs, and transportation. Staying here will ensure you have everything from convenience/grocery stores, to ATMs, tour agencies, car/ATV rental shops, and the port at your fingertips.
Aside from the port (where all sailing day trips leave from), you'll also have access to one of two taxi stations on the island, and many local buses. There are a couple of hiking routes and beaches nearby, and it's one of the best places in Milos for catching those infamous Greek sunsets.
Plaka
Plaka is one of the most picturesque towns on the island and the capital. The small cobblestone streets and charming Greek architecture will enamor you!
There is a variety of restaurants and hotels you can choose from and you'll get a lovely view as you roam around due to its location on a hill. The ancient Plaka Castle towers over the village, giving you an authentic feeling of what it must've been like before the rest of the island developed.
Most of the streets are not accessible by car and parking can be hard to find — staying here is ideal if you don't plan on renting a car, especially since you can take buses and cabs (which have access to the pedestrian streets).
Trypiti
The calm energy of Trypiti combined with the amazing views will leave an impression on you. Trypiti was the biggest surprise for me, and I found myself navigating toward it a lot more than I expected.
Trypiti is perched on a cliff on top of Klima and has lovely buildings and churches that draw you in as you sail or hike around the island. You'll find great restaurants and great views (especially at sunset!). It’s also a 10-minute walk from the Catacombs and the ancient Amphitheatre, both of which are on the way to Klima if you choose to walk down. Plaka and the castle are also a 15-minute walk away.
Trypiti is a relatively quiet village and is also on the bus route, so it’s easy to get around if you don’t have a car.
Pollonia
Pollonia was so much smaller than I expected! Home to a small port and many restaurants, rental places, and stores, its quiet and family-friendly atmosphere may be just what you need to unplug and enjoy a low key time in Milos.
If you want to explore Kimolos, staying here would also be convenient as there are frequent daily boat shuttles that make the trip. There are even scuba diving companies and rental car companies if you want to explore more of the island.
Klima
Klima is arguably the cutest spot in Milos, and understandably popular given the Instagram-worthy backdrop it provides. Yet despite its popularity, it remains reasonably calm.
Staying in one of the unique fisherman houses by the seaside is a unique experience.
The downside of staying here is the lack of accessibility to things. There are a couple of stores and one restaurant, and the crowd tends to clear out around sunset time.
Other Great Options
Aside from the villages above, there are many hotels, guest houses and Airbnb apartments sprinkled all over the island.
You may also want to stay in Pera Triovasalos or neighboring Triovasalos, another two villages on the main bus route, with many restaurants, stores, and other commercial businesses.
If you prefer to be closer to the beaches on the south side of the island, Paleochori, Agia Kiriaki or Provatas are great choices. You'll need a car as they're all remote but close to awesome beaches and quieter than the main villages.
I stayed at Hotel Agnanti in Katifora, just outside of Adamas. I wanted a quiet place with a balcony to see the sunset or sunrise from (I got both!), proximity to a grocery store, bus station and to Adamas (10-minute walk) as well as walking distance to some of the beaches and villages that were high on my list. I stayed for more than two weeks and had a car for a few days while exploring the rest of the island.
Here's the review of my stay at Hotel Agnanti.
Where To Eat and Drink in Milos
There are so many wonderful restaurants in Milos, regardless of where you are on the island.
Restaurant prices in Milos are very reasonable.
Costs will differ based on choice, but on average I noticed that you can easily have an authentic and delicious Greek lunch for €15-20 and dinner can set you back at least €20 per person. You can definitely spend more, and there are plenty of choices if you wish to splurge, but you don’t have to. Of course, that doesn’t include seafood which tends to be more expensive, as with everywhere.
To narrow down your options, I put a comprehensive guide to help you eat and drink your way through Milos. Bon appetit!
My biggest shock was being able to get a glass of white wine for €2.50 in Adamas. I found this to be cheaper even than Athens (where a glass of Greek wine can be about €5+).
You’ll spend (way) more on a glass of wine on most other famous Greek islands — I'm looking at you, Santorini and Mykonos — which is another reason why Milos is such a gem!
Practical Information
Weather in Milos and When To Go
Like most other islands in Greece, Milos sees a lot of sunshine during the summer months and gets colder in winter, or the offseason.
For the best experience, consider visiting in May, June, September or October. The island starts getting ready for the summer season in May and businesses don't shut down until late October.
You'll get better deals but get to enjoy relatively warm temperatures. The winds are milder than in other months (say, August), giving you a greater chance to sail around and see parts of the island that are inaccessible during high winds.
Getting There
There are two ways to get to Milos:
- By ferry — from Athens or another island
- By plane — directly from Greece or with a layover in Athens if flying from anywhere else
1. Getting to Milos by Ferry
It takes 2-4 hours from the Piraeus Port in Athens on the ferry, depending on which ferry you choose.
The fastest ferry is through SeaJets and takes about 2 hours but is also the most expensive (€56 or more).
Golden Star Ferries and Minoan Lines take around 3.5 hours and cost less (at least €42), and Aegean Speed Lines take up to 4 hours (assuming no delays) and cost at least €40.
There may be others but these are the main ones I've seen and traveled with.
Pro Tip: If you get seasick, take the slowest ferry you can find — it's the sturdiest when there are waves and high winds! Crossing the Aegean Sea in half the time means you will be flying through the waves, which becomes stomach-churning in high winds when the sea waves are aggressive. Trust me, it's not fun!
There are many daily ferry options to take, especially if traveling between May and October.
2. Getting to Milos by Plane
Milos has an international airport (code is MLO) in the middle of the island, about a 15-minute drive from Adamas.
You can take the local bus, but you'll have to switch in Adamas if you are staying somewhere else. Here's the bus schedule.
Pro Tip: book a hotel that has a free shuttle to the airport (or port) to avoid paying €15-20 one way for a taxi!
The major airlines flying from Athens to Milos are:
Flight frequency starts to increase in April, and slow down again in October to account for the tourist season.
Typically, flights will have a stop-over in Athens. The direct flight from Athens is only 40 minutes.
I typically buy my flights to the Greek Islands (and Europe in general) 3-6 months in advance. I've noticed in recent years that prices increase by 20-50% as the dates approach.
Last minute sales are an elusive unicorn that you likely won't catch when it comes to the Greek islands. So, get your flights as soon as you know your travel dates. Don't wait to see them rise as the tourist season ramps up; it'll piss you off.
Pro Tip: Consider all route options if you can't find a flight. Flying from Athens to another island in the Cyclades, and then traveling by ferry might take longer, but it may be more convenient and cheaper.
For example, consider flying from Athens to:
- Santorini and take a 2-hour ferry to Milos
- Ios and take a 1-hour ferry to Milos
- alternatively, you can take a ferry from Mykonos, Paros or Naxos but it'll take 4+ hours as they stop in all the ports
I use Rome2Rio to find all the route options and possible combinations available between point A and point B when I'm planning my trip. It saves a lot of time and headache.
Additionally, for the past three years, I've booked my ferry tickets around the Greek islands through Ferries.gr. The site gives you all the different ferry operators for your destination so you can see everything at a glance!
While it's an older (and arguably wonkier) site, I love that you can hover over the name of the ship to see a picture of what the ferry looks like. This comes in handy when you're in a port with 20+ ferries and you're looking for the one orange ship with big block white letters that goes to Milos. You get the point. Pictures help! I've bought many tickets from them with no issues – just pick them up at your departure port and you're good to go.
Getting Around
One of the things I heard over and over again before going to Milos is that it's a tiny island. I was surprised to find that it isn’t so at all! In fact, I had a rental car for 3 days and still left some (small) parts of the island undiscovered.
People perceive it to be small because the main villages and attractions are clustered into the northern part of the island, leaving the rest a bit “wild” and untouched.
Many visitors don’t go off the beaten path, but the island rewards you immensely if you do.
Renting a Car
There are a ton of rental options in Milos. You’ll find most of the offices clustered in Adamas, but there are a few options in Pollonia as well. I rented a Smart car with an automatic transmission from Tourlakis. Their main office is in Adamas but can deliver the car for pick-up to Pollonia, airport, etc.
Dealing with them was a breeze (not sponsored). I booked it online last minute and picked it up in Adamas. The price was very reasonable and everything went smoothly.
Most companies don't take AMEX in Greece but I was able to use my card online (though not in person) — which gave me access to my AMEX Platinum insurance, saved me a ton on excess insurance and got my points!
This was my first time driving a Smart and was pleasantly surprised at how powerful it was, especially on the dirt roads — even the least-maintained ones.
I drove my Smart car all over the island for three days and barely made a dent in my fuel tank. I recommend filling up as you go and in small increments so you don't waste €50 like me!
Travel Tip: If you can't drive manual, you should book your car as early as possible — there are a limited number of automatic cars and they sell out FAST (or rapidly increase in price the more you wait)!
I also recommend SiXT Rent a Car. They have an office at the Milos airport and Adamas. I've rented from them in Europe and always had a great experience.
Alternatively, check out RentalCars.com to compare all the best deals in Milos.
Renting an ATV/ Moped
For an island the size of Milos, I wouldn't normally recommend anything but a car to move around — I rented an ATV in Mykonos and hated my life crossing the island on that thing, and Milos is almost twice the size!
However, the driving conditions are different on Milos. Main roads are clustered around the main villages and beaches on the northern side, and aside from a few roads hitting the main spots on the rest of the island, many roads are unkept.
The truth is, ATVs on Milos reach farther than a car can take you and are better suited for anything outside the main attractions.
Local Bus
Fare: €2 per trip — you can't go wrong!
The buses run more frequently between July and September, as expected. There are many additional routes added for tourists that stop at Sarakiniko beach, Tsigrado beach and other points of interest mostly frequented by tourists.
Milos publishes a bus timetable that’s pretty handy (though a bit confusing for first-time users).
The routes on the schedule are depicted by where the bus starts, and where it ends, and include the stops in between. However, the time shown is the time the bus leaves from the beginning of the line.
If you know how long it takes to drive between two stops (hello, Google Maps!), you can figure out when the bus will stop at your specific station. And then, make sure you go early – if you miss the bus you’ll have to wait for at least another hour!
Travel Tip: Save the link and load the bus timetable page on your phone for offline viewing. It’ll come in handy to see the schedule at a glance if you don’t have WiFi or your local SIM card runs out of credit. It saved me many times even though I had a local SIM card!
Taxi
Taking a taxi is a good alternative if you don’t have patience for the bus or want to rent a car.
You can find taxis at the airport, or in Adamas. There’s also a taxi hub in Triovasalos but it’s not operational year-round.
Costs are reasonable, especially if leaving from a hub. However, if you need to hail a cab to come and get you from a specific location, you may incur extra charges. I was told there were 15 or so cabs on the island (as of late 2018), meaning it might take a while to get one if you’re traveling during high season!
Something to keep in mind if you want to go off the beaten path: most taxis won’t go on the dirt roads, which make up a considerable portion of the Western side of the island. Milos has arguably the biggest network of dirt roads out of all the Cycladic islands.
Milos Taxi Numbers:
- Adamas: 22870 22219
- Triovasalos: 22870 21306
Pro Tip: Greeks are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to help you. If you get stuck and don’t have a way to call a cab, ask a local business, restaurant or resident to call you one!
Save this for later: https://www.milostaxis.com/
Walking Around Milos
Safety Tips
I found Milos, and in general, Greece, to be very safe. I traveled alone for 2+ weeks in Milos and had no issues with safety. I've also been traveling solo in Greece for 4 years and never had any issues.
That being said, be careful when you're walking at night, especially outside of villages where it can get reasonably dark. Cars, buses, and bikes will have a hard time seeing you!
Exercise proper caution as with everywhere else.
Currency
Like all of Greece, Milos uses the Euro (€).
Travel tip: Download the XE Currency app so you're never caught off guard with the currency exchange, which can easily become a budget-buster!
Most businesses in Greece accept all credit cards, including AMEX in some places.
Your debit card might also work in most places, most businesses I came across were able to process it for me even though I have a Canadian card.
Cultural Events
There are festivities happening in Milos throughout the summer. If you are on the island during Easter of the Milos Festival in July, you might get a taste of local culture and celebrations — just make sure you pre-plan in advance as things will sell out faster.
How Long Should You Stay in Milos?
Milos is an island that’s easy to underestimate. It’s still relatively off-the-beaten-path and much larger than one expects so it’s easy to assume you don’t need more than a day or two to see everything.
Milos covers 160.1 km² — by comparison, Mykonos is only 105.2 km², and Santorini comes in at half the size with 76.19 km²! Milos can be done in 24 hours or 48 hours if you stick to the main clusters of villages and beaches on the northern part of the island. However, be warned that you will be planning your trip back on the way to the airport!
There are a lot of things to do and see so, as with everything, it comes down to what you want to do and what you’re interested in. Beach-hopping alone can add some time to your itinerary.
If you’re planning to spend a day sailing you should budget an extra day on top of your itinerary. Likewise, if you love getting off-the-beatenpath and looking to explore the “wilder” Western side of the island, you’ll need at least an extra day.
Three or four days is best and will give you enough time to see most things. With unlimited vacation, of course, I’d say you can easily stay for a week or longer, but that's not always possible.
Recommended Itinerary
1 Day in Milos:
Roam around Plaka and the Venetian Kastro (Castle). Head towards Trypiti and walk down to the Roman Catacombs and the Ancient Theater before hiking/or driving down to Klima for a sunset dinner. You can also do it in reverse – start with Klima, and watch the sunset from the castle.
2 Days, Add:
Take a full day sail tour around the island. Keep an eye out for monk seals! This was my favorite day on the island – here's my tour review. We saw a couple of monk seals playing and they're adorable. The tour ends in Adamas just in time for watching the sunset. Walk around the largest village, stop for a drink or a late dinner, or shop for souvenirs at one of the many local shops.
3 Days, Add:
Explore the top beaches and fishing villages, starting with Sarakiniko beach. Have lunch in Mandrakia village before heading to the south part of the island to the secluded Tsigrado beach. If you have time, check out the old Paliorema sulfur mine. Bring your bathing suit and swim at Thiorichio beach, you'll pretty much have it to yourself. Enjoy sunset drinks at Fyriplaka beach.
4 Days, Add:
Start your morning checking out a small fishing village in the north. Fourkovouni village or Firopotamos beach/village are good choices. If it's not windy, I recommend the latter – and bring your bathing suit, the water is amazing. Head to Plathiena beach – it's protected by cliffs and has a snack bar! Spend the afternoon in Adamas. Visit the museums, shops, the WWII Art Gallery or thermal springs. If time permits, go for a small hike around the bay (toward Lagada beach) for a panoramic view.
5 Days, Add:
Enjoy a quiet morning in Pollonia along with a seaside lunch. Consider going scuba diving. Spend the afternoon exploring Papafragras, Kapros, and/or Pachena beach. Enjoy the sunset from Mytakas village. After dinner, head to Sarakiniko beach for stargazing – bring snacks, a bottle of wine, sensible shoes, and a blanket! Don't forget your DSLR camera (and tripod if you have one) for some sweet night photography.
6 Days, Add:
Choose from 10 hiking routes, from ambitious hikes to the Kleftiko or Sykia caves, to shorter hikes around the island. Or, go back to your favorite beach! Consider heading to Agia Marina church and exploring the Western side of the island. Or, eat and drink your way around the island.
7 Days or More, Add:
Additional beaches to explore, especially if you have non-windy days ahead. Here's a complete guide of the top beaches in Milos if you're feeling ambitious.
Typical Costs & Suggested Budget
You may be wondering how expensive Milos is? I’m happy to say that it’s fairly reasonably priced.
Tipping is not typically expected, though welcomed. If you have an iPhone, GlobeTipping (App/ Website) is a great iOS app to help you figure out how much tip to leave in every country.
Accommodation: You can easily find great hotels for under €50 a night. If you want more luxurious options, you can find many around the island.
Food: Lunch can set you back €8-15 and dinner can come in around €15+, depending on your choice of restaurant and menu items. Overall, there are enough options in Milos if you want to stay on budget. Here's my guide to restaurants, cafes and bars.
Drinks: This one depends on you, but wine is as cheap as €2.50 a glass. You can also buy great wine, beer or other alcohol at grocery or convenience stores to save some money.
Attractions: Milos has a lot of free attractions and even more that are as cheap as €2-4. A lot of the greatest things to see in Milos are also the sights that are free (castle, beaches, etc). I've linked my favorite tour options below.
Transportation: Local bus is very cheap (€2 per ride) and car rentals can be reasonably priced, especially if you book ahead of time.
Shopping: Another one that depends on how much you want to spend and how many souvenirs you want to get, for yourself and others. However, you will be able to find things at great prices all around the island. It's definitely cheaper to shop on Milos than on other popular islands.
Recommended Milos Tours
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Travel Offseason: May, June, and October will bring you the best savings and availability.
- Avoid Hotels in Villages: If you have a car during your time there or stick to hotels on the bus routes, you'll save by staying on the outskirts of villages. I paid €40 euros at Hotel Agnanti, a 5-minute drive (and a 15-minute walk) from Adamas and had an apartment with a balcony and a killer view! Now, that's value!! You can read my review of Hotel Agnanti here.
- Advance Booking: A lot of hotels will have their best prices months in advance (sometimes up to a year!). Once rooms start filling, prices tend to go up! Don't get stuck spending more than you should by booking last minute.
- Make Refundable Reservations: When possible, this is a great way to save money. Book a hotel early for a reasonable rate and then monitor the prices a few months before you expect to go. Hotels.com is great for this.
- Limit Restaurants to Once a Day: You should enjoy Greek cuisine because it's amazing — but heading to a restaurant three times every day is a budget-buster. Pick a hotel close to a grocery store so it's convenient to stock up on snacks or breakfast! Bonus: your mornings will also start faster a lot faster!
- Rent a Car Online: Online prices for car rentals in Greece are much cheaper than renting in person. You'll often get deals and an option to get your rental car delivered to your hotel (on islands like Santorini).
- BYOW: Bring your own wine! Unless you're going to a restaurant, you can buy your own wine bottle and take it with you! Super handy, and affordable! You'll pay the same for a bottle as you would for a glass at a restaurant. Sunset drinks on the beach, anyone?
- Take the Bus: for €2 euros, you can't go wrong! A lot of the tourist attractions, villages and beaches are on the various bus routes. You'll have to plan a bit more, but with buses making hourly rounds, it's not so bad! You're on vacation, after all, and they're pretty punctual.
- Rent a Moped: 20 bucks a day never looked so fun!
- Avoid Taxis: It'll be cheaper to rent a car for a day or two than travel by taxi everywhere, especially considering there's only one main hub. You'll get charged extra for calling a cab from village A to take you to village B, especially if the cab has to come (and go back to), Village C.
- Know Your Insurance Coverage: Brush up on your credit card insurance policies so if you rent a car, you'll want to know exactly what coverage you have on what card! It's not always possible to opt out of the excess coverage, but if you have great coverage somewhere else (like, on AMEX), you might as well save some money!
- Buy a Local SIM Card: It'll set you back €10 for 10 GB and you'll stay connected and have access to bus schedules, Google Maps and Instagram (of course!). Bonus: Your plan might even include unlimited international calling. It'll be much cheaper than paying for roaming unless you have a kick-ass international plan included (like Verizon US – yes, I'm jealous!).
- Use Skyroam: if you're not traveling alone, Skyroam might be perfect for you: you get unlimited global WiFi in more than 130 countries that you can share on up to 5 devices and only pay in 24-hour increments as needed. You'll be the most popular person in the room.
- Take the Slow Ferry: there are different types of ferries in Greece. The slower ones (such as Blue Ferries) are the most economical. The fastest ones can cost you double. If you have time to spare — after all, you're on vacation! — why not enjoy sailing the Aegean Sea? Pack some sandwiches, wine, and a book or get a tan on the top level! Bonus: slow ferries won't make you seasick because they don't fly over the waves! I use Ferries.gr to compare all the ferry options.
My Amazon Picks for Milos
I've linked my favorite Amazon products for Milos. Learn more about the island, explore its adventurous side, and be ready to enjoy all it has to offer.
Booking Resources
The websites below are what I currently use every time I plan a trip. They're my starting point for searching flights, hotels, tours, or insurance.
Hotels.com – Great starting place for finding accommodation. Get 1 free night for every 10 paid hotel nights. It's great value!
Airbnb – Get the local experience by connecting with homeowners who rent out their places. You can find some pretty unique options, and a lot of choices, especially in big cities. Get up to $47 USD off your first trip!
Skyscanner – Awesome search engine for finding that ideal flight for your next trip. Includes a lot of low-cost airlines that sometimes get missed by other engines.
Momondo – Another great search engine I always check before booking a flight. I've found flights here that I couldn't find anywhere else.
Rail Europe – A huge distributor of train tickets all over the world, especially if you're looking to travel by train throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Skyroam – Stay connected while on the road with your own unlimited WiFi that you can use in 150+ countries and on 5 different devices.
Rentalcars.com – Best search engine to compare rental car companies around the world. Book and pay online, avoid the in-person hassle (and unnecessary upgrades).
Hertz – They're always the first company I check when I need a car. They have an extensive network, great prices, and even better one-way deals!
Get Your Guide – Get tickets to the best activities from all over the world – if your plans change, you have 24-hours before your tour starts to cancel!
Intrepid Travel – They offer small tour groups (10 people max) and have a selection of 1,500 itineraries in over 120 countries. Hello, choice!
World Nomads – I don't leave home without World Nomads insurance. Great coverage, reasonable pricing and very smooth claim process (that came in handy when my brand spanking new iPhone 8 Plus went for a dip in Australia last year).
For all my favorite companies, check out my Travel Resources page to save money, simplify the travel planning process, and enhance your trips.
Related Posts on Milos
Check out the other posts I've written about Milos island and continue to plan your trip.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase anything through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read the disclosure policy.
Great detailed information on what to see and do. I had the opportunity to spent five days in Milos and I loved everything about the island especially the boat excursion.
Thank you so much, John. Isn’t Milos wonderful? It’s such an underrated gem! The boat excursion was one of my favorite days of the trip as well – I just couldn’t believe how beautiful the beaches were!
Hey Ioana, I wouldn’t say Milos is underrated. Especially by locals (a.k.a. Greeks). Maybe it is for foreigners who only know Mykonos and Santorini (no offence, I am from Mykonos). Greece has so many islands and each is unique and beautiful.
Hi Maria,
You are right, and I agree with you. It’s definitely not underrated among Greeks. I actually ran into many Greeks, which I thought was interesting since I didn’t run into that many locals while in other more touristy islands like Santorini, Mykonos (which I love by the way!) and Corfu. I think they know that Milos is such a gem and it’s probably a great vacation spot that isn’t overrun by tourists. However, outside of Greece I think Milos is growing in popularity but is nowhere near the “top 5” islands considered as hot tourist spots. That is, however, changing quickly since the secret is getting out rather fast! Especially with Instagram around to show all the Milos instagrammable spots 🙂 I can’t wait to see more islands! which other ones do you recommend?
Hi John
Amazing blog, thank you for tips. We will be there in June 2020, cant wait. Have saved your blog and will be following it exclusively.
Thank you and have a great day.
Warmest Regards Alison Pike from New Zealand
Hi Alison,
Thank you so much! I’m glad you find it useful. You will absolutely love Milos. If you have any further questions about it, don’t hesitate to email me or send me a message via the Contact page. Have fun!!
Thank you for this detailed guide, it’s been so helpful for me as I’m planning my trip to Milos. I’m hesitating which village to choose to stay in. I will be on Milos for 7-8 days and I’m thinking about staying 3-4 days in one part of the island and then going to another part. I was thinking about Plaka, but I’ve read that it’s more famous for its night life which I’m not looking for… Do you think so too? I’ve also heard that restaurants in Plaka are super expensive and it’s better to stay in Adamas…
I have also found a nice hotel next to the one that you’ve stayed in. But when I check it on the map it looks like the road to Adamas may not be so good for evening strolls. I still remember my trip to Santorini and getting back to hotel (we choose a secluded hotel in Akrotiri) in the evening and walking with a torch as there were no street lamps! Now I can laugh about it, but at that time it was pretty scary. So I would prefer to avoid it on Milos 😀 Did you feel safe walking in the evening or at night?
BTW thank you for the kayak recommendation, this is something I definitely want to do! Just can’t decide which tour to choose. 🙂
Hi Zooey,
I’m so excited for you to go to Milos! You will love it. I would recommend staying in Adamas at the beginning, it’s a lot more connected to everything on the island and even a bus stop hub (and where the main port is). It has more stores, it’s quiet (especially if you’re not looking for the night life, not that you would get much of it during Covid, but still!). Plaka would be nice for a few days if you’re staying 7-8 days. It’s close to the castle, Trypiti, Klima, etc so it has its advantages. Plaka is definitely cuter and has more cobblestone streets. I didn’t find the restaurants in Plaka too much more expensive than in Adamas, though they are more touristy. That being said, I found them cuter too, because they’re on these tiny cobblestone streets (similar to what you’d expect restaurants in Greece to look like!). The ones in Adamas are mostly by the water. Different setting! I stayed at a hotel about 15 minute walk from Adamas, so I know exactly what you mean. I also stayed in Akrotiri on top of the hill and also know what you mean about the creepy streets at night! Anything out of the towns in Milos will be the same experience. There are some street lights, but you are basically walking along the street, there’s no pedestrian area. You can take a taxi from Adamas and they’re cheap (they have one of the main taxi hubs) to your hotel at night, or you can take a bus. I felt safe walking but I didn’t venture out too late after nightfall. I usually travel solo and I try to avoid it, but Milos is very safe. It’s just hard because you’re in the dark and cars can’t see you, so from that perspective I would say bring your phone with you. I loved the location of my hotel because I ended up staying for a few weeks and it was nice and quiet, I didn’t have to deal with so many people. But yes, it was a bit far from things. Though I did walk to Sarakiniko beach.. took about 40 minutes haha! If you can find a tour kayaking by Sarakiniko beach, you won’t regret it! It’s hard because the sea isn’t always calm and it’s very violent otherwise (not safe to walk, let alone kayak), but I would recommend booking it for the first day you’re there, and being able to postpone it if the winds are too high and they get cancelled. Sarakiniko is definitely something you want to plan around the wind and need enough time to make sure you can get there when the wind is calm and you can actually enjoy it, walk around, swim, kayak, etc. Let me know if you have any other questions!!
xo,
Ioana
You made me smile with your shock with a 2,50 Euros glass of wine. That’s a tourist price, I find it quiet expensive. I would be happy with a price around 1 Euro and would expect 1,50 Euros as a fair price.
OH!!! GOOD TO KNOW!! I’ll definitely look for that range in the future! Thank you! After paying 5 Euros in Athens for a glass, which is so much lower than the $8-9 + TAX it costs me in Canada, 2.50 was unbelievable but now that I know it can be lower, I have a new standard!! Thank you 😀