10 best things to do in Milos, Greece

Milos is part of the Cyclades archipelago of blue-and-white villages and postcard-perfect Greek islands. It’s a sublime island. So, here are our best things to do in Milos.

If you can, avoid traveling August. Spring and September are perfect for visiting Milos, enjoying the island’s superb beaches, translucent waters, volcanic landscapes and small Cycladic villages.

We’ve been to Milos several times, as it’s one of our favorite islands. We love it and know it well. So here we share our top 10 things to do in Milos. The island’s must-sees and our favorites off the beaten track.

1- The lunar landscape of Sarakiniko

If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in Milos, it’s Sarakiniko. It’s an absolutely unique natural site where the deep blue sea carves out sparkling white volcanic rocks. The scenery is spectacular.

You can swim on the tiny beach or take a plunge off the rocks.

The galleries dug under the rocks are also worth a look.

2- Fishing villages

You’ll love the fishing villages of Klima, Firopotamos and Mandrakia!

• Klima is a delightful fishing port lined with small two-storey fishermen’s huts with multicolored windows and doors (see photo on the front page of this article). The first floor is usually taken up by boat garages… although now a few cottages have been refurbished as seasonal rental (that said, it’s a charming place to spend a few nights in Milos).
• Mandrakia: a small village with a postcard feel. We recommend lunch at the Medusa tavern, a very nice little tavern where the octopus is very well cooked.
• Firopotamos: a charming port with a white and blue church, a small beach, fishermen’s huts and a translucent sea.

3- A boat trip to admire the Kleftiko cliffs

Among the things to do in Milos, admiring the cliffs of Kleftiko is an absolute must. You can only get there by boat. So it’s best to book a half-day or full-day schooner trip. It’s a unique experience that, while it comes at a cost, is well worth the effort.

Thanks to the island’s volcanic past, the Milos coastline is very different from that of the other Cycladic islands. The view of the cliffs from the sea is fabulous.

We recommend Manawa’s semi-private cruises and the guided excursions available on GetYourGuide (photos below).

If you prefer an independent experience, Click&Boat offers a wide range of boats for hire, including small, unlicensed motorboats. Ideal for admiring the Milos coastline.

We give you all our tips for choosing a boat trip HERE in our dedicated article.

4 – The village of Plaka

Capital of the island of Milos, the village of Plaka is full of charm. We recommend going at the end of the day, to admire the sunset from the kastro, which offers an equally exceptional view as Santorini (without the crowds).

Plaka is a true Cycladic village, with its mix of blue and white: pedestrian lanes, churches with rounded domes, flower-filled whitewashed houses. After strolling through the narrow streets, we recommend a visit to the archaeological museum. The museum houses a copy of the famous Venus de Milo (Aphrodite), as well as several other interesting pieces, including the Lady of Filakopi, a small clay figurine dating from 1200 BC.

A must-do in Milos: climb above the village of Plaka, to the top of the kastro, to admire the exceptional view from this charming village. Find out more in our article Discover Plaka, the capital of Milos.

5- The beaches

Milos has several fine sandy beaches that will delight bathing and lounging enthusiasts. What’s more, the sea is often transparent, with superb gradations of blue… a real delight.

We take a look at the beaches of Milos in our article The most beautiful beaches of Milos.

6- The sunset

We often talk about Santorini’s sunsets… but the ones on Milos are magnificent too.

To admire the sunset on Milos, you have several options:

• admire the sunset from the church of Plaka, facing the sea. The orange lights reflecting off the church’s white walls create a very special atmosphere.
• right next to the Church, you can also sit back at the Utopia bar and watch the sun plunge into the sea while sipping a cocktail.
• climb to the top of the Kastro at the end of the day, situated above the village of Plaka. The 360-degree view is magnificent, and the sunsets are truly spectacular.
• Finally, another option: watch the sunset while lying on the sand at the lovely Plathiena beach .

7- Unusual Milos: a trip to the old Thiorichio sulphur factory

For an extraordinary visit to Milos, venture to the old sulfur mine at Thiorichio in the southeast of the island. Access is quite challenging, and careful driving is essential on this rugged track (a 4×4 or high-wheeled car is recommended). For added safety, consider parking your car at points along the way and completing the tour on foot. Alternatively, stop at the last bend once the mine and the sea come into view.

Upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in a unique atmosphere. The old sulfur mining buildings, with their machinery and installations, stand opposite the former housing of the mine workers. Children will love playing explorer and telling stories as they wander through the different rooms where furniture and furnishings still remain. Passing under the stone bridge over the small railroad line, you’ll discover a pebble beach, far from the crowds, where a refreshing dip is a welcome break before returning to the car.

This location is in the middle of nowhere, so in the summer, don’t forget to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen – there’s no kiosk around!

8- A leap into the past: The catacombs and the ancient theater

The catacombs

Another must-see in Milos is the catacombs. Located not far from Plaka, near the village of Tripiti, you’ll discover vast catacombs—the largest in the world after those in Rome. Carved out of the mountain, these catacombs served as a gathering place and burial site for the first Christians. The guided tour offers fascinating insights.

Ancient theater of Milos

The ancient theater of Milos is truly worth a visit. Rather well preserved, it also offers a beautiful panorama of the Milos coast. What’s more, it’s not far from where the famous Venus de Milo was discovered. In fact, news July 2022, a replica of the famous statue is now on display near the site where it was unearthed in 1820.

9- The mine museum

Located in Adamas (the port of Milos), the Mining Museum is a must-see in Milos. And ideally at the beginning of the trip (not on the last day, like us). the museum’s name may seem off-putting, but we promise you an interesting visit.

The soil in Milos is surprisingly rich. This museum exhibits the minerals found in the island’s volcanic bowels. And there are explanations of mining and extraction methods. A visit to the museum allows you to really understand the island and admire its landscapes to the full.

10- Excursion to Kimolos or Polyaigos

If you’re staying several days in Milos, opt for a day trip to the islands of Kimolos and Polyaigos. It’s a great way to get off the beaten track and sail on crystal-clear waters. Whichever excursion you choose, swimming stops are included. Unforgettable moments!

We didn’t try it out, but we did spot this excursion to Polyaigos on the Get Your Guide website: Day trip to Milos and Polyaigos from Adamantas.

*****

To get to Milos, you can book your ferry tickets on the Ferry Hopper website.

Finally, to find out more about Milos, see also our articles :

• Practical information on how to get to Milos, when to go, how long to stay, etc.
• What to do in Milos? Top 5 activities
• Rent a car or scooter in Milos
• The most beautiful beaches in Milos
• Boat trip to Milos
• Our best addresses in Milos
• Plaka, the island’s capital

_{Laure M. with the help of Virginie W.}