Milos is a volcanic island. As a result, the coastline is spectacular, with unusual rock formations in a variety of colors (red, black, gray, green, orange, white). It’s a geological wonder and, in that respect, Milos is unlike any other island in the Cyclades. To fully appreciate the island and its unique character, you need to see it from the sea. A boat trip to Milos is a must.
In the port of Adamas, many companies offer sea trips. Catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, “pirate ship”, private boat… the choice is yours. Whichever formula you choose, the boat tour is one of the highlights of any stay in Milos. Indeed, it’s the only way to admire what is impossible to see from the island’s interior. It also providesaccess to beaches that are inaccessible by road.
A boat trip to Milos: the different itineraries
Once there, you’ll find a number of companies at the port of Adamas offering day trips. You’ll also find many excursions that can be booked in advance online. The advantage is that you can look at the description at your leisure, without feeling “rushed” by the service provider, and you’re sure to be able to take your sea tour on the day that suits you best.
Book your boat trip to Milos in advance
We recommend the Get Your Guide where you’ll find a wide range of boat excursions, with different packages and secure online payment. In particular, we spotted but did not test these highly rated excursions:
- From Adamas, a sailing trip to Kleftiko. A day at sea to discover the ruins of manganese mines, colorful fishing villages and the caves of Kleftiko. With snorkeling and lunch included
- Half-day trip to Kleftiko. A busy program: fishing villages, Cape Vani, Kleftiko and Sikia and several swimming stops to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and snorkeling. Half-daycruise in speedboat with traditional greek lunch and drinks included.
Another site we particularly like: Manawa. It also offers day excursions, including this semi-private excursion on a sailboat in English, which takes in the west coast of Milos and Kleftiko. All their other offers here .
Civitatis also offers highly rated tours such as this sailing trip to Kleftiko Caves. Or this schooner trip around Milos.
You can also choose to rent your own boat, by the day or for a few hours, with or without a license, with or without a skipper, depending on your level and your wishes. To do so, visit the Click&Boat website (tested and approved by us).
Look for your day trip on site
Several tours are also offered by agencies in the port of Adamas:
– complete tour of the island, in particular with Captain Yiangos (+30 6944375799): this tour allows you to see everything, but unfortunately you board a very large boat (around 300 people on board)
– north of the island only: this excursion has the advantage of presenting a less touristy side of Milos. For example, the Perseas boat (+30 694 941 51 98) takes you off the beaten track, with a hearty barbecue to boot. The weak point of this excursion is that it doesn’t allow you to see the spectacular Kleftiko rocks.
– circuit in the western part of the island + return by boat
– discovery of the south of the island only
– circuit in the west and south of Milos. Perhaps the best compromise, this tour allows you to see the most impressive sites. The only drawback is that the return journey to Adamas is usually by bus from Paliochori. Several companies offer this tour. These include Aquatta Yachts (+30 693 467 4076), Thalassitra (+30 22870 23422) and Oneiro (+30 697 493 0580). And Horizon Yachts, a serious company with good on-board service (+30 22870 24083).
Highlights of the day trip by boat to Milos
- The highlight of a day’s sailing in Milos is, of course, Kleftiko: majestic white cliffs and spectacular rocks that once sheltered pirates (hence the name, kleftiko meaning “thief”). The waters are emerald green. A unique and majestic site!
- Sikia cave : an open-air cave (the vault has partly collapsed)
- Bathing stops in small coves and deserted beaches accessible only by sea (tranquility guaranteed). We swim in magnificent waters (turquoise, emerald, deep blue depending on the location). Snorkelling enthusiasts will love it!
Choosing the right boat trip in Milos
Many companies are aligned with the port of Adamas. Not easy to find your way around… Choose your boat according to your expectations. Motorboat trips have the advantage of being more affordable, but the number of participants is high. Sailboat trips are more expensive but more intimate.
Find out everything you need to know, and make sure you are clear about the price, itinerary and details of services. To avoid any “misunderstandings” (as experience has it), it’s best to be perfectly clear at the time of booking.
To help you make your choice, here are the questions to ask:
- precise circuit
- number of people on board the boat/yacht
- price: group rate, discount for children (some companies do this, others don’t)
- swimming stops: where? how much?
- total duration: departure time and estimated arrival time
- departure and arrival points (bus back to Adamas or round trip by boat?)
- is lunch included? Which formula? Are drinks included?
- which options are included: snorkeling, canoeing, zodiac tour of the caves?
More about the island of Milos
For more information on the island of Milos, see our articles :
- 10 best things to do in Milos
- What to do in Milos? Top 5 activities: Water sports, boat trips around the island, jeep excursions, e-bikes…
- The most beautiful beaches of Milos: all our favorites and our favorite beaches on the island of Milos
- Discover Plaka: our addresses and tips for exploring this wonderful Cycladic village
- The best addresses in Milos: our favourite places to stay and eat
- Practical information: how to get to Milos How to get around the island? etc
- Renting a car or scooter in Milos
Laure M.