Milos, a Greek island in the Cyclades, is famous for its Venus de Milo (now in the Louvre). But the island also boasts the largest number of beaches of all the Cyclades. More than 70 magnificent beaches, with sand or pebbles in a variety of colors. Some beaches look like paradise. Others, due to the volcanic nature of the island, are particularly spectacular. In short, the beaches of Milos are a veritable paradise for bathing enthusiasts!
What’s more, some magnificent beaches and bathing spots are only accessible by sea, such as Kleftiko, Gerakas and Sikia. If you’d like to visit these secluded beaches by boat, we recommend :
- book an organized excursion. The GetYourGuide platform offers several options, at different prices. This makes for a magical day on unspoilt beaches.
- or rent your own boatfor a day or a few hours, with or without a licence, with or without a skipper, depending on your level. To do so, go to Click&Boat website (tested and approved by us).
We now present our favorite beaches on Milos, all of which are accessible by road.
Plathiena (or Plathienia)
A pretty, rock-lined beach in the north of the island. It is equipped with parasols and a small refreshment bar.
Tip: go at the end of the day to admire the sunset over the sea. Absolutely sublime!
Firopotamos
Arriving at Firopotamos, the charm is instantaneous. It’s like being in a postcard: the emerald sea, a few colorful fishermen’s houses, the Greek flag fluttering in the wind, a blue and white church by the sea. No doubt about it, we’re in the Cyclades!
The place is beautiful, even if the beach itself isn’t the most pleasant for lounging (a mixture of thick sand and pebbles). On the other hand, the water is clear and pleasant to swim in.
There’s no tavern, but a small refreshment bar.
A tip: go for lunch or dinner in Madrakia (or Mandrakia), a small fishing port just a few kilometers away. The MEDUSA tavern, open daily from midday, serves simple, healthy cuisine made from fresh produce. One of the best octopuses in the Cyclades! With an excellent selection of ouzos and a vast choice of beers from all over the world.
Fyriplaka
Unquestionably one of our favorite beaches on Milos! It looks like paradise: a long stretch of golden sand, bordered by red and white cliffs. And a sea so translucent it’s like swimming in a pool. The natural setting is superb.
Facilities: there’s a beach bar open in season.
The beach is large, so you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other.
A word of advice: it’s essential to go in the morning, when the sea is at its most beautiful (it’s a little less clear when the sun goes down, and loses its turquoise hue).
Sarakiniko
A magical place, not to be missed. Bathing in this lunar landscape is a unique experience! Swimming is possible for young and old alike: access to the sea is via the small beach at the end of the inlet that penetrates the rocks. Beware: it’s difficult to protect yourself from the sun, and you’ll need to bring plenty of water with you. The beach is undeveloped, but there is a small truck selling snacks and drinks between the parking lot and the beach.
A word of advice: after your swim, be sure to take a stroll around the site and climb the rocks to admire the view. Sarakiniko is a must!
Paliochori (or Paléohori)
A long, wide beach fringed by red rocks with sulphurous waters that are therefore slightly orange in color (beware of light-coloured swimsuits). There are hot springs here, and the sulfur fumes occasionally give off faint smoke and a distinctive rotten-egg smell.
The beach offers a wide range of facilities, including tavernas, beach bars, umbrellas and sun loungers, and water sports.
Tip: at the far end of the beach, the Sirocco restaurant offers “volcanic cuisine”: food is cooked using the heat of the glowing sand.
We also really like Deep Blue beach, just before arriving in Paleohori: parking at the top, descent via passable stairs, small restaurant at the top. Beachfront with umbrellas and beverage service. This small cove is quiet and well-protected, so we recommend it.
Papafrangas (or Papafraga)
Of course, the site is spectacular and well worth seeing. The site is famous for its sea caves, a former pirate hideout. But access to the sea is difficult: a narrow, slippery cliffside path (unadvisable for families with small children). On windy days, bathing is not easy or even dangerous, with waves throwing bathers against the rocks. Nonetheless, the setting is superb and the beach is rarely visited.
Provatas
A beach located south of Milos, at the foot of the Milos Golden Beach hotel. It’s less spectacular than its predecessors, but nonetheless pleasant: fine sand and transparent water. There aren’t many trees, so it’s hard to find shelter from the sun, unless you rent a deckchair or bring an umbrella.
Here’s a tip: overlooking the sea (you have to climb some 50 steps), the Muses taverna serves good Greek cuisine with a magnificent view of the sea. Very nice!
Pachena Beach
Near Papafrangas, wave-lovers will delight in the rollers of this wild beach on windy days.
Tsigrado
A tiny cove not far from Paliochori, dominated by a magnificent dune with turquoise waters. Access is tricky: a ladder leads down the cliff (inaccessible to children). Calm, quiet and wild. You feel like you’re at the end of the world.
Practical information about Milos
How do I get to Milos?
- by plane: Milos has its own airport, with daily flights from Athens in summer. The easiest way is to discover offers on Aegean.
- by boat: between 3 and 5 hours by boat from Piraeus (Athens). Numerous summer connections. There are also crossings from other islands. To find out more about the various crossings and book your tickets, you can visit Ferry Hopper website .
Accommodation in Milos
- If you want to stay in a village, the Booking website has a wide selection of hotels in Milos. Choose Adamas or Plaka. Both towns have the advantage of local life and are good starting points for exploring. If you fancy a quieter vacation, there are plenty of options around Mandrakia or Pollonia.
- You can also rent a house, notably through the Airbnb website, which offers over a hundred accommodations in Milos (houses or apartments).
We hope you enjoy discovering the beaches of Milos!
See also our other articles about Milos :
- 10 best things to do in Milos, Greece
- Take a boat trip to Milos
- Top 5 activities in Milos
- Discover Plaka, the capital of Milos
- Milos useful addresses: restaurants, accommodation, activities
- Practical information: how to get to Milos, where to stay
- Renting car or scooter in Milos?
Laure M.
