Milos: Greek Hidden Gem to Add to your Bucket List
Milos is a lesser-known and lesser-visited Greek island, located to the west of Santorini. We first stumbled upon the hidden gem when researching the best Greek islands to visit outside of Santorini and Mykonos. (PS, check out our post Best Greek Island for Your Next Mesmerizing Trip to Greece for help picking islands to visit!) The island is most famous for its beaches, but has so much more to offer than a beach vacation. Here are our top reasons to visit Milos. Check out all our reasons for visiting Milos below. And when you’re ready to visit, check out or Milos Milos? Check out our Milos Travel Map and full itinerary in our Milos Travel Guide.
Reason #1: Less Tourists in Milos (than some other islands)
Milos was one of the least touristy islands we visited in Greece, and we didn’t even go to Santorini or Mykonos. For us, this made the island very enjoyable, less stressful, and more authentic. A boat tour was easy to book the day before and the key tourist destinations weren’t overrun with people trying to take Instagram pictures.
Reason #2: Nature Destinations in Milos
Half of the top things to do in Milos involve some sort of water, rock, beach, or other natural destination. To see how to put all the destinations together, check out our travel guide. Here are out top outdoor destinations that made Milos an unforgettable Greek island destination:
Kleftiko
The waters around the island are so clear, you can see to the bottom of the sea floor. Many of the best beaches and geological formations are only visitable by boat, and definitely worth the trip.
Sarakiniko Beach
Milos is famous for its “moon” beach, otherwise known as Sarakiniko Beach. The landscape is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. The rock is white and powdery and shaped very true to it’s name.
Protip: don’t lay down on the rock, it’s a bit messy.
Papafragras Caves
Unlike Kleftiko, Paparagras Caves are viewable via car, and a short (some a bit dangerous) hike. This spot is viewable after a steep hike down to a private beach cave (there was only 10 of us there). And again, the island isn’t swamped with tourists (yet) so all the best spots are easier to enjoy.
Reason #3: Architecture and Towns of Milos
Many people go to visit Greek islands to see the picturesque cubic, white houses and the Instagram-famous pink flowers. Fortunately, Milos not only has outdoor adventures, but plenty of Cycladic architecture as well. Here are the best towns and seaside villages to see:
Klima
The little row of fisherman’s houses on Klima is even more beautiful in person than it is in pictures. And, because Milos is a hidden gem, you’re not climbing over tourists or waiting in a line to take a picture. Klima is also incredibly beautiful at sunset:
Plaka
Plaka is the capitol of the island, and is worth at least a half day of exploring. This is where you’ll get a dose of the square white houses, cascading pink flowers, and delicious Greek food. The sunset view from Plaka Castle is another spot you don’t want to miss.
Firopotamos
Firopotamos is another picturesque row of fisherman’s houses, this time in all blue and white. The beach is larger than in Klima and home to many bed & breakfasts right on the water.
Adamantas
Adamantas (or Adamas) is the main port town in Milos. It’s also an easy spot to visit on your day in or out via ferry. Leave your luggage with your rental car agency and have lunch or dinner at Yankos or Volta for amazing souvlaki or salmon.
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