THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST PHOTOGENIC ISLAND IN GREECE — WITH A MOON-LIKE LANDSCAPE, GORGEOUS SEA CAVES, AND SOME OF THE BLUEST WATER YOU'VE EVER SEEN

Here’s your ultimate guide to Milos, the low-key Cycladic island that became an Instagram sensation.

With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, the Greek island of Milos seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike. There's no denying the Cycladic isle, where the famed Venus de Milo marble statue was unearthed by a farmer in 1820, is breathlessly romantic. Otherworldly landscapes sculpted by wind and sea shot to fame via Instagram in recent years, transforming the once low-profile island into a sought-after hot spot.

Rich in minerals and precious metals, Milos has been mined since the Neolithic era, starting with obsidian. Its volcanic origins explain the kaleidoscope of colors gracing the rugged cliffs and coastlines. But tourism wasn’t taken seriously here until recently. Today, Milos features prominently among Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award-winning destinations. Travelers are drawn to natural phenomena like the bone-white cliffs of former pirate lair Kleftiko and Sikia sea cave with azure waters ideal for snorkeling. Top of the list for travelers are two beaches: Papafragas and the lunar-like Sarakiniko. And let’s not forget the traditional technicolor boathouses.

"Milos offers the cultural connection many of today’s travelers are seeking," Mina Agnos, a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Travelive, said. It's ideal for those looking for a “laid-back vacation focused on culture, beaches, food, yachting, and relaxation,” she added. Foodie experiences, island tours, and boat charters are especially popular, but with limited hotel inventory, early booking is key, notes Agnos.

Here’s how to plan the perfect island escape to Milos, Greece.

Milos, Greece

Explore the moonscape-like beach of Sarakiniko. The bravest dive into a cobalt Aegean below.
Stroll around the small fishing village of Klima, where traditional boathouses come in all shades of the rainbow.
Take a boat tour of Kleftiko and Sykia sea cave, best seen from a private yacht charter.
Catch the sunset from a church courtyard in the island capital of Plaka.
Chow down on delicious, farm-to-table food at O! Hamos!, Milos’ best-loved taverna.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa

Honeymooners flock to Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa, set on manicured grounds on the island’s northeastern tip. According to Agnos, “the little oasis” is a consistent winner with clients — not only for its personalized attention, but also for its waterfront location in Pollonia and romantic design, which includes four-poster brass beds.

Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel

A family-owned property with warm service, Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel is a firm favorite among travelers. “It really conveys the feeling of the island and makes people feel like they’re being welcomed into somebody’s home,” said Agnos. Plus, its elevated location lends an air of seclusion and delivers panoramic views of Pollonia.

Domes White Coast Milos

Situated on the northern coast, Domes White Coast Milos is “a little more remote,” but worth the extra effort to reach for the high-end service, according to Agnos. A member of upscale Greek hotel brand Domes Resorts, the adults-only property has 30 white suites with uninterrupted sea views, and Sarakiniko is just a seven-minute drive away.

Skinopi Lodge

With seven, secluded, stone-built villas perched on a scrubby hillside above the island’s deep natural harbor, this sublime retreat was fashioned for the wild at heart. Surrounded by olive trees, thyme, and lavender, Skinopi Lodge offers a contemporary take on traditional syrmata. Even better, a private swimming spot lies just few steps away.

White Pebble Suites

A dream come true for its three Greek-Australian female founders, White Pebble Suites throws a curveball at classic Cycladic architecture. Sinuous lines flow between the 12 cream-hued suites of this design-savvy couple favorite in Pollonia. Earthy textiles, polished cement, and wicker accents make for a soothing blend.

Best Things to Do

Visit an otherworldly beach.

Formed from volcanic pumice sculpted by the wind and sea, Sarakiniko’s lunar-like appearance, contrasting with cobalt waters, is surreal. Only the strongest swimmers should consider cliff diving into the sea, which can become rough when northerlies blow through. Kids can explore old mining caves and marvel at a shipwreck washed ashore.

See unique boathouses.

Check out Milos’ traditional boathouses, known as syrmata, where fishermen would store their wooden boats for the winter. Painted in vivid red, blue, green, or yellow shades, many have been converted into ultra-minimalist holiday dwellings. The fishing village of Klima is well-known for its syrmata, but minuscule Firopotamos is equally appealing.

Explore by boat.

“Milos is a great place to charter a sailboat, yacht, or RIB [rigid inflatable boat] because there are so many places only accessible by sea,” said Agnos. Your trusty captain will transport you to the towering limestone cliffs of Kleftiko — once a pirate hideout — Sikia sea cave, or off-radar Polyegos isle to swim in ultramarine waters.

Go on an off-road excursion.

Milos’ western flank is so untamed that it’s off-limits to rental cars. Instead, take an off-road guided tour. Highlights include a visit to an inactive volcano, bird-watching at the Achivadolimni wetlands, and a hike through an abandoned manganese mine. End your day with a refreshing dip at a remote beach.

Uncover geological wonders.

You don’t have to be a science expert to enjoy a tour unearthing Milos’ geological wonders, according to Agnos. You’ll visit the Milos Mining Museum, salt pans, and a sunken crater, among other highlights. Perhaps the most evocative sight is the abandoned sulphur mines, replete with rusted-out wagons and ghostly buildings.

Best Shopping

Plaka

Pore over a fascinating array of sand exhibits and pick up memorabilia made with sand, wood, and glass from Milos Sand Gallery. At Totem, freshen up your wardrobe with a breezy cotton dress or colorful sun hat. Meanwhile, Pliatsiko’s one-of-a-kind items such as cross-stitch embroidered earrings and macramé necklaces are hard to resist.

Pollonia

Fashion boutique Vanilla carries resort wear by Greek designers, including bold print dresses and flowing caftans. Foodies should make room in their suitcase for delectable local goodies like sundried tomato paste, available at Ark of Tastes. Tip: Don’t leave without sampling the watermelon pie.

Best Restaurants

O! Hamos!

This wildly popular taverna, which sources raw ingredients from the family farm and local producers, doesn't accept bookings, but it’s worth waiting in line. Choose standout dishes from a whimsical handwritten menu, including slow-cooked wild goat with lemon, mustard, and marjoram and braised chickpeas with curry, cumin, and red peppers.

Barriello

Situated in the traditional village of Trypiti, Barriello has cemented its reputation as Milos’ most innovative dining venue. Chef-owner Takis Loukakis sources ingredients from his organic farm, serving dishes such as lamb picanha with black garlic, eggplant, and miso as well as vegan fare like king oyster mushroom carpaccio.

Astakas

A spectacular setting for lunch or a sunset dinner, Klima’s sole restaurant is known for serving some of the best seafood on the island. Kritharoto (orzo) with shrimp and lobster spaghetti are among the highlights at Astakas, but if it’s grilled fish you’re after, take your pick from the day’s catch.

Medusa

Situated on the water in the fishing settlement of Mandrakia, old-school taverna Medusa is a choice lunch and sunset dinner spot, so it’s always busy. Watch fishermen untangle nets and potter about their wooden caiques as you dine. Don’t miss the grilled eel with fava, fried calamari, and pitarakia (a local cheese pie).

Alevromilos

Chef Vassilis Papikinos showcases Milos’ wealth of produce through Cycladic cuisine that marries comfort and creativity. At his restaurant Alevromilos in Parasporos, he also blends in Italian influences, crafting dishes like skordolazana (handmade tagliatelle with a garlic sauce). For dessert, fresh local figs are served with xynomizithra cheese and honey.

Best Time to Visit

Agnos suggests visiting Milos between mid-May and early October. “Seasonality is less of a factor than it used to be,” she said. “More clients are traveling in the shoulder season.” July and August are peak tourist months, so expect the island to be bustling with fellow visitors and cruise passengers. Summer is also the hottest time of year, though cooling northerly winds can take the edge off. While the Aegean waters are still rather cool for swimming in May, you may well have beaches almost completely to yourself. June is one of the best months to visit, with long, languid days and comfortable temperatures. Meanwhile, September is proving increasingly attractive for many travelers, followed by October, when the island winds down and prepares to close shop for the season.

How to Get There

The quickest way to reach Milos is by plane. Flights from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to Milos operate daily and take about 45 minutes. Alternatively, take the ferry from Piraeus. A fast catamaran takes around three hours and 25 minutes to reach the island. Milos also features on cruise line itineraries, including those of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Celestyal Cruises.

Areas to Visit

Plaka

Head up to Milos’ hilltop capital Plaka, where the maze-like alleyways and whitewashed homes are characteristically Cycladic. The ideal time to visit is just before sunset, which is best viewed from the courtyard of Panagia Korfiatissa church. Arrive early to nab a good spot. Agnos suggests “visiting the town’s little shops, jewelry boutiques, and galleries.”

Pollonia

Spend a day roaming around Pollonia village. Take shade beneath tamarisk trees on the sandy beach and watch fishing caiques rhythmically bob on the water. Pay a visit to the Kostantakis Winery and sample cave-aged wines. When dinnertime rolls around, take your pick from the plentiful dining options lining the town jetty.

Kimolos

Jump in your rental and take the ferry from Pollonia to neighboring Kimolos island. Make your way to the Goupa-Kara settlement and walk among picture-perfect boathouses. Cool off in the cyan waters of Prassa Beach, then head up to the main town of Horio to stroll along cobblestoned paths, pausing for meze at a taverna.

How to Get Around

Rental Car: Book a rental car well in advance, particularly if you're visiting during peak season. “I recommend a car rental on Milos. For people comfortable with driving, it’s the best way to get around. Otherwise, have a driver on call,” said Agnos. Tip: Stick to paved and gravel roads, which can be narrow, and rely more on road signs than Google Maps.

Taxi: Silver taxis are available at the airport and there is a cab rank near the port in Adamas. They may cost more if booked via a hotel. Prices vary, ranging from around 15 euros from Adamas to Plaka and about 30 euros from the airport to Pollonia.

Bus: Milos has a small yet relatively comfortable bus fleet. Routes connect the airport with Adamas. From Adamas, you can reach Pollonia, Plaka, Sarakiniko, and Papafragas, among other destinations. Tickets cost two euros.

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2024-04-20T10:15:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd