Milos / Melos
ΜΗΛΟΣ

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Milos or Melos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades, just north of the Sea of Crete, shaped by its volcanic past to offer its visitors incredible beaches and an exotic beauty unlike any other island in Greece. To many, Milos is the most exotic island in the Aegean Sea because of its extraordinary colors and landscape. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange. The municipality of Milos also includes the uninhabited offshore islands of Antimilos and Akradies. The combined land area is 160.147 sq km (61.833 sq mi) and the 2011 census population was 4,977 inhabitants.

The highlights of Milos seem endless: Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, with their white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. But they are rivaled by an array of beaches and the multicolored settlements of Klima, Emborios and Mandrakia, with their quaint buildings cut into the cliffs and Plaka’s sunsets. Milos is where the Venus de Milo (the exquisite life-sized marble statue believed to be the goddess Aphrodite, now a guest at the Louvre) and the Asclepius of Milos, now in the British Museum among other stolen masterpieces from Greece) were discovered. Unlike other popular Greek islands, Milos is not considered a party island. Visitors arrive here in search of secluded beaches and peaceful holidays. Milos is an island with a peaceful vibe, perfect for relaxation. A popular romantic getaway, Milos is also great for groups of friends or families that want quiet holidays by the sea. The island’s landscape merges beautifully with the Cycladic architecture creating an admirable scenery. Milos is a destination for water sports and activities such as swimming, diving, snorkeling, or sailing. It also has about 10 hiking trails that lead to some of the best spots on the island. 

Obsidian (a glass-like black volcanic rock) from Milos was a commodity as early as 15,000 years ago. It was transported from Milos over long distances to be used for razor-sharp "stone tools" well before farming began but also in later times. The position of Milos, between mainland Greece and Crete, and its possession of obsidian, made it an important trade and cultural center of early Aegean civilization. Milos lost its arms-making importance when bronze became the preferred material for the manufacture of weapons.

​How to Get There

• The island is accessible by boat and by plane. To easily book your ferry tickets to Milos or some other island of the Aegean, go to AFerry, the world’s leading ferry ticket booking site, now! We used the big and safe ships of Minoan Lines from Pireaus, and had a wonderful non-stop journey of approx. 4 hours.
• For accommodation in Milos, visit agoda.
• To search and book a car rental among the most reputable car rental companies worldwide so that you may visit Milos or any of Greece's wonderful destinations visit AutoEurope. ​
• Viator delivers online and mobile access to thousands of trip activities including tours, attractions, shore excursions and private guides throughout Greece. Alternatively, Tiqets works with thousands of renowned museums, thrilling attractions, and hidden gems to offer unforgettable travel experiences.

Villages to Visit
Plaka (the Chora of Milos)
Charming Plaka, the capital of Milos, was built in 1800 from the ancient stones of the castle. Visit the Catholic church of Panagias of Rodon. Here you will find several inviting restaurants and quaint cafes. Visit Palaios, for Greek and European pastries, coffee and sweets (tel.: 228 702 3490). For cocktails with a wonderful view, visit Utopia. or Verina, for a more friendly setting. Climb up to the ruins and take time to enjoy the panoramic view from the courtyard of Panagia Thalassitra. In the Archaeological Museum, you’ll find the goddess of love herself; a life-size replica of the Venus de Milo.

Trypiti
Connected with the capital of Plaka, Trypiti offers a range of eateries along the main village road. We had excellent pizza at I Stasi, (the bus stop) right under the village church, and enjoyed a superb lunch of traditional Greek cuisine cooked in a wood burning oven at Methysmeni Politeia, a family-run restaurant a few yards away from the main street, the day we left the island. On a Sunday, make sure to try their oven-baked lamb. (tel.: 228 702 3100)
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Plakes

Adamas, the port of the island
We had lunch at Floisvos, with probably the smallest portions of food we care to remember at any restaurant on the island..

At Thalassografia, on the road from Adamas to Triovasalos, we enjoyed seafood and salads at a nice family setting and a wonderful view of the gulf of Adamas.

Triovasalos
where you should have lunch at To Sternaki, and enjoy decent Greek food a the locals do

Polonia or Apollonia
On the road to Polonia we stopped at Galini Restaurant and Hotel, (tel.: 228 704 1492) and had a very nice early dinner with seafood, salads and more. At Polonia most restaurants appeal to a higher-paying clientele offering mostly fish and seafood. We were not tempted. We had an early dinner on our first evening on the island at Enalion with seafood but also meatballs with rice and an excellent tomato salad, with good quality and fair prices.

Klima
A must visit for those seeking sunset photo opportunities and to feed their Instagram account.

Emporios
with the traditional seaside tavern Empourios where we had the two most memorable late lunches -or early dinners- by the sea, the best we enjoyed on the island. Excellent food, wonderful setting, friendly service, fair prices compensate you for the somewhat long drive to get there. The owners own their goat farm nearby, and also grow the tomatoes and vegetables, as well as olives for the olive oil used in their cuisine. We highly recommend it! (tel.: 228 702 1389)

Fourkovouni fishing village, Milos

Beaches
Palaiochori, Papafragas, Gerontas, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, Plathiena (with a very well-organized cafe also serving drinks and sandwiches and offering the amenities of a shower and changing room). Yellow, orange, red and dazzling white rock formations are even more vibrant against the background of turquoise water. Milos’ volcanic landscape has created a sight beyond one’s imagination. Jump into a sailboat or speedboat and take in the kaleidoscope of beaches, some of the best in the Cyclades.

Sunset at Klima, Milos.

Highlights

Pirate Caves 
Kleftiko, Papafragas, Sarakiniko, Katergo… The formidable pirates of the Middle Ages had their hideouts in Milos. Traces of their existence can be found in Kleftiko, where bollards for their ships can be found sculpted on the spectacular rocks, beside blue-green water next to the caves. And in Sarakiniko, the landscape is from another world, with whiter than white rocks of mesmerizing shapes dominating the cove.

​Klima: Little Venice of Milos 
In the afternoon, take a stroll in the quaint, colorful hamlet above the water of Klima known as Little Venice, where the ancient port of Milos used to be. What makes it special? The 35-Sirmata (cave-like structures) once used to store boats and now pricey holiday dwellings. Wander around the little town, level with the water, and wait for sunset.

​​The old Sulphur Mine 
Take a boat trip to discover the eerie scene of the old sulphur mine located on the east side of the island, with its arcades, iron bridges, train tracks, carriages and old stone homes.

Prehistoric Filakopi 
A fascinating prehistoric settlement on the road towards Polonia.

The early-Christian Catacombs​ 
An archaeological spectacle, with early Christian graves dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD, impressive and humbling sight at the same time.

The Archaeological Museum of Milos

The Ancient Roman Theater of Milos

The Venetian Castle in Plaka

The Mining Museum in Adamas

​The nearby island of Kimolos
​Just a half-hour ferry boat ride from the village of Pollonia, is the picturesque small island of Kimolos, with gorgeous beaches, quaint shops and restaurants with tasty food. We took a long swim at the very popular beach of Prassa, and later had lunch at the friendly Cyclades Cafe, at Horio, the main village, serving a wide menu of tasty traditional Greek dishes. By the parking lot serving the village of Horio, purchase Traditional Greek Products and sweets prepared by the hands of Constantinos, the kind owner of the store (tel.: 228 705 1293).