Milos

Milos / Melos
ΜΗΛΟΣ

Klima village, Milos

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)[2] 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 early Christian catacombs, 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 housed in the Louvre) and the Asclepius of Milos, now in the British Museum) were discovered. Unlike more popular Greek islands, Milos is not considered a party island. Visitors arrive here in search of secluded beaches and peaceful holidays.

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

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 a admirable scenery. Milos is a destination for sea 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.

How to Get There
The island is accessible only by boat. To easily book your ferry tickets to Milos or some other island of the Aegean, go to Direct Ferries now! To rent a car once there, visit Discover Cars.

Villages to Visit
Plaka (the Chora of Milos), Trypiti, Plakes, Adamas, Triovasalos, Pollonia or Apollonia, Skinopi, Klima, Mandrakia, Emporios, Zefyria

Fourkovouni fishing village, Milos

Beaches
Palaiochori, Papafragas, Gerontas, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, Plathiena. 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.

Tsigrado Beach, 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 mesmerising shapes dominating the cove.

Little Venice of Milos
In the afternoon, take a stroll in the quaint, colorful hamlet above the water 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 holiday homes. Wander around the little town, level with the water, and wait for sunset.

Sunset at Plaka and the Castle
The tiles of the courtyard of Panagia tis Korfiatissas church warm your bare feet while you take your place to see one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean. Nearby, is charming Plaka, with the Catholic church of Panagias of Rodon, as well as inviting restaurants and quaint cafes. The capital of Milos was built in 1800 from the ancient stones of the castle. Climb up to the ruins and take time to enjoy the panoramic view from the courtyard of Panagias Thalassitra. In Plaka’s archaeological museum, you’ll find the goddess of love herself; a life-size replica of the Venus de Milo.

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

Best of Milos
Small Group Island Tour
$143.59

The best of Milos in one full day, an ideal option for ‘island hopping’ and people who don’t want to rent a car.

Includes: Papafragkas cave, Sarakiniko, Plaka, Catacombs, site where Venus de Milo was found, ruins of ancient town of Klima, ancient theater, the fishing village of Klima or Mandrakia and swimming in Palaiochori or Provatas

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Milos / MelosΜΗΛΟΣ

Milos / Melos
ΜΗΛΟΣ