The Ultimate Milos Travel Guide for First-Timers

Are you planning to visit Milos for the first time but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, this Milos travel guide is here to help you out!

Located in the Aegean Sea, Milos is part of the Cyclades island group and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. And it’s no wonder why – the island is absolutely stunning, with its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and quaint villages.

If you’re planning a trip to Milos, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip. This Milos travel guide was specifically put together with first-time visitors in mind and it includes all the essential information you need to know, from how to get around the island to where to stay and what to eat.

Let’s get into it!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Milos Travel Guide: The Basics

Location

Milos is located in the Aegean Sea, about 150 km (95 miles) from Athens. It’s part of the Cyclades island group, which includes other popular Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Naxos.

The island has a total area of 151 km2 (58 sq mi) and a coastline of 117 km (73 miles). This might sound big but in reality, the western half of the island is considered a protected area and therefore it’s uninhabited.

The eastern side of Milos is where all the action takes place and it’s here where you’ll find the island’s main towns, villages, and beaches.

Trip Length

Ideally, you should spend at least 3 days in Milos to have enough time to explore the island. This gives you enough time to visit the main towns and villages, go for a swim at some of the best beaches, and take a boat ride along the shores.

Currency

In Milos, as in the rest of Greece, the currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted on the island but make sure you have some cash with you as well, especially if you’re planning to visit any of the smaller villages.

Visa

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, all you need to visit Milos is a valid passport or ID card. Tourists from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can stay in Greece for up to 90 days without a visa. For citizens of other countries, please check the visa requirements for Greece.

Best Places to Visit in Milos

There are so many great places to visit on Milos that it can be hard to decide where to go. To help you plan your trip, as part of this Milos travel guide I’ve put together a list of the best places on the island that you absolutely can’t miss!

• Sarakiniko Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Milos, Sarakiniko is a must-visit. This beach is known for its white cliffs and turquoise waters. You will feel like you’ve just landed on the moon!
• Plaka: The oldest village on Milos, Plaka is a great place to wander around and soak up the traditional Greek atmosphere. Make sure to visit the Venetian Castle for sunset and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants with panoramic views.
• Kleftiko: Located in the southwest corner of the island, the gorgeous rock formations at Kleftiko are a must-visit on every Milos itinerary. Although the area can only be visited on a boat tour, it’s well worth the effort!
• Mandrakia: Mandrakia is one of the cutest fishing villages on the island. It’s a great place to visit if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy the scenic views. Stop for lunch at Medusa while you’re there!
• Firopotamos: Another unmissable fishing village on Milos, Firopotamos is located on the northeast coast of the island. This is a great place to relax by the sea and enjoy the tranquility of the village.
• Klima: This fishing village is mostly known for its colorful syrmata houses by the water. Sunsets are especially beautiful here!
• Ancient Theater of Milos: The ancient theater of Milos is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. This is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the history of Milos.
• Pollonia: Pollonia is one of the best places to stay on Milos but it’s also worth visiting for the day. This village is located on the northeast coast of the island and it’s a great place to relax by the sea. Make sure to try the fresh fish at one of the restaurants!
• Tsigrado Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Milos, Tsigrado is a must-visit. This beach is only accessible by boat or by climbing down a ladder so it’s definitely not for everyone but the views are totally worth it!
• Fyriplaka Beach: If you’re after something easier, make sure to stop by Fyriplaka Beach. It’s located right next to Tsigrado but it’s a lot easier to get to.

If you want to learn more about the best attractions, read my 3 day Milos itinerary and my guide to the best things to do in Milos!

Where to Stay on Milos

There are several great places to stay on Milos, depending on your preferences and budget. Generally speaking, the most popular towns are Adamantas, Plaka, and Pollonia but there are also some great hotels in more remote areas.

Adamantas is one of the best places to stay on Milos if you want to be close to the main port, as well as to some of the best restaurants and bars on the island.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Greek experience, Plaka is the perfect place for you. This is the oldest and most picturesque village in Milos, located only a 10-minute drive from Adamantas.

Pollonia is a great choice for those who want to be close to the beach. This village is located on the northeastern side of Milos and it’s also close to some great attractions such as Pachena Beach and Papafragas Caves.

If you want to know more about each area with pros and cons and hotel recommendations, make sure to check out my in-depth article about where to stay in Milos.

We stayed in Cave Suites Milos and absolutely loved it! It’s close to Sarakiniko Beach and every room comes with a private pool and sweeping sea views. If they’re fully booked or you’re looking for something else, you can check out these hotels:

• Luxury: Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel
• Mid-Range: Capetan Giorgantas
• Budget: Plaka Suites

Where to Eat in Milos

As well as being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Milos is also a foodie paradise. There are so many great places to eat on the island, from traditional Greek tavernas to chic beachfront restaurants.

To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of the best places to eat on Milos.

• Sirocco: Located in Paleochori Beach, this all-day volcanic restaurant is one of the best places to have dinner in Milos. During the summer months, they use the area’s geothermal energy to cook some of the dishes which makes it super unique.
• Medusa: Known for its delicious seafood selection, Medusa is a great lunch spot while you’re exploring Mandrakia. The views of the village and the sea are absolutely incredible.
• Nostos Seafood Experience: One of the best seafood restaurants in Milos, Nostos offers an incredible dining experience. The restaurant is located in Adamantas and it has a beautiful terrace with views of the sea.
• O! Hamos! Tavern: A traditional Greek taverna located close to Adamantas, O! Hamos! is one of the best places to try the local cuisine. Make sure to try the Greek salad and the grilled lamb.
• Gyros of Milos: One of the most popular places to eat on Milos, Gyros of Milos is a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch. The restaurant is located in Adamantas and it specializes in, you guessed it, gyros!
• Kokkino: Hands down one of the best breakfast places on the island! Located in the heart of Plaka, Kokkino offers a range of healthy breakfast options as well as some amazing coffees.

In case you want to know about more amazing places to eat on the island, make sure to check out my article about the best restaurants in Milos!

How to Get to Milos

Flying to Milos

The most convenient way to get to Milos is by flying. The island has its own airport, located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the capital of Plaka.

However, since this is a domestic airport, there are only a few flights per day and the selection is quite limited. At the moment, only two airlines are operating direct flights to Milos from Athens: Olympic Air and Sky Express. The flight from Athens takes about 40 minutes.

If you’re coming from another city or country, you’ll first have to fly to Athens and then take a connecting flight to Milos.

The easiest and quickest way to get from Milos airport to your hotel is by taking a taxi, but you can also rent a car (which I strongly recommend), or use the public bus. There is one bus route between Adamantas and the airport but since buses don’t depart that frequently, I wouldn’t recommend this option.

Taking the ferry to Milos

If you’re already in Greece and would like to take the ferry to Milos, there are several companies operating ferries to the island.

The main port of Milos is located in Adamantas, from where you can easily get to any other town or village in Milos by public bus, rental car, or taxi.

You’ll find daily ferries departing from Athens, as well as from the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Ios.

The ferry ride from Athens to Milos takes about 3.5 hours and costs around €80, while the journey from Santorini is slightly shorter at 2 hours and costs around €95.

Depending on which island you’re coming from, there are different companies operating the ferry route but the most popular one is Seajets. I recommend using Ferryscanner to check the latest ferry schedules and fares!

How to Get Around in Milos

Public transport

There is a public bus service on Milos with the central bus terminal located in Adamantas. The bus network covers the entire island and you can use it to get to almost any town or village.

The most popular tourist destinations, such as Sarakiniko Beach and Pollonia, are served by multiple buses per day. However, if you want to go off the beaten path, keep in mind that bus schedules can be very limited.

The fare is €1.80 per person and it’s best to have the exact amount ready. You can buy your ticket from the driver when you get on the bus. Buses run on different timetables depending on the season so make sure to check the bus schedule in advance.

Car Rental

If you want to explore Milos at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. This way, you’ll be able to visit all the remote beaches and villages that are not accessible by public transport.

Renting a car in Milos during the peak tourist season starts from around €50-60 per day excluding fuel but if you’re traveling during the shoulder season, you might find rental car deals for €25-30 per day.

The main car rental companies are AutoUnion and Avance. They all have their main offices in Adamantas but you can also ask for your car to be delivered to the airport in case you’re arriving by plane.

If you’re planning to rent a car on Milos, I would recommend doing it in advance to make sure you get the best rate. We always use Discover Cars to compare prices and get the best offers.

Taxis

If you don’t want to drive, taking a taxi is another option. Since Milos is a pretty small island, you’ll only find around 15 taxis on the island.

You’ll find the taxi rank in Adamantas so if you’re staying there and you only want to travel to one or two places a day, taking a taxi can be a good option. You can also arrange for a taxi in advance to pick you up at a specific time after you’ve done your activity for the day.

The most recent prices will be displayed on the windows of the taxis but a ride from Adamas to Pollonia should cost around €20.

Best Time to Visit Milos

High season

The high season on Milos runs from mid-June until the end of August. This is when the weather is at its best, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F).

However, since this is also the busiest time of year, you can expect higher prices for accommodation and activities. If you’re planning to visit Milos during the high season, I would recommend booking your accommodation and activities in advance.

Shoulder season

May and September are considered the shoulder seasons on Milos. The weather is still very good at this time of year but it’s not as hot as in the summer months.

This is a great time to visit Milos if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, lower prices, and fewer tourists. If you want to swim in the sea, the water is the warmest in September but it might be still a bit too cold in May.

If you visit at the very beginning of May, some of the restaurants will still be closed but most of them should be open by the end of the month.

Low season

The low season on Milos runs from October until the end of April. Although the weather is still mild, you can expect many rainy and windy days.

This is also the quietest time of year, with most of the restaurants and bars being closed. Ferries still operate during these months but the schedule is more limited which means it’s significantly harder to get to Milos.

I would only recommend visiting Milos during the low season if you’re looking for a very quiet and relaxed experience. Otherwise, I would say go for the shoulder season!