The Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece: A Complete Island Guide

Published October 14, 2026

Editor’s Note: If you’re starting to plan out your time in Milos or considering adding it to your island-hopping itinerary, this guide is for you. I’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Milos, plus where to stay, with helpful tips.

During my five-week trip to the Greek islands (my second time visiting!), Milos won the best island for dramatic landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and unique beaches. Milos was naturally stunning, and from catching sunset at Sarakiniko to swimming at colorful volcanic beaches, it was even more breathtaking in person.

I spent a week on the island with my family, beginning our Cycladic island-hopping trip here as it was so easy to get to with a quick, direct flight from Athens (you can also ferry too from Piraeus!). And as the island has become more popular over the years for its incredible beaches, it still felt like there were sleepy corners of the island to enjoy.

Milos is really an island to immerse in the natural landscape — it’s the spot to be wowed by sheer, colorful volcanic cliffs and moonscape coastlines with caves. The towns here are not wildly built up, but rather small, with the hilltop town of Plaka and the Port of Adamas having the highest concentration of restaurants and shops. It makes Milos a more beach- and water-focused island than anything, which I think is important to understand.

If you love exploring unique beaches that are even more dramatic in person, want to layer in good food, and stay in unique accommodations like traditional boathouses, then Milos is for you. I’ve put the very best of my trip into this guide so you know the right things to do in Milos, what not to miss, where to stay on the island, and my vetted restaurants to dine at.

The Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

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Quick Tips Before Visiting Milos

Before getting into the best things to do, I recommend looking at some of the travel logistics for your trip.

How Many Days in Milos is Enough?

For a first visit, I recommend at least four full days to see Milos. The island has a lot to see, so three nights and four full days will give you ample time to do the main towns, see the famous beaches, and enjoy the landscape. With every day after that, there is always something to do and nearby day trips.

• Four Days in Milos: Sarakiniko, fishing villages, Plaka, and Southern Coast.
• Five+ Days in Milos: All of the above, plus a boat trip to Kleftiko Caves or a day trip to Kimolos.

Is it Worth Visiting Milos, Greece?

Yes! It’s worth visiting Milos if you love dramatic landscapes, one-of-a-kind beaches, and a handful of charming towns to visit. It is not nearly as built up as the neighboring islands of Paros, Santorini, or Mykonos.

How to Get Around Milos

Getting to Milos by Plane

Milos does have an airport, Milos Airport (MLO), with regular flights to/from Athens. If you’re coming from Athens, it’s an easy non-stop, 45-minute flight with either Aegean Airlines (Olympic Air) or SKY Express. We flew into Milos from Athens ourselves, and it was quite easy.

Getting to Milos by Ferry

If you’re already in the Cycladic islands or want to ferry from Athens, there are high-speed ferries and traditional ferries available that arrive and depart from Milos’ port of Adamas. We used Ferryhopper for all of our ferries through our 5 weeks in Greece, and found it very easy to use. I found it helpful to add Ferryhopper’s Flexi service, which lets you change your ticket up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability and any fare difference. It’s good to know that outside of the peak season, the ferry schedules change.

• Milos Ferry from Athens — For Milos, there is a high-speed ferry from Athens Piraeus that takes 2.5 hours. This route is popular and needs to be booked in advance.
• Other Nearby Islands — With faster ferries, you can easily go to Santorini in 2 hours, Paros in 2 hours, and Sifnos in under an hour.

Getting Around Milos

• By Rental Car — The most convenient way to get around Milos is with a rental car, as it gives you the best access on the island. The roads are very well-marked, and the agency will give you a map of any roads that require an ATV and ones to avoid. You want to book any rental before you get to Milos, as there is limited inventory.
• By ATV — An ATV is helpful for the island if you want to access really remote beaches that are only accessible by off-roading. Otherwise, I’d opt to get a rental car.
• By Bus — While I did not use the public transport in Milos, I did see several travelers using the local bus system to explore the island. The central bus terminal is in Adamas, and flat tickets are paid in cash only for €2.00 per ride. The 7 main routes take you between the main villages, and various other single destinations like Paliochori and Sarakiniko.

Rental Car Tip: We used Avance Rent a Car for all our car rentals across 5 weeks and 4 islands on our Greece trip and had a great experience. Pick-ups and drop-offs were the fastest we’ve had anywhere, and the prices were quite reasonable. We ended up booking direct, as we found most of the main booking sites had very limited availability and much higher prices.

Best Time of Year to Visit Milos

If I had to pick the very best time to visit, it would be either June or September, because both see the fewest crowds. The Meltemi winds in Milos are the lowest come September, and the water is the warmest, so if you’re anticipating warm sea waters, come later in the season.

• May to June — May and June mark the beginning of the summer season, with the fewest crowds but the coolest temps. The island is still splendid to visit, with lots of sunshine, and while the sea is refreshing, you can swim.
• July to August — Peak summer crowds and heat are the main features of the peak summer months, but so are the Meltemi winds. You have to pick carefully which beach you visit based on the northerly winds.
• September to October — One of the best times of year, especially for those who want to swim. The sea is the warmest, crowds are gone, and there is generally less wind. Come mid-October, the island does start to shut down.
• October through April — This is off-season. Not a whole lot is open come the winter months, which means many hotels and restaurants have shut for the season. You can hike in April and October, but you’ll have fewer choices for places to stay and visit.

Is Milos easy to explore?

In general, I would say yes. The island is quite easy to visit and compact in a way that there is enough to do for a few days. This makes the effort of getting there worth it, as you can easily fill the days. Once on the island, the roads are well-marked, there are plenty of places to visit, and signage is clear.

Other Important Travel Tips

• Tipping — You can either round up or leave 5-10%, or even just a few euros.
• Language — English is widely spoken, but I recommend a few Greek phrases like “Kalimera,” which is good morning, or “Yasou,” which is hello. These go a long way when interacting.
• Money — I recommend carrying some cash for small vendors. Otherwise, major credit cards are fine and widely accepted.

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Where to Stay in Milos

For our week on Milos, we were able to snag a reservation at this traditional “syrma”, or boathouse in Firopotamos, and it was magical. We woke up every morning to the sea just out our door and took full advantage of our private patio for meals, plus included stand-up paddleboards. It’s one of the most unique accommodations I’ve stayed in during my Europe travels.

I have an entire guide on where to stay in Milos, with all of my favorite boathouses that I’ve saved over the years, plus incredible hotels to consider. For a first-time visit, I recommend basing yourself in one of the iconic fishing villages (Mandrakia, Firopotamos, or Klima) for beachfront boathouse stays, Plaka for traditional village charm, Pollonia for families, or the Southern Coast for upscale hotels.

My Top Tip: Book early as Milos is limited in hotel rooms, and the best Airbnbs like the boathouses book up quickly in the summer.

• Fishing Villages, for beachfront boathouses and unique stays
  Airbnbs: Blue Mare (Where I Stayed), Sirma Maris, Mimallis Syrma
• Plaka, for traditional village charm and dining
  Hotels: D3 Milos, Niove Suites, Odyssey Rock Milos
  Airbnbs: Odyssey Rock Athena Suite, Villa Efrosini, Sunset Villa
• Southern Coast, for luxury hotels and beach stays
  Hotels: Artemis Seaside Resort, Eréma, a Member of Design Hotels, Volcano Luxury Suites, Golden Milos Beach House
  Airbnbs: Cave Beach House, Manis-Sirma, Ninos House Villa
• Pollonia, for quiet stays and families
  Hotels: Captain Zeppos, Salt Suites, Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa, Phos Suites
  Airbnbs: Maison Esperia, BlueNote Milos Boathouse, Koufiakas Boathouse
• Adamas, for ferry convenience and short stays
  Hotels: Portiani Suites, Arco Solium Suites, Olea Bay Hotel, Scylla Concept Suites
  Airbnbs: Esperos Seaside Suites, The Windmill, Sunshine Apartment

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What to Do in Milos

Visiting the Fishing Villages (Mandrakia, Firopotamos, Klima)

Some of the best corners of Milos to spend time in are its historic fishing villages. There are a handful across the island, and each has a different draw to it. I really enjoyed my time staying in Firopotamos (only a beach here) and exploring the others nearby.

Mandrakia

Mandrakia is a small fishing village that is mostly now boathouses turned into vacation rentals. It’s a good spot to go lay out on the pier docks, and then get a meal at Medusa just above the cove. Even if you come for just a stroll, it’s worth it as it’s quite charming and scenic on the sea’s edge.

Firopotamos

If you want a fishing village to swim in for a half-day, Firopotamos is where to go. There is a proper beach here, and many people sit out on the pier to sunbathe and eat a picnic. When calm, it’s flat like a pool here.

Klima

The most colorful and largest fishing village is Klima, and worth visiting for a meal at the restaurant Astakas right there on the water’s edge. Afterward, go for a stroll to see the colorful boathouses, and there’s even a small local shop called Pliatsiko selling sea-inspired things.

Explore Milos’ Historic Sites

During my time in Milos, I spent some time exploring some of the historic sites, most of which were near or in Plaka. These are the ones I’d look to visit if it is of interest:

Plaka Castle (Venetian Castle of Milos)

Plaka Castle sits right in Plaka, and while popular for sunset, it is an impressive historical site itself. Dating back to the medieval period, the Venetians helped establish and fortify this area in the 13th century. Today, it’s home to the churches of Panagia Thalassitra and Panagia Skiniotissa. It’s a very steep climb to get to the top of the settlement, but worth it for the views.

Catacombs of Milos

The most important historical site on the island is the impressively intact Catacombs from the early centuries AD, carved into the volcanic rock. The catacombs are a complex you can visit, with only a section open to the public. You’ll need to use stairs to access them, and you’ll be able to see the tombs and underground areas used for burials.

Ancient Theater of Milos

For archaeology, the Ancient Theatre of Milos, built during the Roman period, is like a small colosseum built between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Excavation and restoration work took place between 2010 and 2015, and today you can visit the space and stage. Made from marble with some sections restored, it’s a beautiful archaeological site to stop by when in Plaka. While here, stop by the replica of the Statue of Aphrodite of Milos (Venus), which is nice to see up close.

Feel Like You’re On The Moon at Sarakiniko

I know I mention Sarakiniko often in this guide, but I can’t stress enough how unique it is. This part of the coast is made of near-white volcanic rock. While in Sarakiniko, you can climb and hike up and down the coast for different viewpoints or areas to lay out in the sun. It’s also a very popular area that people come to cliff jump as well. I’d recommend either coming early in the morning or at sunset for wonderful light over the ocean and the rocks themselves.

Spend Time in Plaka

If I had to pick one village for visiting, shopping, and eating, it would be Plaka. The highest concentrations of shops, restaurants, and bars are all in Plaka. I ended up stopping in three times while on the island for meals because there was so much choice here. I’d come late afternoon, go for a stroll to peruse the shops, get sunset drinks to take out to the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa, and then follow it with a meal in the village. There are a few things to visit here, like the Venetian Castle, the Archaeological Museum of Melos, and the Marmara Sand Museum.

Go Wine Tasting at Kostantakis Cave Winery

One unique thing to do on the island, and a welcome break from spending time on beaches and in villages, is a visit to Kostantakis Winery. Built into a cave just outside of Pollonia, the winery is open to the public for wine tours, getting wine by the glass, or visiting their wine shop. It’s a family-run winery that has been open since 2012 and has helped revive wine production on the island of Milos. You’ll get to try Greek white varieties like Assyrtiko, Malagousia, Monemvasia, and then red Greek wines like Mavrotragano and Mandilaria. I popped in without a reservation and ended up just sitting down to a glass of wine under the shaded trees, and it was really lovely.

Travel Tip: Guided tours cost €55 per person for two hours and take you through the vineyards to learn about production, followed by a wine tasting. You must make an advance reservation.

Take a Day Trip to Kleftiko Caves

The most popular day trip to do in Milos is a boat excursion to the famous Kleftiko Caves. It’s a remote section of Milos’s coast that is best accessed by boat. Depending on your route, you can do a half-day or full-day trip, and the guided tours often include snorkeling stops to swim. You can also consider renting your own boat as well. I tried on two different days to get out to the caves, but the winds were too high for our family, so we were bummed to miss this. With the research I did and recommendations from friends, this is what I recommend:

• Best 1/2 Day Guided Boat Tour to Kleftiko Caves: 1/2 Day Kleftiko | Small Group Yacht Kleftiko Tour | 1/2 Day Catamaran Tour (Best choice for indoor space)
• Best Full Day Guided Boat Tour to Kleftiko Caves: Full Day Cruise with Snorkelling/Lunch | Full Day Cruise with Meals
• Best Private Boat Rental (no license needed) for Kleftiko Caves: Full to Half Day

Have a Beach Day Based on the Meltemi Winds

I have an entire section on the best beaches in Milos below, but let me stress the importance of having a beach day based on the northern Meltemi Winds. We learned this lesson once, the hard way, thinking we could show up on a windy Meltemi day to the northern beach of Pollonia. It was so windy, we couldn’t get in the water as it was rough and cold.

One of my takeaways from my time in Milos is that not enough travel guides talk upfront about how real the Meltemi winds are and how they impact your beach days. These northern winds start to pick up in late May and last through summer, so chances are you will experience them. My suggestion is to read the wind charts in the morning BEFORE deciding where to go spend time on the beach. On a strong northern wind day, the best wind-sheltered beaches on Milos to go to are protected bays and south-coast beaches. I’d look at Firiplaka, Paleochori, or Provatas.

Stay in a Syrma (Boathouse)

Staying in a syrma in Milos deserves its own section because it is quite unique to the island of Milos. Milos has the highest concentration of these traditional boathouses that have been converted into private vacation rentals over the years. Most are set in the main fishing villages, with each unit varying in size and style. Most are two-level houses that you rent, with the bottom floor opening up to the beach or water’s edge. The second floor usually has a patio that is private, with a room attached to it.

After our week sleeping in a boathouse, I can’t recommend it enough. Every night we fell asleep to the sound of the sea outside of our window. Mornings and evenings were very quiet, as we had the cove to ourselves before crowds arrived midday. It’s one of those “unique to Milos” accommodations that are worth seeking out while there. In my where to stay in Milos guide I’ve rounded up my favorites and listed my top 10 favorites here:

• Where I Stayed: Blue Mare | 1 Br | 2-Floor with Terrace | Firopotamos
• Aquamarine | 2 Br | On Beach | Firopotamos
• Endless Blue | 1 Br | Large Terrace | Firopotamos
• Sirma Maris | 1 Br | Cave House | Mandrakia
• Esperanza Fisherman’s House | 1 Br | Large Private Patio | Mandrakia
• Fisherman’s House | 2 Br | Balcony | Klima
• Mimallis Syrma | 2 Br | Great Design | Klima
• Aqua House 2 | 2 Br | Secluded Cove | Agios Konstantinos
• Cave Beach House | 1 Br | Boathouse on Provatas Beach
• Manis-Sirma | 1 Br | Boathouse on Provatas Beach

Catch Sunset From One of The Island’s Best Spots

Sunsets in the Cyclades are always magical, and with the sun setting west over the bay of Milos towards Antimilos, there are a few spots to consider going for an iconic sunset.

• Panagia Tourliani Chapel — One gem of a spot that is easy to access and has no crowds is Panagia Tourliani Chapel, just below the village of Trypiti. It’s a classic white chapel, with a deck around it to see sunset.
• Klima — The village of Klima is the best waterfront location for the sunset right there across from it. It does get busy, so I’d arrive a bit before and bring some drinks with you to enjoy at the docks.
• Plaka Castle — As one of the highest points, make the climb to the Venetian castle to catch sunset from above the island and have 360-degree views.
• Utopia Caffe — One of the best bars and sunset spots in Plaka. If you can’t get a table here, I’d walk over to the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa and sit at the edge of the wall.

Take a Day Trip to Kimolos

One thing I did not get to do because I ran out of time was taking a day trip to the nearby island of Kimolos. With frequent ferries departing out of Pollonia and only taking 20-25 minutes to cross (tickets sold right there, day of), it’s one of the easiest islands to visit for the day from Milos. You can bring your rental car, which makes it easier to explore the island. With a full day on Kimolos, you can head to local beaches like Goupa Beach or Karras Beach and enjoy restaurants.

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The Best Beaches to Visit in Milos

There are a handful of standout beaches in Milos to add to your list. I’ve included notes on which are affected the most by the Meltemi winds as well. These are my top choices:

Sarakiniko

The most famous of them all, Sarakiniko, with its volcanic rock landscape, looks like a scene from the moon. It’s stunning. In fact, we visited twice just to experience it in two different lights, both during the day and at sunset. Sarakiniko is more of a place to go sunbathe and sit on the rocks, or go cliff-jumping (very popular here). The blue-green water here at midday contrasts stunningly against the rock formations.

• Best For: Photography, landscapes, and sunbathing
• Beach Style: Very little sand, hardly any at all. Most people sit out on the rocks.
• When to Visit: Morning or Sunset for fewer crowds.
• Good to Know: No shade here. Keep this in mind and bring water. When jumping off cliffs, take extra caution for water depths. The rocks here can also feel sharp on your feet. I’d recommend tennis shoes for the best grip.
• Parking: There is a dedicated free parking lot here, but it fills up fast, and then you walk down about 15 minutes to the main area. If you plan to spend an afternoon, arrive earlier than later.
• Food Options: A seasonal food truck opens up and sells drinks, but not guaranteed, so bring your own.

Firopotamos

The beach we stayed at in Milos was Firopotamos, a very picturesque cove on the northern coast not far from Plaka. We had many beach days here in the morning when the water was flat like a pool. The water is clear and clean here, and easy to swim in if there is no wind.

• Best For: Swimming, stand-up paddleboards, and families
• Beach Style: Small strip of sand that is a mix between sand and pebbles.
• When to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon. Midday is very busy.
• Good to Know: Only visit on non-windy days if you want turquoise water.
• Parking: Parking is super limited, with spots down at the beach only for guests staying in accommodations, and the rest at the top of the hill with a small lot.
• Food Options: There is supposed to be a beach bar, but it never opened while we were there. I’d say it’s unreliable.

Plathiena

We discovered this stunning beach by accident one day, and ended up spending a few hours because we loved it so much. It’s one of the few proper beaches on the northern side, set in an inlet on the north side near Plaka.

• Best For: Families, swimming, and snorkeling
• Beach Style: Mostly sandy beach with some pebbles. The water is clear and very shallow for several yards offshore.
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: There is no shade, so bring an umbrella.
• Parking: Street parking is limited, but usually you can get a spot.
• Food Options: One full-service beach bar here, Plathiena Foodies Beach Bar, that runs seasonally. We took lunch to go from here and ate it on the beach.

Pollonia Beach

A very easy beach to visit in the north is Pollonia. Set right in the heart of the village, you’re there and can enjoy the turquoise waters. And while it’s not super dramatic in scenery, it is a very laid-back and easy choice, especially with kids on a non-windy day.

• Best For: Families and relaxed swimming.
• Beach Style: Very sandy and flat.
• When to Visit: Anytime!
• Good to Know: It gets blown away by the Meltemi winds. Do not go on a windy day.
• Parking: Lots of parking options at the two main Pollonia parking lots (Lot 1, Lot 2), about a 15-minute walk in.
• Food Options: Lots of restaurants in Pollonia!

Paralia Firiplaka

With a stretch of volcanic beaches on the southern shores, our favorite was Firiplaka with its rainbow of colors on the cliffside. The beach here is dramatic in landscape, and sits right at the base of the hillside edge. And while it’s very remote, it has a few amenities on the beach, which makes it easy.

• Best For: A long beach day, swimming, paid seasonal umbrella rentals.
• Beach Style: Very long stretch of sand and pebbles down the beach with cliffs.
• When to Visit: Late morning, once the sun is up, to enjoy the full colors.
• Good to Know: It’s a proper walk from the parking lot to get here. Bring everything with you and stay for a few hours.
• Parking: One long dirt road has parking. It can be tricky, so be sure to take your time.
• Food Options: There is a seasonal beach bar that opens.

Paralia Paleochori (Paliochori)

A great stretch of beach on the southern coast known for its volcanic activity is Paleochori. It’s one of the more built-up beaches on the southern coast, with several restaurants and seasonal beach bars that open during the summer. It’s a very beautiful, easygoing beach on the south side.

• Best For: Long beach day and dining
• Beach Style: Sand and pebbles
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: It’s well equipped and mixes both commercial and natural well
• Parking: Some lots at the top of the beach, and it’s a short walk
• Food Options: Several restaurants and beach bars down the beach

Tsigrado Beach

Famous for the ladder that descends down onto the beach, Tsigrado Beach is very small yet famous for its blue cove. You can also arrive by boat. It’s good to know this is not one to visit with kids, because when we went this summer the ladder was no longer there, and parts were missing, with more of a rope to lower down. However, people were still there enjoying the very picturesque beach.

• Best For: Adventurous travelers and remote coves
• Beach Style: Small sandy cove under a cliff
• When to Visit: Earlier in the day due to limited space
• Good to Know: You’ll need to pass through a narrow rock passage by way of a ladder and rope. Wear good shoes.
• Parking: A small dirt lot above.
• Food Options: None. The closest is Firiplaka.

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Where to Eat in Milos

Editor’s Note: I do ample research on where to eat in each destination I visit because I believe this is an equally valuable part of the trip when traveling somewhere new. I like a mix of modern and traditional cuisine, so this list represents a bit of all the best places to eat in Milos.

KYRA

One of our first meals of the trip was at the restaurant Kyra at the base of Plaka, set under the trees. It was one of our best meals, with traditional Greek cuisine and a range of pasta dishes and pizza as well. Very easy with families, as there is something for everyone, like fries, too.

Medusa

The most famous restaurant on the island is Medusa, set above the fishing village of Mandrakia, right on the water’s edge. You need to show up at least 20 minutes before opening to get in line, as it’s no reservations and fills up by opening. The food here is not necessarily the “most luxurious” but rather very fresh seafood done simply and well. I had the squid and fried small fish, and really enjoyed it, plus the team there was very friendly.

Astakas 

Now for upscale seafood, Astakas is the spot to pre-reserve a table by the water. This was one of the more elegant meals we had over a long lunch. The food was fantastic, like the classic Cycladic salad, the fish tartar of the day, and then their signature sea bream over a vegetable puree.

Kivotos ton Gefseon

We came into Kivotos ton Gefseon a few times, right at the beginning of Pollonia. It’s a cafe meets bakery, with ice cream and a small grocery store. Their coffee was so good; the iced freddos were frothy and creamy. It’s nice to head back to the patio and sit under the trees as well.

Artemis Bakery

In the port of Adamas, Artemis Bakery is a good spot for classic Greek pastries from orange cake to bougatsa. You can easily get enough here to make a beach picnic as well, so it’s a good stop, and there is easy street parking out front.

AKROTIRI “AUTHENTIC GREEK CUISINE”

In Pollonia on the port edge is a line of restaurants; we first reserved for Nama, but ended up walking into AKROTIRI last minute when Nama was closed. The food was great, classic Greek tavern food, from Dakos salad to grilled octopus, and our daughter loved her pork skewers.

Cafe Palaios

If you go into Plaka, don’t miss Cafe Palaios, the best spot for the famous orange cake and the Konafe with pastry cream.

Verina Coffee

A sweet little wine bar and cafe that is open all day long in Plaka. Come here for coffee in the morning and then aperitivo in the evening.

Pelagos Restaurant

There are a handful of sea-view restaurants in Paleochori, and we walked in last-minute into Pelagos. Just down from it is the famous high-end Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant (res-needed; they cook their food in the volcanic sand!), and this one is a more casual option just down from it. We loved it. It was easy, the food was fresh, and the tables set above the ocean had wonderful sunset views.

Archontoula

For traditional Greek cuisine in Plaka, Archontoula was literally packed for every meal. I snagged a quick walk-in table early evening for a quick bite, and I get the hype. It’s classic tavern food, but so fresh. The moussaka was some of the best I had on the island. I was also able to try the local beer from SYRMA, a microbrewery and beer shop around the corner.

Restaurant OKTO

Up on the hill in Trypiti (the smaller village next to Plaka), there are a handful of restaurants that all sit on the cliff’s edge with beautiful sea views. One of them is OKTO, known for its upscale food and seafood. I ate here one night on my own. The food was really great, one of the best meals I had on the island, especially the grilled octopus. *Reserve in advance

Monk Cafe

A good spot in Trypiti next to Plaka to get everything from sandwiches to breakfast to go. We grabbed a quick lunch here before getting on to our ferry.

Plathiena Foodies Beach Bar “Sunrise to Sunset”

Just next to Plathiena Beach (a total gem!!), was this beach bar. We had food to go from here one afternoon, and it was good, and most importantly, easy. You can get drinks from the bar as well.

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The Best Islands to Visit Before or After Milos

Milos makes for a wonderful starting/ending point for island hopping, and part of any Cycladic island itinerary. For all ferries in the Cyclades, you need to pre-reserve your seats as they sell out. We used Ferryhopper for all our ferry tickets and were really pleased with how easy it was and the ability to book changeable tickets. These are the islands I would pair Milos with:

Sifnos (45-60 Minute Ferry)

The island we went to just after Milos was the small island of Sifnos. Our time there was incredible, days spent hopping from laid-back beaches to some of the best restaurants we went to during our weeks in Greece. Sifnos is known for ceramics, traditional cuisine, and idyllic beach taverns — the island is very different from Milos in terms of landscape. Sifnos is where to go if you’re a foodie (the best restaurants in the Cyclades are here) and if you want an easygoing island to visit.

Paros (1.5-2 Hour Ferry)

If you’re looking for a bigger island to visit, Paros is the best choice as it’s one of the largest islands in the Cyclades. You could easily spend a week-plus here, combining it with time on the smaller adjacent island of Antiparos. Paros is more commercial than Milos or Sifnos, with lots of development on the island, larger beaches, tours, and plenty of hotels to choose from. We spent 10 days on this island after our time in Sifnos and Milos, and it felt different from the others.

Santorini (2-Hour High-Speed Ferry)

For those who haven’t been to Santorini, you can ferry from Milos on the high-speed ferry in about two hours. It’s somewhere very unique in the Cyclades, with the iconic whitewashed buildings set high up on the cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea. I’ve been twice personally, and while it does feel very touristy, 2-3 nights there is still wonderful to experience the sheer beauty of the island.

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