A mythical island at the west edge of Cyclades, a volcanic, gorgeous land with rare natural beauty. Milos is a blessed land, with virgin unexplored nature, stunning waters and has become a dream destination for many people around the world.
The island, forever associated with one of the greatest masterpieces, housed in the Louvre, the glorious Venus de Milo has turned into one of the most popular travel destinations in the Mediterranean. A setting for some of the most glamourous fashion shoots, the place where the typical Greek light and timeless finesse come together, and an essential stop on the itinerary for some of the world’s biggest celebrities when they visit Greece, Milos is constantly evolving and developing while at the same time maintaining its unique local identity.
To truly see the island’s essence, you’ll have to discover its authentic side, the one that combines the Cycladic tradition and its long history with a more modern image. Explore the local flavours fusing with modern gastronomy, see some of the most stunning sunsets in the world, swim in crystal-clear waters, diving off a lovely sailboat.
A swim in Sarakiniko
A place of otherworldly beauty, bright, blinding white. It could be a set from a Star Wars movie, with the huge, smooth rocks stretching next to the turquoise waters, like a postcard from another planet. Clear waters that resemble a pool. But it’s the amazing Sarakiniko, the most famous beach in Milos, and one of the most famous in the world, just 5km from Plaka. Its beauty has made the front page of major travel magazines, while thousands of words have been written about it. But whatever you’ve heard or read about it, can’t compare to the feeling you’ll get when you reach it, and dive off the cliffs into the incredible gleaming waters. Or if you prefer the sand, you can stay in the small bay with the golden sand. Try to get here early in the morning to see Sarakiniko at its best, before the crowds arrive.
Sailboat trip
Two beautiful sailboats, built in Greece, cross the crystal waters around Milos. Thalassitra, a wonderful 20m trechandiri sailboat, and a lovely varkalas sailboat named Leloudo. They stand out with their vibrant decorative details and are ready to welcome you onboard for an exciting sea adventure.
Stamatis and Vangelis Lilis, two men with a true passion for the sea, have dedicated a lot of time and effort to create these two amazing sailboats to take visitors to see some of the best kept “secrets” of Milos. You can choose between two unforgettable routes, of different duration, or take both trips on different days to get a more complete sailing experience.
The first, that lasts 10 hours, goes around the island and reaches the lovely Poliegos island. At Kleftiko, with its marvellous instagrammable waters, you’ll stop for a swim and a meal on board, prepared by the skilled cook on the boat, with a selection of 10 different dishes to cater to everyone. Alternatively, you can go on the 6-hour trip, that starts from Adamantas, goes to Kleftiko and ends in Sikia, with a tasty meal served in Sikia, during sunset.
Staying at Skinopi Lodge
Located in a wonderful area with unobstructed views of the sea and the sunset, Skinopi Lodge offers privacy and peace at the edge of the Aegean. Built on a rock, right next to the sea, within the archaeological zone of the ancient city of Milos, it combines nature and culture.
Skinopi Lodge was designed in collaboration with some of the greatest Greek architects, aiming to intervene as little as possible to the virgin natural landscape, offering an opportunity to reconnect with nature. A calm Cycladic paradise of simplicity and refined beauty fading in its surroundings, a luxurious but minimal refuge that doesn’t compete with, but rather showcases the rare beauty of the nature that surrounds it.
The architectural design is inspired by the “sirmata” the traditional houses of the fishermen of Milos, that can be found in the village of Skinopi, next to the lodge. Built using local stone, the residences have large openings on every side, providing natural ventilation to the space, as well as outdoor kitchens and showers to provide the ultimate summer feel, and have been designed in a way that unites the interior with the outdoor space, offering amazing views of the sunset. The villas are surrounded by olive trees and an herbal garden with lavender, thyme and sage and have a view of the sea and the passing ships.
A tour of the abandoned mines
Milos has one of the richest subsoils in the Cyclades, with real treasures in it, which is not a very well-known fact, and that’s why there are many mines scattered around the island. One of the hardest to access places in Milos is at the same time one of the most stunning, resembling the surface of another planet in outer space.
The abandoned sulphur mines appear like pieces that have fallen off the rocks of the Cyclades. They now stand empty and deserted, a setting that feels like visiting another planet. When you get in the sea and look towards the shore, you’ll be thrilled by the image of the abandoned buildings.
After your swim, stroll around the abandoned facilities and look for the tracks that the wagon carrying the sulphur travelled on, as well as the miners buildings. Be careful as you explore the area, as there many materials strewn around.
Sunset in Plaka
You’ll visit the scenic Plaka, the island’s capital, many times during your stay. Paved alleys, cute shops, pink and purple bougainvillea trees climbing the walls and doors, churches with long histories and amazing views of the Aegean Sea, in one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades, that has a growing reputation due to its enchanting sunsets. During sunset, everything is covered in deep orange shades, making it look even sweeter and warmer and more welcoming.
Head upwards, towards the Kimisi tis Theotokou church, almost at the top of the village, behind the main square. Start early so that you’ll have time to get to the right place. Especially in July and August, people swarm the little church’s courtyard to see the sun sinking in the water, so it might not be that easy to get a good spot. Or you can head to Plaka’s Venetian castle, even higher up, for an unrivalled view, probably the best location to watch the setting sun and take photos with the orange-red sky in the background.
A stop at the catacombs
In the village Tripiti, near Milos’ ancient theatre, you’ll find one of the best-known sights of the island, a point of attraction for visitors.
The first early Christian cemetery, known as the catacombs, was carved in the area’s soft soil and dates back to the 2nd century AD. Extensive research in the area has shown that it is the first cemetery of the Christian community on the island, with three interconnected chambers, creating an otherworldly, but extremely interesting, setting sure to stimulate lovers of history and exploration.
Despite the fact that the catacombs were looted already since the 19th century, the locations of the stone plaques covering the chambers remain visible. Nowadays, you can only visit chamber B, and walk around it on a wooden platform. The other chambers are closed to the public, since landslides have caused significant damage to them. You can combine your visit to the catacombs with a stop at the location where, in 1820, the statue of Venus di Milo was found by farmer Georgios Kentrotas. There’s a plaque marking the exact spot, in the shadow of an olive tree.
The traditional festivals
Century old customs and important traditions remain alive on the island of Milos, where each year some of the most spectacular, and largest festivals in the Cyclades take place. Endless dancing, local costumes, bands playing live music till early in the morning, local mezze and great wine flows abundantly.
In Milos, the celebrations start early, since already 50 days after Easter the first large festival takes place on the island, at the church of Agia Triada, in Adamantas. Another large festival is the one that takes place in the village Apollonia, on July 26, on the feast day of Agia Paraskevi. On the week of August 15th, one of the most important celebrations in the Orthodox Church, there are festivals all over the island. Stop at the chapel of Kimisi tis Theotokou in Zefiria on August 14th, while on August 15th in Adamantas, the port, there are two big festivals that take place. Even in September there’s a large festival in Milos, on September 13th there’s a large festival held in Kaneria, while in September 26th at the Halakas location, there’s the festival of Agios Ioannis.
Diving with the Scubaholics
In Adamantas, just 10min from the port, you’ll find a diving centre called Scubaholics. Maria Loukia Vihou and Mihalis Vihos opened it in 2018, and continue to show us a great sea adventure, led by their great love of the sea.
On the Papikinos beach, at a lovely location at the east part of the island, with clear waters, you can explore the seabed with the guidance of experienced certified trainers, who can help even first-time divers.
The local culinary experience
Old recipes that have been impressively updated, made with local ingredients of the best quality, fresh seafood, excellent local wine. At the beautiful restaurants in Milos, next to some of the nicest beaches on the island, often with the sunset painting everything in warm colours, you’ll enjoy some of the tastiest summer meals of your life.
In “Astakas”, in the charming Klima, right next to the sea, you’ll order delicious appetizers based on classic Greek recipes and great fish, while at the restaurant “Ergina” in Tripiti, you’ll probably have the best traditional dishes on the island, served on a gorgeous veranda with amazing view. In beautiful Pollonia, again right next to the water, you’ll go to “Gialos” for creative Greek cuisine based on some local recipes.
And if you want to take breath-taking photos, then a stop at “Medousa” in Mandrakia, one of the most picturesque and cute villages on the island, is a must. Great fish dishes, and wonderful appetizers. In Adamantas, head to “Mikros Apoplous”, a great restaurant serving traditional dishes at an idyllic location on the island. Every day the caique brings a different catch, so make sure to ask for the day’s special before you order and prepare for an unforgettable meal with a view of the sea. In addition, at the traditional restaurant “O! Hamos”, also in Adamantas, you’ll taste great homemade food, bringing you one step closer to the island’s unique hospitality. They have sunbeds on the beach where you can enjoy a coffee and enjoy the sun, and they make delicious casserole dishes, with meat and dairy from their own farm.
A visit to Klima
One of the best-recognised locations on the island, Klima, a cute fisherman village that has featured in countless articles, has become a real attraction for visitors to Milos, and rightly so.
A narrow alley that stretches right in front of the sea is one of the most famous little promenades in the Cyclades, with the now world-famous “sirmata”, the distinctive fishermen houses, with the colourful doors on the ground floor where they kept their boats during the winter. Many of the sirmata have been now turned into rentals for tourists. The houses are amphitheatrically built, right in front of the water, and it will make you feel that you can dive right into the sea from the houses. It’s a very unique sight.
The sunset in Plaka is a must, but the sunset in Klima is equally impressive and charming. So, make sure you spend one of the days of your vacation in Klima, where you’ll also take some of the best summer photos.
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Milos: Τhe island with the stunning waters and the lovely landscapes
