Milos is one of Greece’s volcanic islands, located in the heart of the Aegean Sea. It is known as one of the most laid-back and most exotic Greek islands, and there are plenty of opportunities here to sight-see, enjoy delicious food, and learn about Greece’s rich history.
Outlined below are 13 essential activities that every traveler should add to their itinerary when prepping for a trip to Milos.
1. Take a Stroll Through the Mandrakia Fishing Village
Mandrakia Fishing Village is one of the top tourist hot spots in Milos. This is a fun place to explore on foot, and it’s regularly referred to as the prettiest fishing port in the world.
Not only will you get to enjoy gorgeous views of the sea here, but you’ll also get to take cool pictures of the classic “syrmata” cottages, with brightly colored boat garages located on the ground floor.
While you’re in the Mandrakia Fishing Village, you should also plan to eat at Medusa, the village’s only restaurant. Keep in mind that it gets quite busy (especially during the summer), so it’s important to put your name down early to reserve your spot.
2. Climb Volcanic Rocks in Sarakiniko
For those who are a little more adventurous, a trip to Sarakiniko Beach is a great choice.
Located on the north shore of Milos, this beach is home to stunning grey-white volcanic rock, which has been carved by the sea into incredible shapes. Some people have compared it to the surface of the moon (including the locals, who describe the beach’s landscape as “Lunar”).
3. Tour the Venetian Castle
If you want to enjoy a little slice of history during your trip to Milos, be sure to explore the Venetian Castle in the town of Plaka.
This castle dates back to the 13th century, when Milos existed under Venetian rule. It is the only attraction remaining in Milos that bears Venetian influence.
4. Sip Some Wine in Plaka
A trip to Milos (or any of the Greek islands) wouldn’t be complete without a little (or a lot of) wine. Plaka is home to a fun restaurant called Phatses (Φάτσες in Greek) that features cute decorations, live shows, and delicious wine. The restaurant’s owner has been known to regularly smash plates (an old Greek custom) for fun, too.
5. Shop for Souvenirs at Marmara Sand Museum
Marmara Sand Museum in Plaka is the place to go if you want to buy unique souvenirs. The gallery features a variety of pieces made from local sand and exhibits sands collected from all over the world.
6. Enjoy Sweet Treats at Bakeries and Cafes
For travelers with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of great bakeries and cafes to visit, including Kokkino Podilato (known for its sweet crepes and famous guests, like Hailey and Justin Bieber) and Paleos Pastry, both of which are located in Plaka, and Kivotos Ton Gefseon, which is located in Pollonia.
7. Soak Up the Sun on a Gorgeous Beach
A trip to the island of Milos ought to include a visit to at least one of the island’s gorgeous, secluded beaches.
Firiplaka is the most tropical-looking beach in Milos and is easier to get to than Tsigrado, which requires you to climb down a small cliff with the help of a rope and ladder, and Kastanas, which can only be reached by track road or boat (the journey is worth it to see the brightly colored rocks that litter the shores, though).
8. Explore an Old Sulfur Mine at Thiorichia Beach
Thiorichia Beach is another good beach to visit if you want to be a bit more adventurous during your stay in Milos.
This beach is backed by an old sulfur mine. While you’re there, you can explore small mining caves as well as some abandoned buildings to get a glimpse of what life in Milos used to look like.
9. Take Colorful Pictures at the Fishing Village of Klima
Klima is another beautiful fishing village to visit in Milos. When you search for photos of the island, pictures of Klima’s stunning seafront houses nearly always come up.
While you’re here, you can also explore Klima’s adorable little church or visit Pliatsiko, a fun and funky souvenir shop.
10. Get Your Grub on at Milos’s Best Restaurants
Medusa may be the only restaurant in Plaka, but there are plenty of other great places to eat on the island. Psaravolada is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and Trapatselis offers incredible seafood. O! Hamos! is an adorable Greek tavern, and Methismeni Politeia serves Greek favorite dishes.
11. Book a Boat Tour to Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a stunning beach and one of the most famous in Milos. The easiest way to get to this beach, with its beautiful white rocks, is by boat. While here, you can explore caves and tunnels and also do some snorkeling.
12. Take a Spooky Tour of the Tripiti Village Catacombs
Tripiti Village is home to the Catacombs of Tripiti. This is a must-visit for adventurous travelers who want to experience a fascinating subterranean cemetery and learn about Greek history during their visit.
13. Explore the Ancient Theater of Milos
Finally, you must include a trip to the Ancient Theater of Milos on your agenda.
This is the site where the Aphrodite of Milos statue (the armless depiction of the Greek Goddess of Beauty) was found. The statue now resides in the Louvre gallery in Paris, but you can still explore the site of its discovery during your visit.