Milos Highlights: Top travel tips for your perfect island getaway

We spent our autumn holidays on the Greek island of Milos, and I can honestly say it was love at first sight. Milos is part of the Cyclades in the southern Aegean and may remind you at first of Santorini or Mykonos, but it’s much quieter, more natural, and far more relaxed.

The island has a volcanic origin, which is immediately visible in the rocks, the colorful stone formations, and the many different beaches. And yes, the famous Venus de Milo was actually discovered here and is now housed in the Louvre.

We flew via Athens, which is by far the easiest way to get there. From Athens, small planes regularly fly to Milos. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Piraeus or other Cyclades islands. As soon as you arrive, you immediately notice the slower, more relaxed pace. No huge hotels and no mass tourism, just pure Greek island vibes.

Our Home by the Sea

For our week on Milos, we chose two super cozy places in a small bay in the north of the island. Firopotamos Beach is surrounded by mountains, quiet, and framed by a few whitewashed houses in the typical Cycladic style. Watching the sea from bed and sipping a morning coffee on the terrace while listening to the waves was simply priceless.

We spent the first few days in one of the stunning Vilos Suites. These are two converted boathouses right next to each other, now hosting guests in a cozy boho style. The view is spectacular, and in the off-season you almost have the beach to yourself, while in peak season quite a few day visitors drop by. Our neighbors were a lovely Australian couple we met on the first day. A chance conversation quickly turned into a little holiday friendship, and we spent the rest of the week doing lots of things together. A true holiday bonus.

Just a Short Stroll to a New Spot

After a few days we moved just a few steps down the same bay to another accommodation. The Blu Intenso Boathouse was just as cozy, with light colors, natural materials, and that relaxed vibe that fits Milos perfectly.

If you want to stay at Firopotamos Beach, we definitely recommend renting a car, otherwise it is really hard to get there and back. Even the nearest restaurants and supermarkets are not really within walking distance.

Firopotamos Beach was the perfect base for exploring the island. Here we show you the places, restaurants, and beaches we loved most on Milos.

Plaka, the heart of Milos

Plaka is the heart of Milos and one of those villages you fall in love with instantly. The white houses with colorful doors, narrow alleys, and small squares create a unique atmosphere. Everything feels calm, authentic, and yet lively. There are charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and inviting taverns where you can sit back and watch life go by.

A real highlight is the climb up to the old castle, the Kastro, where you can experience one of the island’s most beautiful sunsets. The view over the sea and surrounding bays is simply breathtaking. It’s best to bring a drink, sit on the wall, and just enjoy the moment.

Plaka also has a lot to offer when it comes to food. In the small tavernas, you’ll find fresh, traditional dishes and a relaxed atmosphere. We spent several evenings here enjoying great meals, a glass of wine, and views that are hard to forget.

Klima: the colorful fishing village and its traditional Syrmata

Klima is a tiny, incredibly photogenic village on Milos and perfect for Insta moments. Its charm comes mainly from its seaside location and the pretty boathouses with colorful doors, balconies, and shutters that add vibrant touches to the whitewashed houses.

The village has only a handful of residents and in high season many day-trippers visit to snap a photo in front of the picture-perfect backdrop. On the edge of Klima, a cozy taverna invites you to enjoy fresh fish and other Greek delicacies with a sea view.

In other villages like Firopotamos or Mandrakia, you can also discover the traditional boat houses called Syrmata. If you plan early, you even have the chance to stay overnight in one of these historic fishermen’s houses right by the water.

Tripiti: Windmills, Church, and Cycladic Style

Tripiti is a small charming village on Milos that is especially known for its traditional white windmills. They sit atop the hills and offer fantastic views of the sea and surrounding area. The Church of Agios Nikolaos stands out, proudly located on the Platia and surrounded by narrow winding streets.

Tripiti and Plaka are two of the highest villages on Milos, situated just below the Kastro hill. The villages feel like a connected ensemble where history, architecture, and typical Cycladic charm are closely intertwined. Here, you can truly experience the peaceful beauty of the island away from the beaches.

Our favorite restaurant in Tripiti is Okto, where you can enjoy delicious meals all day with a stunning view. We had breakfast there twice and absolutely loved it, so thumbs up!

Adamas on Milos: the lively harbor town

Adamas is the largest town on Milos and the heart of the island, especially for those arriving by ferry. The harbor is lively and bustling, where locals and travelers meet. Cafés, small shops, and tavernas line the promenade, inviting you to linger. It is perfect for a first coffee after arrival or a relaxed evening with a view of the water. We really enjoyed breakfast at Puerto Milos All Day Bar in the harbor, so we visited several times.

Adamas is also ideal for booking tours and activities, picking up a rental car, or simply strolling through the streets and discovering island life.

Our restaurant tip: O! Hamos! O! Hamos! is located just outside the center right by the water. You can sit comfortably in the shady, green courtyard and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere, accompanied by wine and simple but delicious tavern cuisine.

In front of O! Hamos! you can also rent sunbeds and spend a wonderful day at the beach. The water is shallow and the sandy beach is perfect for families with children

Mandrakia and the Taverna Medusa

Mandrakia is a small, idyllic fishing village on the north coast of Milos. From the moment you arrive, you feel the calm and charm of the place. The colorful boat garages right on the water create the classic postcard view. The whitewashed houses and Syrmata line the small bay in a picturesque way. Some have been lovingly converted into holiday homes, each offering the perfect view of the sea.

Like almost everywhere on the island, there is also a small church here, shining bright white in the sun. This makes the village feel even more welcoming and almost a little timeless.

On the edge of the village lies the Medusa Tavern, often counted among the best on Milos. Their specialty is fresh octopus, delicious and prepared in a traditional Greek style. You can also sit right by the sea, listen to the gentle sound of the waves, and simply enjoy the moment. Once you have been here, it is easy to see why time seems to stand still in Mandrakia.

Sarakiniko on Milos The Moon Landscape of the Cyclades

Sarakiniko is probably one of the most impressive places on Milos. The bright white volcanic rock formations look like they belong on another planet and contrast spectacularly with the deep blue waters of the Aegean. It is no wonder that Sarakiniko is one of the island’s most popular photo spots.

The bizarre landscape invites exploration, sunbathing, and pure awe. Some rocks are smooth and shaped like small waves, perfect for those brave enough to climb or jump into the water. Especially at sunset, Sarakiniko becomes a true highlight as the light turns the white rocks into warm gold, making the scenery even more magical.

Despite its popularity, it is possible to enjoy the lunar landscape almost alone early in the morning or during the off-season. If you are on Milos, Sarakiniko is an absolute must-see.

Paliochori Beach on Milos with colorful rocks and a unique atmosphere

Paliochori is one of those beaches where you arrive and immediately think I could stay here forever. On the way, the rocks glow in intense red and yellow tones. The sea sparkles so clearly that you can hardly wait to jump in. In addition, the volcanic origin brings small surprises. In some spots, the sand is pleasantly warm, and sometimes you can even see little bubbles rising. It all feels alive and almost a little magical.

A highlight is the charming Boho-style restaurant Sirocco right on the beach. Some dishes are cooked using natural geothermal heat. This makes the food taste not only delicious but turns every meal into a true experience. While sitting there, you can hear the waves, feel the sun, and you might never want to get up again.

Pollonia: small village, big holiday vibes

Pollonia is located in the northeast of Milos and is one of the island’s most charming villages. Another small fishing village that looks like it came straight off a postcard. White houses, colorful boats, tavernas right by the water, and that wonderfully relaxed island vibe make the place truly special.

The beach in Pollonia is perfect for swimming, especially for families, as the water is shallow and calm. Ferries also regularly depart from here to the neighboring island of Kimolos, making it ideal for a little day trip.

Pollonia also has plenty to offer when it comes to food. In the tavernas by the sea, you can enjoy fresh fish and seafood while taking in the view over the water. As the sun slowly sets in the evening, Pollonia becomes one of those places where you just want to sit forever.

Why Milos stole our hearts

Milos hat uns sofort verzaubert. Die Insel ist bunt, charmant und einfach wunderschön. Jeder Ort hat seinen eigenen Charakter und überall spürt man die entspannte, griechische Gelassenheit. Die Strände sind vielfältig, das Meer glasklar und die Sonnenaufgänge einfach traumhaft.

What we loved most is that Milos is still untouched by mass tourism. You can truly relax and enjoy the moment. Whether you want to swim, hike, eat, or just sit by the sea, you are guaranteed to find your favorite spot on Milo

We enjoyed every single minute and will definitely be back. Milos is an island you don’t just see, you feel it. Once you’ve been there, it stays with you. The island enchanted us so much that we nearly missed our flight because we had to take one last photo. And honestly, we are already planning our return, just making sure to have more storage space on the camera.

Do you want more great tips and inspiration for your next trip to Greece? Then you’ve come to the right place!