Best Things to Do in Milos: A Guide to Greece’s Most Unique Island

Looking for the best things to do in Milos? This dreamy Greek island is full of surprises that go way beyond its famous beaches.

When people talk about the Greek islands, Milos is rarely the first name you’ll hear. And that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting!

While Santorini and Mykonos grab the spotlight, Milos quietly offers some of the best experiences in Greece: surreal beaches that look otherworldly, colorful fishing villages untouched by mass tourism, and some of the clearest turquoise water in the Aegean sea.

While Milos isn’t a total secret anymore, it still feels worlds away from the packed ferries and overwhelming crowds on Greece’s most famous islands. We spent 7 days uncovering all the secrets of this stunning island. Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to do in Milos, from iconic highlights to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Is Milos Worth Visiting?

Before diving into the best things to do, you might be wondering if the island of Milos is really worth visiting, and who it’s a good fit for. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Milos is a great fit for:

✔ Beach lovers – People who don’t mind spending every day beach hopping. Milos is considered to have some of the best beaches in the Aegean.
✔ Avoiding crowds – Travelers who love more authentic, less touristy destinations. There are some crowds at the popular sites during the high season, but overall, Milos isn’t completely dominated by tourism.
✔ Photography lovers – Between unique beaches and landscapes, colorful fishing villages, and insanely blue water, Milos is a photographer’s dream.

Milos might not be ideal for:

✖️ Nightlife-focused travelers – If you’re looking for Mykonos-style clubs and all-night parties, you won’t find many here.
✖️ Convenience-first visitors – Many of the best beaches and sights require a little effort and adventure — driving narrow roads, hiking, or renting a boat to reach them.
✖️ Cruise day-tourists – You can see a slice of Milos in a day, but the island’s real magic requires slower exploration.

In short: Milos is worth it if you’re looking for hidden-gem beaches, local dining, and want to avoid the large crowds in Santorini or Mykonos.

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TL;DR: Best Things to Do in Milos

• Rent and captain your own boat (no license required) to explore Kleftiko, Polyaigos, and beaches only accessible by sea.
• Visit Sarakiniko Beach at sunrise to see the moon-like landscape without the crowds.
• Climb down to Tsigrado Beach, a serene hideaway you can only reach by ladder or boat.
• Unwind at Milos’ classic beaches like Firopotamos, Plathiena, Fyriplaka, and Paliochori.
• Photograph the rainbow-colored fishing houses in Klima, especially in bright afternoon light.
• Watch the sunset from Plaka Castle (or go at sunrise for fewer crowds) and wander Plaka’s cobblestone streets.
• Eat your way through Milos, from seafood at Astakas to farm-to-table dishes at O! Hamos!.
• Take a day trip to Kimolos for quiet beaches and authentic Cycladic village life.

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Quick Tips for Visiting Milos

Best time to visit: Late May/early June and September are ideal, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the peak season and bring the strongest Meltemi winds.

Getting around: Rent a vehicle to get around on your own schedule. Scooters/ATVs are popular, but consider a car if you’re visiting in the peak summer months and might be more comfortable with A/C. 

Where to stay: Plaka, Pollonia, and Adamas are the most popular areas to stay in Milos. If you’re interested in a truly unique and authentic experience, you can stay in a B&B in one of the fishing villages. Check out my blog post on where to stay in Milos for more details.

What to bring: Water shoes for rocky beaches and a dry bag for your boat days when you’ll need to swim from the anchor point to shore.

Make reservations: For popular restaurants, book ahead or expect to wait for spots that don’t take reservations. 

Time your visits right for popular sites: Consider sunrise for Sarakiniko and Plaka Castle, and midday for Klima if you want to avoid the crowds.

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Best Things to Do in Milos

Ready to dive in? Here’s my curated list of the best things to do in Milos, a mix of iconic spots and hidden gems we discovered during our week on the island.

1. Rent and Captain Your Own Boat (No License Needed)

Quick Answer: Renting and captaining your own boat is hands-down the best thing to do in Milos.

You could join a crowded boat tour… or you could just rent your own boat and explore all of Milos’ best beaches on your own! This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want and linger a little longer at your favorite spots.

We rented from Indigo on the south side of the island. It cost about €230 (~$272 USD) for the full day, plus an extra €70 (~$83 USD) for gas.  

Many boat rental companies operate out of Adamas, but we specifically chose to rent from a company on the south coast of Milos instead. This would help us get to Kleftiko faster. 

Kleftiko is one of Milos’ most popular attractions, so we wanted to beat the big tour boats. Once they arrive, expect loudspeaker announcements and dozens of swimmers crowding the caves.

An unexpected bonus of departing from the south side was having enough time to go to the island of Polyaigos, which ended up being a highlight of our boat trip. If we had rented from Adamas, we either would have had to skip it entirely or rush through the day and pay more for gas.

Here are some of the can’t-miss stops for your self-guided boat tour:

• Kleftiko: Dramatic white rock formations, turquoise waters, and sea caves that used to be pirate hideouts. Make it your first stop if you want to beat the tour boats!
• Sikia Cave: A large sea cave with a collapsed roof. The opening creates a natural skylight that illuminates the water. Inside the cave, there’s a small pebble beach.
• Blue Bay on Polyaigos Island: An uninhabited island known for its untouched beauty. The vibrant blue water contrasts exquisitely against the pink-ish limestone cliffs, especially in the late afternoon light.
• Other hidden coves: With your own boat, you’ll pass countless beaches and sea caves that tours don’t stop at. Half the fun is dropping anchor wherever catches your eye.

Pro Tip: Bring water shoes (rocky entries and sharp volcanic stone are common) and a lightweight dry bag to carry your essentials when you swim from the boat to shore.

In short: Skip the crowded tours and captain your own boat. It’s more flexible, more fun, and the ultimate way to experience Milos’ coastline.

Love the idea of renting a boat without a needing a license? Check out my 7-Day Sardinia Itinerary for more Mediterranean boating adventures.

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2. Explore the Lunar Landscape of Sarakiniko Beach

Quick Answer: Sarakiniko (aka “Moon Beach”) is Milos’ most famous beach, known for its white volcanic rock formation that resembles a moonscape. Visitors can swim, cliff jump, snorkel, and explore the caves.

When we showed up to Sarakiniko just after sunrise, it was surreal. The bright white cliffs and smooth rock shelves looked ethereal, glowing in the morning light. The sapphire waters were calm, tranquil, and undisturbed.

By mid-morning, though, the vibe had completely changed. Everyone from tourists to professional models were posing for photos, while thrill seekers were doing flips off the cliffs into the water. 

It’s easy to see why Sarakiniko has become one of the most visited and photographed places in the Cyclades, you just need to know when to go to avoid the crowds!

When to visit Sarakiniko Beach:

✔ Catch the sunrise: The light is incredible, and you’ll have far fewer people around.
✔ Go early morning: Still manageable before tour groups and day-trippers arrive.
✖️ Skip Mid-day: Avoid coming in the afternoon if you can. This is when Sarakiniko is at its busiest.
✔ Consider sunset: Popular but less crowded than afternoons.

Pro Tip: Check the wind forecast, especially if you’re visiting in July and August. The Meltemi winds can make Sarakiniko rough and uncomfortable.

In short: Sarakiniko’s moon-like landscape is truly unique. Time it right, and you’ll see why it’s one of the top things to do in Milos.

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3. Climb Down to Tsigrado Beach

Quick Answer: Tsigrado is a tiny, tucked-away cove best known for the sketchy ladder you’ll need to climb down to reach it.

Getting there is half the fun! You’ll climb down through a narrow gap in the cliffs using rickety wooden ladders and ropes for balance. 

Once you’re down, Tsigrado beach is calm and peaceful. You’ll find a sandy beach, shallow waters, and caves carved into the surrounding cliffs. We spent hours swimming, scrambling over the rocks, and exploring. 

What to know:

• Free parking is available near the beach
• The beach itself is tiny, so if you plan to lay out and relax, come early to secure a spot
• There are no amenities. Bring your own food and plenty of water if you plan to stay awhile
• If you prefer, you can visit Tsigrado by boat. Just add it as a stop on your boat-day route!
• Prefer paddling? Rent a kayak or SUP nearby from Milos Watersports at Fyriplaka

Pro Tip: Bring a mask and snorkel (or rent one from Milos Watersports). The rocky edges around Tsigrado hide little fish and caves that are fun to explore underwater.

In short: Getting to Tsigrado is half the experience. Whether you climb down the ladder, kayak, or swim in from a boat, it’s one of Milos’ most memorable beaches.

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4. Relax at Milos’ Classic Beaches: Firopotamos, Plathiena, Fyriplaka & Paliochori

Quick Answer: After the adventure of Sarakiniko and Tsigrado, these sandy beaches are where you go to simply relax and spend full days in the sun. The best part is parking is free at all of them!

Fyriplaka Beach

People love this beach for its calm, shallow water, and the dramatic mountains streaked with red and yellow mineral deposits in the background. 

We visited at midday, and it was hot — bring an umbrella or rent one from Milos Watersports. There is no shade here and the sun is blazing!

Plathiena Beach

Plathiena is a scenic bay tucked between tall hills, and has a remote vibe despite being fully equipped with amenities.

While there are beach chairs and umbrellas, a bar and restaurant, and bathrooms and showers, it’s the bay’s natural beauty that makes it worth visiting.

The sand is soft (once you make it past the large pebbles at the shoreline) and the water is calm. Since the beach is situated between tall hills, it’s largely protected making it a great option on windy days.

Firopotamos Beach

This was one of our favorite beaches on Milos island. We visited twice!

Firopotamos is picture-perfect with ruins and colorful syrmata houses on one side, steep cliffs on the other, and calm blue water in between. There’s a small beach bar and a few chairs to rent, but it’s very laid-back.

It’s a great place to spend your day, then continue on to nearby Plaka when the sun starts to go down.

Paliochori Beach

Paliochori is often named one of Milos’ best beaches. It’s long and sandy, backed by multicolored cliffs similar to Fyriplaka, and has the most amenities – tavernas, beach bars, and even a few hotels. 

Also, due to underwater geothermal activity, some parts of the sand and water are naturally warm!

Beaches at a glance:

In short: These beautiful beaches offer a more typical, Greek island vibe. They’re easy to reach, and great for swimming and relaxing.

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5. Photograph the Rainbow-Colored Doors in Klima

Quick Answer: Klima is Milos’ most famous fishing village, known for its row of rainbow-painted syrmata houses right on the water.

These traditional, two-story houses were originally built by fishermen. The ground floor was used to store boats, with the main living space upstairs. 

What makes Klima so unique is that each of the house’s doors and balconies are painted a different color, reflecting their owners’ personalities.

Today, some are still private homes and others have been turned into vacation rentals or small shops selling handmade goods. All of them are irresistibly photogenic.

Many people come to Klima for sunset. But we actually loved visiting in the afternoon! The bright sun made the doors pop against the white walls.

Plus, there were no crowds, and we were able to walk right into Astakas for lunch without a reservation (though I’d still recommend making one just in case.)

Pro Tip: Be careful about setting your belongings down. When a large ferry passes by, waves can suddenly crash over the sidewalk. Our backpacks got swept into the sea while we were taking photos and we had to jump in to get them!

In short: Klima is undeniably photogenic. Between the rainbow-painted syrmata, handmade goods shops, and the chance to dine at Astakas, it’s one of the most charming and authentic villages in Milos, no matter what time you visit.

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6. Watch the Sunset from Plaka Castle and Get Lost on the Cobblestone Streets

Quick Answer: Plaka (the capital of Milos) is the island’s most charming town. Watching the sun set from the Venetian castle and wandering the narrow streets is the best way to spend an evening in Milos.

Climb up the castle steps and watch the sun dip behind the Aegean Sea. From the top, you’ll see the entire town below and the coastline stretching in all directions. 

It’s an unforgettable view, but also a popular one. Most evenings, the steps fill with people and a lively energy permeates the air. 

If you want a quieter experience, come for sunrise instead. The view is just as stunning, but there’s hardly anyone around.

Beyond the castle, Plaka draws you in with its maze of cobblestone streets, whitewashed homes, artesian boutiques, and cafes tucked into every corner. 

Nighttime is especially romantic, with shops spilling light into the streets and the whole town buzzing with energy.

What to know:

• The city-center is car-free, so you’ll need to park in one of the large lots below town. From there, it’s a steep (and sometimes slippery) uphill walk to the castle. Choose your shoes wisely!
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want a front-row spot for sunset at the castle.
• Reservations for dinner in Plaka are highly recommended. We had trouble finding a table without one.

Pro Tip: Bring your own bottle or grab a cocktail-to-go from nearby Verina or Utopia Caffe on your way up to the castle.

In short: Plaka combines two of the best experiences on Milos: wandering the cobblestone streets of the island’s prettiest town and watching the sunset (or sunrise) from its hilltop castle.

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7. Eat Your Way Through Milos’ Dining Scene

Quick Answer: Milos’ food scene is one of the island’s best-kept secrets, from waterfront restaurants serving just-caught fish to refined dining that experiments with local flavors.

We were blown away by how good the food was on Milos. Most people think of the island for its beaches, but dining here was just as memorable. 

Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely seaside meal, grabbing gyros to-go, or trying elevated dishes with local twists, eating your way through Milos should absolutely be on your list. 

Here are some of the best restaurants by neighborhood:

Pollonia

• Rifaki: Dine right on the water, with tables in the sand or under a shaded terrace. Don’t miss the Greek salad, the Bride’s Letter (fried feta in phyllo), and the seafood platter.
• Appolonio Grill House: Casual spot for gyros and Greek salad. Order it with the local cheese!

Plaka

• Kyra: Elevated Greek food with live music some nights. The tagliatelle with local goat and xynotyri cheese was unforgettable. Reservations recommended.

Mandrakia

• One of the most popular spots on the island. This iconic restaurant is right by the water with syrmata houses as your backdrop. Its known as one of the best places to watch the sunset. They don’t take reservations (except for large groups), so expect a wait.

Klima

• Astakas: Known for some of the best seafood and fresh fish on the island. It’s a great spot for an upscale lunch, or another perfect place to watch the sunset.

Adamas

• O! Hamos! Famous across Greece for its rustic, farm-to-table dishes. Expect a wait, but it’s worth it.

Pro Tip: Try ouzo, Greece’s national spirit. Even if anise flavors aren’t your thing (we were not fans!), it’s part of the experience. When in Greece!

In short: Eating in Milos is an experience in itself. From seaside spots in tiny fishing villages to refined dining in Plaka and Pollonia, the food here is as memorable as the beaches.

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8. Take a Day Trip to the Island of Kimolos

Quick Answer: A 25-minute ferry ride from Pollonia takes you to Kimolos, a small, peaceful island perfect for when you want to slow things down a bit and really get off the beaten path.

Kimolos wasn’t even on our radar when we arrived in Milos. It was actually the receptionist at our hotel who mentioned it during check-in, and the next morning we decided to spontaneously hop on the ferry.

We’re so glad we did! Visiting Kimolos ended up being a true hidden gem we otherwise would have missed!

Top things to do in Kimolos:

• Wander around Chorio (Kimolos Town): The main village is full of winding alleys, whitewashed homes, and rustic squares with cafés.
• Hike to Skiadi (Stone Mushroom): A striking rock formation shaped like a giant mushroom. Keep walking down toward Mavrospilia Beach for sweeping sea views and a swim. You can also drive, but a 4WD or off-roading vehicle is recommended.
• Prassa Beach: One of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches, famous for its exceptionally clear water and the ruins of a small medieval castle.
• Aliki, Bonatsa & Kalamitsi Beaches: Shadier options with tamarisk trees and a slower, more local feel.
• Castle & Museums in Chorio: Stop by the folklore museum, archaeological collection, and explore the old castle ruins for panoramic views.

What to know about visiting Kimolos:

• Kimolos is much less developed than Milos. Most beaches do not have amenities, there’s only a handful of restaurants, and the island has just one gas station.
• Bring your own vehicle. While there is a bus, having your own ride makes it easier to maximize your time and go at your own pace.
• The last ferry back to Pollonia usually departs before 8 PM, so make sure to catch it (or plan to spend the night!) Always double-check the schedule and fares since they change seasonally.

Pro Tip: Make a plan before you go. Google maps gave us a very hard time on Kimolos, so research your route in advance and download offline maps. 

In short: Kimolos is a unique day trip from Milos, great for slower vibes, quiet beaches, and a glimpse of traditional Cycladic life.

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FAQs About Visiting Milos

What is Milos best known for?
Milos is the discovery site of the Venus de Milo statue, now in the Louvre. It’s otherwise famous for unique beaches and landscapes, especially Sarakiniko’s moon-like white rocks and Kleftiko’s cliffs and sea caves.

How many days do you need in Milos?
You can see the main highlights of Milos in 4–5 days. But we spent a full week there and still didn’t run out of things to do. The extra time lets you slow down, revisit your favorites, and explore the island beyond just the main sights.

Do you need a car in Milos?
While there are taxis and buses available, a car makes it easier to explore the island at your own pace. We rented from Avis in Adamas (booked via Discovercars.com). You can also rent an ATV, scooter, or even a motorcycle. Note that you’ll need a 4WD car or off-roading vehicle if you want to visit most of western Milos.

Is Milos or Santorini better?
Santorini has iconic views and luxury hotels, but it’s crowded and more expensive. Milos has better beaches, fewer crowds, and more of a hidden gem feel. Both are lovely, so it depends on your priorities.

When is the best time to visit Milos?
May, early June, and September are the best time to visit Milos for warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, and often windy with the Meltemi.

What area is best to stay in Milos?
Most travelers choose Plaka, Pollonia, or Adamas since they are the most established towns. If you want a quieter stay, you could opt for a fishing village like Klima or Mandrakia. For the pros and cons of each, check out my blog post on where to stay in Milos for more details.

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Kait’s Take

I didn’t think it was possible to find a Greek island that was still under-the-radar. And each day I spent in Milos, I battled between wondering why more people don’t visit, and loving the fact that I was in on a little secret.

Milos is everything you want from a typical Greek island vacation and more. It has the beaches, the sunsets, and the food; but it also offers adventure, authenticity, and unique scenery you can’t find anywhere else.

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves hidden-gem destinations, Milos deserves a spot at the top of your Greek island list.

I would go back in a heartbeat. But next time, I’d stay even longer.