Where to Stay in Milos: 5 Best Areas for Every Traveler
Can’t decide where to stay in Milos?
We spent 7 days exploring Milos and I have to say — this place is absolutely brimming with natural beauty.
Between its dramatic volcanic landscapes, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages, our days were absolutely packed with scenic adventures.
But with so much to see, and each town offering its own allure, deciding where to base yourself can be a challenge.
With this in mind, I’ve curated a list of the top five best areas to stay in Milos.
Where to Stay in Milos
TL;DR: Pollonia – Best Overall Area to Stay in Milos
After visiting all of the most popular towns on Milos Island, I can definitely say that Pollonia is the best area to stay in Milos.
This charming village offers the perfect balance: it’s quieter and less crowded than Plaka and Adamas, but livelier and has more amenities than Mandrakia and Klima.
Our days in Pollonia involved waking up to serene views of the Aegean Sea, strolling the boardwalk and narrow streets to get to a coffee shop, grabbing local snacks from the grocery store to bring to the beach, then ending our evening enjoying fresh seafood at some of the best restaurants in Greece.
Plus, thanks to the small ferry harbor located right in town, we spontaneously decided to take a day trip to Kimolos, one of the nearby islands! This was a hidden gem we might have skipped had we not stayed in Pollonia.
The only potential drawback of Pollonia is its location on the northeastern tip of Milos, while the other popular towns are more centrally located. However, to put this in perspective, the drive from the main ferry terminal in Adamas to the heart of Pollonia only takes about 15 minutes.
Driving an extra few minutes in order to stay in the best part of Milos is well worth it, in my opinion!
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Villa Mary Ellen
Talk about bang for your buck! This cute B&B is walking distance to Pollonia beach. Each room in this “apart-hotel” has a private balcony or terrace as well as a kitchenette. And to top it off, a traditional Greek breakfast is included with your stay!
📍 Mid-tier option – Delmar Apartments & Suites Milos
This stylish hotel is one of five properties in The Del Mar Collection across Milos. This particular property is located right in the center of town, so you have both the beach and the main strip of restaurants right at your doorstep.
📍 Luxury option – Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel
Set on a private hilltop, this exclusive property is the only hotel in Pollonia that’s high enough to offer panoramic views of Pollonia and some of the islands surrounding Milos. The hotel features an overflow swimming pool available to all guests, or you can choose a room with a private pool or spa bath.
~While Pollonia is the best overall area to stay in Milos, other locations may be a better fit for certain travelers, so let’s continue exploring! ~
1. Plaka – Best for First-Timers
If it’s your first time in Milos, Plaka is the perfect place to soak in the island’s charm. Nowhere else offers a more quintessential Greek island experience—with its whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea, winding cobblestone streets, and breathtaking watercolor sunsets.
If that weren’t convincing enough, staying here places you a short drive to major attractions like the ancient Catacombs of Milos, the Venetian Castle, and Sarakiniko Beach. Plus, the village itself is full of shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars, giving you plenty to explore both day and night.
Even if you do choose to base yourself elsewhere, you’ll definitely want to visit Plaka at least once…we loved it so much we went twice!
That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, note that there is no direct access to the beach from Plaka. Because it is perched on a hill, you will need to drive to get to the closest beach.
Second, Plaka’s town center is car-free. Getting to the free parking area at the base of the hill requires walking up steep cobblestone streets which may not be accessible for some travelers.
Third, consider the crowds. Even as tourist season was winding down, we were surprised at how packed Plaka Castle was at sunset and the difficulty of finding dinner without a reservation.
Bottom line? If it’s your first time in Milos, and you’re looking for a vibrant, picture-perfect Greek island experience with easy access to top sights, Plaka is the place to be!
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Latevos in Pefko (Airbnb)
This clean, modern apartment is a guest favorite and has everything you need to make the most of your time in Plaka. You’re only 100 meters from the bus stop and free parking lot so you can easily explore the rest of Milos too!
📍 Mid-tier option – Milos Bliss
This “Cycladic-chic” guesthouse is just steps away from the whitewashed alleys of Plaka’s town center. It boasts an outdoor pool and has several different room types that cater to families, couples or groups of friends.
📍 Luxury option – Odyssey Rock – Milos Sunset Suites
This six-suite hotel is nestled on a sea-facing cliffside in Plaka village and perfectly blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. Each room can accommodate 4-6 guests, but you also have the option to reserve all 6 suites to create a private sanctuary for your group.
2. Adamas – Where to Stay in Milos Without a Car
While I highly recommend renting your own vehicle, it is possible to enjoy the highlights of Milos using alternative transportation. If you do choose to go this route, then staying in Adamas is for you!
Adamas (also called Adamantas) is the main town of Milos, serving as the island’s ferry port and public transportation hub. You’ll find plenty of taxis here! It’s also the meeting place for many of the tours to Milos’ top attractions. This makes Adamas by far the most convenient area to stay in without a vehicle.
The waterfront town is lined with cafes, tavernas, and shops where you can enjoy a laid-back meal while watching fishing boats and ferries go by. Additionally, Adamas offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different budgets, from boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.
While it doesn’t have the same romantic hilltop views as Plaka, as nice of a beach as Pollonia, or the serene vibe of smaller villages like Mandrakia, Adamas’ lively energy and central location make it both a practical and enjoyable base for exploring Milos.
Whether you’re hopping on a tour, catching a ferry, enjoying the nightlife, or simply soaking in the relaxed harbor vibe, Adamas offers a great mix of convenience and small town character.
Best yet, if you do change your mind and decide to rent a vehicle, you’ll find numerous options just a short walk away!
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Villa Notos
Just a 4 minute walk from the ferry terminal, Villa Notos offers a convenient base to explore both the town of Adamas and beyond. Their rooms, studios, and apartments feature handcrafted furniture and traditional design.
📍 Mid-tier option – Athina Milos Suites
The Athina Milos Suites are filled with thoughtful touches. Between the online self check-in, traditional Greek welcome treats, and personalized recommendations from the owners of the hotel, you will experience the finest Greek hospitality.
📍 Luxury option – Scylla Concept
This brand-new hotel is located on private property, with each of its seven suites featuring sea views and private pools. You can arrange beauty services, private tours, bike and car rentals, or even a chauffeur. So whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous holiday, Scylla Concept will meet your needs.
3. Pollonia – Where to Stay in Milos for a Honeymoon
Pollonia is perfect for honeymooners seeking a mix of romance, relaxation, and convenience.
The town is small and has a super intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Yet it has just enough going on to keep things interesting and not feel isolated.
One of the best parts of staying in Pollonia for a honeymoon is its incredible dining scene.
Many restaurants are right on the water, offering fresh seafood and authentic Greek dishes. You can choose to dine right on the beach with your feet in the sand, or on the elevated sections overlooking the bay. It doesn’t get more romantic than that in Milos!
As far as accommodations, Pollonia offers a great mix of cozy boutique hotels and luxury accommodations, often with private balconies or terraces that overlook the shimmering Aegean Sea.
Though we were not on our honeymoon, we certainly enjoyed a romantic week between the peaceful beach, highly-rated restaurants, and leisurely strolls along the harbor of this small fishing village.
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Kapetan Tasos
Couples love this property for its pool, hot tub, and private balconies. You’re walking distance to romantic dinners on the beach at Pollonia’s esteemed restaurants, and can take advantage of their delicious in-room breakfast add-on.
📍 Mid-tier option – Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa
This waterfront property sets the stage for romance with a personal jacuzzi on your balcony and their onsite spa, restaurant and cocktail lounge all overlooking the Aegean Sea. Additionally, the Melian showcases contemporary art exhibitions to broaden your horizons and amplify the romantic setting.
📍 Luxury option – White Pebble Suites
Considered one of the best hotels in Milos! This impeccably designed space has a privileged waterfront location. Enjoy a romantic poolside dinner, or room service on your private terrace. When you’re ready to explore, the resourceful concierge will direct you toward the best experiences that Milos has to offer.
4. Mandrakia – Best for an Authentic Experience
If you’re wondering where to stay in Milos for a truly authentic experience, Mandrakia is hard to beat.
You won’t find a single hotel or any shopping here. There’s only one, traditional taverna in this charming fishing village — but that’s all part of the allure!
This is the kind of place where you can wake up and fall asleep to the sound of the sea and you’ll have an unpolluted view of the stars at night. You’re still just an 8-minute drive to the Plaka, the capital, where you can get your fill of dining and shopping. And my favorite beach in Milos, Firopotamos, is also just an 8-minute drive away!
On our last night in Milos, we had to visit — Mandrakia’s one and only restaurant, famous for their octopus Greek salad and one of the best places to catch an unforgettable sunset.
We grabbed a drink from the outdoor bar as we waited for our table. Then we stood on a small cliff and took in gorgeous views of a little bay filled with traditional boathouses carved into the rocky shoreline.
In that moment, I remember wishing I could have spent more time here. Next time I visit Milos, I would love to watch a sunset from Tourkothalassa Beach and stay in one of those boathouses.
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Ikia Moraiti (Airbnb)
This adorable Cycladic home boasts 100+ reviews and a near perfect rating –and for good reason! Recently renovated, guests can enjoy modern comforts while keeping a traditional vibe. Meters from the beach, you’ll enjoy soft sea breezes through your window and glorious sunsets over the endless horizon.
📍 Mid-tier option – Traditional Waterfront House (Airbnb)
Another highly-rated option, this charming 100-year-old home lets you walk straight into the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the views from 2 verandas, cook in the well-equipped kitchen or outdoor barbecue, or head next door to the traditional Taverna. This place is for you if you want to enjoy a truly authentic slice of Milos.
📍 Luxury option – Milos Dream House 3 (Airbnb)
Guests cannot get enough of the sea views from the huge terrace of this contemporary home. With 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a kitchen and a workspace, this is a great place to enjoy authentic Cycladic living for as long as you like. Best yet, this stay is pet-friendly so your furry companions can enjoy Mandrakia with you!
5. Klima – Most Instagrammable
Klima is hands-down the most instagrammable spot to stay in Milos.
Similar to Mandrakia, it’s a small village made up of syrmata, the Greek word for traditional boathouses. What makes Klima so special is that the door of each house is painted a different, vibrant color of the rainbow, and the sea is literally at your doorstep.
And I mean LITERALLY. We set our backpacks down on the doorstep to take some photos, and a few minutes later a large wave from a passing ferry rolled in and carried all of our belongings into the bay! Luckily I had my swimsuit on, so I jumped in and rescued our things.
I will say that staying in Klima is definitely best for travelers looking for a quiet retreat rather than a bustling hub. It’s a tiny, secluded village with limited amenities (although one of them is Astakas Cafe, arguably the best seafood restaurant in Milos).
Additionally, the only road in and out of town is stressfully narrow with several hairpin turns. But if you’re up for the challenge and don’t mind the slower pace, you’ll be rewarded with a truly unique and special Milos experience.
Accomodation recommendations:
📍 Budget option – Panorama Hotel
You wouldn’t guess that a hotel exists in quiet Klima. But this traditional style building blends right in amongst the traditional boathouses! The Panorama Hotel offers bang for your buck with private parking, a free shuttle service between Adamas or the Milos Airport, and is just an 8-min walk to the bus stop.
📍 Mid-tier option – The Colorful Land Syrma (Airbnb)
This stay is in such high demand that it’s rarely available. So if your dates are open, book it fast! A unique blend of cave-house and boat-house, it offers stunning views of the sea and the hills of Western Milos. Upscale touches include a king size bed, walk in shower, bidet, and premium toiletries.
📍 Luxury option – Capetan Nikolas Boathouse (Airbnb)
Stay in the most instagrammable Airbnb in Milos! Built from volcanic stone and natural materials, this home blends history with modern comfort. Enjoy the views from the open floor plan, take a dip in the sea, or unwind in the jacuzzi in the cave-style bathroom.
Getting Around Milos
Milos has several choices when it comes to transportation — just remember that you will need a 4-wheel drive or all-terrain vehicle to explore the western part of Milos. Explore the following options to determine what mode of transportation is best for you!
Rent your own vehicle
I’ll emphasize again that the best way to get around is to rent your own vehicle as it will give you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace. Most rental companies allow you to bring your vehicle on the ferry if you want to visit any of the other Greek Islands too!
In Milos, you’re not limited to cars — you can also opt for an ATV, scooter, or motorcycle!
Be sure to consider the weather when making your vehicle choice. Although we were tempted to rent motorcycles during our visit in early September, the afternoons were still blazing hot, so we opted for an air conditioned car instead.
Finally, double check with the rental company to see if you need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about whether it’s required or not. Some say that even if an IDP is technically no longer required, there are some rental companies that still ask for it.
We decided to play it safe and get an IDP. It’s only $25 if you go to a AAA location. Plus, it’s good for an entire year!
- Car rental – Out of all my world travels, renting a car in Milos was by far the easiest experience I’ve ever had. We rented through Avance (via Discovercars.com), located across the street from the ferry terminal. We got off the ferry as quickly as possibly to beat the line at Avance, and were driving out 10 minutes later.
- ATV rental – ATVs are quite popular on Milos! There are dozens of rental companies available in Adamas, Plaka, and Pollonia. An ATV is not only fun, but it’s considered an all-terrain vehicle so you can use it to explore western Milos. I’ve heard ATVs can sell out, so make an advance reservation.
- Scooter rental – Similar to ATVs, there are dozens of scooter rental options in the biggest towns Milos. Most rental companies will NOT allow you to take a scooter to the western part of Milos, but it’s worth checking.
- Motorcycle rental – Motorcycles are somewhat rare to see on Milos, so it’s much tricker to find a place to rent them. However, Pollonia Motors has two Royal Enfield Himalayans (these are also considered all-terrain), but they require a 2-day minimum to rent.
Taxis
There are taxi stands at the port in Adamas and Milos airport. Outside of that, taxis aren’t generally just hanging around tourist hotspots so you’ll need to arrange one.
Aegean Taxi is a popular service that provides multiple ways to request a ride in advance or on demand – you can call, use their website, download their app, or book through WhatsApp.
Public transportation
The only mode of public transportation in Milos is the bus. It’s the cheapest way to get around (2 euro flat rate regardless of the destination), and they are modern and air conditioned.
However, the bus schedule changes regularly with less routes available in the off seasons, and you must pay the bus driver in cash when you board. You can look at the schedule on the MilosBuses website.
Explore by boat
Some of the best beaches in Milos are most easily accessed by boat. Kleftiko, for instance, is located on the western part of the island. Unless you have an all terrain vehicle and are willing to hike for about an hour to get there, your best option is to go by sea. You can either:
- Join an organized boat tour – This is the most cost-effective way to explore the coastline and hard-to-access beaches of Milos. There are dozens of tours to choose from, with half-day and full-day options.
- Hire a skipper for a private boat tour – For a more intimate experience, you can hire an experienced and knowledgeable skipper to take your personal group on a customized tour.
- Captain your own boat – Did you know you don’t need a boating license to rent your own boat in Milos? This was actually the main reason we chose to come to Greece and the highlight of our trip! We love boating in the USA so we were excited to explore the coastline on our own while we were abroad.
Want to know the best things to do in Milos? Check out my blog post with all the top sights and activities to help you plan your Milos itinerary!
FAQs
Planning where to stay in Milos can feel overwhelming with so many incredible options, each offering its own unique vibe.
To help make your decision easier, here are quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best areas to stay on this stunning Greek island.
Which part of Milos is best to stay in?
You’ll want to stick to the eastern half of this small island. My personal preference and recommendation is Pollonia for the best balance of beach + traditional village, and enough amenities but not too crowded.
Which district is best for tourists in Milos?
Adamas and Plaka are the busiest villages and have the best tourist infrastructure in Milos. They’re packed with restaurants, shopping, and a range of accommodation options.
How many days is enough for Milos?
4-5 days should be enough to hit the highlights. While Milos is easy to get around, many activities require a half or whole day to enjoy, such as taking a boat to Kleftiko Beach.
Best time to visit Milos?
The best time to visit Milos is late spring through early fall. The summer months of July and August are the most popular, but by far the busiest. For fewer crowds and pleasant weather, consider May–June or September.
We went in early September and found it to be the perfect balance of warm sea and the crowds were tapering off.
Kait’s Take
Deciding where to stay in Milos is the toughest part. But no matter where you choose, you’re bound to fall in love with this underrated island.
The best question to ask yourself is whether you want to be in the most lively, main towns of Milos (definitely Adamas or Plaka), if you’re open to a unique but much quieter stay (you’ll love Madrakia or Klima), or if you want a good mix everything (you can’t go wrong with Pollonia).
Fortunately, the island of Milos is small enough that you can explore every corner no matter where you’re based.
I hope this guide inspires you to take off to Milos and helps you find the perfect stay to make your experience unforgettable!