By Kenya Barrett
Milos is one of the many beautiful and volcanic Cycladic islands situated in the Aegean Sea – a fresh breath of air away from the busyness of the other islands such as Santorini or Mykonos.
Filled with stunning coasts, historical landmarks, and delectable eateries, Milos is undoubtedly one of the best islands in Greece to visit. Read on to learn more about why a trip to Milos should be at the top of your Greek bucket list!
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Beautiful Beaches
Like many of the Cycladic islands, it is no surprise that Milos is filled with dozens of gorgeous beaches. However, this volcanic island is interesting in that some of the beaches display distinctive features that make them rather unique.
Kleftiko Beach
This beach is one of Milos’ most popular beaches, although it is not your typical coast. Perfect for snorkeling and swimming, Kleftiko Beach doesn’t offer visitors the opportunity to sunbathe due to its lack of sand from erosion caused by strong winds and waves. In addition, the bay in which the “beach” resides is filled with rocky landscape that has created numerous caves that yearn to be explored. Nonetheless, visitors can enjoy crystal clear turquoise waters and the marine life unique to the area.
Sarankiniko Beach
Located on the northern shore of the island, Sarankiniko Beach is not as popular as Kleftiko but has garnered quite a reputation for itself – mostly due to its strange yet intriguing formation. The beach features a grey-white volcanic rock formation that is reminiscent of the surface of the moon. As such, locals referred to it as the “Moon Beach.”
Firplaka Beach
Situated on the southern tip of the island, Firplaka Beach is somewhat a combination of both Sarankiniko and Kelftiko. While it features unique white rock formations, it also offers crystal clear waters for beachgoers to swim in. Additionally, the beach has a white sand coast, which is perfect for lounging and sunbathing atop it. Visitors will appreciate the volcanic landscape that surrounds the beach as it creates a dramatic cliff and several caves along the sand strip.
Archaeological Sites & Attractions
The island of Milos is filled with various archeological sites and landmarks, some of which date back to the 1st century. Many are rich in history and culture, and offer visitors of Milos an opportunity to take a step back into Grecian life during the early Aegean civilization period.
Catacombs of Milos
One of the most popular archeological sites and attractions on the island are the catacombs. Located on the northeastern tip of the island, this ancient cemetery was underground and served as the resting place for Christian families who lived near the developing Trypiti settlement during the first century. Today, visitors can tour the catacombs to view inscriptions and Christian symbols etched by villagers during that period.
Ancient Theatre of Milos
Greek theatre was a growing phenomenon during the Hellenistic and Roman Era. As such, many theaters were built throughout Greece, with a popular one being found right near the village of Trypiti, on the island of Milos. The ancient theatre of Milos is a preserved open-air monument that originally hosted several plays, concerts, and other forms of art during the island’s early civilization period. Constructed mostly of white marble, the theatre was well known and appreciated for its excellent acoustics and splendid views of Milos Bay and the Aegean Sea.
Charming Villages
From traditional Greek hospitality to more modern neighborhoods, Milos boasts a number of picturesque villages worth exploring.
Plaka
The capital village of Milos is Plaka, home of the island’s stunning and traditional Cycladic architecture. Due to the town’s narrow cobblestoned streets, visitors and locals can only access the area via motorbike and/or mopeds. This picturesque village is filled with whitewashed houses, painted balconies, and tons of eateries. As the sun begins to set, travelers can enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean Sea.
Klima
This colorful town has charming roots as a fishing village dating back to the 7th century. Out of all the villages on the island, Klima notably has a lower population of permanent residents, with most of the inhabitants visiting on a seasonal basis. Although it served as a seaport in its earlier days, it currently acts as a hub for tourists interested in visiting Milos’ top attractions, including the Catacombs and the Ancient Theatre.
Adamas
Although many of the villages in Milos offer a more traditional experience of the Cycladic islands, Adamas takes the cake as the more modern and socially vibrant town. It is Milos’ main port, largest settlement, and home to over 1300 permanent residents. Visitors can enjoy various activities in the lively village, including trips to different museums, restaurants, and bars.
Delicious Cuisine
On the island of Milos, the cuisine is a delightful marriage of sea and land. Freshly caught fish and seafood, like octopus and sea urchins, take center stage, often simply grilled with olive oil and lemon.
Traditional dishes like pitarakia—small cheese pies—and koufeto, a sweet made from almonds and honey, offer a taste of local heritage. With each bite, Milos’ food tells the story of its rich history and vibrant culture.
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