Milos, Greece. The Bohemian Santorini

Let me start by saying that I am a huge fan of Greece. I have been to eight other of the Cyclades islands, as well as Athens and Crete. Milos is my new favorite Greek island. I was searching for a place for my boyfriend and I to go in June for my birthday and I chose Milos because it’s in the Cyclades (the prettiest group of islands) and I read that the beaches were fantastic. What I didn’t realize was that Milos not only has amazing beaches, but it looks like the northern bohemian side of Ibiza sprinkled with pockets of Santorini style structures. The food is great, the people are friendly, and did I mention the beaches???  Heaven on Earth.

Where to Stay in Milos 

The island is big and you definitely need some form of transport, either a car, scooter or 4×4. You have the options to stay in one of three areas unless you want to stay in the middle of nowhere totally alone (which some people may prefer). Here are the more common options.

• Plaka, the picturesque “Santorini -looking” area which is at the top of the mountain in the center of the island. It has fantastic views of the sea, sunset and is the cutest and best in my opinion. All white town with tiny restaurants and bars on white walk streets.  Most romantic. Search for an apartment with a sea view and terrace. (My top pick)
• Pollonia, on the northeastern side of the island. On the sea, more developed and touristed. Tons of restaurants in a line on the water. Fancier hotels and places to eat. More resort-style tourists. Most posh.
• Adamas, the port town. Adamas is great if you want convenience, busy nightlife, and tons of shops. For a port town, it is very cute. Good if you are just staying a night or two and want to take a boat trip. Most convenient and very busy.

Beaches in Milos 

• Firopótamos, my absolute favorite. Its a crystal clear cove surrounded by blue and white greek fisherman houses. There is only a truck stand selling water and beer. Bring your own lunch.

  

   

• Sarakiniko beach, the most famous. Due to volcanic activity and later shaped by wind and water, the earth surrounding the sea looks like the moon. Its creator like essence is a must-see and great for the insta. No sand just giant rocks that make for the most unique beach in Greece. Go for sunrise or sunset to watch the land change to a white color with the sun.

  

   

• Paliochori beach, known for the hot volcanic part of the beach which they now have made into a famous restaurant called Sirocco right on the beach that cooks your food under the sand. Think smokey eggplant. The beach is lovely and has proper sun-beds with tiki-hut umbrellas.

  

   

• Firiplaka beach, a beautiful long stretch of sand under cliff mountains. Just a few sunbeds and no food or drink. Bring a picnic.

  

   

• Provatas beach, flat sandy beach with a nice restaurant, Muses perched above the sea. Next door is a hotel that rents lots of beach chairs with umbrellas.

  

   

• Papafragas beach, a really cool part of the island with crazy turquoise water in between huge rock canals. Totally natural and great for a quick swim.

  

•  Klima, not really a beach per se, but an iconic part of the island with colorful fishing houses along the water. There’s a nice restaurant serving fresh sea urchin on the edge of the sea. Definitely worth a lunch break and a good photo op.

  

Restaurants in Milos

• Archontoula in Plaka. Picture perfect Greek outdoor seats in the center of the walk streets covered by bougainvilleas. Good for dinner.
• Medusa in Mandrakia. Daytime, awesome, jet-set outdoor restaurant above the sea. Really cool vibe, beautiful view, and great food. Expect to wait a while for a table. Lunch only.
• Ergina in Tripiti. (local cute town 10 min walk from Plaka) Real authentic home-cooked Greek food straight from the owners garden. Terrace restaurant and amazing food. The owner waited on us himself and showed us pictures of his eggplants.
• Hanabi Sushi. If you are anything like me or just spoiled from NYC (also me),  you may get a little tired of eating the same Greek food every night for a week. If so, Hanabi is in Pollonia on the waterfront is a really cool alternative. Good sushi and posh vibe. (When you just can’t do another Greek salad, you feel me?)

How to get to Milos, Greece

There are not so many direct flights to Milos but all airlines fly to Athens and then connect to Milos (it even has its own airport which is a big plus if you’re short on time). Otherwise, you can fly to Athens or Santorini, spend a night or two, and take the ferry boat 4 hours from Athens, or 2 hours from Santorini to reach Milos. Car rentals are available upon arrival in the port of Adamas. There are many agencies, cheap and very easy without problems.