Our Travel guide

MY GUIDE TO OUR AMAZING ISLAND

MY GUIDE TO OUR AMAZING ISLAND

MILOS -THE ISLAND OF COLOURS
Milos is a volcanic island which is known as the island of colours because of its spectacular, colourful rock formations. It is largely an undiscovered island, with an extremely interesting coastline full of beaches of unique beauty that will not disappoint any visitor.
Milos is also famous for the statue of Venus of Milos, the ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty that was discovered on the island and is now on display in the Louvre Museum.
Milos island has welcomed an increasing number of visitors in the last few years and as a result summer season starts quite early with first visitors arriving at the island in April and last ones late October when the weather is still quite warm.

VILLAGES
THE PORT OF ADAMAS
Adamas is the main port and the biggest town in terms of population where you can find many restaurants, cafés and bars as well as souvenir, clothes and jewellery shops. Adamas is where most of the boat tours of Milos Island depart from. It’s also where you can get a ferry to other nearby islands or back to Piraeus.

THE CAPITAL OF THE ISLAND – PLAKA
The capital of Milos is Plaka. It’s the best place in Milos to admire the traditional Cycladic architecture with white houses and narrow alleyways.
One of the top attractions in Plaka Milos is the crumbling Venetian castle, up on the hill. Visitors who walk all the way up will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Plaka is a small, picturesque Cycladic town, where you can find many restaurants, cafés, some live music bar restaurants, souvenir shops and admire the most fascinating sunset of the Cyclades.

VENETIAN CASTLE IN PLAKA
Head up to the Venetian Castle, just a short climb from Plaka, to enjoy the best sunset point in all of Milos. It’s very popular, so make sure you arrive early to admire the uniqueness of the views. On the way up, you can stop at the church of Panagia Thalassitra which is the saint protector of the sailors. 

THE QUAINT HILLTOP VILLAGE OF TRYPITI
The small village of Trypiti is walking distance from Plaka. Its name comes from the Greek word for “hole”, as the rocks around the area are full of holes.
Two of the highlights in Milos, the ancient theatre and the Milos catacombs, are walking distance from Trypiti.
Other places of interest include the church of Agios Nikolaos with its unusual architecture, the nearby chapel of Panagia Tourliani, and the small chapel of Profitis Ilias on the top of the hill.
Overall, Trypiti is a pretty, picturesque village, with wonderful views of the Aegean. You can enjoy them over a coffee or meal in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants. 

TRIOVASALOS AND PERA TRIOVASALOS SIDE TO SIDE VILLAGES
Triovasalos and Pera Triovasalos are two villages built on two adjacent hills, only a short distance from Plaka and Plakes village.
The main street, called “Karodromos”, is a vibrant, lively area. It’s full of tavernas, cafés, shops, ATMs, supermarkets, and a few public services. While you are there, you can visit the churches of Agios Georgios and Agios Spyridonas.
If you happen to be in Milos for Greek Easter, you’re in for a treat. The two villages compete against each other with fireworks and explosions. The “winner” is the one who will make the most noise and set the biggest number of fireworks, so be prepared.
You can also observe the custom of burning the effigy of Judas, one of the most unique cultural events on the island of Milos.

KLIMA-THE MOST POPULAR FISHING VILLAGE
Klima is a small fishing village located on the northwest coast of Milos. It is best known for its colourful fisherman houses and the stunning sunset views.
There are only a few permanent residents in Klima village. During spring, summer and autumn the village comes alive with visitors who come to spend some time here. You will find a couple of restaurants and souvenir shops here.

 MANDRAKIA – A CHARMING FISHING VILLAGE
Mandrakia is a tiny coastal settlement on the north-eastern side of Milos. In summer, it comes alive with visitors coming to eat fresh fish at the popular Medusa taverna. It’s totally worth the wait!
This is another beautiful fishing village, with extremely photogenic fishermen houses. Get down to the small port, and you will see several pretty boats and houses with matching colourful doors.
If you walk to the east of the taverna, you will discover a fantastic rocky landscape that looks like Sarakiniko beach, only without the crowds.
Near Mandrakia, you can find Tourkothalassa beach, where you can go for a quick swim.

FIROPOTAMOS – SUPERB COLOURS OF THE AEGEAN SEA
Firopotamos is another fishing village with “syrmata”, the characteristic fishermen’s houses right on the water. The setting is truly outstanding, with imposing rocky cliffs. There are numerous sea caves with crystal clear waters, that are fantastic for snorkelling.

POLLONIA – POPULAR LITTLE TOWN IN MILOS
Pollonia is a small coastal resort on the north coast of Milos.
The village is very small but ideal for relaxing, swimming and eating. There are some excellent restaurants as well as cafés and bars here.
Walk along the promenade, past the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos.
Small ferries depart from Pollonia to the nearby Kimolos island. In addition, there are boat tours from Pollonia taking you to the nearby beaches and Glaronisia islets.

PALIOCHORI BEACH RESORT
Paliochori, also found as Paleochori, is one of the longest and nicest sandy beaches on Milos island. Its multi-coloured rocks give hint to thermal activity, and contrast beautifully with the crystal-clear blue waters.
While technically this is not a village, visitors will find rooms to let, sun loungers, umbrellas, watersports and a couple of restaurants / cafes.
Paliochori beach is easily accessible is pretty popular.

MILOS BEACHES
Paliochori – one of the longest and most spectacular beaches of the island
Agia Kyriaki – a long, quiet beach with a few trees, crystal clear blue waters  and a couple of tavernas
Achivadolimni – the longest beach in Milos, which is usually sheltered from the winds
Gerondas–you will need to walk for about 20 min to get to the beach but definitely worth it
Firopotamos – a small beach close to an amazing rocky setting
Sarakiniko – famous place in Milos for its white rocky lunar landscape 
Alogomandra– superb small beach nested in a cave
Thiorichia – for the fascinating setting with the old sulphur mines
Firlingos – because of the spectacular scenery and crystal-clear water
Kastanas – a remote, little visited beach with colourful pebbles
Kleftiko – because it’s so famous for its rock formations that we really couldn’t leave it out!
Agios Ioannis– three remote beaches with amazing waters
Triades– three beaches one next to the other that will
Tsigrado– small beach in the south of the island.The only way to reach it is down a very rickety ladder
Firiplaka-a large,popular beach with calm waters and a long stretch of sand backed by colourful rock formations
Plathiena – small beach on the north of the island with impressive waters
Provatas /Agios Sostis– beautiful beaches on the south of the island with shallow waters actually they are so close you can walk in the water to get from one to the other

TOURISM
Compared to other Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Santorini or Paros, Milos is not very touristy. Even now, you will mostly find small hotels and family-run apartments. In addition, Milos has the longest dirt road network in the Cyclades, making it an ideal destination for adventurous riders.
Milos is not really a party island – it’s known as a romantic island, with beautiful landscapes. Nevertheless, you can find a few amazing lounge bars!
On Milos the visitor can enjoy the island’s spectacular landscapes, romantic sunsets and breathtaking views, white-washed quaint tiny churches, fishing villages and sugar-cube houses.
The food at most restaurants of the island is excellent and is usually a fusion of traditional with modern local recipes.

HISTORY
Milos island is proud of its fascinating history. The famous statue of Venus of Milos was discovered here in 1820, its early-Christian catacombs are older than Rome’s, the ancient Greco-Roman theatre situated in Trypiti is among the few marble theatres in Greece with such a magnificent, elevated view, and the island boasts of an 11,000-year mining history. Most exhibits in the Cycladic wing of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens are findings from Milos Island.

MUSEUMS
In Milos there are several interesting museums. The Archaeological, exhibiting various ancient Greek objects found in Milos. One of the highlights is the replica of the statue of Aphrodite (Venus) of Milos.
You can also spend some time in the Folk Museum, right opposite the impressive white church of Panagia Korfiatissa. It is an interesting place to visit if you want to find out about life in Milos in the last centuries.
Also, the Ecclesiastical Museum inside the church of the Holy Trinity in Adamas, which was built in the 9th century AD, the Maritime and Mining museums where you can find information about the island’s long mining history.
A visit to the Catacombs and the Ancient Theatre is not to be missed either. This ancient Roman Amphitheatre is a historically significant site on Milos Island. Set against the hillside on the southern part of the island, it dates back to the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC, and offers sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.

MILOS ISLAND – ACTIVITIES
Milos Island is ideally suited for outdoor activities such as sea-kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, mountain bicycling, rock climbing, trekking, swimming and windsurfing in the island’s protected bay, one of the largest and safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean. The last few years Milos Island is becoming increasingly popular as a wedding and honeymoon destination as well.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK ON THE ISLAND

BAKERIES
Mouratos Bakery is situated in Katifora and offers outdoor seating. This traditional bakery offers a wide variety of quality products, many of which are inspired by local flavours. Here you can find delicious pastries, sandwiches, breakfast omelets, as well as a range of coffee choices. Try the triangular piece of spinach pie…

KNOW HOW-EATING

Greek cuisine is very varied, and if you are an adventurous eater you will be very happy in Milos. Some of the local delicacies include the following:

• Fresh fish and seafood dishes, like kalamari, cuttlefish,octopus and sardines
• Meat dishes, for example those with local goat
• Local cheeses, like xinomizithra, a soft, sour white cheese and ladotyri, a hard, spicy mature cheese. If you decide to taste the real cheese of Milos, just ask for advice so that you buy from a local.
• The local vegetables that grow on their own, absorbing moisture from the ground, and as a result are totally different in flavour
• The local capers, that grow everywhere on the Cyclades
• Pitarakia, small fried pies, and any other type of local pie (ask at local bakeries and restaaurants)
• Ntomatokeftedes, small fried pies made from a mixture of fresh tomato and local tomato paste
• Skordolazana, a type of garlic-flavoured pasta
• Shizakia, freshly-baked bread slices with extra virgin olive oil and local tomato paste made from sun-dried tomatoes
• Karpouzopita, a local dessert with watermelon
• Koufeto, a local “spoon sweet” made from local pumpkin and honey

RESTAURANTS

Medusa-Mandrakia
Medusa restaurant is located in one of the most picturesque areas of Milos, in Mandrakia. Enjoy your meal, while gazing at the endless, turquoise scenery of the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea. Here you will find numerous tasty suggestions, with seafood, ouzo and wine being the most popular choices. Visit Medusa and experience a unique, culinary journey!

Astakas Restaurant- Klima
Astakas is found in the wonderful location of Klima, among the fishermen’s houses. It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Astakas is popular for its fresh fish and seafood. Accompany your meal with some wine or ouzo and you will surely get the exact meaning of Greek summer!

Bakaliko tou Galani- Triovasalos
This small place came is highly recommended by everyone on the island.
They offer a large variety of small, inexpensive dishes. There are 45 (!) items on the menu, including meat, fish, seafood, cheese, eggs and vegetables.In most cases …you will need to queue for a table.

Gialos Restaurant-Pollonia
Gialos is a traditional Greek tavern situated right on the waterfront of Pollonia. Gialos offers inventive food along with traditional dishes. Gialos can be a terrific dining experience.

 O!Hamos -Papikinos beach
O! Hamos is located near Adamas port, on the road to the airport. The menu consists mainly of local flavours and all the dishes offered are prepared with quality products, that come from Milos. 

Ergina’s-Trypiti
This is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset, with seating on a raised outdoor terrace with ocean views .The menu includes traditional Greek and Melian cuisine dishes.

Fatses, Plaka
After a visit to the Archaeological Museum, Fatses is ideally located on the square just in front of the museum to have a coffee, a beer or a glass of wine together with a couple of dishes. During the day, it plays relaxed reggae music, while on summer evenings there is live Greek music. You will definitely love the atmosphere of this little restaurant.

Zygos, Adamas
Family-owned traditional taverna with freshly grilled meat and traditional Greek dishes. Everything is made with high-quality ingredients. It is one of the most reasonably priced places on the island. What’s more, its portions are really big.

Gyros of Milos
Delicious gyros or souvlaki of any kind with a view of the port! The menu also includes salads, appetisers, and other extras. Very good solution if you want to eat something quick and affordable.

OKTO-Trypiti
Open for breakfast and dinner with seasonal food and stunning seaside views of Adamas bay.

Embourios
Typical Greek taverna literally on the water with a great view of Adamas and the villages of Trypiti and Plaka. You will need a 30-minute drive from the centre but it’s worth it as it looks like a restaurant coming from the past. As for the dishes served-both seafood and meat, they are really delicious.

BARS

Akri Bar in Adamas
Housed in a whitewashed, typical Cycladic building with blue doors and traditional patterns, Akri is one of the top bars in Milos. Located at an elevated position and overlooking the port of Adamas as well as the coastline and the endless sea. It is the perfect option for those who seek a tranquil place to relax and enjoy their drink.

Plori –Adamas
Stroll around the narrow-cobbled streets around the port to discover Plori meeting point. Plori offers mesmerizing views to the endless sea as well as the lit town and the coastline. Whitewashed with blue tones and minimally designed, Plori has a sense of luxury and elegance combined with the simplicity and genuinity of the Cycladic style.

Utopia café-Plaka
The back of Utopia café opens up to a beautiful black and white terrace, offering you a stunning view of the Aegean. Visit Utopia and enjoy refreshing cocktails, while gazing at the magnificent sunset!

Verina Cocktail Bar-Plaka
Right next to Plaka’s charming Korfiatissa church, this cocktail bar is renowned for its sunset views that set the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening. Seats are limited both indoors and, on the terrace, but there is always an option to wander around the church terrace.

HOW TO GET AROUND MILOS
The best way to get around Milos is on your own wheels – either a car, an ATV, a scooter or a small 4WD, which is essential if you want to explore the long dirt roads on the island.
You should also consider taking one of the Milos boat excursions that take you around the various bays, coves and sea caves. It’s by far the most relaxed way to do some beach hopping and to see the beautiful coast.
Public buses will take you to some of the villages in Milos, but they are not frequent.

HOW TO GET TO MILOS
While the most popular way to get to the island is by ferry, Milos also has a small domestic airport, which you can reach on a flight from Athens. It’s best to book your flights well in advance, as aircraft is small and does not carry many passengers.
Note that fares on big slower ferries are much cheaper than on faster ones.