Milos offers the perfect Greek island escape with charming whitewashed villages, stunning beaches, and fantastic restaurants. Unlike the more crowded Cyclades islands, Milos keeps a relaxed feel while delivering all the beauty you’d expect from Greece. We’ve designed this Milos itinerary to give you a good mix of must-see highlights and off-the-beaten-path spots, with enough flexibility to explore at your own pace.
This itinerary packs one unforgettable week in Milos with beautiful beaches, cute fishermen’s villages, and some hidden gems. Whether you’re here for the Instagram-worthy landscapes, the fresh seafood, or just to unwind by crystal clear waters, this week-long plan will help you experience the best of Milos.
Best Time To Visit
The ideal times to visit Milos are late May through early June and September through early October. During these periods, you’ll find the perfect balance of warm weather, manageable crowds, and good hotel availability.
June, July, and August are peak season months on Greek islands, when temperatures and tourist numbers reach their highest. While the weather is ideal, expect limited hotel choices and higher prices, so it’s essential to book well in advance if you’re planning a summer visit.
From November to April, Milos enters its low season with cold weather and many shops and restaurants closing for the off-season. While this makes the island much quieter, it also limits dining and accommodation options, so these months are only recommended for visitors seeking complete solitude.
How To Get To Milos
The two primary options for getting to Milos island are flying or taking a ferry.
- The ferry route works well whether you’re coming from Athens or island-hopping from other Cyclades islands. We used Ferry Hopper to book our tickets from Santorini to Milos, which made the process transparent and straightforward. If you’re traveling during summer months, book ferry tickets well in advance, as they often sell out on popular routes.
- Alternatively, Olympic Air operates 40-minute direct flights from Athens, making air travel the fastest option for getting to Milos from the Greek capital. While more expensive than the ferry, flights are particularly convenient if you’re short on time or prefer not to deal with sea travel.
Where To Stay In Milos
Choosing the right base is essential for the perfect Milos itinerary. We recommend these four locations – Pollonia, Plaka, Tripiti, and Adamas – each with its own personality and advantages.
- Adamas is Milos’ port town and the busiest place on the island. While it’s the most touristy area, it offers unmatched convenience with easy access to ferries, public transport, boat tours, and plenty of restaurants and shops.
- Pollonia sits on the northeast tip of Milos and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. This charming fishing village features its own beach, lovely waterfront promenade, and some of the best restaurants on the island, making it perfect for food lovers.
- Plaka, perched on a hill, delivers the quintessential Cycladic village experience with winding alleys, whitewashed buildings, and breathtaking views over the island. The village center has plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants, and cute little shops to explore after a day at the beach.
- Tripiti, known for its iconic windmills, is a quieter village offering easy access to the charming streets of Plaka and the fishermen’s village of Klima. It also hosts several fantastic restaurants.
During our week in Milos, we split our stay between Pollonia and Tripiti, which was the perfect combination.
Captain Zeppos
Located in the charming village of Pollonia, Captain Zeppos offers beautifully decorated boutique accommodation just steps from the beach. The property features a lovely bar and pool area where guests can unwind while enjoying spectacular Aegean Sea views. This place is an absolute gem and is often fully booked months in advance, so make sure you book early to secure a room.
Delmar Apartments & Suites
Delmar Apartments & Suites provides stylish, romantic accommodation in the heart of Pollonia with a modern, minimalist design. Its central location puts you within walking distance of Pollonia’s restaurants and beach, making it perfect for couples seeking both ambiance and convenience.
Windmill Karamitsos Since 1859
Windmill Karamitsos since 1859 offers you a rare opportunity to stay in a beautifully restored historic windmill in Tripiti. This unique property spans three levels with circular rooms that maintain the windmill’s authentic character while providing modern comforts. Staying here combines a one-of-a-kind experience with convenient access to Tripiti’s restaurants and nearby attractions.
The windmill has been recently renovated and now looks even more beautiful and luxurious than in our photos.
Niove Suites Milos
Niove Suites offers elegant and charming accommodation in the heart of Plaka. Its sophisticated interiors show remarkable attention to detail, soothing color palette, and thoughtful touches like canopy beds and artistic wall finishes. Each suite features a private terrace where guests can enjoy panoramic views over Milos and the surrounding sea. The hotel’s location in Plaka puts you just steps away from local tavernas, boutique shops, and sunset viewing spots.
Santa Maria Village Resort & Spa
Santa Maria Village Resort & Spa in Adamas provides comfortable rooms and excellent amenities, including a swimming pool and spa facilities. The hotel offers a relaxing retreat just a short walk from the port and town center, with all its restaurants and shops.
Day 1 Of Your Milos Itinerary: Arrival
On day one of your Milos itinerary, you’ll arrive on the island either by ferry at Adamas port or by plane at Milos Airport. Take some time to unpack, unwind, and settle into your accommodation.
The first day is perfect for exploring the town you’re staying in at a relaxed pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets, pop into local shops, or enjoy a coffee at a waterfront café. This gentle introduction helps you adjust to island time without overscheduling yourself after travel.
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For your first dinner on the island, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Milos. Starting your trip with a memorable meal is the perfect way to begin your Greek island adventure.
Day 2: Tsigrado And Firiplaka Beaches
Today’s itinerary takes you to Tsigrado and Firiplaka, two neighboring beaches on the southern coast that couldn’t be more different from each other.
Tsigrado is one of the most adventurous beaches in Milos. This tiny cove is reachable by climbing down a series of ropes and ladders – an experience in itself! Because of its small size, Tsigrado fills up quickly. To make the most of your visit, come either early in the morning before the crowds arrive or late afternoon when many tourists have left. Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities here.
Not to pick any favorites, but Firiplaka is one beach you shouldn’t miss when visiting Milos. It’s stunningly beautiful, with clear turquoise water that is perfect for swimming. Soaring red-hued cliffs create a spectacular backdrop, adding to the dramatic scenery. Unlike Tsigrado, Firiplaka offers basic amenities, including rental sunbeds and parasols, and a small snack shack serving refreshments.
Since these beaches are right next to each other, they make a perfect pairing for a full beach day.
Day 3: Sarakiniko, Mandrakia, Firopotamos
Set out to experience some of the most photogenic spots on the island, including the famous Sarakiniko Beach and two charming fishing villages.
Start your day at Sarakiniko, perhaps the most iconic beach on Milos. This epic moonscape with its smooth white volcanic rocks creates an otherworldly setting unlike anywhere else in Greece. The area is famous for cliff jumping, but even if you’re not feeling that adventurous, the unique landscape makes for incredible photos. A small food truck is stationed at the parking lot where you can grab snacks. We strongly advise coming early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture those perfect shots without people in them.
After Sarakiniko, head to Mandrakia, a charming and picturesque fishing village with colorful boat houses called “syrmata” lining the small cove. Take your time to explore the handful of incredible viewpoints around the village. Mandrakia is home to the Medusa restaurant, which makes it a perfect spot for lunch with views over the sea.
Next to Mandrakia, you’ll find Tourkothalassa Beach – a beautiful and peaceful spot that’s great for swimming and relaxing after lunch.
End your day at Firopotamos, another quaint fishing village with a small but gorgeous beach. The collection of white fishermen’s houses with colorful doors creates a classic Cycladic scene, especially beautiful in the softer late afternoon light. Take a swim, relax on the beach, or explore the tiny settlement before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 4: Tripiti, Klima and Plaka
Next on your Milos adventure are some of the island’s most picturesque inland villages, which offer a change of pace from the beach-focused days.
Start your day in the quaint village of Tripiti, with its pretty houses and iconic windmills perched on the hillside. Our favorite breakfast spot, OKTO, is located here.
After breakfast, find your way down the path towards Klima fishing village. It’s a pleasant 20-minute walk, and along the way, you’ll pass the well-preserved Ancient Theater of Milos, which is worth a stop.
Klima charms visitors with its row of colorful fishermen’s houses built right at the water’s edge. This picturesque fishing village is usually packed during sunset, but a late morning visit rewards you with a peaceful atmosphere and better photo opportunities.
In the afternoon, head to Plaka, the island’s charming Old Town. Wander through the narrow whitewashed alleys lined with boutiques, cafes, and traditional homes.
Later, make your way up to the Venetian Castle of Milos and the nearby Church of the Holy Mother (Panagia Thalassitra) for breathtaking views over the island. While most visitors come for sunset, we recommend arriving 1-2 hours earlier when the light is beautiful and you’ll have these viewpoints mostly to yourself.
For dinner, we highly recommend Avli-Milos in Plaka – one of our favorite restaurants on the entire island. It doesn’t take reservations, but if you come before sunset, you’ll get seated pretty quickly.
Day 5: Boat Adventure
No visit to Milos is complete without experiencing the island from the water. Day five of your Milos itinerary is dedicated to exploring the spectacular coastline that can only be accessed by boat.
Depending on your preferences, there are several boat tours to choose from. Half-day tours typically focus on Kleftiko Bay, famous for its striking white rock formations, crystal clear waters, and sea caves. These tours usually include stops for swimming and snorkeling in areas inaccessible by land.
For a more comprehensive experience, full-day tours visit three islands – Milos, Kimolos, and Poliegos – with lunch served onboard. These longer excursions allow you to see more of the dramatic coastline and visit secluded beaches with those picture-perfect turquoise waters.
Whichever option you choose, a boat tour will likely become one of the highlights of your trip to Milos.
Day 6: Milos’ Hidden Gems
Day six focuses on exploring Milos’ lesser-known treasures – places that rarely make it onto a typical Milos itinerary but offer equally breathtaking experiences with far fewer crowds.
Voudia Beach is perfect if you’re craving peace and quiet, something almost unheard of during peak summer months. This spacious beach features beautiful reddish and pink volcanic rock caves against bright turquoise sea, with just a handful of visitors. While it’s located near the sulfur mine factory, the beach is extensive enough that you can walk far along the shore for an undisturbed experience.
If you haven’t visited Pollonia yet, take some time to explore this charming fishing village with its waterfront tavernas and relaxed atmosphere – it’s the perfect spot for lunch between your beach adventures.
Just a 5-minute drive from Pollonia, you’ll find three hidden gems all within walking distance of each other. Papafragas is a unique creation of nature, boasting a tiny sandy beach nestled among towering cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters. A short 200m away, Kapros Beach sits in a small bay nearly enclosed by rock formations, creating what looks like a natural swimming pool.
Another 500m further, Pachena Beach offers a lovely, quiet setting perfect for swimming. The golden light just before sunset transforms this beach into a gorgeous spot.
Day 7: Paleochori Beach And Departure
For your final day on Milos, head to Paleochori Beach on the island’s southern coast. This long, colorful beach is famous for its striking red and yellow cliffs, warm sand, and volcanic activity that heats some water areas. The beach offers plenty of amenities, including sunbeds, water sports, and several tavernas where you can enjoy lunch.
Paleochori makes for a perfect relaxing finale to your Milos adventure before departing in the afternoon to your next destination, whether that’s Athens or another Greek island.
