Milos: what to do, from Sarakiniko to a boat trip to Kleftiko
White cliffs, sea caves and sunsets: all the Milos sights and a three-day plan.
- The must-dos: Sarakiniko, a boat trip to Kleftiko and sunset in Plaka.
- Kleftiko can only be seen on a boat tour from Adamas.
- A car or quad gives freedom for remote beaches.
If you go to Milos, book the boat trip early in your stay, as strong wind can cancel it.
Milos: why everyone recommends it
Milos is a volcanic island in the south-western Cyclades, best known for its beaches and rocks: white cliffs, sea caves and turquoise coves. Unlike Mykonos it is not a party island; it is about boat trips, beaches and sunsets. Here are the main sights and how to fit them into a few days.
The must-see sights in Milos
| Sight | What it is | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sarakiniko | A beach of white, moon-like rocks | Go early morning or late afternoon; no shade |
| Kleftiko | Sea caves and rock formations, a former pirate hideout | Reachable only by boat tour from Adamas |
| Plaka | The hilltop capital with a Venetian kastro | The island's favourite sunset spot |
| Klima and Mandrakia | Fishing villages with colourful boathouses (syrmata) | A walk and a seafood dinner |
| Firopotamos | A small cove with a chapel and boathouses | Good for a quiet swim |
| Tsigrado | A beach between volcanic cliffs | The way down is tricky, not for everyone |
| Catacombs | Early-Christian catacombs near Tripiti | Check opening hours first |
| Mining Museum | The island's mineral and mining history | In Adamas, walking distance from the port |
Near Tripiti is also the spot where the famous Venus de Milo was found; the statue is now in the Louvre in Paris.
Boat trips: the best way to see Milos
Many of the island's most beautiful spots, such as Kleftiko, can only be seen from the sea. Tours leave daily from Adamas, and there are also trips to the small neighbouring islands of Kimolos and Polyaigos. When the wind is strong some tours are cancelled or change route, so don't leave the boat trip for your last day.
Getting around Milos
Adamas is the port and transport hub. Buses run from there to the main beaches, but a car or quad gives far more freedom, especially for beaches in the south and west. Some roads to the beaches are dirt tracks, so check the rental terms.
Milos in three days: a suggestion
- Day 1: Sarakiniko in the morning, Klima and Mandrakia, sunset in Plaka.
- Day 2: a day boat trip to Kleftiko from Adamas.
- Day 3: Firopotamos, the catacombs and the Mining Museum, dinner in Adamas.
More Milos guides
- How to get to Milos and the ferry from Athens to Milos.
- Where to stay in Milos and Milos nightlife.
- Our island page: Milos.
- Milos has no kosher restaurant or Chabad house. For kosher food and Shabbat see Shabbat in Greece.
FAQ
What is the best thing to do in Milos? A boat trip to Kleftiko, a visit to Sarakiniko, and sunset in Plaka.
How many days do you need in Milos? Three to four days cover the main sights and one boat trip.
Do you need a car in Milos? Not essential, as buses run from Adamas, but a car or quad gives more flexibility for remote beaches.
How do you get to Kleftiko? Only by sea, on an organised boat tour from Adamas port.
