Milos: Beaches, Boat Days & The Best Greek Food of Your Life

Milos might just be the most underrated of all the Greek islands. A volcanic gem in the Aegean, it’s home to otherworldly landscapes, hidden bays, and colourful fishing villages that look straight out of a postcard.

Getting there’s easy: fly in from Athens or hop a ferry if you’re island-hopping through the Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos and beyond). Once you arrive, do yourself a favour and hire a car. Milos gets windy, and being able to chase down whichever bay is sheltered that day is a game changer.

If you’re chasing all-night parties, Milos isn’t your island. But if you’re here for jaw-dropping beaches, salty swims, and some of the best Greek food you’ll ever eat — you’ve come to the right place. Yamas.

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Sarakiniko: Welcome to the Moon

If you’ve seen one photo of Milos, chances are it’s Sarakiniko. A moonscape of white volcanic rock sculpted by waves and wind, it’s one of the most unique places in Greece.

The “beach” itself is tiny, but that’s not why you go. You go to cliff jump, snorkel a shipwreck, and explore caves that feel like nature’s playground. We loved it so much we went back multiple times — once when the waves were wild and crashing above the rocks, and again when the sea was glassy and perfect for a swim.

Hot tip: arrive early before 9am or hit golden hour at sunset.

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Boat Day: Kleftiko

We call ourselves the King and Queen of Boat Day for a reason 😉 and Milos delivered in spades. We hired a small boat from Provotas beach (around €120–150 a day) and set off with a cooler, snacks, and a playlist.

First stop: Gerakas Bay, a sandy cove backed by white cliffs and only reachable by boat. The water here is ridiculously turquoise.

The main event though? Kleftiko. Once a pirate hideout, it’s a maze of rock arches, swim-through caves, and underwater treasure hunts. Mask, snorkel, GoPro — and you’re set for hours.

Boat Day rulebook: bring sandwiches, cold drinks, and speakers. That’s how you do it properly.

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Beaches & Bays You Can’t Miss

• Firopotamos – Cute bay on the northwest, backed by colourful boat houses (some now quirky Airbnbs). Crystal-clear water when calm.
• Firiplaka – One of the island’s biggest beaches, framed by red-and-yellow cliffs. Great for shelter on windy days. Pair with nearby Tsigrado.
• Paleochori – Golden sand, pink cliffs, and even underwater thermal springs. Local spot Sirocco cooks food using hot sand (yep, volcanic kitchen vibes).
• Tsigrado – Tiny beach accessed by ropes and ladders. Adventurous and epic, but not for the faint-hearted.
• Klima – Fishing village of rainbow-coloured boat houses lining the sea. Perfect for a stroll or lunch stop.
• Mandrakia – Another fishing bay, home to our favourite lunch spot: Medusa. Swim off the jetty, then sit down for grilled octopus metres from the sea.

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Where to Eat (Our Faves)

• O’Hamos! – Near Adamas port, this family-run taverna grows and farms almost everything they serve. Rustic, authentic, unforgettable. Don’t miss the slow-cooked piglet with couscous and the legendary orange-chocolate cake (portokalopita).
• Medusa – Overlooking Mandrakia Bay. Order the grilled aubergine, swordfish souvlaki, and octopus. It gets busy — book or wait, worth every second.
• Kivotos Ton Gefseon – A sweet little garden café in Pollonia. Go for coffee, stay for oven-baked pies and Greek cakes.

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Plaka at Sunset

The island’s capital, Plaka, is all winding streets, whitewashed houses, and boutique shops. Grab a table, grab a drink, then climb up to Kastro for one of the best sunsets in the Cyclades.

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The Verdict

Milos isn’t loud. It isn’t flashy. But it’s got beaches you’ll dream about forever, boat days that feel like adventure movies, and food you’ll compare every Greek meal to for the rest of your life.

Hire a car, pack your swimmers, and prepare to fall hard for this volcanic beauty.