Milos: Volcanic Beaches and Island History

Volcanic colours shape the coastline of Milos: its more than 75 small and large beaches feature white, red, yellow and black rocks. Sarakiniko is a particularly striking example of this geological character. Completely white volcanic formations surround deep blue water, with a small natural harbour nestled among the rocks. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you are travelling to Milos mainly for its scenery, swimming, water activities or island history.

Beaches with their own character

The beaches differ in more than just colour. Papikinou has gently deepening water and some of the calmest waves on the island. The beach is considered suitable for children. Achivadolimni is recommended for windsurfing and kitesurfing and is accessible by bus. If you want to focus on these activities, you can take your beach preferences into account when planning your trip.

Papafragas and Paliorema also offer different experiences. At the Papafragas cave, visitors can swim in turquoise water between grey and white rocks that lead out to the open sea. The small cove of Paliorema has a beach with yellow pebbles and clear water. These specific differences can help you prioritise your interests for outings without planning every beach day the same way.

On the water and around the island

From April to October, guided day trips by canoe and kayak are offered on Milos. Boat trips around the island let visitors reach beaches that are inaccessible from land and explore caves. Notable features for diving include underwater caves, shipwrecks from the Second World War and earlier periods, as well as hot springs. On Milos, you can also fish from a boat or from land, and underwater.

For a different perspective, there are seven selected Miloterranean georoutes exploring geological time, nature and the island’s history. Route 2, “Volcano”, is 13 km long and is described as taking 4 to 5 hours on foot. Milos also has a network of unpaved roads leading to coastal villages, chapels and mines. Buses run to some areas, and services are considered fairly frequent during the summer months. When choosing accommodation, this information can help you take both your interests in excursions and your preferred way of getting around into account.

Mining history and archaeological sites

The island’s mining history goes back a long way: obsidian mining and trade began on Milos during the Neolithic period, around 8000 BC. The Milos Mining Museum presents the island’s geological character and mining history through objects, photographs and images. The museum offers a self-guided experience, with audio guides in Greek, English, French, German and Italian. At Theiorycheia, visitors can see sulphur-mine carts on their tracks at the beach, old rusted tools and unused spare parts in the warehouse.

Phylakopi also offers a glimpse into the island’s early history. It is considered one of the most important settlements of the Cycladic culture and the most important city of the prehistoric Aegean. Visitors can see the Cyclopean wall, the sanctuary and palace remains there. The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Melos occupies three rooms, in addition to a veranda and an open courtyard.

In the Old Town of Klima, sights include the two citadels of Profitis Ilias and Pyrgaki, sections of the market wall, parts of a temple from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and parts of the ancient theatre. The findspot of the Venus de Milo is also located there. The ancient Roman theatre was originally built by the inhabitants of ancient Klima, probably during the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC. Following the completion of restoration work in July 2016, it can accommodate around 700 spectators. Near Trypiti are the early Christian catacombs, considered the oldest Christian monument on Milos. Visitors can see Gallery B, the so-called Catacomb of the “Elders”, and walk along a wooden platform.

More local pages

If you would like to extend your trip planning to more local pages, here are some additional names: Sérifos, Adamantas, Milos, Livadion, Artemonas, Sifnos, Kimolos, Cherronisos, Mandrakia, Vathí, Ganema, Apollonía, Triovasalos, Firopotamos, Trypiti, Pachena and Voudia.

A taste of the island

One of the traditional dishes on Milos is Skoufomakarono, pasta with Myzithra cheese and browned butter, served in tavernas and at festivals. Alongside beaches, boat trips and archaeological sites, this dish adds to the island’s cultural appeal. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can also decide whether you would like to shape your trip more around nature and water experiences or around history and local traditions.

For the main travel overview: South Aegean.