Mandrakia: Discover Syrmata and Milos

Mandrakia lies in the northern part of the island of Milos. Below the settlement, in a sheltered bay, is a complex of caves with boat sheds. The Syrmata combine this setting with distinctive architectural details: colourful doors and steps carved into the rock. In Mandrakia, rock, built spaces and traditional architecture come together.

The Syrmata: Building Culture Carved into the Rock

A heritage protection designation published in 2025 covers 58 buildings called “Syrmata”, as well as the associated buildings numbered 1 to 12 and 14 to 59 in the Mandrakia area. They are located outside the development plan and settlement boundaries, in the municipal unit of Triovasalos on the island of Milos. The buildings are believed to be privately owned and are regarded as outstanding examples of particular aesthetic and cultural value; they are also considered landmarks of traditional local architecture.

The colourful doors, steps carved into the rock and boat sheds give the architecture a distinctive character. For anyone interested in the form of traditional island settlements, Mandrakia is a special place to explore: the focus is not only on individual architectural details, but also on a group of buildings that is expressly protected.

Milos: Mining History and Archaeological Sites

On Milos, the Milos Mining Museum presents the island’s distinctive geology and mining history through objects, photographs and images. The museum offers a self-guided visit; its audio guide is available in Greek, English, French, German and Italian. The history of mining goes back a long way: mining on Milos began during the Neolithic period, around 8000 BC, with the extraction and trade of obsidian.

The ancient theatre of Milos is another of the island’s cultural highlights. Following the completion of restoration work in July 2016, it can accommodate around 700 spectators. The Archaeological Museum of Melos has three rooms for its permanent exhibition, a veranda and an open courtyard. Phylakopi is described as one of the most important settlements of Cycladic culture and the leading city of the prehistoric Aegean. In the Old Town of Klima, visitors can also see two citadels, sections of the market wall, parts of a temple from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, parts of the ancient theatre, and the findspot of the Venus de Milo.

Coastal Landscapes and Island Flavours

Milos has more than 75 small and large beaches. The island’s volcanic origins are evident in beaches and coves with white, red, yellow and black rocks. Sarakiniko is a particularly striking example: it features entirely white volcanic rock formations, deep blue water and a small natural harbour enclosed by rocks.

At Theiorycheia, visitors can see sulphur-mine carts on their tracks at the beach. There are also old, rusted tools and unused spare parts in the warehouse. Cuisine is part of the island’s character, too: tavernas and festivals on Milos serve Skoufomakarono, a traditional pasta dish with myzithra and browned butter. The island thus brings together distinct interests: its landscape, industrial past and regional cuisine.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether Mandrakia’s Syrmata and building culture, or the wider themes of Milos—such as mining history, archaeology, coastal landscapes and cuisine—will play a greater role in your stay.

Discover more destinations

Kimolos, Voudia, Adamantas, Triovasalos, Ganema, Artemonas, Livadion, Cherronisos

For the main travel overview: Milos.