Milos’ best spots for sustenance, stays, sea, and sunsets – an anti-tourist-trap list, based on a trip that we kept on extending.
LOGISTICS
GETTING THERE:
Because we were planning on island hopping between the Cycladic islands, we opted to take a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens to Serifos. After a few quiet days on that island, we opted for a change of scenery and bought another ferry ticket to Sifnos…when we started docking into the harbor and realized it was going to be a similar vibe to Serifos, we stayed on the ferry and got off at the next stop: Milos!
While the transfers tend to be quick and you get to include your luggage in the fare, you can also fly into Milos airport.
GETTING AROUND:
This was the only island (so far…) that had requested a specific drivers license for the bikes/quads. Considering it’s quite a touristy island, I think there are heftier measures in places for safety, but considering the ‘solution’ was to get a higher cc engine, I also think it’s a bit of a tourist sham.
WHERE TO STAY:
We stayed in a few locations on the island, hopping between the port area, and up to the top of Triovasalos. The best spot, though, we found by chance: Matilda’s cycladic homes listed on AirBnB are incredible for a base. She has multiple listings, but we opted for the one is Triovasalos – a great location in terms of being central to our places of interest, and the actual space was very well equipped and aesthetic too!
HOW LONG TO STAY FOR:
Obviously based on your preferences, but since we were ‘winging’ the trip, we initially booked for 2 nights. Then we extended by another 2 nights…and then another night. If you are island-hopping I would recommend 4 nights maximum, so that you can enjoy time on the other islands, but you can stay longer and spend more time at the beaches, or even do a day trip to Kimolos.
EAT
Medusa, seafood restaurant
Stumbled across this place by chance and what a happy mistake that was! Great opportunity to share fresh seafood, with a good atmosphere overlooking the ocean.
🍽: grilled octopus + greek salad + tzatziki + chips
O! XAMOS, taverna
Including this spot for its setting – shaded by trees right opposite the beach. There tends to be a queue, so either head at a non-peak hour, or put your name of the waiting list and enjoy a cocktail and game of tavli on the beach opposite.
Aggeliki, gelato
The best gelato on the island! From kinder to kaïmaki, they make the most amazing flavours that will have you coming back (every day, in our case) to try.
🍨: pistachio + roasted almond | kinder + hazelnut
Utopia, sunset bar
Nestled between the old castle on your left, and the white-painted town and church on your right, tucked in the perfect spot to watch the sun set right infront of you. One of my most favourite spots in the world
🍸: AXIA Margarita, a masticha twist on the classic
Kastro, sunset spot
Right at the top of Plaka you’ll find the old church/castle – a beautiful location that faces the setting sun. It’s incredible to see the whole town quieten as the last slice of sun dips, and then hear the silence break with applause.
🧺: we picnicked here with some of our favourite local snacks – it can get chilly, so bring something to sit on/wrap over you for after.
Perros Vikelis, cafenio
It’s old, mostly empty, on a road, and next to a pet shop, but this cafenio made the most banging greek coffee and had tavli boards for us to play on.
Adamantas Glaronisia, taverna
So! Of all the taverna’s we tried, this had the best traditional food (and the staff were so lovely)! Most of the clients were locals, so this was also cool to come across. It’s located in the town of Tripiri.
Triovasalos Grill World, gyro
Out of all the souvlakia and gyro we tasted on the island, this is the one I would recommend. It’s by the harbour, so there will be a lot of tourists, but that guarantees fresh meat and it’s a great casual option.
EXPLORE
Sarakiniko, moon beach
The iconic white marble-looking beach; must-visit spot and great for cliff jumping too. Not a beach I would spend the whole day at, but a spot we visited more than once!
⏰: great for sunrise
⚠️: there are doorways built into the beach ‘walls’ – be careful of the uneven ground (I bailed on a meter drop), use a phone torch.
Tsigardo, ladder beach
My favourite beach on the island, and great for snorkelling too! Bring your goggles and gopro; around the corner on the right of the beach, you’ll see another cave that’s amazing. Great choice for the windier days, quite protected.
⚠️: not an ‘organized’ beach, no chairs/bathroom
Firiplaka, organized beach
More commercial beach around the corner from Tsigardo. It has lovely water and great for a long day at the sea; there is a beach bar and umbrellas available, you can even rent a kayak and paddle to Tsigardo.
Firopotamos, seaside town
SO! I would recommend visiting this coastal town to see it’s ‘photo landmarks’. Here, you’ll find the “I asked God what is Greece” sign, the doorway frame, and some quaint diving spots with Hellenic flags everywhere. But also, there is a beautiful (and very differently painted) Greek Orthodox church and it was so cool to come across.
Papafrangas, canal beach
Similar looking to Corfu’s canals and Polignano a Mare in Italy! Unique and starkly beautiful spot to visit.
Kleftiko, accessible by boat
This is the only thing (on this list) that we didn’t get to do this BUT was highly recommended by many friends and it’s worth looking at!
ISLAND HOP
Explore the beauty of the Cyclades, and island hop with FerryHopper:
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