The coloured cliffs and sand of Firiplaka

Milos · Beaches

The beaches of Milos

Milos has around seventy beaches, more than any other island in the Cyclades, and the volcano made each one different: white stone, red and ochre cliffs, black pebbles, warm sand that steams. The north coast is wild and beautiful but takes the full force of the summer wind; when the meltemi blows, cross to the south coast, where the big sandy bays stay calm. The west of the island and Kleftiko are best seen from a boat.

Our favourites

Start with these

RocksWild

Sarakiniko

A bay of smooth white volcanic rock, carved by wind and sea into waves and ledges, around a narrow inlet of turquoise water. It looks like the surface of the moon and is the most famous sight on the island.

Photography
Sunset
Swimming

Road from Adamas or Plaka, about 10 minutes, then a short walk down

Go at sunrise or late in the day, when the stone turns gold and the crowds thin out. Bring shade and water: there is none, and the rock is blinding at noon. Stay away on a strong north wind.

The north coastStay in Plaka

RocksWild

Kleftiko

Tall white rocks and sea arches standing out of emerald water on the south-west coast, with caves you can swim through. Pirates once hid their ships here, which gave it its name. It is the highlight of every boat trip around the island.

Snorkelling
Swimming
Photography

By boat only, in practice: day trips and small sailing boats leave from Adamas, and a few from Pollonia. A long, hot path over the hills exists, but it is hard going.

Pick a small boat that arrives early or late in the day. Most trips swim here and then stop at Sykia, a sea cave with a hole in its roof.

Western Milos

Pick your kind of day

Every other beach worth the drive

Organised: Sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Easy with children.
Easy-going: A taverna or a few umbrellas, plenty of room for your towel.
Wild: Nothing but the sea. Bring water, shade and snacks.

SandWild

Papafragas

A long narrow inlet between high white cliffs, like a little fjord, ending in a tiny strip of sand. The cliffs open to the sea through a natural arch, and the water inside is bright blue.

Photography
Snorkelling
Quiet

Road towards Pollonia, then a short walk and rough steps cut in the rock down to the water

Come on a calm day, as waves can sweep the inlet. The ruins of Phylakopi are a few minutes away along the same coast.

Pollonia & the north-eastStay in Pollonia

SandWild

Tsigrado

A small sandy cove of clear, shallow water below sheer cliffs, reached by climbing down a narrow crack in the rock. The way down is half the adventure.

Snorkelling
Couples
Adventure

A short path from the road near Firiplaka, then a rope and a wooden ladder down a steep gully. Not for small children or anyone unsteady.

Go in the morning before the cove fills up, wear shoes with grip, and keep your hands free for the climb.

The south coast

SandOrganised

Firiplaka

A long sandy beach backed by cliffs striped in red, ochre and white, with a tall rock standing in the water. Part of it has sunbeds and a beach bar; the rest is open sand.

Families
Long swims
Sheltered from the meltemi

Road from Adamas across the island, about 15–20 minutes, then a dirt road to the car park

The best beach on a windy day. Walk to the far end for the quietest stretch below the coloured cliffs.

The south coast

Sand & pebblesOrganised

Paleochori

Three bays in a row below cliffs of red, yellow and orange rock. The island is still warm underneath here: hot springs bubble up at the edge of the water, the sand is warm to the touch, and a restaurant cooks food buried in it.

Families
Hot springs
Long lunches

Road from Adamas via Zefyria, about 20 minutes, and a bus in summer

Look for the warm patches where the springs come up at the water's edge, and for the yellow sulphur crusts on the rocks at the eastern end.

The south coast

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Firopotamos

A small sheltered bay with a white chapel on the rocks, a few syrmata and calm, clear turquoise water. A summer canteen and a few trees for shade.

Families
Calm water
Snorkelling

Road from Plaka, about 10 minutes, with a small car park

Arrive before eleven in summer; the bay is small and the parking fills up fast.

The north coastStay in Firopotamos

SandEasy-going

Achivadolimni

The longest beach on Milos, a wide sweep of sand on the inner shore of the bay, with shallow water, tamarisks for shade and a camping site behind it.

Families
Shallow water
Windsurfing

Road from Adamas, about 5 km along the bay

The bay protects it from big waves, so it is a good choice for small children. The little lake behind it gives the beach its name.

Adamas & the bayStay in Adamas

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Agia Kyriaki

A long open beach on the south coast with coloured rocks at one end, clear water and a taverna, usually calmer than the north coast in the wind.

Families
Long swims
Sheltered from the meltemi

Road from Adamas via Zefyria, about 20 minutes

Combine it with Paleochori next door, and stay for lunch at the taverna.

The south coast

SandOrganised

Provatas

A sandy bay with shallow, warm water on the south coast, framed by red volcanic rocks, with sunbeds, a few tavernas and rooms behind the beach.

Families
Shallow water

Asphalt road from Adamas, about 15 minutes, and a bus in summer

A good choice with children, and calm when the north wind blows elsewhere.

The south coast

PebblesWild

Thiorichia

A small beach below the abandoned sulphur mines, with rusted machinery, empty miners' houses and yellow-streaked cliffs above the water. Eerie, beautiful and very quiet.

Photography
Quiet
Hiking

A rough dirt track from Paleochori, best on foot or in a four-wheel drive, or by boat

Do not go inside the old buildings or mine shafts. Bring water and shade, and come on a calm day.

The south coast

Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.

Wake up near the water

Find a room a short walk from Milos's best beaches.

Where to stay