Top 10 Beaches in Milos, Greece: A Complete Guide
Milos, Greece is becoming one of the more popular islands in the Cyclades chain (behind places like Santorini and Mykonos) thanks to its otherworldly and incredibly diverse beaches.
When we visited Milos during our One Week Greek Islands trip, we spent a whole day exploring all the incredible beaches on the island on our ATV, from the moon-like Sarakiniko to the postcard-worthy Firopotamos!
In this guide, I’m sharing the top 10 beaches on the island of Milos, including what to expect at each beach, how to get there, plus a map of Milos with all the beaches pinned!
We covered most of these during our ATV day around the island, but for the ones we didn’t make it to, I’ve included notes on what to expect.
🏖️ Quick Note: The Greek word for “beach” is “Paralia“, so you might see this on your Google Maps or on street signs while in Milos!
A Quick Look at the Island of Milos
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick guide to the island of Milos to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
Hotel Rigas (Adamantas)
Salt Suites (Pollonia)
Artemis Deluxe Rooms (Paliochori)
Read my full guide on Where to Stay!
When to Visit:
– I recommend shoulder season (Early May or late September)
– Summer (June – August) is peak season
– Winter is off season and not recommended
Things to Do:
– Explore the beautiful beaches!
– Take a boat tour to Kleftiko
– Wander through the adorable towns
Getting Around Milos + Map of Best Beaches
Before we dive into the top 10 beaches in Milos, I wanted to touch on how you will be getting around the island to explore these beaches!
The island of Milos is about 58 square miles. While this may not sound large, the best beaches on the island are relatively spread out, as you can see on the map below.
Depending on how you get to Milos, you will either arrive in Adamantas (the port town) or at the airport in the middle of Milos.
⚠️ Note: Milos can be very windy in summer, especially July and August (Meltemi season). On windy days, stick to south-facing beaches like Paliochori and Firiplaka which are more sheltered.
In order to see as many beaches as possible, I highly recommend renting your own transportation while on Milos. This could be a car, a scooter, or an ATV!
We chose the ATV route, and it was a blast! Even if you haven’t driven an ATV before (I hadn’t!), it is totally manageable! The roads around Milos are well-paved, and everyone drove safely!
We rented our ATV from Apollonas Sunshine and had a great experience. They will drop off and pick up the ATV from your hotel (so you don’t have to ride the ATV with your baggage!). Or, you can pick it up from the airport or the port!
As someone who rode a scooter in college, I wouldn’t recommend renting a scooter on Milos. They are easy to lose control of, and crashes are much more common on scooters!
If you want to be as safe as possible, you can also rent a car on Milos!
No matter which method of transportation you choose, you will likely be asked for an International Driving Permit. If you are from the United States, this is different from your state-issued driver’s license.
However, they are easy to get! Just head to your local AAA office, and they will issue you one for ~$20.
🏖️ Need help with the small details like international driving permits and visas? My Passport to Confidence guide is a $7 planning roadmap that walks you through every decision for your international trip, from 6 months out to departure day. Download it instantly!
Quick Guide: Best Beaches in Milos
| Beach | Best For | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Sarakiniko | Lunar landscapes, photos | None (sometimes food truck) |
| Tsigrado | Adventure, hidden cove | None |
| Papafragas | Sea caves, swimming | None |
| Pollonia | Families, amenities | Tavernas, sunbeds |
| Firopotamos | Cliff jumping, village vibes | None |
| Paliochori | Lounging, water sports | Hotel on site |
| Firiplaka | Best sand, swimming | Beach bar, sunbeds |
| Papikinou | Sunset, easy access | Sunbeds, restaurants nearby |
| Thiorichia | History, uncrowded | None |
| Klima | Sunset dinner, boathouses | Restaurant (Astakas) |
1. Sarakiniko Beach
Of course, I have to start the list off with the most famous beach on the island of Milos – Sarakiniko Beach.
Growing in popularity over the last few years, Sarakiniko Beach is iconic due to its moon-like landscape that truly looks otherworldly!
Located on the northeast side of the island, Sarakiniko is made up of white volcanic rock formations. In the middle, there is a small “beach” where the water comes in over the rocks.
The rocky ledge forms a little lagoon area where you can safely swim, even if the ocean waves are rough.
If the seas are calm, there are also areas along Sarakinko to cliff-jump directly into the ocean! Unfortunately, it was extremely windy when we visited, so we weren’t able to partake!
In terms of facilities, there are next to none here. Make sure to use the bathroom before arriving (or go in the water, haha)!
While there are no restaurants in the immediate area, a snack truck did pull up as we were leaving (around 11am!).
There is also basically no shade here, and it gets hot with the sun reflecting off the white rocks. Because of this and the fact that the beach gets more popular as the day goes on, I recommend arriving here first thing in the morning.
2. Tsigrado Beach
Another beach that is quickly gaining popularity in Milos is Tsigrado Beach. Previously known as a “hidden gem”, Tsigrado Beach is becoming iconic due to its challenging accessibility!
If you are accessing this beach by land, you’ll need to descend down a narrow path, followed by a small, makeshift ladder! If you have a fear of heights or limited mobility, this isn’t the beach for you.
However, the unique access point certainly adds to Tsigrado Beach’s popularity. Once you descend the ladder, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous (but small) beach with golden sand.
The crystal-clear waters and towering cliff behind you only add to the charm
Similar to Sarakiniko Beach, there are no facilities here. I highly recommend packing drinks and snacks if you plan to stay a while!
Another way to access this beach is from the water! If you take a boat tour of the nearby Kleftiko Caves, a stop at Tsigrado might be included (this is how we personally visited). Or, you can rent a boat and explore on your own!
3. Papafragas Beach
Next on the list is Papafragas Beach, located on the northeast side of Milos, not far from Sarakiniko.
Papafragas is actually made up of two distinct areas: a small beach area and the sea caves.
The free beach area is easy to access and a great spot to swim!
But most people want to visit the nearby sea cave complex, where you can walk along the top of the volcanic rock formations and look straight down into the stunning turquoise caves below. The views look absolutely incredible!
However, as of 2026, signs have been posted prohibiting access down to the caves. If you’re feeling daring, you can still swim to the caves from the nearby beach, but proceed at your own risk!
And as with most beaches on Milos — no bathroom facilities here! However, the town of Pollonia is just down the road, with plenty of bars and restaurants to refuel at after your swim.
4. Pollonia Beach
Also located on the northeast side of the island is Pollonia Beach! Pollonia Beach conveniently runs right along the lovely town of Pollonia, one of the most popular places to stay on Milos.
The beach is sandy with shallow water and is protected from any high winds, perfect for families!
While it’s not the most beautiful beach in Milos, it certainly gets points for amenities! There are several Greek tavernas along the beach, so you can grab lunch or drinks and enjoy the views.
In addition, there are sun loungers and sun umbrellas in the area you can use, as well as some shady trees!
5. Firopotamos Beach
Located about 10 minutes northwest of Sarakiniko, the tiny fishing village of Firopotamos is one of my favorite spots on the entire island!!
The village is home to traditional fishermen’s boathouses called syrmata (little garages with bright blue doors built right at the water’s edge). They’re incredibly photogenic and totally unique to Milos.
We actually skipped the main beach here and drove down to the very end of the road to reach the Church of Agios Nikolaos. (The road is narrow, so an ATV is definitely the move here).
Right in front of the church is a small rocky platform overlooking the sea and a few colorful syrmata.
There’s also a little ledge to the right of the platform where you can jump straight into the water — I did it about 5 times and couldn’t stop!!
We then spent the next 30 minutes just swimming in the crystal-clear blue water in front of the boats, completely alone.
This spot is also well protected from the wind, which makes it a great option on days when the sea is rough elsewhere on the island.
If you do want to visit the actual beach, backtrack a bit and follow the road down to the water!
💡 Fun fact: some of the syrmata around the island have actually been renovated into rentable houses like this one! I definitely want to do this next time we visit – imagine waking up with the sea literally at your doorstep?!
6. Paliochori Beach
Paliochori Beach holds a special place in my heart since it’s where we stayed during our wonderful 3 nights on Milos! I think it’s one of the best beaches in Milos!
(If you’re looking for a hotel recommendation, I highly recommend the Artemis Seaside Resort!)
Also spelled Paleochori, this beach is located on the southeastern side of Milos. The coastline surrounding the beach features colorful, volcanic cliffs, and the water is crystal clear!
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Speaking of volcanoes, there is also an incredible restaurant on this beach that utilizes the volcanic beach activity under the sand to cook!
At Sirocco Restaurant, you can order meals that are slow-cooked overnight in pots buried in the sand, where the temperatures reach up to 215ºF!
There are also lounge chairs and large sunbeds available to rent thanks to the Artemis Resort, so no need to bring your own beach umbrella!
Or, if you are staying at the hotel as we did, you can use them for free! The resort also has a small menu you can order from, so you can lounge in paradise while enjoying an Aperol spritz!
Lastly, Paliochori is one of the best beaches for water sports lovers! Located directly on the beach is Pits Watersports.
Here, you can rent jet skis, water skis, wakeboarding, paddleboards, and stand-up paddleboards. Or, you can book a private boat tour to explore the island with a guide!
Pssst: Make sure to check out my guide on Where to Stay in Milos, Greece for hotel options and a breakdown by area!
7. Firiplaka Beach
Just down the road from Tsigrado Beach is the beautiful Firiplaka Beach. In fact, Firiplaka might be the most beautiful beach on Milos. If you’re looking for soft sand and azure waters, this is the beach to visit!
One of the most iconic spots on Firiplaka is the massive, rocky outcrop right off the beach that you can swim through!
In terms of amenities, this beach has a small beach bar where you can buy drinks. In addition, there are straw umbrellas and beach chairs you can rent for the day! They are a bit pricey, however. This is the only spot on the beach that has shade!
There is no bathroom once you get down to the beach, so plan accordingly!
Once you see this beach, you’ll understand why it’s regarded as one of the best beaches in Milos, Greece.
8. Papikinou beach
Located right outside the port town of Adamantas, Papikinou Beach is one of the best beaches in Milos to watch the sunset!
Papikinou is within walking distance from the port and is popular thanks to its soft, yellow sandy shores and incredible views of the harbor!
It’s a popular beach for families and young children, as the water is extremely calm. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent.
The beach is not very wide, which means you’ll be in close proximity to the shade of the trees. Unfortunately, this means you’ll also be close to the main road, which gets busy since it leads directly to the port.
However, this is also a pro, as Papikinou is right down the road from several great bars and restaurants in the port.
9. Thiorichia Beach
One of the most unique beaches on Milos, Thiorichia Beach is not only beautiful but historic as well!
Located on the east side of the island, it’s not the most convenient beach to get to (an ATV is recommended here!). However, this means it’s less crowded than other beaches on the island!
So why is this beach unique? Thiorichia Beach is located right next to an old sulfur mine that closed down in 1978.
As you make your way down to the ocean, you’ll pass by all of the old facilities of the mine, preserved in history.
There are abandoned buildings, wagons, tools, and railroad tracks set against the stunning backdrop of red, gray, and white cliffs.
As expected, this area is remote, and there are no bathroom facilities, restrooms, or bars nearby, so plan accordingly!
10. Klima Beach
Last but not least is the beautiful Klima Beach!
Located on the northwest side of the island down a winding road, Klima is another tiny, picturesque fishing village famous for its rainbow-colored boathouses.
Similar to the ones in Firopotamos, some of the boathouses are renovated and available to stay in! This turquoise one even has a balcony and direct access to the sea.
Because it faces the west, Klima Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island. On our last night in Milos, we had dinner at the adorable Astakas Taverna, which has tables right on the beach.
We got to watch the sun set into the sea while enjoying Greek wine and some of the best ceviche I’ve ever had!! It was the perfect way to end our time on Milos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nicest beach in Milos Greece?
This really comes down to preference! If you’re looking for a beach with turquoise waters and a long stretch of sandy shores, Firiplaka Beach is the beach for you! However, Sarakiniko Beach is the most unique beach on Milos with its moon-like landscape.
Can you swim in Milos?
With so many beaches, there are tons of places to swim around Milos! Make sure to check the ocean conditions before swimming, however. Milos can see high winds in the summer months which can cause dangerous swells!
What is the famous white beach in Milos?
The famous white beach in Milos you’ve seen online is Sarakiniko Beach. It’s located on the northeast side of Milos. The beach is made up of white, volcanic rock that towers over the ocean. It truly looks like the moon!
Do you need a car in Milos?
If you are planning to explore Milos, you will need a car, an ATV, or a scooter. I personally recommend an ATV! Make sure you get an international driving permit before your trip.
Does Milos have sandy beaches?
Yes! If you’ve visited the Greek Islands, you know most of the beaches are not sandy or soft due to the volcanic rock. However, there are some beaches on Milos that has sandy beaches, like Firiplaka and Tsigrado.
Other Things to Do on Milos Besides Beaches
While Milos is known for its beaches, there’s so much more to see and do once you’ve had your fill of swimming and sunbathing.
You can read my full list of things to do in Milos here, but below is a quick summary!
1. Take a Boat Tour to Kleftiko Caves
If you do one thing on Milos, make it a boat tour to Kleftiko Caves!!
Kleftiko is technically not a beach (there’s no shoreline per say), but it’s the most spectacular part of the island. The towering white cliffs and electric aqua water are absolutely breathtaking.
To get here, we booked this boat tour, and it was the highlight of our time on Milos! The tour includes Greek tapas, lunch, and an open bar, plus snorkeling equipment and paddle boarding.
You’ll also get to stop at a few other places and see the island from a totally different perspective.
Our favorite part was getting to explore inside the sea caves via dinghy boat, and jumping off the cliffs into the sea!
If you’re visiting Milos during the summer, definitely book your boat tour in advance!
Read my full guide on the best boat tours around Milos here! ⚓
2. Visit the Catacombs of Milos
For something completely different, head inland and check out the Catacombs of Milos. These ancient Christian burial sites date back to the 1st century AD and are carved right into the volcanic rock near the village of Tripiti.
They’re actually older than the more famous catacombs in Rome and are one of the most significant early Christian monuments in Greece!
You’ll take a short guided tour through the underground chambers and tunnels, and while it’s not a huge site, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re interested in the island’s history.
You can also pair your visit here with a stop at the Ancient Theater of Milos and the Venus de Milo discovery site, which are nearby.
Book a tour of the Catacombs, Ancient Theatre, and the discovery site of Venus de Milo here! 🏛️
3. Wander the Charming Town of Plaka
If you’re craving that picture-perfect Greek village experience, Plaka is where you’ll find it!
This hilltop town is the historic capital of Milos and it’s packed with whitewashed buildings, tiny alleyways, colorful blue doors, and blooming bougainvillea at every turn.
We loved strolling through the winding streets in the late afternoon and popping into the little cafes and local boutiques. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and get lost in that Greek charm.
After you’re done, you can climb up to the old Venetian Castle for some of the best sunset views on the island!
4. Taste Greek Wine at A Local Winery
One of my favorite things to do in a new country is try the local food and drinks, and visiting a winery is the perfect place to do that!
I highly recommend making a stop at Kostantakis Cave Winery while on Milos. Located just outside of Pollonia, it’s the only winery on the island and a great spot to unwind while sampling local Cycladic wines!
This family-run vineyard offers intimate tastings in a peaceful countryside setting, complete with a cellar tour, seven different wines to try, and local snacks like cheese and olives.
The winemaker’s son usually leads the tasting and shares fascinating stories about their traditional methods and how Milos’s volcanic soil shapes the flavor.
It’s a cozy, authentic experience that gives you a real taste of the island. Just make sure to book your tour in advance! Spots fill up fast. Also, consider pairing it with a sunset dinner in nearby Pollonia!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s no shortage of crystal-clear water and sandy coastline on Milos island. There are tons of Milos beaches to choose from, and I hope this list helped narrow it down for you!
If you only have one day to explore the beaches of Milos, I recommend sticking to the northeast side of the island and checking out Sarakiniko, Firopotomas, and Papafragas beaches.
However, if you have time, you should absolutely try to conquer every beach on this list! And if you have an extra day to spend on Milos, make sure to check out a boat tour to Kleftiko as well!
Or, read more blog posts about the Greek Islands below! ⬇️🇬🇷
The ULTIMATE One Week Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
A Perfect Santorini Itinerary: 3 Days in Santorini, Greece!
How Many Days In Santorini? 1, 2, And 3-Day Itineraries
Where to Stay in Santorini for First Time Visitors
17 Things To Do In Oia, Santorini’s Most Beautiful Town!
How To Get To Milos, Greece: A Complete Breakdown
A PERFECT Milos Itinerary: 3 Days On Milos, Greece!
Where To Stay In Milos, Greece: Best Hotels, Areas, & More
16 INCREDIBLE Things to Do in Milos, Greece
Top 10 Beaches In Milos, Greece: A Complete Guide
BEST Boat Tours in Milos, Greece (To Kleftiko and Beyond!)
What To Pack For The Greek Islands (Downloadable Guide)!
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These beaches look so beautiful! Sarakiniko and Papafragas are blowing my mind 🤯
They are truly mind-blowing!! Like another planet.