Top 10 Beaches in Milos, Greece: A Complete Guide
Milos is slowly becoming one of the more popular islands in the Greek Cyclades, right behind Santorini and Mykonos! And it’s no surprise that Milos’s gorgeous beaches are what’s making it famous.
When we visited Milos, 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 Firiplaka!
In this guide, I cover 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!
So if hitting the beach while on Milos is on your itinerary, make sure to keep reading for a complete breakdown of which to choose.
A Quick Look at the Island of Milos
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to the island of Milos to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
Adamantas (Port), Pollonia (Main Town), Paliochori (Beautiful Beach), Plaka (Cute Village)
Read my full guide on Where to Stay here!
When to Visit:
– I recommend shoulder season (Early May or late September)
– Summer (June – August) is peak season & winter is off season (not recommended)
Things to Do:
– Explore the beautiful beaches! (Keep reading!)
– 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 in Milos, Greece are relatively spread out.
So, 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.
P.S. If you are looking for more tips about visiting Milos, make sure to check out my Ultimate Milos Itinerary and my detailed guide on How to Get to Milos, Greece!
Complete Guide To The Top 10 Beaches on Milos
Now that we’ve covered how to get around Milos, let’s jump right into the list of the top 10 beaches in Milos, Greece!
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!
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 other-worldly!
Located on the northeast side of the island, Sarakinko 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!
While there are no restaurants in the immediate area, a snack truck did pull up as we were leaving (around 11am!).
Note: this is an extremely popular spot on the island, so if you want to see it without the crowds, arrive early!
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 awhile!
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. 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 Sarakinko).
Papafragas Beach is extremely unique, as it sits between volcanic rock formations. As you make your way through the rocky sea caves, you’ll find the secluded swimming holes of Papafragas.
Unfortunately, the way down to the beach is not marked, so you’ll have to do a bit of exploring to find it, and there are multiple ways down. If you are daring enough, there are also small tunnels you can swim through!
Again, there are no bathroom facilities here (are you noticing a trend?!).
However, just down the road from Papafragas Beach is the town of Pollonia, which has several bars and restaurants to choose from! This brings us to our next section!
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.
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. Firopotomas Beach
Located about 10 minutes northwest of Sarakinko, you’ll find the colorful fishing village of Firopotamos and Firopotamos beach!
Most photos you’ll see online of Firopotamos are actually in the village, not at the beach! Here, you’ll find traditional blue fishermen’s houses right on the shores of the sea.
Next to the houses is the picturesque Church of Agios Nikolaos, which you can put in your Google Maps to find this spot! The road is pretty narrow getting here, so we were glad to have an ATV!
This spot is well protected from the wind, so it’s the perfect place to go swimming, even when the sea is rough. There’s also a little rocky ledge next to the church where you can jump into the sea!
And if you want to visit the beach, you can backtrack and make your way down the steep road to the beach. However, I think the village is much more picturesque!
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! (If you’re looking for a hotel recommendation, I highly recommend the Artemis Seaside Resort!) I think it’s one of the best beaches in Milos!
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, 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 standup 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! Klima is a tiny, picturesque fishing village famous for its colorful boathouses you see dotted around Milos!
In my opinion, it’s one of the best beaches in Milos, Greece to watch the sunset, so I highly recommend visiting this beach in the evening. Located just 10 minutes from the town of Plaka, you’ll find Klima Beach down a windy road!
There is a fabulous little tavern on Klima Beach, Astakas Cafe Restaurant. Here, you can sit right on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood as you watch the sun dip into the sea!
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 there’s one activity I recommend to everyone visiting Milos, it’s a boat tour to Kleftiko! While some people mention this as a beach on Milos, it’s not technically one (there’s no sand or shore).
Kleftiko is a collection of sea caves and towering white cliffs on the coast of Milos, and you can only reach it by water! Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the most striking aqua blue water!
The term “Kleftiko” comes from the Greek word from for “theif”, since these caves were once used as pirate hideouts.
So cool, right?!
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!

Full Day Boat Tour Around Milos Island (8 hours)
- Price: $200 per person
- Departure Time: 10:00am
- Duration: 8 hours
- Rating: 4.9/5 stars ⭐
- Includes: Drinks (including alcohol), lunch and snacks, snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and more!
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 more time, 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.