A PERFECT Milos Itinerary: 3 Days on Milos, Greece!

Somehow, the island of Milos is still one of the most underrated Greek islands in the Cyclades. Places like Santorini and Mykonos are plastered over travel magazines, but most people haven’t even heard of Milos.

Before we visited, I had only seen a handful of pictures on Instagram of Milos, but I immediately fell in love. And turns out, it’s even better in person!

My best friend and I spent 3 days exploring Milos on an ATV, eating sun-dried octopus, visiting beaches and coastlines that looked like another planet, and swimming in impossibly blue water.

This guide covers exactly how we spent our time (with some recommended improvements) so you can have the perfect trip to Milos with minimal effort.

Day 1: Beaches and Charming Villages

Morning: Sarakiniko Beach & Firopotomas Village

Welcome to Milos!

This itinerary assumes you have 3 full days in Milos, meaning you arrived yesterday or first thing in the morning today.

(If this is not the case for you, feel free to use this as a guide and adjust as necessary to your travel plans!).

To start your first day in Milos, I recommend exploring the incredible beaches and towns on the north end of the island. This is most easily accomplished if you have your own transportation, like a car or ATV!

Lana’s Tip: I highly recommend having a rental car or ATV for your entire stay on Milos. There is a bus system, but it is slow and won’t cover all the spots on this itinerary. You will have a much better time with your own set of wheels! 🚗

First thing in the morning, head to Sarakiniko Beach, a surreal, otherworldly landscape of stark white volcanic rock formations shaped by the wind and sea on the north side of the island.

This beach is famous for its “moon-like” terrain and is one of the most photographed spots in the Cyclades.

Once you walk along the cliffs, there is a small lagoon/beach that is protected from the waves where you can swim.

Or, if the ocean is calm, you can do some cliff jumping on the other side of the rocks! (Unfortunately it was suuuper windy when we visited so we couldn’t do this!).

I recommend arriving here early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat, and to take advantage of the soft morning light for photos. There is minimal shade here, so it gets hot quickly.

Make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water!

After you’re finished up at Sarakiniko, drive about 10 minutes to Firopotomas, a charming and quiet fishing village located in a picturesque bay.

There is a beach here you can visit, but we actually headed to the end of the road to see the Church of Agios Nikolaos and photograph the colorful boat houses.

These boat houses (called “syrmata” in Greek) are extremely popular on the island of Milos, with their adorable blue garage doors.

Some boathouses have been renovated so you can rent them, including this one in Firopotomas! I will definitely be staying in a syrmata next time I visit Milos.

Besides just seeing these boat houses, this spot in Firopotomas is the perfect place to swim. Right in front of the church, there is a small rocky ledge where you can jump into the water!

I did this about 5 times, and then spent about 30 minutes just swimming in front of the boats. I couldn’t get enough of this tiny little village. It was even better because there was no one there besides us!

Afternoon: Mandrakia and Papafragas Caves

After you’ve swum enough in Firopotomas, drive about 10 minutes to the small fishing village of Mandrakia. Here, you’ll have lunch at the incredible Medusa restaurant!

This restaurant is known for its freshly caught, sun-dried octopus, which is grilled to perfection and pairs beautifully with a glass of local wine or beer (I got the Syrma beer!).

We loved our lunch here!!! This spot can get busy, especially in peak summer months, so try to arrive early!

After lunch, drive east about 15 minutes to Papafragas Caves.

This area is a must-visit during your time on Milos thanks to its dramatic volcanic rock formations, narrow sea caves, and a natural inlet with striking turquoise water!

You can explore along the walking paths to see the caves from above, but the main path down to the cove is blocked off now. However, you can swim to the caves from the nearby beach down the road if the seas are calm.

While the actual beach here is quite small (and there are many more beaches on Milos), this whole area is still worth a visit!

Evening: Explore Pollonia

In the late afternoon, head back to your hotel to shower and freshen up before heading back out to explore the town of Pollonia. If you’re staying in Pollonia, no need to travel anywhere tonight 🙂

Pollonia is a small but charming beach town on the northern tip of Milos. Before dinner, you can walk along the harbor and beaches and maybe watch the sunset!

The fishing boats in the bay are so picturesque, especially at sunset.

For dinner, you’re in luck, because Pollonia has some delicious seafood restaurants! One great option is Armenaki Fish Tavern, a highly-rated seafood restaurant offering creative takes on Greek cuisine.

Or, for great sunset views, head over to Blue By Breeze Restaurant (inside the Milos Breeze hotel) for incredible food and poolside views.

Day 2: Sailing Adventure and Sunset Views

Morning and Afternoon: Sailing Tour to Kleftiko

Day 2 of this Milos itinerary is all about exploring the stunning coastline of Milos from the sea on a sailing tour!

We personally booked this tour with Polco Sailing and had a fabulous time at sea. The tour is a bit of a splurge (~$200) but it was totally worth it!

Not only does the tour last around 8 hours but it also includes snorkel equipment, paddle boarding, lunch, snacks, AND an open bar!

Milos Sailing Tours book out far in advance for summer. Secure your spot here! ⚓

Your journey will begin at the port of Adamantas, where you’ll board the boat around 9-10am. Our tour starting point actually got moved to Paliochori beach due to high winds, which worked out for us since that is where we were staying!

After boarding the boat, most tours will head out past the Catacombs and Klima, stopping for photos, and then heading south to Kalogries beach for some snorkeling.

Then, you’ll head to the famous Sykia Cave by dinghy boat, followed by drinks and tapas!

The last stop is typically the iconic Kleftiko caves—a series of white cliffs and sea caves with a fascinating history as a pirate hideout.

You’ll get the chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, explore hidden caves by dinghy, and learn about the area’s history from your guide.

It was so cool being taken into the caves where you can get out and swim in secluded lagoons. We even got to cliff jump into the sea outside one of the caves!

You’ll wrap up the tour with lunch and one more snorkeling spot before heading back to Adamantas.

Note: These stops can be different depending on which tour you book and the weather conditions. We didn’t stop at a lot of these places due to the high winds, and instead explored the east side of the island, but it was still fantastic!

You can read more about our day + the different boat tour options on Milos here! ⚓

Evening: Dinner in Adamantas

After returning from your sailing adventure, grab dinner in the port town of Adamantas, since this is where you’ll return from the boat tour.

Adamantas has a lively atmosphere in the evening, with yachts and sailboats illuminated in the harbor and plenty of ocean-front tavernas to choose from.

A great restaurant just outside of Adamantas is O! Hamos! Tavern. They have tables right on Papikinou beach, and it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset!

After dinner, you can explore Adamantas some more and maybe grab some Baklava from a local bakery for dessert like we did!

Day 3: Beach Hopping, Plaka, and Klima Sunset Dinner

Morning and Afternoon: South Side Beaches

On your final day in Milos, it’s time to explore the hidden and secluded beaches along the southern coast! Again, you will need a car or ATV for today!!

And of course, don’t feel the need to squeeze all of these beaches into one day. You can choose 1 or 2 that you are most interested in visiting!

One of the most unique beaches on Milos, Tsigrado Beach is a small but stunning cove surrounded by high cliffs.

It’s popular because to access the beach, you’ll need to climb down a narrow path with wooden ladders, which can be a little daunting but totally worth it!

You’ll be rewarded with soft sand and clear, calm waters perfect for swimming.

Note: The actual beach here is extremely small, which is why I recommend visiting first thing in the morning before it gets too busy.

And just down the road from Tsigrado Beach is the beautiful Firiplaka Beach!

Here, you’ll find a long stretch of soft sand and calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. The beach is divided by a large rock formation jutting out into the sea, adding to its unique beauty.

In summer, there are typically sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, as well as a small beach bar serving drinks and light snacks.

Depending on how much time you spend at the first two beaches and where you are staying, you may also want to check out Paliochori Beach, a popular spot known for its colorful, mineral-rich cliffs and volcanic hot springs.

The beach is lined with sun loungers, and parts of the sand are naturally heated due to underground volcanic activity.

Since we stayed at the Artemis Seaside Resort, we returned back to Paliochori in the afternoon to relax by the pool and use their complimentary beach loungers!

Another awesome beach to check out about 20 minutes north of Paliochori is Thiorichia Beach, which is a bit off the beaten path. This beach is not only beautiful but historic as well!

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. So cool!

Evening: Explore Plaka and Dinner on Klima Beach

Leave some time in the late afternoon / early evening to explore the town of Plaka, the island’s charming hilltop town.

Plaka is full of narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and blue doors, so quintessential Greece! In fact, the streets are so tiny that cars are not allowed in the town.

Spend some time exploring the artisan shops and quiet alleyways that make this town so enchanting. When we visited in early June, it was almost completely empty!

Fun fact about Plaka? This is where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered in 1820 (hence the name Milos!).

You can actually visit the site where it was founded, as well as some other fun historical spots, which are a few of the top things to do on Milos!

After you’ve explored the town, make your way up to Plaka Castle, where you’ll find panoramic views of the entire island.

This is one of the most famous sunset spots on Milos, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby islands. Since it’s a popular location, arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot.

Or, if you’d rather eat as the sun goes down, definitely check out Klima Beach, a quick 10-minute downhill drive from Plaka.

Here, you can have dinner at the incredible Astakas restaurant, which is right on the water in front of the beautiful, colored boathouses of Klima.

We LOVED our meal at Astakas – the food was incredible (best ceviche I’ve ever had) and the service was even better. Enjoy seafood and Greek wine as you watch the sun slip into the sea!

Important Things to Know Before Your Trip to Milos, Greece

Where is Milos, Greece?

Milos is located in the Cyclades Islands, just 84 nautical miles southeast of the mainland and capital city of Athens.

Milos is a popular addition to a longer Greek Islands itinerary, as Milos is connected to many other islands by ferry. (I use FerryHopper to book my ferries around the Greek Islands!!).

Unfortunately, while most Greek islands do have airports, there are no direct routes between them (you have to connect in Athens).

For example, when we visited Milos, we took the ferry from Santorini there and then flew directly back to Athens at the end of our trip.

For help figuring out the travel logistics, check out my detailed post on how to get to Milos! ⛴️

Main Areas of the Island & Where to Stay

The island of Milos is around the same size as Santorini, about 60 square miles.

While there are fun things to do across the whole island, most people stay in one of these four areas: Adamantas (orange), Pollonia (blue), Paliochori (purple), and Plaka (green)!

Take a look at the map below for a visual!

Choosing where to stay on Milos depends on the type of experience and vibes you’re looking for. Below is a quick breakdown of the four main areas mentioned above!

• Adamantas (Port Town): As the main port, Adamantas is the hub of the island. It’s perfect if you want easy access to ferries, rental vehicles, and a variety of restaurants and shops. You’ll also find Papikinou Beach here, which offers great sunset views.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Aeolis Hotel
• Pollonia (Lively Beach Town): Located on the northern tip of the island, Pollonia is a charming town known for its beachside tavernas and boutique accommodations. This is an excellent area for travelers who want a mix of beach access, dining, and nightlife without too much hustle.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel
• Paliochori (Quiet Getaway): If you’re looking for a more peaceful, beach-focused stay, Paliochori is ideal. This is where we stayed during our time in Milos. But know, its location is off the beaten path! There isn’t much within walking distance, except the incredible Sirocco Restaurant. It’s a good spot to stay if you plan to explore the south side of the island too.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Artemis Seaside Resort (we LOVED this hotel!)
• Plaka (Traditional Charm): Nestled on a hilltop, Plaka is the place to stay if you love cobblestone streets, panoramic views, and picturesque alleys. It’s one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, particularly from Plaka Castle. There are no cars allowed within Plaka!
  • Hotel Recommendation: Halara Studios

Each of these areas offers something a bit different, so I suggest picking your base based on your priorities, whether that’s relaxing on a beach, being walking distance to restaurants, or having quick access to the port.

If you follow this itinerary exactly, I’d personally pick Pollonia (even though we stayed in Paliochori)!

For more information and details, make sure to check out my detailed guide on Where to Stay in Milos! 🐚

Transportation Options

While Milos is a relatively small island, the main areas and sights are spread out around the island. For this Milos itinerary, I highly recommend renting a car, ATV, or scooter, so you can see and do as much as possible.

There is public transportation on Milos, but we did not use it, so I cannot speak to the reliability or comfort. However, after spending 3 days on Santorini using the public buses, I can imagine how the public transportation on Milos is! 😉

We rented an ATV on Milos from Apollonas Sunshine, and although I had never driven one before, we did not have any issues!

The roads are well paved, signs are clear, and people drive safely. It was a very fun way to get around and easy to navigate on major roads, as well as some of the more off-the-beaten-path spots.

If you don’t feel comfortable renting an ATV, you can rent a car, but you probably will need to know how to drive a stick shift! Or, book in advance and request an automatic vehicle.

Another option is a scooter, however, I don’t recommend renting one if you have never driven one before. Scooters are fun but obviously easier to crash and get injured on.

So, choose the method of transportation you feel most comfortable with!

💡 Heads up for US travelers: you’ll need an International Driving Permit to rent a car or ATV in Greece – this is one of those things that catches first-timers off guard! My Passport to Confidence guide covers this and every other trip logistics question in a $7 step-by-step planning roadmap. Instant download!

What to Pack for Milos

Below are my must-haves for a trip to Milos, but you can read more in my full guide on What to Pack for the Greek Islands here!

1. Beach Cover Up / Kimono: You NEED something you can throw on after a long day in the sun! The sun in Greece is soo strong. I used my kimono a ton on our trip. It can double as a dress, a shirt, a towel, or a pillow! A lightweight, long-sleeve shirt like this one will also work.

2. Sunscreen: I will scream this from the mountain tops until I am blue in the face! If you are going to be outside, you need to wear sunscreen.

3. Floppy Hat: Again, having something to protect yourself from the sun is crucial! Bonus points if it can get wet like this one! 

4. Dramamine: If you are taking the ferry to or from Santorini, make sure to bring seasickness medicine, just in case!

5. Europe plug converter: If you’re traveling from the USA, you will need a converter like this one to use your electronics!

6. Comfy sandals with straps: I purchased these Reef sandals before my trip to Greece, and they were the bomb! They’re soo comfortable and they can get wet! They were perfect for the rocky beaches and the cliff jumping!

Make sure to grab my FREE Greek Islands packing list as well!

Final Thoughts

And that wraps up my 3 day Milos Itinerary! I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Milos. It was truly one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and I can’t wait to go back one day!

Whether it’s lounging on the beach, exploring the little fishing villages, or sailing around the coast, there is plenty to fill three days on the island. If you can stay longer, even better! But I think 3 days is the sweet spot.

Now that you have an idea of your itinerary for Milos, make sure to check out my guide on Where to Stay in Milos next to help choose the perfect accommodation.

This guide breaks down the different areas of the islands more with hotel recommendations for each!

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)!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!