Top Things To Do on Milos, Greece for First Time Visitors
Milos is one of the best Greek islands for travelers who want dramatic beaches, boat tours, fishing villages, and sea caves.
But most importantly, it offers a more off-the-beaten-path alternative to Santorini or Mykonos (even though those islands are great too!).
After visiting Milos during my one week Greek island-hopping trip, these are the top things I’d prioritize first: a boat tour to Kleftiko, an early morning at Sarakiniko, wandering Plaka in the late afternoon, and a sunset dinner in Klima.
But of course, there is much more to see and do on Milos besides those!
It all depends on how many days you have on Milos and how you personally like to spend your time. With this guide, you’ll be able to craft your own perfect Milos itinerary filled with unique activities.
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
Best Things to Do in Milos at a Glance
Short on time? Here are the top things I would prioritize on a first trip to Milos.
| Experience | Best For | Time Needed | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat tour to Kleftiko | First-time visitors | Half day to full day | Number one thing to do! |
| Sarakiniko Beach | Iconic photos + swimming | 1–3 hours | Go early or late in day |
| Plaka | Sunset + classic Cycladic streets | 1-2 hours | Best village atmosphere |
| Klima | Colorful fishing village | 1–2 hours | Best at sunset |
| Wine Tasting | Couples, groups | 2-3 hours | Great local experience! |
| Firiplaka Beach | Easy beach day | Half day | Best swimming beach |
| Tsigrado Beach | Adventure | 1–2 hours | Skip if mobility is an issue |
| Catacombs + Ancient Theater | History | 1–2 hours | Pair with Plaka |
| Pollonia | Dinner + relaxed evening | 2–3 hours | Good home base |
Map of Milos & Logistics
To make your trip planning easier, I’ve put together a map of Milos – it includes every place I mention in this blog post!
This will help you visualize the layout of the island while reading this post, and you can save this map to actually use on your trip, too!
As you can see from the map, the activities listed in this post are pretty spread out around the island.
The most developed part of the island is the northwestern portion. This is where the port is located (Adamantas), and nearby are the villages of Plaka (to the northwest) and Pollonia (to the northeast).
These are 3 of the most popular areas to stay on the island (for more details on this, jump down to my Where to Stay on Milos section at the bottom of this post!).
Renting a Vehicle on Milos
To see all this island has to offer, I highly recommend renting an ATV or a car.
There are buses on Milos, but they are more limiting if you want to beach-hop or explore multiple areas in one day. You’ll have a much easier time with your own transportation, whether that’s a rental car or ATV.
We booked our ATV through Apollonas Sunshine while on Milos and had a great experience! They are located at the port, but they actually dropped our ATV off at the hotel for us in Paliochori.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving an ATV (it was my first time and was super easy!), you can also rent a car on Milos. While this will be slightly more expensive than an ATV, you won’t have to worry about bad weather affecting your drives!
Either way, secure your own method of transportation before you arrive on the island for the best rates and availability.
Best Things to Do in Milos by Travel Style
For first-time visitors: Kleftiko boat tour, Sarakiniko, Plaka, Klima, Firiplaka
For couples: Plaka sunset, Klima dinner, wine tasting, Pollonia dinner, boat tour
For adventure travelers: Tsigrado Beach, sea kayaking, cliff jumping at Sarakiniko or Firopotamos
For history lovers: Catacombs, Ancient Theater, Venus de Milo discovery site, Archaeological Museum
For beach lovers: Firiplaka, Sarakiniko, Tsigrado, Firopotamos, Papafragas
For food lovers: Medusa, Pollonia dinner, Kostantakis Winery, Greek cooking class
For relaxed travelers: Pollonia, Plaka, Klima, wine tasting, Firiplaka, Mandrakia lunch
What to Do in Milos Based on Your Trip Length
How long you have in Milos will dictate how much you are able to do! That, and how action-packed you like your days.
Your perfect Milos itinerary will depend on how fast you like to travel, whether you rent a car or ATV, and how much beach time you want.
But if I were planning a first trip to Milos, this is how I would structure it!
One day in Milos:
Choose either a full-day boat tour to Kleftiko or a land-based route with Sarakiniko, Plaka, Klima, and dinner in Pollonia.
Two days in Milos:
Day 1: Boat tour to Kleftiko
Day 2: Sarakiniko, Catacombs, Plaka, Klima sunset
Three days in Milos:
Day 1: Boat tour to Kleftiko
Day 2: Sarakiniko, Mandrakia, Catacombs, Plaka, and Klima
Day 3: South coast beaches like Firiplaka, Tsigrado, and Paliochori
P.S. Read my full 3 day Milos itinerary here!
Four or more days in Milos:
Add Polyaigos, sea kayaking, wine tasting, Papafragas, Firopotamos, and a slower Pollonia dinner night.
Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece
Sailing Tour to Kleftiko Caves
✅ Best for: First-time visitors, swimming, snorkeling, sea caves
⌛ Time needed: Half day to full day
⏰ Best time to go: Morning or full-day tour
🚗 Need transportation? Usually no, depending on the tour departure point
🗺️ Good to pair with: Nothing — make this your main activity of the day
If you do one thing while visiting Milos, it needs to be a sailboat tour around the island. This was our absolute favorite thing we did in Milos, and it’s an experience I still can’t stop talking about!
The tour we booked lasted a full day and included stops at several beaches and coves only accessible by boat, plus lunch and drinks onboard! It’s the perfect way to see parts of the island you can’t reach on foot.
But the highlight of the tour is visiting Kleftiko, a series of towering white rock formations and hidden sea caves that were once used as a hideout by pirates.
Today, it’s a bucket list snorkeling and swimming spot, with crystal clear waters surrounded by dramatic white cliffs. The color of the water around Kleftiko is absolutely insane (like straight-up Gatorade blue).
I have been to a lot of places with blue water, but this water was different than anything I’d ever seen! Even though it was a bit chilly when we visited in early June, that didn’t stop us from diving right in!
We were docked at Kleftiko for a few hours and got to swim around, float in the water, and also had lunch on the boat here!
The sailboat also has a dinghy with it, so the tour guide could take us in small groups into the caves! Exploring the caves and swimming in hidden lagoons was like something out of a movie. We even got to jump off a small cliff into the sea!
Overall, this boat tour was the coolest thing we did on Milos! Most cost around $200, but that includes lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkel equipment, and more.
👉 Pro Tip: I highly recommend booking this boat tour in advance, as it’s known to sell out, especially during the peak summer months of July and August!
Want more details? I have a full blog post breaking down our day + other options. Read more about the top boat tours in Milos, Greece here! ⚓
Explore Sarakiniko (Moon Beach)
✅ Best for: Iconic photos, swimming, cliff jumping, unique landscapes
⌛ Time needed: 1–3 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Early morning, or late afternoon
🚗 Need transportation? There is a bus stop, but ideally a rental car or ATV
🗺️ Good to pair with: Mandrakia, Firopotamos, & Papafragas
Similar to Kleftiko, you can’t visit Milos without stopping by Sarakiniko Beach. It’s easily the island’s most iconic spot and one of the most unique landscapes in all of Greece!
Sarakiniko is located on the northern end of the island between Pollonia and Firopotomas (more on those spots later!). The best way to get here (and around Milos in general) is using your own transportation – whether that’s a rental car or an ATV.
Once you arrive, you’ll walk down the path from the parking area straight onto the rock formations. The first time I saw Sarakiniko, it honestly felt like I had landed on the moon.
While it’s called a “beach”, the majority of Sarakiniko is a rocky surface that leads to the sea. The smooth, white volcanic rock formations stretch out in waves, creating natural cliffs, caves, and pools, like something from another planet.

One of the top things to do at Sarakiniko is explore the rocky surfaces and natural coves. If the ocean is calm, you can even jump off the cliffs into the water!
Unfortunately, when we visited, the water was way too rough to swim in the sea. Luckily though, there is a protected lagoon at Sarakiniko, which creates a calm beach area to swim in no matter the conditions! (It was super windy when we were there, but we were still able to swim here).
Whether you’re into swimming, cliff-jumping, or just want to soak in the views, Sarakiniko Beach is a Milos must-see.
👉 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds (and the intense midday sun. The white rocks reflect heat like crazy, and there is basically no shade.
⚓ Pro tip: the boat tour and most popular spots fill up fast in summer. Knowing when to book activities is just one section of my Passport to Confidence guide — a $7 month-by-month planning roadmap covering flights, accommodation, packing, and more. Download it instantly!

Wander Through Plaka Village
✅ Best for: Classic Greek island streets, shopping, sunset views
⌛ Time needed: 1–3 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Late afternoon into sunset
🚗 Need transportation? There is a bus stop, but ideally a rental car or ATV
🗺️ Good to pair with: Catacombs, Ancient Theater, Venus de Milo site, or Klima
If you’re looking for that classic Greek island village charm with whitewashed houses, blue doors, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful bougainvillea, you’ll find it in Plaka.
Perched on a hilltop at the tip of the island, Plaka is the capital of Milos and the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon or catch a jaw-dropping sunset.
Aside from the iconic Oia on Santorini, Plaka was definitely the most picturesque village we found during our one-week Greek Island hopping trip!
And similar to Oia, Plaka is a pedestrian-only village, which means you can stroll through its winding alleys without worrying about traffic. Every corner feels picture-perfect, with quaint shops, local art galleries, and cafes spilling out onto the streets.
While you’re here, pop into some of the boutique shops selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, and local crafts.
We stopped in Plaka to shop and wander before our sunset dinner in Klima and fell in love with its beauty and friendly locals!
And a short uphill walk from the village center takes you to the ruins of a Venetian castle that offers one of the best panoramic sunset views on the island.
From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of the coastline, nearby islands, and the Aegean turning golden as the sun dips below the horizon. (It gets busy at sunset, so go early to snag a good spot!)
After sunset, head back into the village and grab dinner or a drink at one of the rooftop tavernas.
Or, head down to Klima beach for a sunset dinner, which I’ll cover next!
Visit the Fishing Village of Klima
✅ Best for: Colorful boathouses, sunset, photography, seaside dinner
⌛ Time needed: 1–2 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Golden hour or sunset
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Plaka, Catacombs, Ancient Theater, or Venus de Milo site
If you’ve seen photos of Milos with colorful boathouses lining the water’s edge, chances are you’re looking at Klima. This tiny fishing village is one of the most picturesque spots on the island and an absolute must-see.
Klima is famous for its brightly painted syrmata, aka traditional boathouses built right on the water. These two-story houses were originally used by fishermen who stored their boats on the ground floor and lived upstairs.
Today, some are still used by locals, while others have been turned into charming rental properties where you can stay right on the beach! Check out their availability here!
The village itself is small, just one narrow road runs along the waterfront. While there isn’t a proper sandy beach at Klima for swimming, you can still dip your feet in the water or find flat rocks along the shoreline for sunbathing.
Plus, its west-facing location makes it one of the best sunset spots on the island. One of our favorite memories from Milos was grabbing a seaside table at Astakas Restaurant, the village’s only taverna.
Order some fresh seafood (the ceviche here was amazing) and a glass of local wine while enjoying the view— there’s no better spot for a sunset dinner!
Swim in the Crystal Waters of Firiplaka Beach
✅ Best for: Easy beach day, swimming, soft sand, turquoise water
⌛ Time needed: Half day
⏰ Best time to go: Morning
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Tsigrado Beach or Paliochori Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that checks all the boxes, soft sand, turquoise water, and plenty of space to spread out, Firiplaka Beach is the one.
It’s one of the most popular beaches on Milos for good reason. The shallow, calm waters make it perfect for swimming, and the stunning backdrop of towering, multi-colored cliffs gives the whole area a postcard-worthy vibe.
Firiplaka is located on the southern coast of Milos, which means it’s usually protected from the strong northern winds that can hit other parts of the island.

The water here is that perfect shade of turquoise, gradually deepening as you wade out, making it great for both swimmers and casual floaters.
The beach is a mix of organized areas with loungers and umbrellas for rent and free spots where you can throw down a towel if you prefer a more laid-back beach day. There’s also a small beach bar that is typically open in the summer and serves cold drinks and snacks.
One of the most striking features of Firiplaka is the massive rock formation that juts out near the shoreline, creating a natural arch. It’s a popular spot for photos and adds to the already dramatic scenery.
👉 Pro Tips:
- Get there early during the summer months if you want to snag a lounger—they fill up fast.
- Pair your visit with nearby beaches like Tsigrado or Paliochori for a full beach-hopping day.
Between boat tours, beach days, ATV rides, and windy ferry travel, Milos is one of those places where packing well actually matters. I have a full Greek Islands packing list if you want help deciding what to bring!
Save this post for later!
Climb the Ladder Down to Tsigrado Beach
✅ Best for: Adventure travelers, hidden coves, unique beach access
⌛ Time needed: 1–2 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Early morning
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Firiplaka Beach or Paliochori Beach
Keeping with the beach theme, if you’re up for a little adventure, Tsigrado Beach is another great beach to visit while on Milos.
Tucked between towering cliffs on the southern coast of Milos, Tsigrado is one of the island’s most stunning (and most fun-to-reach) beaches. But fair warning, you’ve got to work a little to get there.
To access Tsigrado, you’ll need to climb down a steep path that includes ladders and ropes attached to the cliffside. It’s definitely not your average beach walk, and not suited for people with mobility issues.

However, once you make it down, you’ll be rewarded with soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a calm, sheltered cove that feels like your own private slice of paradise.
The beach itself is fairly small, so it can get crowded during peak hours, but the adventure to get there tends to keep it a little quieter compared to more easily accessible spots.
The surrounding cliffs provide shade during parts of the day, and the shallow waters make it perfect for swimming or floating around while taking in the epic views.
If you bring snorkel gear, there are plenty of underwater rock formations and small sea caves to explore around the edges of the cove.
👉 Pro Tips:
- Wear sturdy shoes for the descent—the ladder section is steep, and the sand can make it slippery.
- Pack light—you’ll need both hands free for the climb down.
- Go early in the morning if you want fewer crowds and calmer waters.
- If climbing isn’t your thing, you can also reach Tsigrado by kayak or boat tour.
Visit the Catacombs of Milos
✅ Best for: History lovers, culture, ancient sites
⌛ Time needed: 1–2 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Morning or early evening
🚗 Need transportation? Yes, unless you are staying nearby in Plaka or Tripiti
🗺️ Good to pair with: Plaka, Klima, or dinner with a sunset view
If you’re into history (or just want to explore something a little different while in Milos), a visit to the Catacombs of Milos is a must. These underground tombs date back to the 1st and 5th centuries AD and are considered one of the most significant early Christian monuments in Greece.
The catacombs are located near the village of Tripiti, not far from where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered. They stretch about 200 meters underground, with narrow passageways leading through chambers where early Christians once worshipped in secret and buried their dead.
When you walk through the tunnels, you’ll see stone-carved graves along the walls and ancient inscriptions that have been preserved for centuries. The atmosphere inside is cool, a bit eerie, but incredibly fascinating.
The tour itself is short—about 15-20 minutes—but it’s packed with historical insight. Local guides share stories about the catacombs’ significance and how they were used during Roman times.
👉 Pro Tips:
- Pair your visit here with a stop at the Ancient Theater of Milos and the Venus de Milo discovery site which are nearby! This cultural tour combines them all!
- Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat and crowds, especially in peak season.
Book a tour of the Catacombs, Ancient Theatre, and the discovery site of Venus de Milo here! 🏛️
Explore the Papafragas Caves and Beach
✅ Best for: Dramatic coastal views, sea caves, quick scenic stop
⌛ Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
⏰ Best time to go: Morning
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Sarakiniko, Pollonia, Mandrakia, or Firopotamos
If you’re into dramatic landscapes, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters, Papafragas Caves is a spot you don’t want to miss.
Located on the northern coast of Milos between Sarakiniko and Pollonia, this narrow cove feels more like a natural lagoon than a typical beach, surrounded by towering cliffs and carved-out sea caves that create an otherworldly vibe.

The main highlight here is the Papafragas Sea Cave, where the turquoise water flows through a narrow passageway between the cliffs, creating a sort of natural swimming tunnel. From above, the views are stunning!
In the past, visitors could climb down a narrow path carved into the cliffside to reach the small sandy beach below. However, some people report that this is no longer allowed.
Even if you can’t make it down to the beach itself, the views from above are more than worth the stop.
👉 Pro Tip:
- If the beach is accessible during your visit, wear sturdy shoes—the path down is steep.
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer lighting and fewer crowds.
Take a Day Trip to Polyaigos Island
✅ Best for: Boat lovers, secluded beaches, turquoise water, snorkeling
⌛ Time needed: Full day
⏰ Best time to go: Calm-weather day
🚗 Need transportation? No, if joining a guided boat tour
🗺️ Good to pair with: A Kleftiko boat tour if you choose a combined route
Located just a short boat ride from Milos, Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island in the Aegean, and it’s pure, untouched beauty.
Polyaigos (which literally means “island of many goats”) is exactly that—home to more goats than people. In fact, there are no permanent residents on the island, which means the beaches here stay pristine and blissfully crowd-free.
The lack of development gives Polyaigos a wild, raw charm that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Cyclades.
The water around the island is some of the clearest, most vibrant turquoise water you’ll ever see. Plus, the beaches here are soft, white sand, and the sea is incredibly calm, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Most day trips from Milos include stops at the island’s hidden caves, secluded beaches, and some even anchor for a while so you can jump off the boat and swim in the gin-clear water.
You can also combine visiting Polyaigos with a stop at Kleftiko on a combined tour like this one!
Another option is to secure your own boat rental if you feel comfortable boating in other countries!
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for a larger catamaran over a smaller boat, as the waters around Polyaigos can get choppy. And don’t forget your Dramamine!
See Where the Venus de Milo Was Discovered
✅ Best for: History lovers, art lovers, quick cultural stop
⌛ Time needed: 15–30 minutes
⏰ Best time to go: Morning or early evening
🚗 Need transportation? Yes, unless you are staying nearby in Plaka or Tripiti
🗺️ Good to pair with: Catacombs of Milos, Ancient Theater of Milos, or Plaka
You’ve probably heard of the Venus de Milo (the iconic ancient Greek statue now housed in the Louvre), but did you know it was discovered on the island of Milos?
Back in 1820, a local farmer stumbled upon the statue while digging in a field near the village of Tripiti. The marble sculpture, believed to represent Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, quickly became one of the most famous works of ancient Greek art.
While the statue itself now lives in Paris, the spot where it was found is still a fascinating place to visit.
The discovery site is located just a short walk from the Ancient Theater of Milos and near the entrance to the Catacombs, making it easy to combine these stops into one outing or on a guided tour of all three.
While there’s not much more than a simple plaque marking the exact spot, standing where such an iconic piece of history was unearthed is still pretty special—especially for art or history lovers!
Plus, the area offers beautiful panoramic views over the Aegean Sea, so it’s worth stopping by even if you’re just in it for the views.
👉 Pro Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to pair this stop with sunset at nearby Plaka Castle.
Eat Fresh Octopus at Medusa
✅ Best for: Seafood, lunch with a view, food lovers, fishing village scenery
⌛ Time needed: 1–2 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Lunch or early dinner
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Sarakiniko, Firopotamos, or Papafragas
No trip to Milos is complete without a seaside meal, and there’s no better place for it than Medusa in the tiny fishing village of Mandrakia.
Known for its colorful boathouses and calm turquoise waters, Mandrakia is already a picture-perfect stop—but Medusa makes it even better with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find on the island!
This family-run taverna is perched right on the water, with simple outdoor seating that gives you front-row views of the Aegean.
And you must have the grilled octopus here! It’s fresh, perfectly charred, and served with capers, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon – sooo yummy!!
Pair it with some fried zucchini balls or a classic Greek salad, and you’ve got the ultimate seaside meal.
Medusa is popular (for good reason), so expect a bit of a wait, especially during peak lunch and dinner hours. But trust me, it’s 100% worth it. You can take a stroll through the fishing village while you wait.
This makes a great stop for lunch while exploring the beaches on the north side of the island like Sarakiniko, Firopotomas, and Papasfragas!
Take a Greek Cooking Class
✅ Best for: Food lovers, culture, couples, slower travelers
⌛ Time needed: 2–4 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Afternoon or evening
🚗 Need transportation? Depends on the class location
🗺️ Good to pair with: A slower beach morning or relaxed village day
One of the best ways to dive deeper into Greek culture while visiting Milos? Take a cooking class and learn how to make some of the country’s most beloved dishes with a local!
Milos is known not just for its stunning landscapes but also for its delicious, locally-sourced cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional Cycladic recipes, the food here is simple, flavorful, and absolutely worth recreating at home.
A cooking class is a fun, hands-on way to bring a little bit of Greece back with you. I normally always do this in a new country, and I am so sad I missed it on Milos!
Here are some classic Greek dishes you might make:
- Greek salad (Horiatiki) with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta
- Tzatziki—that creamy yogurt and cucumber dip you’ll want to put on everything
- Spanakopita (spinach pie) or Kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters)
- And sometimes even traditional Cycladic desserts like melopita (honey pie)
Most cooking classes in Milos take place in charming village homes or family-run tavernas.
However, these are a bit harder to find until you get on the island. If you want to book in advance, check out this class at Solus Milos, a luxury hotel near Adamantas.
Enjoy Wine Tasting at Kostantakis Winery
✅ Best for: Couples, groups, wine lovers, relaxed afternoons
⌛ Time needed: 2–3 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Late afternoon or golden hour
🚗 Need transportation? Yes, unless you are staying in Pollonia
🗺️ Good to pair with: Pollonia dinner or a relaxed beach day
If you’re a wine lover (or just looking for a relaxing break from the beach), Kostantakis Cave Winery is the perfect spot to sip on local Greek wines while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Milos’ countryside.
Located just outside Pollonia, this family-run winery is the only one on the island, making it a unique stop for those wanting to experience authentic Cycladic winemaking.
The vineyard itself is small but charming, with stone-built cellars, rolling vines, and a cozy tasting room where you’ll get to sample their handcrafted wines. The wines here are made using traditional methods, often featuring grapes native to the Cyclades.
When you book a wine tasting experience at Kostantakis, you’ll get a tour of the vineyard and the cellars of the winery. Then, you’ll taste 7 different wines along with local cheeses and snacks from the island!
The winemaker’s son will guide you on the tour and share insights about the winemaking process, the history of the vineyard, and how the volcanic soil of Milos gives the wines a distinct, rich flavor.
After your tasting, you can grab a bottle (or two) to take home as a souvenir, or simply wander the vineyard grounds with a glass in hand.
👉 Pro Tips:
- Make a reservation in advance—tastings are intimate and spots fill up quickly.
- Pair your visit with a meal in Pollonia afterward—it’s just a short drive away.
- If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, you’ll get gorgeous golden hour views over the vineyard.
Book your wine tasting at Kostantakis here! 🍷
Swim in the Sea in Firopotomas
✅ Best for: Quick swim stop, cliff jumping, quiet coastal views
⌛ Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
⏰ Best time to go: Morning or late afternoon
🚗 Need transportation? Yes
🗺️ Good to pair with: Sarakiniko, Mandrakia, Medusa, or Papafragas
This one is kind of random but was one of my favorite memories from Milos – cliff jumping and swimming in the sea in Firopotomas!
Firopotomas is another small, traditional fishing village on the north coast of Milos. There is a beach here, but instead, I recommend heading down the main road all the way to the end until you reach the Church of Agios Nikolaos.
Located right in front of the church is a rocky outcrop that overlooks the ocean and the colorful boat houses. There are some stairs down to the dock area where you can dip your toes in the water.
Or, to the right of the platform in front of the church, there’s a little ledge where you can cliff jump into the sea!
We spent about 30 minutes here just swimming in the crystal-clear blue water and enjoying the quiet – there was nobody around when we visited!
Go Sea Kayaking Along the Milos Coastline
✅ Best for: Adventure travelers, active travelers, sea caves, hidden beaches
⌛ Time needed: Half day
⏰ Best time to go: Morning
🚗 Need transportation? Usually yes, depending on the tour meeting point
🗺️ Good to pair with: A relaxed afternoon or dinner in Pollonia
For a more adventurous way to explore Milos, sea kayaking along the island’s rugged coastline looks like an absolute must!! I am so sad we missed this.
Milos’ coastline is filled with natural arches, sea caves, and secluded beaches that you can only reach by water, and kayaking gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
You’ll glide past towering white cliffs, paddle into sea caves, and even have the chance to stop at tiny, tucked-away beaches that most visitors never see.
Local guides know the area inside and out, often leading tours through calm waters with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and cliffside picnics.
This kayaking tour leaves from Fyriplaka Beach and then visits the famous Tsigrado Beach and Gerakas Beach. Along the way, you’ll be spoiled with epic coastal views and have plenty of time for swimming at both spots!
👉 Pro Tip: Book a morning tour for calmer seas and cooler temps, especially during the summer months.
Have Dinner and Explore Pollonia
✅ Best for: Relaxed evenings, seaside dining, couples, first-time visitors
⌛ Time needed: 2–3 hours
⏰ Best time to go: Late afternoon or evening
🚗 Need transportation? Yes, unless you are staying in Pollonia
🗺️ Good to pair with: Papafragas, Kostantakis Winery, or a Kimolos day trip
If you’re looking for a charming, laid-back spot to unwind, Pollonia is the perfect place. Located on the northeastern tip of Milos, this seaside village offers a relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful harbor, and some of the best dining spots on the island.
Pollonia is ideal for a slow afternoon or evening, whether you’re grabbing coffee at a waterfront café, strolling along the harbor, or enjoying a sunset dinner by the sea. Rakomelo is a great choice for this!

The village is lined with quaint tavernas, boutique shops, and shaded pathways that make it easy to spend a few peaceful hours exploring. There’s also a lovely beach here to enjoy!
Aside from its tavernas and beautiful beaches, Pollonia is also a launching point for the short ferry ride to the nearby island of Kimolos, known for its quiet beaches and authentic village vibes.
Pollonia is also one of the most popular areas to stay in Milos, thanks to its walkable and quaint atmosphere plus great location on the island. You can’t go wrong with the famous Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel!
Other Things to Know Before Visiting Milos
Where to Stay on Milos
Now that you know all the incredible things to do on Milos, I wanted to provide a quick overview of where to stay during your time on Milos!
As you can see from this post, the top things to do on Milos are spread out on the northern side of the island. Most people choose to stay in the small towns of Plaka, Pollonia, Adamantas, or on Paliochori Beach.
Below is a quick breakdown of these main areas with recommendations for each!
Adamantas (Adamas): The Port Town
As the main port of Milos, Adamantas is a bustling hub with a wide range of accommodations, dining options, and easy access to transportation. Staying here places you at the center of activity, making it convenient for exploring the island.
🛏️ Hotel Recommendation in Adamantas: Aelios Hotel
Pollonia: Charming Seaside Village
Located on the northeastern tip of Milos, Pollonia is a picturesque fishing village known for its relaxed atmosphere, small beaches, and excellent seafood tavernas. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil stay with beautiful sea views and being able to walk to different bars and restaurants. This is where I recommend staying for first-time visitors to Milos!
🛏️ Hotel Recommendation in Pollonia: Salt Suites
Paliochori: Beachfront Serenity
Situated on the southeastern coast, Paliochori offers stunning beaches with vibrant, colorful cliffs. This area is perfect for travelers looking to unwind by the sea and enjoy the natural beauty of Milos. However, there are not many restaurants around here, so keep that in mind.
🛏️ Hotel Recommendation in Paliochori: Artemis Seaside Resort
Plaka: Historic Hilltop Town
Perched atop a hill, Plaka is the island’s charming capital, boasting narrow streets, traditional architecture, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Staying here immerses you in local culture and provides easy access to historical sites, but you’re further away from the southern beaches.
🛏️ Hotel Recommendation in Plaka: Eight Infinity Suites
➡️ For more information about the different areas of Milos, make sure to check out my full guide on Where to Stay in Milos!
How to Get to Milos, Greece
As mentioned, Milos is part of the Cyclades island chain, the same as some of the more popular islands like Santorini, Paros, and Mykonos.
If you are wondering the best way to get to Milos, you have a few options depending on where you are traveling from!
For example, if you are spending a few days on Santorini and then making your way over to Milos, you can either fly or take a ferry. We personally chose to take a ferry from Santorini to Greece since it was cheaper and had a shorter duration!
While many Greek islands have airports (like both Milos and Santorini), in order to fly between them, you have to connect in Athens.
This is very frustrating to me, as what should be a quick 45-minute flight turns into a multiple-hour affair since you have to take two planes!
However, if you are traveling directly from Athens, it definitely makes sense to fly to Milos instead of taking the ferry.
➡️ For a full breakdown of the different costs and route options, make sure to check out my full guide on How to Get to Milos, Greece!
Final Thoughts
Milos is the kind of island that offers a little bit of everything: otherworldly landscapes, laid-back villages, and fun adventure activities. I
t’s easy to see why more travelers are starting to add it to their Greek islands itinerary, but it still holds onto that quieter, more local feel.
I hope this guide has helped you understand all the different activities Milos has to offer! Whether you want to spend your days sailing to hidden coves, wandering through charming towns, or simply relaxing by the beach, Milos is the perfect choice.
And now that you know about all the different things to do on Milos, check out my blog post about the best beaches in Milos you need to check out!
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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