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Milos: the island of colours
The back story
About Milos: the island of colours
Milos is the most colourful island in the Cyclades: its volcanic past created more than 70 beaches in every shade, from the white rock of Sarakiniko to the red cliffs of Firiplaka.
A volcanic island
Milos was shaped by volcanoes, which left behind obsidian, sulphur, clays and minerals. Obsidian from Milos was traded across the Aegean in prehistoric times, and mining still goes on today. The result is a coastline of extraordinary colours and shapes.
The Venus de Milo
In 1820 a farmer found a marble statue of Aphrodite near the ancient theatre; it is now in the Louvre as the Venus de Milo. Nearby are early Christian catacombs.
Milos shows you what a volcano can paint.
The fishing villages
Klima, Mandrakia and Firopotamos have syrmata, boathouses carved into the rock with colourful doors. Plaka, the capital, has one of the finest sunset views in the Cyclades.
Our advice: hire a car or ATV, as many beaches are on dirt roads; take a boat trip to Kleftiko; visit Sarakiniko early or late; and choose your beach by the wind: the south coast when the meltemi blows.
Why it's on our list
- Read before you go
- Who the island suits
- Our honest advice
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Milos: the island of colours before you go.