The back story
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The back story
Milos: the island of colours
A volcanic island of white moonscapes, red cliffs, sea caves and painted boathouses.
Island guide · Milos, the Cyclades
Milos island guide
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.
Plan your trip:Ferry timetables Arriving in Athens The Athens Riviera
Towns & villages
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The practical base
Adamas
The ferry port in one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, with boat trips, restaurants and bars.
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Sunset from the Kastro
Plaka, Milos
The whitewashed capital on the hill above Adamas, topped by a Kastro with views over the bay.
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Seafood and calm
Pollonia
A charming fishing harbour with a tamarisk-shaded beach, excellent tavernas and boats to Kimolos.
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Painted boathouses
Klima
A row of syrmata, boathouses with colourful doors, at the water’s edge below Plaka.
Sights & museums
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The pirates’ hideout
Kleftiko
White cliffs, arches and sea caves rising from turquoise water on the south-west coast.
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Early Christian Milos
Catacombs of Milos
Underground passages used by early Christians, near the spot where the Venus de Milo was found.
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A slower island next door
Kimolos day trip
A short crossing from Pollonia to quiet Kimolos, with a white village and empty beaches.
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The island’s mineral wealth
Milos Mining Museum
A museum in Adamas about mining on Milos, from ancient obsidian to modern bentonite and perlite.
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Home of the Venus, in copy
Archaeological Museum of Milos
The island’s archaeological museum in Plaka, with finds from prehistoric Phylakopi and a cast of the Venus de Milo.
Beaches & beach clubs
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A lunar landscape
Sarakiniko
Smooth white volcanic rock sculpted into waves, around a narrow inlet of turquoise water.
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Colours of the volcano
Firiplaka
Soft sand and shallow water below cliffs in shades from white to rust red.
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Warm sand, coloured rock
Paliochori
An organised beach of coloured volcanic rocks where food is cooked in the hot sand.
Restaurants & tavernas
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Cooked by the volcano
Sirocco
A beach restaurant where dishes are slow-cooked in pots buried in the hot sand.
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Octopus by the cove
Medusa
A taverna on the rocks above the cove of Mandrakia, known for grilled octopus and meze.
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Farm to table, joyfully
O! Hamos!
A rustic, cheerful taverna near Adamas cooking produce from the family farm.
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On the Pollonia waterfront
Gialos
Fresh fish and Greek dishes at tables looking over the boats of Pollonia.
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From its own farm
Barriello
A contemporary Greek restaurant in Trypiti with seasonal cooking and ingredients from its own farm.
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Seafood with a twist
Nostos Seafood Experience
A seafood restaurant in Adamas with Greek cooking given a modern twist.
Cafés & sweet things
Bars & nightlife
Where to stay: luxury, boutique & value
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Good-value base
Hotel Rigas
A well-recommended, good-value hotel within walking distance of everything in Adamas.
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Individually styled suites
Santa Maria Luxury Suites & Spa
A small complex of individually styled suites with a spa, near Adamas.
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By the volcanic beach
Volcano Luxury Suites
Four-star suites at Paliochori, the multicoloured volcanic beach on the south coast.
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For couples in Pollonia
White Pebble Suites
A couples-friendly boutique hotel in the fishing village of Pollonia.
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Pool above Pollonia
Milos Breeze
A four-star boutique hotel overlooking the sea at Pollonia, with a pool.
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Traditional, near the port
Aeolis Hotel
A traditional Cycladic-style hotel in Adamas, built in 2001.
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Between Plaka and Adamas
Milos Village Hotel
A three-star hotel in Triovasalos, between Plaka and Adamas.
Shopping, markets & jewellers
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Pottery inspired by the Neolithic
Ceramica Kymbe
A ceramics workshop in Plaka making minimalist, everyday pottery inspired by the island’s Neolithic past.
Car & scooter hire, getting around
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You need wheels on Milos
Car & scooter hire on Milos
Local firms in Adamas and Pollonia rent cars, scooters and quads, with delivery to the port and airport.
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Port, airport and Pollonia
RAC Rent a Car Milos
A Milos car and motorbike rental company serving the port, the airport and Pollonia.
Getting there
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Western Cyclades link
Port of Adamas
Ferries from Piraeus and the western Cyclades: Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos and more.
Share your Milos experience
Been to Milos? Share your tips with other travellers.
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