Week-long Trip to Milos, Greece

I’ve cracked the code to the perfect Greek vacation and here it is – your island trip to Milos, Greece.

Greece is one of those countries you truly have to see to believe. From the ruins and history of Athens, to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Cyclades islands. On my third trip this one of my favorite countries, I *pats self on back* really outdid myself planning wise. Thus, I present to you – your new favorite trip ever! Here is a day by day guide for your trip to Milos, Greece. This blog includes information about optional stops in Athens and Meteora. These additions are days that you can built into the beginning or end of your trip, or omit altogether!

Why a trip to Milos, Greece?

Milos is a volcanic island in the Cyclades archipelago. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. With its dramatic scenery, beyond stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Milos is an unforgettable destination. I do think this once hidden gem is slowly gaining the same popularity as Santorini and Mykonos. I suggest booking your trip while this island is still left to her raw beauty!

The island is known for its unique geology. Miles has a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from lunar-like rock formations to secluded coves with crystal-clear waters. Sarakiniko Beach, with its whitewashed rocks and smooth curves, is a must-visit. The colorful volcanic cliffs of Papafragas Beach are a photographer’s dream.

Milos is also home to a number of historical and archaeological sites for you to visit. This includes the ancient catacombs of Milos, the Roman amphitheater of Tripiti, and the Venetian castle of Plaka. These sites offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history, which dates back to the Neolithic era. See? A trip to Milos, Greece offers something for everyone!

Why stop in Athens, Greece?

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Zeus. Athens is also a vibrant city with a thriving arts and nightlife scene.

The city is located on a hill overlooking the Aegean Sea. Its skyline is dominated by the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. You’ll also find the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon.

Athens was founded in the 8th century BC. It was a major center of art, learning, and philosophy in the ancient world. The city was home to some of the most famous philosophers and playwrights in history, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Today, Athens is a modern metropolis with a population of over 3 million people. It is a major center of business, finance, and culture. The city is also a popular tourist destination, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Why go to Meteora, Greece?

Meteora is not at all what I was expecting to find in Greece. It offers a captivating landscape of sandstone rock formations that reach up to 1,800 feet (550 meters) into the sky. Meteora is nestled in the Thessaly region of Greece. The awe-inspiring pillars, sculpted by millions of years of erosion, have provided a sanctuary for monks and hermits since the 10th century.

Six of these monasteries still stand today. They are perched precariously atop the rock formations. Their whitewashed walls and intricate architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. You can tour some of the monasteries and enjoy incredible hiking in the area.

7 Day Trip to Milos, Greece

Milos Day 1:

Arrive in Milos via ferry or flight. I recommend looking into flying Sky Express from Athens. This may be your most practical choice in terms of time and money. Airport codes: ATH → MLO.

Milos is relatively small and easily navigable, with just a few main roads. You can choose to stay anywhere on the island. I recommend picking: Pollonia, Adamas, or Plaka. Pollonia will be more tucked away and quiet. Adamas will be the busier ferry port with more nightlife. Plaka is the capital and will be more expensive and busy, but a great option as well.

I recommend staying at the adorable Efi Milos in Pollonia and exploring the cute town today. Walk around the shops and main strip of Pollonia. You should definitely plan to rent a four-wheeler for the duration of your stay. It is much less expensive to rent a four wheeler on the island than it is to book in advance! Grab lunch at Deck.

Next head to Firopotamos, a fishing harbor and a beach with amazing blue water, and enjoy the rest of your afternoon there.

After returning to Pollonia, watch sunset and grab drinks at Hitana Milos. From there, you can go to Kostantakis winery before dinner along the harbor in Pollonia. Most restaurants have their menus posted outside, so take a look and pick based off what you want for dinner.

Day 2 in Milos:

Start your day early! Grab delicious goods from Kivotos Ton Gefseon Bakery and drive to Sarakiniko Beach as early as possible! View Papafragas Caves and Sarakiniko Shipwreck on the way to Sarakiniko, aka the moon beach. You’ll love Papafragas beach. The earlier you go, the more time you’ll have to enjoy these gorgeous places before the crowds come in!

Spend the rest of your morning/afternoon at Tourkothalassa beach. This beach is secluded and unspoiled. It is located in a small cove with crystal-clear waters and a sandy shore. The beach is surrounded by rocks and cliffs, which give it a wild and dramatic appearance. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are no facilities on the beach, so it is important to bring your own food and drinks.

When you’ve had your fill of beach, go back to your hotel to get ready for an amazing meal. You’ll want to spend the rest of your evening in Mandrakia. Here, dine at the famous Medusa. You can try to call 90 mins in advance to be added to the waitlist for dinner, but no one picked up the phone for us, so instead, we put our names down in person. It was about an hour long wait, but it was so worth it. Mandrakia itself is a beautiful seaside village, and Medusa’s food was some of the best of our trip. Bring your camera and your appetite.

Milos Day 3:

Start your day with a little adventure. Head to Tsigrado Beach as early as possible! You’ll have to climb down some ladders but the views and solitude are worth it! The drive here is also stunning. There are no services at this beach, so once you’ve had your fill, head next door to Fyriplaka beach. Here, you can rent chairs and umbrellas, as well as enjoy food and beverage service.

Next, spend the rest of the day in Tripiti and Klima. Visit the Hellinistic Ancient Theater and Catacombs. Hellenistic theaters were built in cities all over the Mediterranean, and they reflected the diverse influences of the time. Milos’ theater is located in the village of Tripiti, on the southern coast of the island, and it offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Make a reservation at Klima’s seaside restaurant Astakas. Try to get a 7:00 seating so you’re seated for the sunset! (Check the sunset times of your stay, and plan accordingly.) You’ll have the perfect sunset views and the seafood here is delicious! This is also where the famous colorful fishing village is, so bring your camera.

Day 4 in Milos:

Now that you’ve grown a bit more familiar with the island, spend the day offshore! I highly recommend taking a half day tour with Excellent Yachting Boat Tour to Kleftiko. Milos is just as stunning from the sea and boating on the Aegean sea is a must do when in the Cyclades islands!

You’ll likely meet them at Agia Kiriaki beach, which is another great location to spend a lazy afternoon.

Spent the rest of your evening as you’d like. I recommend keeping it low key and relaxing after a long day in the sun! Pollonia beach is small, but relaxing. Or, maybe it’s time to crack open that bottle of wine you probably left Kostantakis winery with!

Milos Day 5:

Plathiena Beach is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood for another relaxing beach day. However, if you’re up for an adventure, take a challenging hike to Sikia Cave.

Visiting Sikia Cave in Milos, Greece, blends natural wonder with adventure if you access it via hiking. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, this cave offers is full of stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations that have taken centuries to form. It creates an otherworldly landscape against the backdrop of the stunning sea.

To reach Sikia Cave, you can either hike down from the village of Zefyria or take a boat tour, both of which offer their own perspectives of the island’s coastline. The boat tour provides a chance to witness the cave’s entrance from the sea, showcasing its dramatic natural archway. I can’t speak to the boating because we opted to hike down, which made for a rewarding descent into the cave. We were able to look out of the archway and it was so beautiful! I’d choose to hike it again for sure.

For the rest of the day, you should go Adamas. I recommend grabbing lunch at Gyros of Milos. During your time, you can also visit the WWII Bomb Shelter turned Art Gallery. Walk around the port and past Lagada beach for a panoramic view of Adamas. Keep following the dirt path and go up the hill towards the Adamas lighthouse for a panoramic view of Milos bay. If you want, you can also check out Adamas beach.

Grab dinner at O! Hamos! Tavern, followed by drinks at Akri or Aragosta.

Day 6 in Milos:

Today’s adventure is to the unique Thiorichia Beach (Salt Mine Caves). Here you will find a rocky, but beautiful beach, located in front of abandoned Salt Mines. You can explore the ruins, carefully, and swim if you dare! However, bring water shoes, as it is very rocky. Explore the ruins at your own risk – this is not a child friendly place.

Next, go visit the island’s capital of Plaka. Spend the rest of your day here, popping into the shops, enjoying the delicious foods, watching street performances, grabbing drinks on the balcony of Mosaic Milos, and enjoying the island vibes.

Check out Watching Point. Hike to the top of the Venetian Castle (Plaka Castle) for sunset, then grab a table at Avli or Archontoula (try calling 90 minutes in advance). Afterward, grab drinks and go dancing at Kri Kri.

Milos Day 7:

Today, you can revisit your favorite beach, or you can take another adventure. This one requires your ATV, or similar, and some bravery! Drive to Profitis Ilias, which at 748m is the highest summit on Milos. The name Profitis Ilias refers to the prophet Elias and is a common name for the highest peaks on Greek Islands. In addition to the views, at the top, there is a church. Surprisingly, you might even find some mountain goats waiting for you! It was a great place to picnic, with 360 degree views of the island!

If you’re wanting a day of relaxation and want to visit another beach, try out: Alogomandra beach, Paleochori beach, Provatas beach, or Gerakas beach.