Mind Blowing Shores
Among the islands of the Cyclades, even of the world, Milos island stands luminously in the history of art. Not because a great artist came from here or was inspired by it, but rather because of a chance discovery in its soil.
Milos Island’s colors and wealth and the shaping of its history derive from its having been flung out of the sea by volcanoes that blew around two million years ago, the principal crater forming one of the largest harbors in the Aegean at Adamas (‘diamond’ in Greek). Official website of Milos: https://milos.gr
Volcanic Activity in Milos Island
Hot springs praised by Hippocrates still bubble up around the island. Obsidian was its first star mineral, and the traders at Phylacopi sold it to the Minoans for weapons and razors. Pliny wrote of alum that rivaled Egypt and declared it had the most abundant sulfur supply in the known world. At Theorychia, you can see the haunting remains of a sulfur mine clinging to a cliff striped in yellow, rusting wagons still on the tracks, the water crystal clear, the beach stones like a ppainter’spalette with the colors running together, an odor of rotten eggs in the air. An 11,000-year-old mining industry still thrives by collecting kaolin, baryte, pozzolan, and bentonite. All this geological munificence has produced crystals, solidified volcanic ash, and streaks of oxidized metals that make you feel you are in a place that has been dreamed up rather than naturally evolved. Milos Island Holidays
THE SENSATION OF THE SEA IS INTENSE, AS IS THE SOUND AND AROMA OF IT AT NIGHT AND THE DANCE OF LIGHT ON IT THROUGH THE DAY.
Villages
If the grand bay were a mouth, the cape containing Skinopi would be its upper jaw. Here, the Milos island is at its most dense, with the harbor town of Adamas down around the molars and, going northwards, Tripiti, Plaka, the stomata villages, the catacombs, the theater, and the site of the Venus discovery. East along the north coast is one of the most startling natural events you might encounter: the narrow blue bay at Sarakiniko, its arms bone-white rock, a kind of petrified foam with undulations like bed sheets in the wind, and occasional eruptions of Dalí-style swirls. Chambers have been cut out of the stone near the water level. Further along, at the northeastern tip, serene Pollonia has Milos IIsland’s best hotels, some excellent harbor-side restaurants, and the island’s only commercial winery, Kostantakis.
Milos Island Beaches
The beaches of Milos Island have a unique allure. You wake up wondering what they will offer. There is one, or more likely a dozen, for any taste. At Paleochori, lamb or fish can be cooked in the geothermal sand. Firiplaka is gold, purple, rose, and white. Enjoy 80 amazing beaches with your better half; among them stands out Kléftiko with its turquoise waters and Sarakíniko with sharp white rocks cutting deep into a sheer cliff; add the unique lunar landscapes, the rocky secluded caves, the mysterious catacombs, the “sleeping” volcanoes, and a picturesque Cycladic Chóra and experience a unique version of romance!
As many beaches as you can! The white rocky landscape that embraces Sarakíniko forms a once-in-a-lifetime lunar landscape, while on Kléftiko, which can be reached only by boat, you can dive into secluded rocky caves with crystal clear waters. Add the wild beauty of Alogomántra, the open cave of Papáfragkas, the sheltered Ahivadolímni- the most extensive beach on the island where also the iisland’scamping site is situated- and the beaches of Fyripláka, Yérakas, and Tsigrádos adorned with grayish-red rocks. Only on Milos and its neighbor, Kimolos, will you encounter tiny colorful houses by the sea, the so-called “ýrmata,” which the anglers used as a shelter for their boats in winter. Other sites worth visiting are the Catacombs of Tripiti and the mystical Sulfur Mines. The whole area of Trypití consists of caves carved on the rock used as family tombs. Another highlight is the white-washed Chóra adorned with beautiful churches, such as Panayiá Korfiátissa and the Catholic Church, and well-worth visiting Museums, such as the Folk Art and the Archaeological Museum, where also a replica of the masterpiece of Aphrodite of Mílos Islandis kept. Adámantas, built like an amphitheater overlooking the Aegean, is GGreece’s second-biggest natural harbor and is quite famous for its frenetic nightlife. Don’t forget to visit Apollonía, on the island’s northwestern tip, for an unforgettable experience. Rent a boat from its picturesque little harbor to guide you through the island’s rugged beauties, or take you to the opposite-situated island of Kimolos!
Activities
Milos boasts the most extensive network of dirt roads on the Cyclades. Set off with your partner on a walking tour following ancient-old paths, which used to be the only “road network” until the previous century. Many of them lead to secluded beaches of pure wild beauty. Try accessible routes like the one starting from Catacombs and ending at Profétis Elías (2,5 km, 35″; more difficult routes like the route Filakopí- Papáfragkas -Sarakíniko- Mandrákia (9km, 3hr) or a five-hour-route from Cape Vani to Áyia Marina boasting an astonishing landscape variety. Ahivadolímni is ideal for wind-surfing, whereas the dirt road network in the areas of Emporió and Trahilas is perfect for off-road adventures. Taste: mouth-watering handmade pies, the so-called “adeniés” (oil-made) and “ireniés” (with cheese filling).
Accommodation
On the island, you will mostly find family-run guesthouses; the big, luxurious five-star hotels have only established their presence over the last few years. You can also choose to stay in one of the traditional colorful houses by the sea, the so-called “ýrmata,” primarily found in the settlements of Klýma, Madrákia, Mýtakas, and Fyropótamos.
Hot tips for romantic couples
Wander around the castle district at dusk when the sun washes Chóra with its warm golden light… The Castle’stop, the benches in the courtyard of Panayiá Korfiátissa church, or Panayiá Thalassýtra are all ideal spots to enjoy this breathtaking scenery that will undoubtedly weave a powerful spell on you… How about private dives on secluded beaches and well-hidden rocky caves? Rent a boat from Adamantas Port, and you will find yourself on beaches you have never thought of putting a foot on!
Milos Island Package Tours
Want to see our vacation packages that include Milos Island? Click here to learn about Milos.
