The DL: As the locals say Milos is the soon to be new Santorini, is where the more local (and affordable) experience of the Greek islands can be had like Santorini back in the day. We spent 5 days in Milos in September and I think it was the perfect time of year. We felt like we conquered the island and you could get away with less time if you can’t stay that long. The island is really split up into two main towns: Plaka and Pollonia. The island is VERY local, its not as crowded, has similar volcanic landscape as Santorini but with beautiful beaches. It is being discovered by tourists and soon to be a not so hidden gem, so visit while you still can.
Things to know about Milos:
- Hotels arent always that responsive
- Hotels book up fast, alot of the places we wanted to stay were booked up
- Rent a car dont rely on public transit
- ATV is probably more ideal for tight parking lots, or small car
- Eat your meals before sunset by the water its beautiful
- Milos is the land of cats, literally so many everywhere and locals claim its because of the pirates back in the day
- You don’t really eat lunch before 2 or dinner before 8
- The beaches are more volcanic and less sandy
- Milos has over 75 beaches so plan accordingly
How to Get to Milos:
We took a flight which is the fastest way from Athens (45 minutes) but due to winds we could not land the first day and the airline put us up in a hotel on the water actually but it was super frustrating. We were able to land the next day we flew out. I would plan to get the first flight or early afternoon flight out, later in the day the wind gets worse and we were taking the last flight out, so that is why we had the issue. Plan accordingly!
How to get around: People suggested taking the bus I would not recommend this. Renting a car or ATV is the best option, the busses are not super reliable and the stations are out of the way. If renting an ATV make sure your hotel can help with luggage its impossible to transport around.
Where to Stay:
Plaka:
- Lithos Luxury – $ Remote and very local, family run, beautiful view from pool, affordable
- Melian Borique Hotel and Spa $$
- Captain Zeppos (family oriented) $$
Pollonia:
- Nefeli $$ – very local, and walkable
- White Pebbles $$$ a more luxury stay
- Milos Breeze $$$ a more updated stay in this area
Other areas:
- Noma Milos $$ (no pool and out of the way, but a new hotel
- Milos Cove $$$
- White coast pools $$$$ adults only, luxe option
- Artemis Seaside Resort $$$$ luxe option
- Milos Cove $$$$ private beach, luxe option but remote
What to do in Milos:
A lot of the island is undeveloped and the beaches are better to reach via boat. There were areas on the map our rental car gave us that were like don’t drive here you will get stuck in the car. So be careful if exploring around the south west side of the island.
What to do in Plaka
- Mandrakia a cute seaside village, come here at sunset and eat dinner at Medusas
- Klima Beach – not really a beach but this is where you can find little sea homes that the water literally comes up to the front door. Parking is tight down here so plan to walk down the hill if you have a large car. We enjoyed eating lunch here and walking around after. You are also near the Catacombs of Milos.
- Walk around the town of Plaka, its super cute and we found ourselves coming back here a lot to explore, eat, or grab a drink.
- Catch a Sunrise or Sunset at Sarakiniko beach
- Plathiena beach or Paralia Firopotamos beach
What to do in Pollonia
- Boat day – Rent Milos for private boat rental is who we used, super local experience others include polco and naya
- Walk around the town it is basically one strip of shops and restaurants
- Visit the Papagragas caves and beach
- Explore the other beaches
Where to eat:
- Medusas at sunset is a great spot
- Drinks at Utopia caffe
- Dinner – O! Hamos!
- Kilma beach – Lunch at Astakas
- Psaravolada – a little out of the way
- Sirocco
- Lunch at Taberna Ebourios – highly local with a view
- Akrotiri Seafood Obsession
Photo spots:
- Mandrakia at sunset
- Sarakiniko beach
- Plaka Castle
- Any of the beaches
- Steps of Plaka
- Downtown Pollonia
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