What to Do in Milos, Greece: 3 Days of Fisherman Villages
LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: JULY 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 16 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Embracing a slower pace of life full of fisherman villages and rocky beaches?
An arguably underrated Greek island, Milos doesn’t carry the notoriety of destinations like Santorini or Mykonos—and that’s a good thing. Quaint colorful fisherman villages and remote rocky beaches are the antithesis of tourist-swarmed areas of the Cyclades; if you arrive at Sarakiniko for sunrise, you’ll feel like the only one on the moon.
It’s this peace and quiet that makes Milos so special, let alone the variety of volcanic aftermath that has crafted an entirely unique landscape to explore: white staggering seaside formations, secluded beach caves, coves under chutes connected by ladders—the list goes on and on for every type of adventure appetite. The compact layout of the drivable eastern half means no landmark is more than 30 minutes away, so take the time to check out every beach during your 3 days on Milos—each one is different from the last!
3 Days in Milos Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed what to do in Milos 3 day itinerary you’ll find below:
Day 1
10:00 - 10:30 AM: ☕ Sip the foam off a creamy cap freddo with an ocean view on the Mosaic roof (30 min)
10:30 - 11:00 AM: 🏰 Climb up to the Venetian Castle for a panoramic view over Milos (1 hr)
11:00 - 11:45 AM: 🍉 Dig into a traditional Greek pastry baked granny’s way at Cafe Palaios (45 min)
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM: 🎨 Shop for handmade souvenirs around the picturesque Plaka art studios (1 hr 15 min)
1:00 - 2:00 PM: 🐙 Taste a freshly-caught octopus tentacle straight off the line at Medusa (1 hr)
2:00 - 4:00 PM: 🚤 Lounge on the colorful boat sheds of Mandrakia listening to waves lap at the cove (2 hr)
7:00 - 9:00 PM: ⭐ Savor golden hour with an equally shining plate from the Michelin chef at Makris (2 hr)
Day 2
6:30 - 8:30 AM: 🌙 Experience golden hour on the moon during sunrise on Sarakiniko Beach (2 hr)
8:45 - 9:45 AM: 🎣 Wind down mountain roads to relax in the tiniest fisherman village of Firopotamos (1 hr)
10:05 AM - 12:00 PM: 🌈 Stroll and shop around the colorful syrmata of Klima (1 hr 55 min)
12:20 - 2:00 PM: 🪨 Climb down to the secluded beach cove of Papafragas Caves (1 hr 40 min)
2:20 - 3:50 PM: 🐟 Head to the south side of the island for a fresh fish lunch at Muses (1 hr 30 min)
Day 3
8:30 - 10:00 AM: 🪜 Descend two rickety wooden ladders down to Tsigrado Beach if you dare (1 hr 30 min)
10:00 - 11:00 AM: ⛱️ Lounge on Fyriplaka Beach, or use this opportunity to boat over to Tsigrado (1 hr)
11:10 AM - 1:20 PM: 🏝️ Relax on the soft golden sand of Provatas Beach to cap off the morning (2 hr 10 min)
1:30 - 5:30 PM: 🪨 Explore Gerontas Beach and the pirate caves of Kleftiko on a half-day boat tour (4 hr)
6:00 - 8:00 PM: 🌋 Dig into fine dining cooked using hot sand at Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant (2 hr)
How to Get to Milos From Athens?
FLY: Milos is served by a tiny airport with direct, 45 minute flights into MLO from Athens (ATH). I found this transit option a convenient way to quickly reach the Cyclades, from where I then used the robust ferry system to hop from one island to the next. The bare-bones airport is no more than a single low-rise building, with one departure gate, a few check-in desks, and a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks. Located towards the south side of the island with no points of interest nearby, a taxi or transfer is required to reach your accommodations.
FERRY: Taking the ferry from Athens to Milos is an altogether more time-consuming pursuit, with the quickest SeaJets lines running a 3 hour and 20 minute route while the slowest Aegean Sea Lines option takes 7 hours and 25 minutes. All ferries dock in the Adamas port area, which is conveniently located near northwest Milos highlights like Plaka, Klima, and Mandrakia. As with all transit by ferry, time is saved upon arrival given that no check-in or security process is enforced as is standard within airports—simply walk up to the port, locate which corridor corresponds with your vessel, and board alongside other guests once the back door comes down.
How to Get Around Milos?
WALK: Unlike compact cities, it’d be a fool’s errand to attempt to walk around any of the Cycladic islands. The highlights are far too dispersed to justify traveling all that way just to remain in the town closest to the ferry port. That said, many whitewashed settlements are built around narrow lanes that cars can’t access. Plaka is one such village on Milos that is best traversed on foot, once you park your vehicle in a free lot on the edge of town.
PUBLIC TRANSIT: The Greek islands, including Milos, are connected by a network of KTEL buses, with one-way tickets costing €2. These tickets are purchased using cash at physical stands adjacent to bus stops, with employees inside often able to provide guidance if you have questions about a particular route.
On Milos, the main bus terminal is in the central Adamas village, where ferries also arrive. Routes depart from this hub in a spoke-and-wheel model, with all lines beginning or ending in Adamas. While this is the cheapest method of transportation on Milos, you’ll be limited to the stops on the timetable—Klima, Mandrakia, Firopotamos, and Papafragas Caves detailed in this itinerary are notably missing from the bus timetable. Additionally, much of the charm of these quaint fisherman hamlets comes from experiencing them quietly; disembarking along with all the other bus passengers at the same time means you’re unlikely to experience this magic.
TAXI: Only 15 taxis operate on the entire island of Milos, serving high-traffic areas including the airport and Adamas port. I would not rely on this transit method if possible, as I saw a multitude of passengers from my airplane attempting to call a car to no avail—some couldn’t even secure a reliable cellphone signal by the airport to make the call.
DRIVE: I would highly recommend renting a car on Milos, as this method of transportation allows you to experience the best of the island at your own pace. ATV and buggy rentals are quite common as well, however I appreciated the shade and air-conditioning provided by an enclosed vehicle after spending the whole day under the sun. While Milos is horse-shaped, the rugged western half is roadless, so the “drivable” eastern half feels compact and efficient. Assuming you group your northern and southern stops into a geographically logical itinerary, no landmark will be more than a 20 minute drive away.
The roads on Milos are quite flat and generally easy to traverse—whether they are paved, gravel, or sand. Winding down rocky cliffs to remote coves like Firopotamos and Klima pose the biggest challenge, in that you may lose cell service and find yourself slowing down around tight, one-way mountain turns. Nevertheless, considering this was my first international driving destination I found it to be completely manageable, with all listed destinations in this 3 day Milos itinerary including a flat, free parking lot next door—no paid meters here! When it comes time to refuel your vehicle before returning it, attendants at the station will pump your gas for you.
Pro Tip:
While I was never explicitly asked for it when picking up a rental car, it’s prudent to obtain an International Driving Permit from your local AAA office before leaving home.
Where to Stay in Milos?
Ignoring the uninhabited western side of the island, Milos can generally be divided into north and south regions when it comes to where the highlights worthy of your itinerary are located. If you plan to remain in the same accommodations for the entirety of your trip, aim for a northern stay given the majority of landmarks and restaurants are located along the top half of the island. The top villages to consider within this region include:
Plaka is the island’s go-to sunset spot, with cozy tavernas and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views from its hillside location. This is the most quintessential Greek town oozing with Cycladic charm, so if you’re dreaming of postcard-perfect white homes covered in bougainvillea, this is the village for you. As an inland location, staying in Plaka is more about the aesthetic atmosphere than swimming.
The bustling port town of Adamas is practical if you’re arriving by ferry and plan to rely on the bus system to get around. While not as charming as a colorful fisherman village, Adamas is the largest, most functional settlement and thus ideal for budget travelers seeking more reasonably priced stays.
If time by the sea is your priority, I cannot recommend Mandrakia enough—I stayed at the fisherman-themed Mandrakia house and enjoyed the close proximity to this fishing hamlet. A car is certainly required for this stay given no bus routes stop there and Medusa is the only restaurant around, but these trade-offs are complimented by the ability to wander down to the colorful boat sheds in the cove at odd hours when hardly anyone else is around. Centrally located amongst the top highlights on the north half of the island, this is the perfect picturesque stay.
Avoid staying in Klima, it’s generally out of the way from other Milos attractions and offers sub-par swimming with a thin stretch of sand exposed to the open ocean—and thus seaweed and rogue ferry waves—unlike the secluded coves of most other pristine beaches on the island.
For an extended stay or if you’re willing to move between accommodations, it can be convenient to spend at least one night on the south side for increased proximity to the best beaches down there. It’s worth calling out that this region is much less developed, with gas stations, restaurants, and generally any infrastructure few and far between—you typically have to return to Adamas as the closest area with these amenities.
That said, I stayed at Errika’s Sweet Home outside of Provatas and found it to be a pleasant inland base from which I could easily reach highlights along the southern coast, including my boat tour departure point to Kleftiko. Food was a bit harder to come by, with Muses being one of the only restaurants around, which is why staying in the north and dedicating a day to driving around the south side is another alternative to consider.
What to Do in Milos?
Day 1
Coffee - Mosaic
On the morning of your first day grab a cup of coffee from Mosaic to kick off this what to do in Milos 3 day itinerary. Situated in the heart of Plaka, this bohemian cafe offers an ocean-view from the rooftop patio covered in large patchwork cushions and woven poufs to lounge on. If you can’t make it in the morning, catch the sunset here with a Cycladic cocktail in hand.
If you’ve never tried one before, this is the place to begin your cappuccino freddo journey. This popular Greek iced coffee starts with a base of shaken espresso and is topped with a glorious whip of frothed milk—creamy, silky, the perfect summer starter.
Pro Tip:
Venetian Castle
Head up and around the corner through clusters of whitewashed, cubic houses on the way to the Venetian Castle. Strut up a few flights of cobblestone stairs to first reach the Church of Panagia Thalassitra, and while it’s a more elaborate structure—this is not your final destination. Continuing all the way up to the hilltop plaza, find the crumbled ruins of this 13th-century defensive stronghold with panoramic views over the largest natural harbor in the Cyclades, nearby villages, and stunning sunsets as one of the most photographed spots on Milos.
Breakfast - Cafe Palaios
After walking back the way you came, try a traditional bite of karpouzopita, or Greek watermelon pie, from Cafe Palaios. With a name meaning “old,” authenticity oozes out of this favored patisserie where all the homemade products are baked just the way grandma used to make them. An outdoor courtyard overlooks the main square to serve up a side of people watching.
Plaka
Weave through the remaining narrow alleyways of Milos’s charming main town, Plaka, which boasts a quintessentially Greek aesthetic. You never know what blue-trimmed shutters or towering pink bougainvillea tree will be hiding around the next turn, so it doesn’t hurt to get a bit lost and see where the wind takes you. Art studios and other craft shops are in abundance selling handmade creations from lava bead jewelry to seascape paintings, making the historic capital one of the best places to buy a Milos souvenir.
Lunch - Medusa
Head 10 minutes east to the fisherman village of Mandrakia, parking directly in front of the seafood spot where Justin Bieber once dined. Medusa is the only restaurant around this colorful fisherman village, famous for their freshly-caught octopus hung daily on the line to dry, then served directly on the water’s edge, with waves crashing against the rocks beside your table. With this kind of global recognition, expect to wait for a table during the lunch and dinner rush at this oceanside taverna.
Put your name down on the guest list at Medusa first and then explore Mandrakia while you wait in the inevitable queue!
Pro Tip:
Mandrakia
My favorite fisherman village on Milos, the pastel wonderland of Mandrakia features boat sheds with colorful garage doors built directly into the rock, creating a smattering of tiers, terraces, and piers to tan on. With wooden boats rocking gently in the shallow cove and waves crashing over the natural breakers from the deep blue sea in the background, this hamlet is one of the most idyllic scenes I’ve ever witnessed.
Bring a towel to comfortably lay on the hot asphalt platforms and a sunhat and sunscreen for good measure. A tied line from one of the moored boats permits easy access into and out of the water, plus the Oasis Canteen sits above the scene if you’re in need of any snacks, juices, or smoothies. Note that this is not a beach in the traditional sense— there is no sand or natural rock to lay out on.
Dinner - Makris
The best meal I ate on Milos, Makris, sits inside the Domes White Coast Resort 10 minutes down the road as one of the few fine dining options on this otherwise laidback isle. The Michelin-starred chef Petros crafts vibrant courses where every piece of the presentation is thoughtfully plated. Coupled with fresh flavors, complimentary textures, and a stunning sunset view through the floor-to-ceiling windows—this is a Milos restaurant that can’t be missed.
Day 2
Sarakiniko Beach
Wake up at sunrise—seriously—to experience golden hour on the moon. Sarakiniko Beach is the closest you’ll get to blasting off into orbit, offering hours of exploration throughout the cracks and crevices of this white, lunar-like landscape sculpted by the sea. The sculpted volcanic rock formations can be summited as a perch from which to watch the waves below, or head to the center shallow inlet to take a dip. When approaching from the parking lot, walk around to the sweeping left slope to find the lip infamous for cliff jumping when low northerly winds are blowing, or explore further along the outcropping to find the rock bridge carved by the incoming tide.
While the free parking lot is easily accessible, this is a truly remote location in that the unorganized beach has no provisions around. Bring a towel, sun protection, snacks, and a beverage if you plan to hang out for a while.
Firopotamos
10 minutes away is Firopotamos, the tiniest, most peaceful fisherman village on the island with a swimmable beach. Only a few syrmata houses with colorful fixtures are found here, along with organized sun loungers and a nearby stretch of sand where you can lay out a towel. This is the best sandy beach to avoid the crowds, and arriving early in the morning before 10:00 AM offers the opportunity to sit on the chairs for free before the nearby My Beach Bar opens. It’s more quiet and laid-back than Klima or Mandrakia.
Expect to lose cell service as you descend down and around mountain roads to reach this rocky cove. Parking is quite limited in the free lot, with parallel parking on an incline often required.
Klima
15 minutes south is the third and final notable seafaring village to explore, Klima. The rainbow array of elevated porches on these traditional syrmata aren’t merely for aesthetics; rogue waves from passing ferries frequently flood the lower levels considering how close they’re built to the water’s edge as winter storage for fishing boats. If you’re shopping in the only souvenir store—Pliatsiko—for handmade treasures, expect to leave with soggy shoes.
As the most developed, Klima features the largest array of boutique beachfront accommodations replicating life in a fisherman’s home and a cafe restaurant by the water, Astakas. That said, I wouldn’t plan to spend too much time here—there’s far better beaches to swim in around Milos compared to this thin strip of seaweed-covered rocks.
Papafragas Caves
In your last aquatic expedition of the day, venture 20 minutes across the island down into the secluded beach cove of Papafragas Caves. Continue past the line of cars parked along the side of the road—the initial peninsula flanks an inlet largely filled with floating trash that’s not worth your time. Instead, continue driving until you reach another free parking lot on the left, from which you can descend to the hidden natural swimming pool cut into the rock.
This secluded swim spot is best enjoyed with an inflatable float, allowing you to lay back and admire the staggering cliff walls all around leading out to the open Aegean.
Pro Tip:
Climb around the gap in the fence and ignore the sign that reads: “Warning! Dangerous Cliffs Keep Away”—it’s more of a suggestion anyways. From here a narrow ridge is worn into the steep cliffside that can be descended to reach the cove; it’s easiest to stay low and slide down the almost vertical walls around the long, fjord-like channel of turquoise water, tossing any beach bags down from above to free up both hands. On that note, the chalky rock is quite crumbly and will cover your clothes in dust if rubbed, so don’t wear anything you’d mind dirtying.
Lunch - Muses
After hopping around the island all morning, head to the south side for an authentic Greek lunch overlooking the ocean from above at Muses. With a generational fisherman running the show with his hospitable family, it doesn’t get more traditional than this—their fresh catch of the day allows you to taste his bounty from that same morning!
Day 3
Tsigrado Beach
Exploring the best of the south side of the island, begin day 3 on Milos with a stop at Tsigrado Beach—if you dare. This rugged, enclosed beach sits surrounded by volcanic tuff cliffs, meaning you have to descend all that way on foot from the dirt parking lot on top of the plateau. In practice, this means climbing down two sets of rickety old wooden ladders with sand slipping away and the soft, pumice walls eroding beside you at the slightest touch.
I mistakenly thought I was in the clear after descending the first ladder and squeezing through the narrow passage, only to be faced with the second that was somehow more treacherous. The steep angle of the chute convinced me to turn around, considering no one was around at 7:30 AM to help if I slipped through the large hole underneath the thin plywood anchor meagerly connecting the ladder to the cliffside. Kudos if you make it all the way down via this adventurous route; alternatively, kayak rentals are available at Fyriplaka Beach next door, allowing you to reach the private cove from the water.
Fyriplaka Beach
An easily accessible beach that doesn’t require you to put your life on the line, Fyriplaka Beach is a long, thin strip of grey sand with a large unorganized section as well as the Loco Beach Bar with umbrellas and sun bed sets available to rent. A free large lot sits above the beach for parking, with a simple descent down the colorful, stratified cliffs on a winding path. Layered mineral deposits paint the volcanic backdrop in warm bands with oceanic rock formations punctuating the scene.
Depending on your budget, join Milos Watersports from here on a kayaking tour exploring both the Tsigrado and Gerakas beach bays. SUP and kayak rentals are available as well if you prefer to explore at your own pace. For a less manually intensive option, Firiplaka Boat Rental and Summer Stories operate rentals from this same beach in drive-your-own boat without a license and guided varieties with a skipper provided.
Provatas Beach
The picture-perfect image of a traditional shore, Provatas Beach is a wide, golden stretch of soft sand overlooking a crystal-clear blue-green cove with all kinds of boats bobbing about. It’s the most stereotypical “beach” on Milos, and if you’ve been craving sand between your toes during a low-effort beach day after all those rocky coasts, this is the place to go. The bay is shallow and gently sloping, so the water stays calm and warm for an easy, laid-back swim.
It’s the cherry on top that the most luxurious, thick cushioned loungers are found in the organized section of the Salty Goat Beach Club here. This level of comfort comes at a premium, however, with the cheapest back row beds costing €90 per set.
Kleftiko
Only accessible via boat, Kleftiko—from the Greek word "kleftis" meaning thief or bandit—is the most unique experience Milos has to offer. These dramatic white rock formations and secluded coves were used by 17th and 18th century Aegean Sea pirates. A natural shelter with excellent vantage points throughout the maze-like geography to spot incoming ships, it was the perfect hideout.
Today this limestone labyrinth can be explored via half or full-day tours, like the excursion I embarked on with Delfinia Milos Boat Tours. Departing from Paralia Kipos, the first stop is typically Gerontas Beach, which is similarly only reachable via boat. This swim and snorkel stop offers a deep cave to explore, or you can backstroke all the way to the beach if so inclined.
30 minutes later it’s time to head to Kleftiko, where the majority of the time is spent sunbathing, cliff jumping, swimming through caverns and tunnels, and snorkeling in the brilliantly turquoise water if you happen to bring goggles. It’s hard to describe how staggering these structures are up close, so you’ll just have to see them for yourself!
Pro Tip:
Even if you’re a proficient swimmer, don’t decline the offered pool noodles. They’re particularly helpful when floating through naturally carved tunnels so you can easily look up rather than swimming with your face in the water.
Dinner - Sirocco Volcanic Restaurant
Your last dinner in Milos is the most inventive—at Sirocco by Coccinelle, the nearby volcanic beach activity is harnessed to cook meals in covered sandpits at temperatures up to 102°C. This ode to the island’s native culinary tradition is best enjoyed with the fish of the day pulled straight off ice into the fire, but any of the ‘Flavors of the Sand’ menu items allow you to try this preparation style. This is also where I had my best cappuccino freddo on Milos with an extra thick, creamy layer of foam!
With an ambiance like a bohemian beach club, expect mellow house beats to be bumping and reservations are always recommended. Select sun beds on the nearby Palaiochori Beach are offered through this establishment as well, so it’s more than possible to lounge the rest of the day away here after an idyllic meal.
If you’re faced with a wait when walking in, kill time shopping at the upscale Coccinelle boutique on site, attached to the side of the restaurant.
Pro Tip:
Is 3 Days in Milos Enough?
3 days is the perfect amount of time to spend on Milos, allowing you to soak up some sun and explore each and every fisherman village and volcanic beach the island has to offer. If leisurely lounging is your cup of tea, more time is absolutely warranted, as the itinerary laid above is more so a “trip” than a “vacation” with no more than a few hours spent at each spot. If you don’t plan on waking up early and want to avoid hopping in the car multiple times a day, consider an extended stay a must to properly explore all the nooks and crannies of this Cycladic gem.
When deciding which Greek islands to visit, Milos may not come up in the most common top three—those being Santorini, Mykonos, and Paros—but this lack of notoriety is part of the reason it’s such a delightful stay. Avoiding the typical fate of overdevelopment, it retains a quiet, authentic feel compared to more tourist-saturated towns like Oia or Mykonos Town.
There’s truly something for everyone from adventurous pursuits for thrill-seekers like the descents to Tsigrado Beach and Papafragas Caves, or luxurious loungers on the soft, golden sand of Provatas Beach. Part of Greece’s charm in general comes from the whitewashed façades of cubic Cycladic architecture, but even that can get a bit repetitive after a while once you see it on island after island. Milos, on the other hand, has truly one-of-a-kind sites you can’t find anywhere else in the world—and not just one, but plenty of them! These distinct gems make Milos my favorite Greek island I’ve ever visited, and I look forward to the day I can return to the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko and pastel paradise of Mandrakia, because I know I won’t be able to find anything like them during my travels elsewhere.
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