What to Wear in Milos: Greek Island Outfits in the Summer

LAST UPDATED: NOVEMBER 11, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 8 MIN

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IN THIS GUIDE ✺

• Summer Climate in Milos

• What to Wear in Milos in Summer

  • Secure Swimsuits

  • Crochet Cover-Ups

  • Pastel Pieces

  • Full-Length Skirts

  • Nautical Notes

  • Waterproof Sandals

• Milos Summer Outfit Ideas

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Channel effortless Aegean ease in Milos — a rugged Greek island escape where Cycladic style meets summer utility. Compared to glitzier islands like Santorini or Mykonos, Milos favors an unpolished charm rooted in its fishing village heritage and untamed natural beauty; think open-air tavernas with plastic chairs overlooking the sea and secluded cove swims instead of champagne beach clubs.

With cliffside trails, rocky beaches, and gusts of Meltemi wind sweeping through the horseshoe bay, functional fashion is essential. Choose practical coastal attire like durable, waterproof soles that can handle rock and surf alike. Full-length skirts are heavy enough to avoid unintended exposure during blowing breezes, made appropriate for the seaside backdrop with nautical additions like embroidered patterns or woven accessories. Leave teeny bikinis at home; secure swimsuits are more appropriate for active days in and around the water.

Don’t shy away from cozy, crochet pieces — the understated ambiance of this still-developing destination means glamor here feels more organic than ostentatious. Breezy knits woven together from natural textures blend effortlessly with the island’s earthy palette.

The ideal Milos summer style is subtly romantic and unmistakably Greek. Whether wading ashore from a Kleftiko boat tour or wandering Klima’s colorful syrmata, incorporate the following elements into your carry-on:

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Summer Climate in Milos

Summer in Milos brings quintessential Cycladic weather — hot, dry, and endlessly sunny. July sits at the peak of the high season, marked by vivid blue skies and shimmering Aegean light reflecting off whitewashed villages and volcanic cliffs. Unlike mainland Athens, Milos experiences a more temperate heat thanks to steady Meltemi winds sweeping south from the northern sea. These cool breezes make sweltering temperatures feel more bearable, though they occasionally whip up waves and sand along exposed coastlines, leading to ferry cancellations in extreme cases.

Daytime highs typically reach 86–90 °F (30–32 °C), with occasional heat spikes above 95 °F (35 °C), while evenings drop to the low 70s °F (23 °C) — comfortable for al fresco sunset dinners by the water. Humidity remains low, producing crisp, dry air that contrasts sharply with the heavier, muggy conditions of other Mediterranean destinations. Rain is virtually nonexistent, with 1-2 light showers the entire month leaving hillsides sun-bleached and golden.

The Meltemi’s moderating effect produces clear skies with excellent visibility, ideal for photographers and sailors alike. When winds pick up sharply in the afternoon, however, ferry schedules and small-boat tours must occasionally adjust to its strength. Direct sunlight remains powerful despite the cooling breeze, necessitating protective SPF and a shady sun hat.

With nearly 14.5 hours of light — early birds will catch sunrise around 6:10 AM with sunset close to 8:45 PM — days stretch long and bright, perfect for swimming, cliff-jumping, and exploring fisherman villages before unwinding at sunset tavernas overlooking the golden horizon.

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What to Wear in Milos in Summer?

Secure Swimsuits

An active island built for adventure, one-pieces stay put during aquatic acrobatics. Unlike Greek islands such as Mykonos where beach club lounging is the norm, the intrepid spirit of Milos means it’s more common to be climbing down rocky cliffs than it is to be lying on a sunbed. Prepare for such escapades by wearing sturdy swimsuits with thick, supportive straps that won’t slip off your shoulder during extended periods of activity.

Whether you’re cliff jumping at Sarakiniko, climbing down the wooden ladders at Tsigrado, or swimming through the pirate caves of Kleftiko, a teeny string bikini is not suited for the task at hand—go for more coverage and thank me later.

Crochet Cover-Ups

Exude fisherman chic in cover-ups reminiscent of the hand-tied nets bobbing off Milos’ sunlit shore. With a breezy climate defined by the Meltemi, feel the draft through open weaves keeping you acclimated under the scorching summer sun. A relaxed yet artful all-white ensemble mirrors the chalky Cycladic architecture and limestone cliffs, while blue-toned knits embody the smooth Aegean sea.

This kind of craftsmanship is core to the island’s handmade culture, best demonstrated in Plaka’s art studios. The knotted texture subtly nods to ropes once cast from colorful syrmata in this historic fishing economy, blending function with visual elements steeped in local tradition.

Pastel Pieces

Reflect the whimsical palette of fishing hamlets in pastel pieces — pale blues, gentle blushes, and seafoam greens match the hand-painted boat garages of Mandrakia.

These low-saturation, high-value hues capture the island’s dreamy charm, transitioning seamlessly from day to night as the fading sun softens the golden hour sky into this same tranquil spectrum.

Take a cue from the practical advantage of these seaside shades: the village interiors were built to stay cool under the harsh Mediterranean sun, their pale colors deflecting glaring light and heat. Reduce heat absorption in your own bright hues.

Full-Length Skirts

Skip a Marilyn moment — the Meltemi winds aren’t just breezes; they’re full-on gusts that turn a short hemline into a hazard. Make maxis your best friend for sunset dinners instead. Along the north coast, especially in seaside enclaves, the wind whips through with unpredictable strength; even on a southern boat tour to Kleftiko, I nearly lost my hat. These are the same powerful gusts that can disrupt the schedules of huge ferries, so your flimsy slip doesn’t stand a chance.

Opt for full-length skirts to ensure nothing is unintentionally exposed, embracing a more elegant silhouette in the process. The added fabric weight keeps you covered while catching the wind in a way that looks cinematic rather than chaotic.

Nautical Notes

Nautical notes such as prints featuring the daily catch, netted caps, and shell jewelry nod to the seafaring heritage of this Cycladic getaway.

Milos’ coastal geography — full of natural coves, protected bays, and calm waters — made it ideal for small-scale fishing communities. Even while tourism has risen as the primary economic driver today, echoes of this seafaring past are what make the island so charming—from clusters of colorful syrmata houses to fishing boats bobbing off the shore. Many of the most popular restaurants like Muses and Medusa are still run by local fishermen today, so it only makes sense to incorporate these same motifs as thematic outfit accents.

Waterproof Sandals

One way or another, your shoes are getting wet—even when shopping in Klima, a passing ferry can flood the sidewalk. In a similar line of thinking when it comes to packing sturdy swimsuits, an island full of rocky coastal paths, boat tours, and seaside communities built directly on the shore requires shoes that can withstand the elements. Fine leather and suede should be avoided at all costs; while simple rubber flip flops aren’t inherently as chic, these waterproof sandals get the job done without being ruined in the process.

Prioritize pairs that can be easily taken on and off when switching back and forth between sand and sea—in other words, they don’t have a buckled back strap.

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Milos Summer Outfit Ideas

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Spending 3 days in Milos, Greece during an early July trip marking the beginning of my solo Balkans summer, I styled three carefree, Mediterranean chic outfits suitable for extended days beach hopping in sunny yet breezy conditions.

Hopping from inland Cycladic settlements to seaside fishing villages, my first versatile outfit doubled as a cover-up, concealing a swimsuit underneath for spontaneous dips. Long-sleeved and paired with a wide-brimmed hat to avoid burns, this loose, breezy set offered full sun protection without breaking a sweat in the summer heat:

• Cream Gauze Tunic from Free People, Dupe from Amazon ($36.99, paid link)

  • This cream gauze tunic is from a few seasons past, but you can find similar shirt-dresses online today. A staple basic, this longer top covers the most revealing part of my see-through crochet skirt, plus the brown contrast stitching and airy fabric meshed with similarly whitewashed Cycladic scenery.

• Kastio Crochet Midi Skirt White from Princess Polly ($64)

  • This full-length, crochet maxi skirt with a knitted wave pattern is an easy, breezy, ocean-inspired bottom perfect for throwing on over a suit—and the silhouette-hugging shape certainly won’t blow up in the wind.

• Crochet Straw Sun Hat from Amazon ($14.99, paid link)

  • Another nude, natural accessory reflecting the island’s appreciation for handmade wares, the flexible wire brim easily folds down when packed and can be molded depending on the level of sun exposure you’re seeking. An adjustable drawstring pulls the sweatband tight for a secure fit, making this the ideal, breathable travel hat that won’t get blown off by a sudden Meltemi gust.

Indulging in a seaside sunset dinner at Makris, switching to elevated evening attire ensured I was properly dressed for the fine dining occasion:

• Mila Ruffle Mini Dress from MORE TO COME ($72), Dupe from Amazon ($39.99, paid link)

  • Another light, knitted look, this crisp sundress can be worn standalone or over a suit depending on the itinerary. Architectural seams and a ruffled skirt add visual interest to pop against the pastel sunset.

• Beaded Handbag from NA-KD ($75.95), Dupe from Amazon ($119.20, paid link)

  • I love a dramatic handbag with lightweight yet polished details, and the structured shape makes it yet another element adding dynamic dimension. With draping beaded fringe, this purse is what I imagine a mermaid would carry to dinner.

• Vintage Gold Watch from Calypso Studios ($85), Lock It Up Gold Plated Necklace from Princess Polly ($45), Waterproof Mary Pendant from London Manori

  • A local nautical note was incorporated through the white lava bead necklace I purchased from a Plaka jeweler earlier in the day, paired with my otherwise standard gold accessory stack.

Boarding a traditional wooden fishing vessel to explore the pirate caves of Kleftiko, another multi-purpose outfit was called for while splitting time between the sea and shore:

• Illumine Set Red from Princess Polly ($78), Dupe from Amazon ($29.58, paid link)

  • A boxy tee made from airy linen in a bright red summer hue that pops! The self-tie front with bow details made it easy to take a dip at a moment’s notice.

• Cyprus Top ($89) and Cyprus Bottom ($79) from Bydee

  • My favorite swimwear brand, Bydee always delivers with intricate tropical prints in a range of flattering triangle styles. In this case, the string bikini top was not the most secure for repeated jumps from the boat, and I would choose a more heavy-duty suit in the future.

• Molodo Crochet Bucket Hat from Amazon ($22.99, paid link)

  • A part-pastel piece of sun protection, this crochet bucket hat is another accessory reflecting the island’s love for all things handmade—an ode to the local artisans whose craft defines its creative character.

• Crochet Beach Tote from Amazon ($12.99, paid link)

  • The most important item in my Europe summer carry-on, the large holes in this crochet wonder ensure sand always filters out, plus it’s incredibly easy to wash after a day spent outdoors. For travelers on a long haul adventure with limited luggage space, this bag served as secondary storage I could throw clothes into without having to completely repack in between trips to the airport.

• Coral Fish Necklace from Amazon ($9.98, paid link)

  • Nautical charms strung along a braided string, I loved the cutesy element this necklace added to any beach attire without needing to worry about metal tarnishing in the salty Aegean. Its pastel palette blended seamlessly with the fishing hamlets I explored, and the beadwork recalls whimsical designs sold at Pliatsiko in Klima.

✺ ABOUT ME ✺

Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?

While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.

I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.

It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!

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