With its central caldera and rugged, volcanic scenery, Milos resembles neighboring Santorini at a squint. But unlike Santorini—and other Cyclades islands such as Mykonos and Naxos—under-the-radar Milos slyly surprises with a wealth of unspoiled beaches, colorful fishing villages, and an unhurried pace of life, sans overcrowding or hustle and bustle. Perhaps best known as the home of the Venus de Milo, which was discovered by a farmer in 1820, top things to do in Milos include exploring the Milos Catacombs, the pretty town of Plaka, and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.
Summer is undoubtedly the high season in Milos. July and August are particularly busy (and expensive) times to visit, even though Milos is generally less busy than its Cycladic siblings of Santorini and Mykonos. As an alternative, consider coming in June or September: You’ll still be rewarded with ample sunshine and warm seas but will face fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs.
Milos’ main ferry terminal is located in the port town of Adamas, which connects it with numerous other islands, including Santorini and Mykonos. The island’s main bus terminal is also located in Adamas, and routes serve towns across the island. Private car and motorcycle rentals and taxis provide the most flexible way to explore, while sailing tours offer a new perspective on Milos.
The beautiful Milos coastline includes secluded inlets, hills, and dramatic rock formations, some of which —particularly on the southern and western edges of the island—is inaccessible by foot or by taxi. To get an up-close view of the scenery, the best way to explore is going on a sailing tour. Many will anchor in those pretty coves for swimming and snorkeling breaks.
