When I say Milos completely surprised me, I mean it in the best way possible. It’s one of those islands that somehow still feels like a secret – untouched beaches, cliffside fishing villages, and water so blue it doesn’t even look real. Perfect for those seeking stunning landscapes, peaceful beaches, and a touch of adventure, there’s plenty to pack into your Milos itinerary!

From the iconic, moon-like shores of Sarakiniko Beach to charming fishing villages with traditional syrmas (fisherman’s houses on the water), this island really has it all.

In just 4 days, you’ll have time to sail the Aegean, cliff jump at Sarakiniko, and wander through picturesque villages. Whether you’re island-hopping or making it your main destination, this 4-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time on this dreamy Greek island.

Planning your own Greece trip? Check out my complete Greece Travel Guide or dive into more Milos coverage with my Best Beaches in Milos Guide for a step-by-step guide to checking out the best beaches on the island.

Where to Stay in Milos

We chose to stay in the remote town of Mytakas, a peaceful fisherman’s village nestled between Pollonia and Sarakiniko Beach. This charming village offered a quiet retreat, with the convenience of being close to the island’s top beaches and attractions. It was off the beaten path, so at times, it really felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. From what we noticed, there was really only one or two other Airbnbs in the same cove!

I knew on our trip to Greece I wanted to spend a part of our time staying in a place right on the water, and Milos was the destination for it. Staying in a traditional syrma – the fisherman’s house on the water – in this peaceful little cove was the most magical experience. We woke up every morning to the sound of waves right outside our door!

If you’re looking for other charming, traditional villages, Klima and Firopotamos also offer syrmas right by the water. Both of these towns are beautiful but more well-known, so be prepared to share the space with tourists coming by to explore. Klima is a picturesque village with colorful fisherman’s houses lining the beach, while Firopotamos is a quiet, serene bay perfect for a peaceful stay.

And, if you’re looking for an area with more convenience and access to shops and restaurants, Adamantas – the main port town – is a great base. It’s lively and central, with plenty of places to stay and easy access to ferries.

Book where we stayed yourself HERE, or read my full review blog post, Terra Mare Hotel Review.

How to Get to Milos

Milos is easily connected to other major islands in the Cyclades, so it a convenient stop when island hopping.

• From Athens to Milos:
  • Ferries are the most common way to get to Milos from Athens, with multiple routes running daily. The ferry ride typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the service.
  • For a quicker choice, you can fly from Athens to Milos in about 40 to 45 minutes. Flights are available year-round, though keep in mind that the Milos airport is small, and the plane is usually a propeller-type. The flight can be just as affordable as the ferry, making it a great option for those looking to save time – but be prepared for a bumpy ride!

• From Other Islands:
  • While Milos is well-connected, there’s less ferry routes compared to some other more popular islands. It’s worth checking in advance to make sure you can easily get between Milos and your next destination. Some routes only reach Milos once or twice a day, sometimes only on certain days.
    • You can check all ferry routes on FerryHopper where you can also book all tickets!
  • You’ll find ferries connecting Milos to most major islands in the Cyclades, such as Paros, Santorini, and Mykonos – all of which are within 2 to 3 hours by ferry. If you’re coming from larger islands like Crete, the journey can take up to 7 hours, so plan accordingly.

HOW TO GET AROUND MILOS: CAR, ATV, OR MOTORBIKE?

Getting around Milos is part of the adventure – and you’ll definitely want a vehicle to fully explore the island. Unlike some other Cycladic islands, Milos isn’t walkable between towns or beaches, and public transportation is minimal. Depending on your travel style (and your comfort behind the wheel), you’ve got three main options: car, ATV, or motorbike.

• Renting a Car
  • We rented a car for most of our stay and it was so worth it. We booked ahead of time with Adamantas Rental, and picked it up right at the port in Adamantas as soon as we arrived off the ferry. It was super easy, and their cars were beautiful (& reasonably priced).
  • If you’re not used to driving manual, definitely request automatic early -manuals are more common (and much cheaper), but automatics go fast in high season.
  • Heads up: In Greece, you legally need an international driver’s license to rent and drive an ATV or motorbike – so plan ahead and bring one from home. You can easily apply for one through AAA online HERE.
• ATV or Motorbike Rentals
  • On our last full day, we rented an ATV to explore the southern beaches and off-road routes like the Sulfur Mines – and it was absolutely worth it. We booked through Apollonas Sunshine in advance, and for just €10 they delivered the ATV right to our Airbnb the night before, which made getting an early start a breeze. It ended up costing a little over $100 for the day.
  • ATVs or motorbikes are perfect if you want to zip through the island with the wind in your hair. They’re also great for trickier roads where cars might struggle (especially when going off-road). Just make sure you’re confident driving them – some roads are hilly or unpaved, especially in the south.
• Public Transportation
  • Public transport on Milos is quite limited and not something we relied on. There are buses that run between Adamantas and a few key towns (like Pollonia or Plaka), but they’re not frequent and don’t go to the beaches you’ll want to visit – especially the more remote ones. With so much to see on the island, I feel like you’d miss a lot without your own transpo.

Bottom line: I’d recommend renting a car for the majority of your time in Milos – it’s the most practical and comfortable option, especially in the heat. But don’t sleep on renting an ATV for a day to explore the wilder southern beaches. It’s one of those island experiences that feels a little rugged, a little silly, and a whole lot of fun.

4-Days In Milos Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Milos

Arrive: 8:45PM By Ferry

Because the ferry schedules were a bit tough coming from Paros, our only option to arrive was at 8:45PM, which we ultimately did not mind as we got to spend almost a full day extra in Paros!

We did end up getting in Milos later than expected after a very delayed ferry from Paros, but luckily picking up our rental car at the Adamantas port was a breeze. We booked through Adamantas Rental and can’t recommend them enough – super seamless experience and honestly, the cars were really cute. While we had originally planned to grab dinner after arriving, with our delay we ended up eating in Paros, so we opted to head straight to our hotel and rest up.

If you’re arriving hungry, there are plenty of places right in the port area for a late-night bite. You’ll find gyros, local tavernas, and bars all along the main strip. Otherwise, get some rest for the big boat day tomorrow!

Day 1: Sailing Milos & Sunset Dinner in Adamantas

9AM – 6PM: Full-Day Sailing Tour with Polco Sailing

Sailing around Milos was easily one of the highlights of our trip – if you do just one thing on the island, make it this! We booked the tour with Polco Sailing through Trip Advisor HERE, and I can’t recommend it enough. I did extensive research to ensure we visited all the must-see spots, many of which are only accessible by boat, and this tour really nailed it all!

The tour leaves right from the Adamantas pier (the same place your ferry drops you off). It’s an early start, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early to grab a coffee and find parking. We truly lucked out with the weather on the day of our tour – calm waters, barely a breeze – it felt like we were sailing on a giant mirror. It was insanely gorgeous.

We sailed past some of the island’s most famous spots, exploring hidden coves and beaches only accessible by boat. Our swim stops included Kalogries, Kleftiko, Galazia Nera, and Gerakas, each offering incredibly clear waters perfect for swimming, cliff jumping, and snorkeling. And, along the way, we also passed by Klima, Vani, Sykia Cave, Tsigrado, Sulfur Mines, Glaronisia, and Arkoudes – each more stunning than the last.

The water in these coves is literally gatorade blue & so clear you don’t even need goggles to see the little fish swimming around you. It was such a magical experience you cannot miss out on!

• Cost: ~$240 per person
• Book It: Trip Advisor Polco Sailing

Read more about this incredible boat day with my post The Best Milos Sailing Tour.

8:30PM: Dinner at O! Hamos! Tavern

Head back to Adamantas for a delicious dinner at O! Hamos! Tavern, a classic Greek taverna that’s family-run and charming as can be. It’s an authentic, cozy spot with handwritten menus and fresh ingredients from their farm. We had the best meatballs of our entire trip here, and the cheese plate (made from their farm’s cheese) was insane – some of the best goat cheese I’ve ever had in my life. And, of course, you can’t miss their house wine, which is sold by the liter for only €10 – it’s the perfect pairing for your meal.

If there’s a short wait for a table, they make it a breeze – they have beach chairs right outside where you can sip a glass of wine and catch the sunset! And, the hospitality here is just top-notch – they were almost apologetic about the 10-minute wait, but ended up seating us in just 5!

Day 2: Northern Beaches & Fishing Villages

Today is all about beach hopping, fishing village exploring, and soaking up the unique side of Milos. There’s so many unique little nooks in the northern part of the island, so it’s worth spending a full day exploring. All beaches/villages are only 5-10 minutes away from each other, so while we’re packing a lot in, everything’s around the corner!

8AM: Breakfast in Hotel or at Kokkino (Plaka)

We ended up skipping a sit down breakfast this morning in hopes of getting to our first destination as early as possible, but Kokkino in Plaka is a great starting point for your day. It’s an adorable breakfast spot right in the center of northern area.

Or if you’re like us, grab some fruit and get ready for the first beach of the day!

9AM: Sarakiniko Beach

Start your day with a visit to Sarakiniko Beach. Known as the “moon beach” for its smooth white rock formations, it’s unlike anywhere else. It’s a must-see for cliff jumping, swimming, and photo ops, though it’s not really the type of “beach” you can lounge all day at.

Be sure to get there early to avoid crowds. We went on a Wednesday at 9AM and it was not too crowded but by the time we left, it was already starting to get crowded. We’ve heard on weekends, its even packed by 8AM.

11:30AM: Explore Mandrakia Village

From Sarakiniko, it’s a quick drive to the dreamy little fishing village, Mandrakia. It’s such a photogenic spot, with colorful boat garages, tiny boats, small coves, and even some octopus hanging to dry (as one does in fishing villages, right?). Spend some time walking around and exploring all the nooks of the village before heading to Medusa, the hot spot restaurant in town.

12PM: Lunch at Medusa

Medusa is one of those spots that always has a line – and for a very good reason. It’s an incredible restaurant right on the water in Mandrakia. It’s great for a sunset dinner, but it’s much easier to get in during lunch time. We walked up at 11:55AM (they open at noon) and scored the perfect table by the water. By noon, every seat was filled so definitely reccommend showing up right before opening!

Get the vinegar octopus (incredible!!!), the fried feta with honey, and yes, another Greek salad – which was also delish, though they never do disappoint. They’re known for their octopus – the same ones you see hanging to dry in town – and the way they cook it in vinegar makes it the most tender, wonderful thing you’ll ever try!

2PM: Firopotamos Beach

Another picture-perfect village with a sandy beach and beach bar. We found this to be our favorite village, where we felt like we could spend ALL day and not get bored. You can rent a chair or just find a spot on the pier like we did and soak your feet in. The water is impeccable here – its just stunning from every angle. Swim, sip a cold beer, and explore the hilltop church with cliff jumpers below.

8:30PM: Dinner in Plaka at Archontoula

Head to Plaka for an amazing dinner at Archontoula, a family-run taverna that truly shows the love and passion the owners have for their food and service. We started with the kritamokeftedes, fried balls of Greek herbs (collected from local beaches), cheese, and eggplant, served with a sweet sauce and fresh yogurt. I had never tasted anything like them – rich yet fresh, perfectly balanced, and absolutely incredible!

We also tried moussaka for the first time. It’s a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce – think of it as Greece’s version of lasagna. We paired it with fried zucchini, which was light and crispy, not greasy at all. With a bottle of white wine to share, this was hands down one of our favorite meals in all of Greece.

We were seated right away at a charming table outside, surrounded by lush plants. It a perfect spot for an authentic Greek meal, plus you can walk around the streets of Plaka and get some shopping in before or after dinner!

If you’re still looking to keep the vibes going, pop into Kri Kri down the street, a cute cocktail bar with tables outside under the huge trees. If you come in high-season, you can even find some traditional Greek dancing!

Day 3: ATV Adventures & Southern Beaches

Time to swap the car for an ATV and explore the wilder side of the island. We rented through Apollonos Sunshine—they dropped it off at our hotel the night before (only €10 delivery fee). Highly recommend!

9AM: Tsigrado Beach

The adventure starts with a ladder down the cliff! Tsigrado Beach is a secluded gem tucked away on the island’s southern coast. To get there, you’ll need to climb down a short ladder – which isn’t too scary! – and the path through the rocks is a bit of a scramble. But once you’re down, you’ll be rewarded with a small, pristine beach that feels like your own private paradise.

The water here is crystal clear, and you’ll find plenty of space to relax and enjoy the serenity. Be sure to get there early to claim a spot before it gets crowded.

There was a bit of seaweed during our visit (2025 update), but still totally worth it.

11AM: Firiplaka Beach

Right around the corner (a literal 2-minute drive away), you’ll find Firiplaka Beach, another iconic Milos spot known for its dramatic cliffs and soft, white sand. The beach is a long stretch of sand, so much more spacious than Tsigrado and perfect for lounging.

We were here on a windier day, so the waves were coming in, but overall still felt calm with small & steady waves. It’s a great place to hop in the water, plus the colorful cliffs surrounding the beach, formed by ancient sulfur deposits, add a really cool pop of color to the landscape.

The far end of the beach tends to be quieter and a little more secluded, making it ideal if you’re looking for a bit of privacy. We spent some time exploring along the shoreline to see all the rock formations, but heads up – this part of the beach is more nudist friendly, so don’t be surprised to see a few people get completely undressed!

2PM: Lunch Break

Sirocco (Paleochori): If you’re looking for something unique, head to Sirocco in Paleochori for their lava-cooked meals, where food is cooked in hot sand from the volcano. It’s an incredibly cool experience, but be aware that it’s on the pricier side.

Gyros in Adamantas: If you’re short on time and craving something quick, you can head back to Adamantas for a delicious and affordable gyro, a perfect mid-day snack.

3PM: Sulfur Mines

After lunch, we headed to the Sulfur Mines, one of the most unique spots on the entire island. You’ll need an ATV to get over here, since the end of the path is only accessible with 4-wheel drive – and it’s definitely a bumpy ride.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by abandoned mining structures covered in bright orange sulfur deposits, and a stunning private beach. It’s eerie in the coolest way – everything left exactly as it was when the site was abandoned.

Take a walk through the old industrial ruins and then make your way down to the beach, where chances are, you’ll have the beach entirely to yourself. The bright reds against the clear blue water is really a sight to see.

5 – 8PM: Relax at the Hotel

After a long day exploring, make it back to your hotel to shower, sip some wine, decompress after a sun-filled day! Get the first bits of golden hour from the patio, and stay for sunset if you want a chill night!

8PM: Dinner in Klima at Astakas

Klima is the village we hadn’t hit yet, and it’s a showstopper – sunset views and colorful boat houses. We had a lovely dinner at Astakas, a beautiful seaside restaurant in town, where the waves crash right by your dinner table.

We split a fresh seabass and some mussels, both of which were incredibly flavorful. The mussels absolutely blew us away though, definitely don’t miss. But honestly, it was the vibe the won us over. Come early if you want the full sunset effect (we ended up getting the very end of it)!

Day 4: Departure Day

Morning: Breakfast and Last Swim

We spent our final morning in Milos soaking in the last bit of the island’s beauty. With nothing on our schedule until the ferry departure, we had some breakfast at the airbnb, and took our final morning dips in the ocean outside our patio. I had to get in my last few fish feedings, too 🙂

12:30PM: Ferry Departure

And just like that, it was time to make our way back to Adamantas to catch the ferry. We had another easy rental car experience, taking only 5 minutes for drop off, leaving us to explore the last few shops in town while we waited on our ferry.

Final Thoughts

Milos completely stole our hearts with its serenity, charm, and unique landscapes. Whether you’re sailing through crystal-clear waters, hiking past stunning cliffside views, or enjoying a simple beach day, Milos offers everything you need for an unforgettable escape. Don’t skip this island – it’s well worth the visit!

Next Stop: Santorini!

Follow along as we continue our Greek travels to our next destination – Santorini Travel Tips.

Visiting more islands? Head over to my Greece Travel Guide for tips on pairing destinations and planning your perfect route.