Milos might just be my favorite island in Greece, and the beaches are a huge reason why. With more than 70 beaches scattered around the island, you can go from swimming between the white volcanic rocks of Sarakiniko to climbing down a ladder to reach Tsigrado — all within the same trip.

And that’s what makes the beaches in Milos so different from other Greek islands. You aren’t just choosing between different stretches of sand. Every beach seems to have something completely different going on, whether it’s colorful volcanic cliffs, sea caves, old fishing villages or beaches you can only reach by boat.

We spent four days exploring as many as we could, and these are my picks for the 10 best beaches in Milos, Greece — including the famous ones you absolutely shouldn’t skip and a few more adventurous spots that ended up being some of my favorites.

Quick Deets: The Best Beaches in Milos

• How Many Beaches Are in Milos?
  • More than 70! You definitely won’t see them all in one trip, which is why I recommend picking a few must-visits and leaving some time to explore.
• What’s the Best Way to Get to the Beaches in Milos?
  • Renting a car or ATV gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to visit several beaches in one day. Some of the more remote beaches are best — or only — reached by boat.
• Do the Beaches in Milos Have Chairs & Facilities?
  • Some of the more popular beaches have sunbeds, restaurants or beach bars, but plenty of the beaches around Milos have little to no facilities. Always bring water and anything else you might need for the day.
• How Many Beaches Should You Visit in a Day?
  • I would aim for two or three at most. Group beaches that are close to each other rather than spending your entire day driving around the island.
• My Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Sarakiniko Beach
  • Best for a Beach Day: Firiplaka Beach
  • Best Adventure: Tsigrado Beach
  • Best by Boat: Kleftiko

The 10 Best Beaches in Milos, Greece

1. Sarakiniko Beach: The Lunar Landscape

If you’ve seen pictures of Milos, you’ve probably already spotted Sarakiniko. It’s iconic for a reason. This place looks like a scene from another planet, with its white, smooth volcanic rocks and turquoise waters. I just couldn’t get enough of how surreal the whole vibe was. The rocks are sculpted by the wind and waves into smooth, crescent-like shapes, which makes it perfect for some cliff jumping. If you’re more adventurous, definitely make the jump! There are a few different levels you can jump from so you can find a spot you feel comfortable with. But it’s definitely fun to watch the daredevils jumping from the highest point!

It’s not the most comfortable beach in Milos to spend a full day lounging because of the rocks, but the views and the chance to swim in that incredible water made it totally worth it. And did I mention the water is also crystal clear? This is a must-see for sure!

2. Firiplaka Beach: Colorful Cliffs and Calm Waters

If you’re looking for a more traditional beach experience with incredible scenery, Firiplaka is where you want to be. The beach has soft, golden sand and is framed by towering volcanic cliffs in reds and yellows. Of all the beaches in Milos, it was definitely the longest stretch of beach we found. It has much more of that classic beach vibe, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.

The water is calm and crystal-clear, perfect for a long swim. This was one of my favorite spots to just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Milos. During peak season, you’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, so you can easily spend a whole day here without worrying about finding shade. Just be aware, if you wander past the big rock, you may find the beach turns into a nude beach!

3. Kleftiko: The Pirate’s Hideout

For a true adventure, a visit to Kleftiko is a must. Known for its sea caves and pirate history, this place is only accessible by boat, which made it feel like a real treasure. The cliffs here are white and dramatic, and the water is so clear it’s impossible not to dive right in.

I spent a good chunk of time snorkeling around the caves, exploring underwater passages, and just taking in the breathtaking surroundings. If you’re into adventure and beauty all in one, Kleftiko delivers.

Read More: The Best Milos Sailing Tour: Exploring Hidden Coves And More

4. Tsigrado Beach: Secluded & Adventurous

One of the most secluded beaches I visited in Milos was Tsigrado. To get there, you actually have to climb down a steep ladder attached to the cliffs, which is a bit of a challenge but totally worth it. Promise it looks more intimidating than it actually is! Once you make your way down, you’ll be greeted with clear, turquoise water and soft sand.

The beach is small, so it can get crowded quickly, but it’s definitely worth the effort to get there. It’s a peaceful, hidden gem where you can relax and enjoy the view. Plus, the cliffside views as you descend are really something else!

5. Firopotamos Beach: Picturesque Fishing Village

One of the most charming beaches in Milos I visited was Firopotamos. This little spot is part of a fishing village, and I absolutely fell in love with the colorful boat houses lining the shore. It was by far one of my favorite little spots. The beach itself has calm, clear water and rocky outcrops that make it feel extra special.

It’s the perfect place to spend the afternoon swimming, then strolling through the village and soaking up the quaint charm of the area. There’s a small little beach bar here, too, so grab a drink and find a spot to relax the rest of the day away. If you’re looking for a place that feels authentic and peaceful, this is it.

6. Paleochori Beach: Volcanic Hot Springs & Soft Sand

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Paleochori Beach is one you don’t want to miss. It’s known for its volcanic activity, and you can actually feel the warmth in the water from the natural hot springs! The beach itself has fine, golden sand, and is framed by colorful volcanic cliffs. It’s also a pretty family-friendly spot, so if you’re traveling with kids, this is an excellent place to spend a day.

There’s also a restaurant on the beach, Sirocco, where you can eat fish that’s cooked right in the sand itself! The volcanic sand is so warm underneath the surface, it can fully cook your food! It’s a super cool experience but a little on the pricier side.

7. Gerakas Beach: Quiet and Beautiful

Gerakas is a little off the beaten path, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s another beach that’s only accessible by boat, making it very secluded. The water is emerald-green and the small beach feels almost untouched.

The cliffs surrounding the beach look like sandy slopes or giant slides coming down the hills, which is just a beautiful and unique backdrop to the crystal-clear waters.

It’s a quiet escape from the busier beaches and a great place to unwind & swim the afternoon away.

8. Thiorichio Beach: Old Sulfur Mines

The beach at the Old Sulfur Mines is one of the most unique and memorable spots on Milos. The rusty-orange cliffs are covered in remnants of the old sulfur mines, giving the area a dramatic, almost otherworldly look against the bright turquoise waters. It feels like you’ve stepped into a part of history.

To get there, you actually have to take a desolate, winding road that feels like its own mini adventure – you do need 4-wheel drive to make it out there. We rented an ATV, which made the whole journey even more fun and added a sense of exploration.

Once you arrive, the beach feels completely remote, almost like you’ve discovered a secret slice of paradise. We didn’t see another person come by the entire time we were on the beach! Swimming in the clear waters while surrounded by the colorful cliffs and old mining structures is something I’ll never forget. Definitely a must-see for anyone who loves a mix of adventure and incredible scenery.

9. Mandrakia Beach: Traditional Charm

Mandrakia is a traditional fishing village with a few quiet coves to pop in for a swim. It’s less of a proper beach, which is why it’s lower on the list, but still such a lovely spot. Mandrakia is one of the most famous fishing villages, known for the colorful boat garages surrounding the water. It’s super charming, and a good spot for a quick dip.

After swimming, take a stroll through the village and enjoy the laid-back nature of the area. Grab a bite to eat at Medusa, where they make an incredible octopus. You’ll probably see them hang drying when walking around the area! It’s a lovely, authentic experience, and it’s one of those spots where you can really feel like you’re experiencing the local way of life.

10. Papafragas Beach: Hidden Sea Cave

Papafragas is a small, secluded beach located within a sea cave. It’s such a unique spot on Milos – tucked away and sometimes overlooked. The small bay is framed by slender strips of land and cliffs, and the coastline is dotted with these huge caves that are incredible to explore. The main cave gives the illusion of a natural “swimming pool,” with deep, turquoise waters you can only reach by swimming – so fun if you’re feeling adventurous!

There’s a tiny beach you can lay out and relax on, too. The whole area has such a raw, magical energy – you can splash around in the caves, snap some amazing photos, or just sit on the rocks and soak it all in.

Planning Your Beach Days in Milos

One of my favorite things about Milos is how completely different every beach feels. You can start the morning jumping off the rocks at Sarakiniko, spend the afternoon relaxing at Firiplaka, and still feel like you visited two completely different islands.

My biggest advice is not to try to squeeze too many beaches in Milos all into one day. Pick a few that are close to each other, leave some time to explore, and definitely save one day for getting out on the water. Some of the most beautiful parts of Milos can only be reached by boat!

And if you’re planning the rest of your trip, check out my 4-Day Milos Itinerary for exactly how we fit our beach days in with the villages, restaurants and everything else we wanted to see.