Home of the famed Venus de Milo, this beautiful island with its stunning, dramatic coastline has kept relatively off-the-radar in comparison to some of the other islands in the Cyclades Complex.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Venus de Milo? Yep, that armless, footless, noseless statue that has stood in the Louvre since the 19th century. Of course you have. She’s a superstar! Not only does she jostle with the Mona Lisa for the title of ‘The Louvre’s most viewed artwork’, she’s been remade by the artists Rodin and Dali; she’s been made into posters, lamps, magnets; she’s been the subject of songs by Prince and Chuck Berry, she’s even part of the seal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She’s undoubtedly one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculpture.
However, until relatively recently, very few had heard of Milos, the volcanic island where amateur French archaeologist Oliver Voutier discovered this statue of Aphrodite buried in the soil in 1820. While Aphrodite has been paraded around for the world to see, this beautiful island with its stunning, dramatic coastline has kept relatively off-the-radar. There is so much history and culture to discover in Milos.
We’d like to help and inspire you if you’re considering a visit to Milos – perhaps you’re also looking to visit some other Cycladic islands, such as Mykonos, Ios, and Sifnos. We’d like to give you plenty of amazing sights and sounds to look forward to on Milos. From the bottle-green swimming hole at Papafragas to the undulating white cliffs at Sarakiniko, the mysterious caves at Kleftiko to tiny boat houses wedged between rock and sea in Mandrakia; we can wax lyrical about the myriad of no-filter Instagram photo opportunities in Milos. If you’d like to know some specific details, please feel free to get in touch.
As well as its noteworthy coastline made up of 60+ beaches, the island of Milos has catacombs second only in historical significance to Rome’s. Milos also houses the remains of a 7000-seat amphitheatre, a bewitching and buzzy capital, a lofty castle and a smattering of worthwhile museums. Go now before the secret gets out and the island is overflowing with visitors! There are few Greek islands that quite earn the descriptor of ‘hidden gem’ quite like Milos!
Mandrakia is our pick for the best photo opportunity in Milos of houses wedged between rock and sea. While there, check out Medusa Restaurant – please make sure you try the octopus!
Santorini may have ‘Red Beach’ and ‘Black Beach’ and Crete has ‘Pink Beach’ but Milos has ‘Moon Beach’ in Sarakiniko Beach. We feel this beach is the most spectacular of the lot!
Tsigrado is a spectacular and secluded beach in Milos, nestled between cliffs on the southern coast of the island. We’ll warn you that climbing down to beautiful Tsigrado is not for the faint of heart!
Milos has a myriad of wonderful places to explore. A must-visit place is the picturesque and colourful village of Klima. Fishermen hideouts, known as Syrmata, line the edge of the Aegean Sea. Walk around, get hand-crafted local souvenirs or enjoy a sunset dinner at the only restaurant in the village. Another place you must visit are the ruins of Kastro Castle. As well as 360 degree views of the island, but you’ll see the old quarter where people lived before the city expanded towards what is now known as Plaka. Some locals still live here and the houses that remain are quaint and charming. A nice place to watch the sunset!
With 10 hiking routes to choose from, there’s a hike for anyone on Milos. One of our favourite lesser-known hikes is up to the Three Crosses Monument. Once at the top, enjoy fantastic panoramic views over Triovasalos and the neighbouring villages. Keep the secret to yourself though because there is a real possibility you might find you have the hill to yourself during your visit to truly enjoy the view in peace!
Oh Hamos – We LOVE Oh Hamos! You enter through a Secret Garden-esque leaf-covered doorway into an open terrace with quaint homestyle tables and seats in the midst of a lush jungle with hanging plants and bougainvillea aplenty! The menus are handwritten, all the crockery is customised and there’s just a real sense of personalisation, love and care here that translates to the food. If you are a meat eater, please order the gourounopoulo metimezako and thank us later! It’s a piglet that has been cooked for hours in a molasses, mustard and thyme marinade and it’s a truly spectacular meal!
Akri is perched atop the port of Adamas, offering unparalleled views of the Aegean. Enjoy a delicious cocktail (or three) mixed up by the talented bartenders and while away the evening to an excellent soundtrack, provided by the in-house DJs.
Here at Epicure Greece, we are no strangers to a boat trip. In fact, they are our personal favourite way of exploring the wonderful islands of Greece. So trust us when we say that the Oneiro boat trip with Captain Elias is one of the very best experiences that Greece has to offer. The best way of seeing the famous cove of Kleftiko (Bandits’ Lair) – an old pirates’ hideout, famous for its crystal-clear water, elaborate caves and imposing rock formations.
Kostantakis Cave Winery is the best winery on the island. I mean, it’s also the only winery on the island(!) but it’s delicious wine in a cave – you can’t go wrong!
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.