The beaches of Milos

Milos has more than 70 beaches, some of which are only accessible by boat. The island’s history of volcanic activity over millions of years and its wealth of mineral deposits have together created an extraordinary coastline of fantastical rock formations and beaches which range in colour from gold, white and red to greenish-grey and even black.

It’s worth taking a boat excursion round the island because this is the best way to appreciate the beauty of its coastline and uncover the magical rocky coves which can only be reached from the sea. Regular boat tours leave Adamas in the summer months, stopping at several of the island’s best beaches – many include lunch in a taverna on the island of Kimolos.

One of the busiest beaches is Achivadolimni six kilometres south of Adamas. Buses from the port make the 15-minute journey to and from the beach throughout the day. It’s a popular sandy beach of white sand, small pebbles and shallow water but it’s certainly not one of the most beautiful on the island. It tends to be busy in high season because of nearby Milos Camping which is a well-equipped site with its own bar, restaurant and other tourist facilities.

There are several easily accessible popular family beaches on the south coast of the island including lively Provatas and Paleochori which are well served with bars, sun beds and shades but you can still find a quiet spot to lay your towel.

Between the two lies beautiful Tsigrado where snow-like sand of natural pearlite deposits slopes into the azure waters. It’s not easy to get to it but is well worth effort – reach it by boat, moped or trek about an hour and a half east along the coast from Provatas. If you’re brave enough you can even lower yourself down to the beach via a rope attached to the cliff face.

First prize for the most extraordinary stretch of coastline goes to Sarakiniko, on the north coast, where eerie white rock formations create a bizarre moonscape. There’s a small bay and when the wind is on the other side of the island you can swim in a series of caves.

At Papafragas, further east along the coast from Sarakiniko you can swim in sulphurous blue pools below a stone arch and ghostly arms of white rock which reach down to the sea.

More weird and wonderful rock formations are to be found at Kleftiko in the south west corner of the island. You can only get to it by boat but it’s worth the trip because the scenery is magnificent and you can swim in the caves, snorkel round the rocks or scuba dive for shells and octopus.

Pollonia, in the north east of the island, is the windiest spot on Milos and attracts windsurfers and other watersports enthusiasts. There’s a diving centre here and regular boats leave for the short journey across to the island of Kimolos (worth a day trip but not much more). At Voudia Bay, three kilometres south east of Pollonia, you can swim in some of the hot springs which warm the mineral-rich waters at several points around the coastline.

Take a boat excursion to see the mind-blowing organ-pipe rock formations of Glaronisia Islet off the north coast. Look out for the beautiful Milos monk seals which inhabit these waters and are among the most endangered species in the whole of Europe.

Tsigrado beach

A beach embraced by sheer cliffs, with white sand and emerald waters. Access to this truly exotic beach is via a relatively easy dirt road. But to enjoy its beauty you have to descend from the hill through a steep path that is covered with sand.

The beach is not organized, but you can get the essentials from the nearby beach of Firiplaka. One of the most beautiful beaches of the island. There are two access options, either by a catamaran boat or by descending holding a rope from some rocks, a real experience!

Sarakiniko beach

This otherworldly beach of Milos is perhaps the most enchanting of all. White long narrow rocks spread in and out of the sea creating strange terraces on the rocks, arches and sea caves coloring even the seabed with white colors. The paradise of photographers and cliff divers. It is not organized and the entrance from the sea is rather narrow. You must have the essentials with you. It is located on the north coast of Milos and can be reached by road from Adamas heading north, for about 30 minutes.

Kleftiko beach

Kleftiko, is a set of grey-white rocks with strange shapes and formations, with caves and pits created by the passing of the centuries by the wind and the sea. To enjoy its crystal clear blue-green waters and its unique formations you should come by boat or sailboat. Kleftiko was formerly used as a refuge and stronghold for pirates and from there it got its name.

Achivadolimni beach

Achivadolimni is the largest beach of the island with white sand and deep blue shallow waters. There is organized camping there and the beach is also accessible by bus. It takes its name from the pond in front of it, which is full of clams. Achivadolimni  is divided into two beaches, the first is quieter and secluded, while the second is busy, organized and has beach bars and restaurants. The beach is an ideal choice for fans of surfing and kite-surfing.

There is an organized camping there and the beach is also accessible by bus. It takes its name from the pond in front of it, which is full of clams. Achivadolimni or Hivadolimni is divided into two beaches, the first is quieter and secluded, while the second is busy, organized and has beach bars and restaurants. The beach is an ideal choice for fans of surfing and kite-surfing

Paliohori beach

Paliohori Beach is almost 2 kilometers long and extremely popular. It consists of colorful pebbles, coarse sand and cool crystal clear deep water. Essentially the beach consists of three beaches. The large and organized one, the middle one and a smaller and narrow one surrounded by rocks. In Paliochori you have the opportunity to see unique and imposing images, a result of the volcanic energy and geological vitality of the area. In addition to the colorful rocks in red, pink, yellow and white-grey colors, in Paliohori hot water springs up. The unimaginable variety of natural materials and colors it has is sure to amaze you.

Thiororichia beach

In the small bay of Paliorema you can enjoy swimming on a beach with yellowish pebbles and crystal clear waters, while your mind will travel back in time, thanks to the ruins of the facilities of the old sulfur extraction mines that operated until 1956. The beach is one of the geological attractions of the island and you can observe wagons on their tracks, old rusty tools and unused spare parts in the hardware store, while enjoying your bath in clear water and wild mysterious landscape.

Papafragas Beach

Next to the ruins of the ancient city of Phylakopi, are the three caves of Papafragas. The cave of Papafragas is a deep sea cave, where you can swim in turquoise waters between gray-white rocks that lead to the open sea. The beach is small, surrounded by the visible light-colored rocks, while to get there you have to go down a steep carving on the rock. During the Byzantine period, it was used as a launching pad for pirates, while it was named after the last Frank Papa who used the beach to protect his boat.

Fyriplaka beach

Fyriplaka is a characteristic beach of the southern side of Milos since this whole side is characterized by its sandy beaches. Fyriplaka is the most famous and busiest beach. It doesn’t matter if it’s deserted in the photo. There are many straw umbrellas, the bar is well equipped and the waters are always clear, since south of the southern side of Milos there is only sea all the way to Crete.

Big enough to find your peace if you don’t want to squeeze into the sunbeds. It has shallow turquoise waters, a beach bar and sunbeds with umbrellas. Fyriplaka gives the possibility to those who want to avoid the crowds to enjoy its grandeur and beauty on the two most lonely beaches (after the first one which is organized), as long as they walk parallel to the sea and the volcanic rocks.

Plathiena beach

Plathiena beach is paved with fine sand and has crystal clear waters to enjoy your swim. Here you will find some sunbeds and umbrellas but also enough space if you want to spread out your towel and relax in peace. It is the most convenient and closest beach to take an afternoon dip or if you don’t feel like driving all the way to the south of the island. Although in the north of the island, it faces west, so it is suitable even in the warm months of August.

Alogomantra beach

A strip of sandy beach, enclosed by high cliffs, which is not visible from the road.There is rocky terrain on the side and shallow blue-green waters. The formation of the beach resembles a horse coral, hence the name Alogomantra.

Gerontas beach

The beach of Gerontas has a thousand faces, which changes from season to season due to the weather, is a favorite of mainly foreign visitors, who discovered this secluded corner in the late 80s. Fascinated by the rock formations, the small beach with black sand and the theoretical natural stone arch at its edge, they defy the difficult access to enjoy the crystal clear waters of Milos.

It is located in the southwest of the island, west of Provatas. Follow the coastal road towards Achivadolimni, turn left towards Provata and continue until you find the sign for Gerontas. You will leave the car and walk for about 10 minutes.

Pahaina beach

A wide beach overlooking the small islands of Glaronisia, with rich sand and some tamarisk trees, Pahaina will fascinate you thanks to its blue waters and the rocks that emerge from them.

Agia Kyriaki beach

Agia Kyriaki is located on the south side of Milos, near the port of Adamas, and for this reason, if you live there, it is a very good choice for swimming in its beautiful waters. However, consider that you will need a car or a local bus to get to the beach from Adamas, as it is not a walking distance. Agia Kyriaki beach belongs to the beautiful beaches of Milos, it is located relatively close to the port of Adamantas, on the south-eastern side of the island and is partially protected from north winds.

Provatas Beach

Provatas Beach is a golden sandy beach with shallow waters. The beach is family-friendly and good for sunbathing and swimming. Some parts of the beach have sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. Provatas beach is easily accessible by car.

Kapros beach

Kapros beach is located on the southeast side of Milos, near Korfos and Tsigrado. It is a more remote beach with pebbles and clear waters.
Ideal for those looking for quiet moments away from the crowded areas of Milos. Access can be a bit difficult by car and usually requires a section of hike. Difficult access makes it ideal for those looking for more secluded beaches.

Fatouraina Beach

Fatouraina Beach in Milos is one of the lesser known and perhaps least visited beaches of the island, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a quieter and more natural experience. This is a natural beach with wild beauty. Due to its remote location, you are not likely to meet many visitors there, making it the ideal place for those looking for privacy and tranquility.Access to the beach can be a bit difficult or demanding, so it is important to be prepared and consider the road conditions.

Kastanas Beach

Kastanas Beach in Milos is one of the island’s beaches often described as “hidden gems” due to its wild natural beauty and less commercialization. Kastanas beach is characterized by golden sand and crystal blue waters, surrounded by impressive rocks. The waters are crystal blue and clear, offering a wonderful opportunity for swimming.

Triades beach

Triades Beach in Milos is one of the island’s unique destinations, characterized by its distinctive natural beauty. Triades Beach is actually a complex of three sandy beaches side by side. These beaches are surrounded by imposing white rocky formations, giving a dramatic contrast to the turquoise waters.
The beach is located on the western side of Milos and is somewhat remote compared to other more popular beaches on the island. This means that it is often less crowded. However, reaching Triades requires traveling on a dirt road, which can be challenging for some vehicles. If you’re considering visiting, it might be a good idea to use a 4×4 vehicle or other suitable means of transportation.