Milos

Day 1: Moon rocks, fishing hamlets and hilltop sunset

Ease into Milos with its lunar north coast and slow village rhythm. Today is about soft light, short drives, and classic Cycladic scenes capped by a panoramic sunset.

• Morning: Catch sunrise at Sarakiniko when the white tuff glows and the rocks are cool underfoot; bring water, hat and sunglasses as there’s no shade. Swing by a bakery in Adamas for pitarakia and coffee before a quick swim at Firopotamos.
• Midday: Drift to Mandrakia for a long, lazy seafood lunch by the syrmata; Medusa is tiny, so book in July–August. If the meltemi is howling, use this slot for the Archaeological Museum in Plaka and a sheltered swim later.
• Afternoon: Wander Plaka’s lanes (shops reopen after siesta), then the short hop to Trypiti; visit the catacombs and the ancient theatre above Klima if you fancy history with a view. Wear comfy shoes—alleys are cobbled and car-free.
• Evening: Climb to the Kastro above Plaka for a hushed sunset; arrive 45 minutes early for a front perch. Dine in Plaka (rooftop terraces are breezy) or head to Adamas for farm-to-table at O! Hamos!; reservations recommended in peak season.

Day 2: Pirate caves by boat and volcanic supper

Devote a full day to the sea: Kleftiko’s caves, emerald coves and warm Aegean light. Choose a route based on wind; south-coast itineraries run even when the meltemi blows.

• Morning: Board a semi-private catamaran or a traditional kaiki from Adamas or Agia Kiriaki; bring reef-safe sunscreen, a light layer for the return breeze, and motion tablets if needed. First swim stop is often Sykia or Kalogries before Kleftiko.
• Midday: Snorkel through Kleftiko’s arches and caves as the sun beams in—visibility is superb. Most boats serve a cooked lunch on board; vegetarian options usually available if requested in advance.
• Afternoon: Cruise past Gerakas’ cascading ash cliffs and the rope-access cove of Tsigrado (easiest to admire from the water). Back on land, grab a gelato in Adamas and a short rest.
• Evening: Unwind at Paliochori with a geothermal shoreline soak, then dine beachside where dishes are slow-cooked in hot sand (try Sirocco). If seas were rough, swap for a Pollonia waterfront dinner and an unhurried volta.

Day 3: South-coast beaches, ancient tiers and syrmata sunset

Today blends silky beaches, a dash of exploration, and one of the island’s most romantic sunsets at the water’s edge. Rent a small car or ATV; carry plenty of water and shade.

• Morning: Get to Firiplaka early for calm, turquoise swimming beneath rainbow cliffs. If you’re set on Tsigrado, descend the ladders before crowds (confident shoes, hands free); otherwise, kayak from Firiplaka round the headland.
• Midday: Pick one adventure: the short trail to Gerontas’ dark-sand arch for secluded swims, or the bumpy track to the sulphur-streaked Thiorichia beach and its photogenic abandoned mine (avoid in midday heat). In high winds, choose the more sheltered Provatas.
• Afternoon: Return north via Trypiti for a cool drink, then sit on the marble tiers of the ancient theatre—often empty, always atmospheric. This is a relaxed window for shopping local cheeses and capers to take home.
• Evening: Time sunset at Klima; book a table right on the water at Astakas and watch colours dance on the syrmata doors. If the north wind is strong and spray reaches the front row, pivot to Tripiti Square’s benches for a wind-sheltered golden hour.

Notes for all days:

• Check wind each morning (Windy, Poseidon) and flip north/south plans accordingly; north rough = head south.
• July–August: pre-book boats, vehicles and dinners; arrive early for parking at popular spots.
• Leave no trace on fragile tuff and sulphur cliffs; cliffs crumble—keep well back from edges.

By Air

• Milos Island National Airport (MLO) has only domestic flights, mainly from Athens (ATH). Flight time: 40–50 minutes. The airport is 10 minutes by taxi to Adamas (main port).
• No international flights direct to Milos. Fly to:
  • Athens (ATH), then fly to MLO or transfer to Piraeus port for a ferry.
  • Santorini (JTR) with onward ferry to Milos (approx. 2–5 hours, seasonal frequency).
  • Mykonos (JMK) with onward ferry (approx. 3–6 hours, often seasonal/indirect).
  • Heraklion, Crete (HER) with seasonal ferries to Milos (approx. 4–5 hours).
  • Paros (PAS) or Naxos (JNX) with ferries to Milos (approx. 1.5–3.5 hours).

By Sea

• Main gateway: Piraeus (Athens’ port) to Adamas (Milos). High-speed ferries: approx. 2 h 45–4 h; conventional ferries: approx. 5–7 h. Multiple daily departures in summer; fewer in winter.
• Key island links (seasonal frequencies vary):
  • Santorini: 2–5 h
  • Paros/Naxos: 1.5–3.5 h
  • Sifnos: 40–80 min; Serifos: 1.5–2.5 h
  • Mykonos: 3–6 h (some direct summer services)
  • Crete (Heraklion/Rethymno): 4–5 h (seasonal)
• Major operators include SeaJets (fast), Aegean Sea Lines and Zante Ferries (conventional), and Minoan Lines (seasonal).
• Practical notes: book ahead June–September; the Meltemi winds (Jul–Aug) can cause delays/cancellations; arrive 45–60 minutes before departure.

By Train

• No rail on Milos. For mainland access to ferries: take an intercity train to Athens (Athens/Larissa Station), then:
  • Metro Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus (approx. 25–35 minutes), or
  • Metro Line 3 (Blue) to Piraeus (Dimotiko Theatro; approx. 35–40 minutes), or
  • Suburban rail (Proastiakos) to Piraeus.
• Walk from Piraeus stations to the ferry gates (allow 10–15 minutes depending on gate).

By Bus

• From Athens Airport (ATH): X96 express bus to Piraeus port, 24/7, approx. 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
• From central Athens: X80 (seasonal express Syntagma–Piraeus, approx. 30–45 minutes) or 040 (Syntagma–Piraeus night service). Metro is often faster and more predictable.
• KTEL Attikis serves Rafina and Lavrio ports (limited or no direct Milos services; most Milos sailings use Piraeus).

By Car

• Drive to Piraeus and take a car ferry to Milos (reserve a vehicle space in advance in summer). Parking near Piraeus gates is limited; consider long‑stay car parks or park‑and‑ride then metro.
• Driving times (typical): central Athens to Piraeus 25–45 minutes; Athens Airport to Piraeus 45–75 minutes. To alternative ports: Rafina 45–75 minutes, Lavrio 60–90 minutes (few/no Milos routes).
• On arrival in Milos (Adamas), you can drive off the ship; car hire is widely available.