When it comes to the blissful Mediterranean geography that is the nation of Greece, one could spend their entire life exploring the 227 different inhabited islands, yet never see it all. Often times it is the acclaimed destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos that take front and center when travel itineraries are developed by the some 30 million international visitors that the shores of Greece welcome each year.
However, for the locals who do have the blissful advantage of spending more of their days one by one expanding their count of islands visited, a consensus begins to appear that there is one that is underrated, yet unmissable island: the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades, known as Milos. Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, where the variety of unique geothermal terrain attributes play backdrop to the turquoise waters, as visitors are rewarded with one stunning vista after another in their time spent exploring this island which is rich with an extensive mining history.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN TRAVELING TO MILOS
As you plan your Greek island getaway, it is important to consider the infrastructure of the islands you are visiting. One advantage of Milos is that it hosts its own airport as well as a modern network of paved roadways, making travel to and within it less of a challenge than other island destinations, some of which are only accessible via boat, or do not allow cars, for example. Geographically large in comparison to many of the other islands, yet sporadically populated, you will find that Milos feels less crowded and busy than other Greek islands. That said, due to its sprawling expanse, in order to truly have access to all of its amazing hidden nooks and corners, renting a car is a necessity. Be sure to have your reservation booked in advance, as the limited number of rentals on the island due tend to be spoken for.
WHERE TO STAY ON MILOS
A visit to the newly built Volcano Luxury Suites in Paleochori during peak season revealed a shocking level of privacy: during our several nights here, no other inhabitants of the resort’s six guest rooms were spotted. Complimentary made to order breakfast is delivered to your room each morning, and the Paleochori Beach is just a short walk down the road; never too crowded, despite being one of the larger organized beaches on the island. (As any frequent traveler to Greece is aware, organized beaches are those which offer chaise lounge pairings with umbrellas, and beachfront food and beverage services. Organized beaches are typically the Greek standard of oceanside hospitality, but as you venture towards the less inhabited islands become less of a reality).
With every detail carefully curated in terms of an upscale bohemian decor, your stay at Volcano Luxury Suites is sure to be secluded and special. Their staff are Milos locals, so their proud enthusiasm for explaining to you the hidden gems that the island has to offer is unparalleled. If you are seeking privacy, peace and romance in your trip to Milos, this property is the perfect match.
For adventurers seeking assistance in planning helicopter tours or boat trips, Casa Litore is passionate about arranging additional activities for its guests. Located in quaint Pollonia, it has its own private beach where you will find yourself receding into its utmost relaxation in between your excursions.
If your main objective is luxury and elite amenities, your best bet is White Coast, whose architecture is inspired by the stunning white rocks of Sarakiniko beach, with which it shares a coastline. This property is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, and is a Tresor Hotels & Resorts member.
WHAT TO DO ON MILOS
Milos contains more beaches than any other Cycladic island, every one more shockingly stunning and breathtaking than the next. Beach hopping around the northern end and southern side of the island each warrant their own couple of days. Driving around the northern coast you can navigate from beach to beach, high points including Mandrakia, Firopotamos and of course the legendary shores of Sarakiniko, where greyish white volcanic rocks give you the impression that you could very well be on a different planet. Once you’ve seen each special beach, select a favorite option to spend the day relaxing at. While the beaches are accessible by land and exquisite in their own right, it is also recommended that you take advantage of a boat tour if possible, to reach some of the more remote beaches in a level of seclusion that will leave you awe inspired.
Despite your promise to your car rental agency that you will stay off the local access, unpaved roads, it is well worth it to bend the rules for an off-road adventure out to the fumaroles of Kalamos, where sulphurous vapours emit from the Tsigrado volcanic crater above Agia Kyriaki beach. A quick climb to the top rewards with sweeping views. Don’t be surprised if your only other company is a lone mountain goat, seemingly also soaking up an incredible view.
The hydrous mineral rock forms here manifest as pinkish peaks. Sulfurous deposits underground contribute to the emission of pockets of steam. While so much of traveling to Greece focuses on the element of water, Milos counterbalances this reality with its very firm and natural earthly grounding.
Another activity to add to your Milos itinerary is to visit the ancient Catacombs. Following, soak in a sunset vista across the Ancient Theater of Milos, as the sea and horizon seem so vast and endless as you gaze out westward.
WHERE TO EAT ON MILOS
Some islands are known most for their cuisine; others for the beaches. Milos is special in that it offers excellence within both categories. Unlike Mykonos’ acclaimed gastronomic concept Nammos, where just a glass of water will cost you €16, your euro goes incredibly far on Milos, as the traditional Greek cuisine is both fantastic and fantastically priced. Culinary hubs include the northwestern point of Pollonia, a picaresque fishing village as well as Plaka, the town center perched atop a rock. Park at the community lot at the bottom of the town square, and walk your way up the village’s narrow roads that wind their way through Cycladic style houses, shops and restaurants where no cars go. Work up an appetite prior to your meal in Plaka with a climb up toe Venetian Castle of Milos, where the steep but short haul of a few hundred steps will offer an unbelievable panoramic vantage.
In our opinion, Milos is the up and coming crown jewel of the Greek Islands. It would not surprise us to see Milos end up taking on a fate similar to that of Tulum, with a cascading travel momentum culminating in an over-touristed frenzy, overrun by the rampant Instagram culture that you already see elsewhere within Greece. Visit Milos soon, while you are still able to find yourself and your travel companion(s) admiring a view alone together, and photograph the sunset without having to dodge a swarm of other tourists eagerly attempting the same.