10 Best Things to Do in Milos

There are plenty of things to do in Milos, a small volcanic island that lies to the north of the Sea of Crete. It has geological wealth that’s arguably unrivaled by any other Greek island. While many people come here for the sun, sand and sea, you’ll also find nightlife options in the main port to keep you entertained through the wee hours.

The locals are often eager to showcase their mining history and local cuisine, so your thirst for knowledge and hunger for delicious food will be satisfied. Unique beaches, therapeutic hot springs, and ancient sites await you on this Greek island. To get you ready for your trip, here’s a list of the best things to do in Milos.

What are the best things to do in Milos?

1. Sarakiniko Beach

Take a dip in the blue waters

Good for: Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure

Sarakiniko is a unique beach on the north shore of Milos, known for its white volcanic rock formations. Locals compare its landscape to a moonscape, often referring to it as Lunar or ‘moon beach’. After walking on the volcanic rocks towards the sea, you’ll find shimmering waters that are excellent for swimming, cliff diving, and snorkeling. Not a fan of water sports? You can work on your tan on the small sandy strip – get there before 9am to avoid crowds.

Sarakiniko is close to 2 other unique coastal features in Milos, namely Paliorema and Sykia Cave. Paliorema is in front of Thiorihio, an abandoned sulphur mine with a sandy beach and turquoise sea. Sykia is a roofless sea cave with crystal-clear waters and a small strip of rocks that resembles a miniature beach. Due to its tiny entrance, Sykia Cave is only accessible by boat.

Location: Sarakiniko Beach, Milos 480 60, Greece

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2. Catacombs of Tripiti Village

Tour the arcades of this important archeological find

Good for: History, Photo, Adventure

The Catacombs of Tripiti Village were discovered by archaeologists in 1844, though the site is believed to be built towards the end of the 1st century. There are 3 interconnected underground catacombs on-site which were Christian cemeteries during Roman times. It was also a place of worship and refuge for Christians who were persecuted by the Romans.

Just southwest of the village of Tripiti, the catacombs are 150 meters above sea level. You have to climb a steep hill to get to the catacombs where a guard can take you on a brief guided tour. From there, you can take in a lovely view of the sea.

Location: Milos 848 00, Greece

Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Phone: +30 2287 021625

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3. Milos Mining Museum

Discover the mining history of Milos

Good for: History, Photo

The Milos Mining Museum pays tribute to the miners who’ve worked hard to keep Milos’ 10,000-year mining history alive. Being a volcanic island, Milos is rich in minerals and naturally, mining of mineral resources has contributed to the island’s wealth and culture.

You’ll get a firsthand encounter with Milos’ mining history and learn more about the geology of the island. It exhibits audiovisual displays, photographs, paintings, and mining tools. A collection of stones, rocks and crystals is displayed in glass cases. The Milos Mining Museum located in Adamas, about a 5-minute walk from the port.

Location: Adamas 848 00, Greece

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +30 2287 022481

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4. Church of the Holy Trinity (Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos)

A church that doubles as a museum

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

The Byzantine Church of the Holy Trinity, established in 842 AD, is a historical landmark by the Adamas waterfront. The church houses the Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos, which displays a collection of traditional art from Milos, like religious icons, wood carvings and paintings by Cretan painters Emmanuel and Antonios Skordilis.

With a 3-nave basilica with a vaulted dome sitting on top of the front door and colorful mosaic tiles leading to the entrance, the church is an interesting architectural gem in its own right. Accessible from Adamas Port, the church/museum is free to enter. Once inside, you’ll be guided by a volunteer who’ll give you a little history lesson of the site.

Location: Adamantas 848 01, Greece

Open: Daily from 9.15 am to 1.15 pm and from 6.15 pm to 10.15 pm

Phone: +30 2287 022252

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5. Ancient City of Phylakopi

Journey through history in this Bronze Age settlement

Good for: History, Photo, Budget

Phylakopi is one of the most important Bronze Age settlements in the Aegean. Located on the north-eastern coast of Milos, it was once the most powerful city in the Cyclades from the 3rd to 12th century BC. The site has been destroyed and rebuilt 3 times, with archeological excavations revealing pottery, ceramic and bronze figurines, as well as obsidian tools.

While the sea has eroded a large part of the settlement, you can still see a temple, a palace, a Roman theatre and a part of the cyclopean wall which has been preserved.

Location: Phylakopi 848 00, Greece

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6. Lakkos Hot Springs

Relax in this therapeutic hot spring

Good for: Couples, History, Budget, Adventure

Relax in Lakkos Hot Springs, a little spa within a 15-meter-deep cave called Ta Loutra Tou Lakkou (Hippocrates’ Cave). This relatively unknown thermal spot is located on the left of the harbor in Adamas. The water typically has a temperature of 33° to 41°C, depending on weather and sea level. The chlorinated spring contains iron and thermal minerals. The Lakkos Hot Springs makes for a relaxing experience for those looking to enjoy some self-care time in Milos.

Location: Milos 848 01, Greece

Open: From mid-July to mid-October

7. Plaka Castle/Venetian Castle of Milos

Watch the sunset from this vantage point

Good for: History, Photo, Budget, Adventure

The Venetian Castle of Milos (also called Plaka Castle or Kastro) is the only proof of Venetian influence on the island. It dates back to the 13th century when Milos was under Venetian rule. Sitting on top of the hill overlooking the island of Milos, the castle is a vantage point for watching sunsets over the sea.

Accessible through various alleys from Plaka following signs that say Kastro, the walk to the top of the hill takes less than 1 hour. Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable panoramic views of the island. We recommend climbing up there in the late afternoon and staying until sunset to see the sky painted in warm hues of orange and purple.

Location: Plaka 848 00, Greece

8. Ancient Theatre of Milos

Take a seat on the marble steps of this ancient amphitheater

Good for: Couples, History, Photo

The Ancient Theatre of Milos is a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 3rd century BC during the Hellenistic period. While the site was destroyed and rebuilt out of marble, the part of the theatre which you see today was excavated and remains well-preserved. In its original condition, the theatre could hold 7,000 spectators – currently, it only has a maximum capacity of around 700.

Located in Tripiti Village near the catacombs, residents continue to hold cultural events in the Ancient Theatre of Milos. From time to time, the theatre hosts musical and theatrical performances, so go catch one if you’re lucky enough to be in Milos when that happens.

Location: Milos 848 00, Greece

Open: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm

Phone: +30 2287 028026

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9. O! Hamos! Tavern

Tuck into farm-fresh local cuisine at this family-run taverna

Good for: Food

Owned by the Psatha family, O! Hamos! Tavern serves authentic Greek dishes using fresh meat and vegetables sourced from their farm. They also make their own cheeses. A couple of the seaside tavern’s specialties include akatsikaki (baby goat baked in parchment) and bouyiourdi (tomatoes, feta cheese and spicy peppers baked in a clay pot), best mopped up with homemade bread.

Portions are huge and the food is as traditional as a Greek grandma’s cooking, so come hungry. Highly popular at dinnertime, O! Hamos! Tavern doesn’t take reservations. Visit during lunch or get there before 7pm if you want to avoid long queues.

Location: Plaka 846 00, Greece

Open: Friday–Wednesday from 1 pm to 11.45 pm, Thursday from 1.30 pm to 11.45 pm

Phone: +30 2287 021672

10. Sip cocktails in Adamas

Enjoy bar-hopping around the harbor town

Good for: Food, Nightlife

As the main port of Milos and a seaside village, Adamas is the nightlife center of the island. Lining the seafront, the nightlife venues range from clubs to cozy cocktail bars to resto-bars serving late-night food for your midnight munchies. The bars in Adamas often open until late, so you can have fun hopping from bar to bar until the early hours.

Some clubs put on live music performances, especially in clubs that play Greek music with a bouzouki, a Greek string instrument commonly used in modern Greek music as well as traditional rebetiko folk music.

Location: Adamantas 848 01, Greece

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