Milos is one of the most unique islands in the world. When we visited Milos, we had a week to explore the beaches and charming waterfront fishing villages, and to enjoy the stunning sunset at Plaka. That’s why we’ve put together the ideal 3-day itinerary for you, covering all the must-see highlights of Milos.
Renting a car in Milos is problably the best option for you as most beaches are on the south coast. And if you’re up for it, you can take the ferry (with your car) to the charming island Kimolos wich is only a 30min ferry ride.
This itinerary brings together the places we loved most on the island: Sarakiniko and the south coast, Mandrakia and Pollonia, the historic heart around Plaka and Tripiti, and a boat trip or hike to Kleftiko, for that classic Milos postcard moment.
Where to stay and how to get around in Milos
If you’re staying on Milos for a few days, choosing the right base can really shape how your trip feels. You can choose between villages, beaches or the typical boathouses in Klima or Mandrakia.
Adamas is perfect if you like being in the middle of things: you’ll wake up right by the port, with boat tours leaving just a short stroll from your room and plenty of cafés and restaurants to try each night.
Pollonia, on the other hand, feels more like a small seaside village. Here your mornings start slow, with breakfast almost at the water’s edge, a couple of tavernas just steps away, and easy drives to Papafragas, Sarakiniko and the little ferry across to Kimolos.
Then there’s Plaka, perched on the hill, where evenings are all about wandering through narrow streets, finding viewpoints for sunset and soaking up that old‑town atmosphere. It’s a magical place to stay if you don’t mind hopping in the car every day to reach the beaches, trading convenience for charm and views.
Renting a car in Milos makes this itinerary much smoother, especially for the southern beaches and the small villages scattered along the coast. Don’t forget to ask your host or hotel if they have parking available, as in summer it can get really crowded in the busy town centers.
Day 1: Lunar landscapes and the south coast (Sarakiniko, Firiplaka, Tsigrado)
Start your first day early at Sarakiniko, Milos’ most famous “lunar” beach with bright white rock formations and turquoise water. The earlier you arrive, the better: in high season, the car park and paths fill up quickly and the light is beautiful in the morning (also by sunset).
There are small coves and inlets where you can swim and sit on the rocks. You’ll walk over rock rather than soft sand so it’s better to wear good sandals or trainers.
If you’re into photography like me, this is the place where you’ll probably take the most pictures of the entire trip.
From Sarakiniko you can either drive back via Adamas for a coffee or lunch, or go straight towards the southern beaches. A good spot for lunch is O! Hamos! or have a gyros in Gyros of Milos.
After lunch it’s time to visit the beaches in Milos. The southern coast of Milos is packed with beautiful beaches sheltered from northern winds, and Firiplaka and Tsigrado are two of the most popular.
Firiplaka beach offers a long stretch of sand backed by colourful cliffs and clear water, with both organized sunbeds and more natural areas. You can have a drink at the Loco Beach Bar.
If you’re looking for some more adventure, you should go to Tsigrado beach. Tsigrado beach is a narrow, dramatic cove that is only accessed by a ladder and ropes down the rock. It’s fun as long if you’re reasonably fit and comfortable with a steep descent.
Read more: The best beaches in Milos
Day 2: History, Plaka sunsets and colourful villages
Start in Adamas at the Milos Mining Museum, a small but interesting museum that explains how the island’s geology shaped its history and economy. It’s a good way to understand why Milos looks and feels so different from some of the other Cycladic islands.
Afterwards, drive up towards Tripiti to visit the Catacombs of Milos, one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece and one of the best things to do in Milos.
After that you can walk to the Ancient Roman Theater. Both sites are close together. On the hill next to the theater you can see the Profitis Elias Monastery, it’s a 20min walk uphill. This is also one the best sunset spots of Milos.
In the afternoon you can walk from Tripiti to Plaka, the charming hilltop capital of Milos. In Plaka you can find shops and galleries that sell ceramics, jewellery and clothing with a local touch.
If you like museums you can check the Archaeological Museum of Milos that hosts important finds from the island, including a replica of the famous Venus de Milo.
Stay in Plaka for sunset, the Plaka Castle (Kastro) offers panoramic views over the Aegean and is one of the most striking sunset spots on the island. Afterwards, head to one of the tavernas with terraces for dinner.
Day 3: Fishing villages, Pollonia and a boat trip to Kleftiko
Your last day focuses on the small fishing villages or also called Syrmata and a boat trip to Kleftiko!
Let’s start at Mandrakia, where brightly painted doors and boathouses curve around a tiny bay. There are usually just a few fishing boats and a handful of visitors, which gives the place a quiet, authentic feel outside peak times. Medusa restaurant is one of the best Greek taverns / restaurants on Milos, just keep in mind that it is only open in high season.
From there, continue to Firopotamos, a scenic cove with clear water, traditional houses and a church overlooking the bay. If you’re looking for a quit place to spend your time in Milos, Firopotamos is one of your best options.
The most famous Syrmata is Klima, you can drive down there or easily spend a night in one of the beautiful boathouses. In summer, there is a beautiful restaurant next to the beach, Astakas Café Restaurant.
You can have lunch in one of the Syrmata’s or you can drive to Pollonia, a small village in the north with a handful of seaside tavernas and cafés where you can sit right by the water. From Pollonia you can take the ferry to Kimolos island.
Read more: Kimolos Island: a complete guide + one day itinerary
In the afternoon it’s ime for your hightlight of your trip to Milos, a boat tour to Kleftiko. You can easily oin a boat trip from Adamas (or sometimes from other ports, depending on the company) to Kleftiko. These tours usually last several hours and include swimming stops, cave visits and a chance to see parts of the coastline that are only accessible by sea. It is also possible to hike to Kleftiko if you don’t want to take the boat.
Read more: Hiking to Kleftiko Beach: everything you need to know
Kleftiko itself is famous for its rock formations and clear water. Boats generally return around sunset or early evening, so you can finish your trip with dinner at the port in O Hamos (best to make a reservation in high season).
Practical tips for this 3‑day Milos itinerary
- Best time to visit Milos: late spring to early autumn, roughly May to October, with September often recommended for warm seas and slightly fewer crowds.
- Getting around: Renting a small car in Milos or ATV makes all three days much more flexible, especially for reaching beaches like Tsigrado, Firiplaka and the northern coves
- Boat tours: book your Kleftiko trip at least a day in advance in high season and keep an eye on wind forecasts, as strong Meltemi winds can affect departures.
- Safety at beaches: check local advice on sea conditions and access ladders, particularly for Tsigrado and Papafragas, and avoid risky climbs if the swell is strong.