When we visited Milos, one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades, in October, we were impressed by the beauty of Milos. We tried to discover all the best beaches in Milos, which was not always easy, as some of them are only reachable by boat, and for some other beaches in Milos, you need to hike or drive off the beaten track.
In the low season (October to April), when we were there, it might be challenging to find open spots for food and drinks. Some beach bars were already closed, but during the high season, they attract both locals and tourists and offer tavernas, bars, umbrellas, sunbeds, and showers.
We have been to Syros, Paros, Mykonos, Andros, and Tinos, and found that the beaches in Milos were undoubtedly the most beautiful ones we have seen on the Cyclades.
The most popular beaches in Milos
Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko is famous for its unique white volcanic landscape, which almost looks like a lunar surface. The smooth rocks create natural slides and offer a picturesque view. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities here, and exploring the rock formations adds to the fun. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture stunning sunrise photos, or at sunset.
Sarakiniko Beach was one of our favorite spots and one of our favorite things to do in Milos. We went there 3 times.
Read more: Best things to do in Milos: a complete guide
How to get to Sarakiniko Beach
The beach is easy to reach and has a large parking area nearby. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Adamas and around 12 minutes from Plaka, while buses from Adamas also run to Sarakiniko, though only a few times per day—be sure to check the schedules on MilosBuses in advance. There are no toilets.
Tsigrado Beach
Tsigrado Beach is one of those places that makes you work a little before it lets you in — and honestly, that is part of the magic. First you need to follow a path that quickly turns into a wooden ladder, followed by a rope bolted into the warm rock. It is a bit of an adventure, but the moment your feet hit the soft sand below, you know it was worth it.
The cove is surrounded by high white and grey cliffs. Tsigrado is small, intimate, and incredibly photogenic beach. If you can, go early. In the summer it get’s very busy.
The water is incredibly clear and makes it perfect for swimming. Tsigrado is not the easiest beach to reach but that’s probably why it stands out as one of the best beaches to visit in Milos.
To reach the beach, you will first need to follow a stretch of unpaved road. From there, you park your rental car or scooter at a higher point and continue the final part on foot down toward the beach.
Another option is to visit Tsigrado Beach by kayak. This tour is combined with a visit to Gerakas Beach.
Firaplaka Beach
Just a short walk from Tsigrado, you will find Firiplaka Beach which has a completely different vibe. Unlike the hidden cove of Tsigrado, Firiplaka opens up into a long stretch of soft sand, backed by striking cliffs painted in shades of red, white, and orange.
The water here is calm and shallow, making it perfect for a relaxed swim or even a bit of paddleboarding. This is probably a better option then Tsigrado Beach if you are traveling with family or simply want an easier beach day without the climb. During the high season, the Loco Beach Bar serves drinks and snacks and rents out sun loungers for 40$ a day (2 persons).
Another big plus is how well protected Firiplaka is from the strong Meltemi winds that often sweep across Milos. Even on breezier days, the beach remains pleasantly calm
Paleochori Beach
What makes Paleochori extra special is what’s happening under the surface. If you look closely while you swim, you can spot warm bubbles rising from the seabed – a reminder of the island’s volcanic heart and the sulfur hidden in the ground. On land, you’ll find a mix of soft, glittering sand and small pebbles. It’s a comfortable choice for families with kids or anyone who doesn’t love being sandblasted by the meltemi.
The beach itself is split into three sections. The central part is organized, with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, plus showers and changing cabins if you like a bit of comfort. There’s also a beach bar for cold drinks and quick bites, and even some water sports for when you feel like doing more than just lounging in the sun.
If you’re in the mood for something quieter, just follow the path from the main stretch to either side. After a short walk you’ll reach more secluded parts of Paleochori, where there are no facilities – just raw coastline, colorful rocks, and the sound of the waves.
There a some very nice hotels next to the beach, Artemis Seaside Resort is one of them.
Papafragas Beach
On the northern coast of Milos, this narrow inlet surrounded by high cliffs is called Papafragas.
Standing at the top of the rock, it looks like a massive natural swimming pool, with this enormous cave scooped right out of the cliffside, and a skinny little path snakes down to the narrow strip of sand that counts as the beach.
TIP: Swimming here requires care to prevent being swept away in August when the northern winds pick up. The designated parking area overlooks the beach, marking the start of a path carved into the rocks. So be vigilant when you go down to the beach.
Less-crowded Milos Beaches
If you’re visiting Milos in peak summer, expect it to be busy almost everywhere. But if you’re looking for a quieter beach day, the island still offers some less crowded spots you can reach by car, scooter, or even on foot.
Agia Kiriaki Beach
Agia Kiriaki Beach is known for its pebbled shoreline and clear waters, only 8km away from Adamas. It offers a taverna and two beach bars in high season. Its relatively quiet setting makes it ideal for a peaceful beach day.
Provatas Beach
Small beach on the southern coast with golden sand. This beach is a nice spot for families, it also has a beachfront cafe and is easy accesible by car.
Nearby, you can also find some hotels like Muses Rooms and the Golden Milos Beach House by Domotel.
Triades Beach
Triades Beach on Milos is one of those hidden gems on the west coast that feels like your own private paradise. It is super secluded and peacefuland has actually three little beaches huddled together, split by rugged rock formations and cliffs (that’s where the name comes from—Triades means trinity), each with fine golden sand and that stunning crystal-clear turquoise water that drops off deep right near the shore.
The only downside is that it is exposed to strong evening winds, whipping up some seriously high waves, so it’s not always calm swimming. There’s zero facilities here or anywhere close by, so pack everything you’ll need.
You can reach it by boat (easiest and most fun) or a rough dirt road, but that track is pretty sketchy and tricky to drive. So, if you have a quad or good jeep this hidden beach in Milos might be a good option.
Hidden beaches of Milos (only by foot or boat)
For those who want to truly escape, Milos also has hidden beaches that can only be reached on foot or by boat. These spots often come without amenities, so be sure to bring everything you need for a full day out. Also note that some rental cars are not allowed on dirt roads.
Kleftiko Beach
Kleftiko Beach stands out as one of Milos’ top highlights on the southeast tip, formed by massive volcanic rocks eroded into three scenic bays over thousands of years—often called the “Meteora of the Sea.” Its crystal-clear turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling with numerous sea caves accessible by small boat or swim (once a pirate hideout and seal habitat).
Sand is minimal amid the dominating rocks, so it’s more about water activities than lounging. The best things to do is to join a daily cruise or island tour, or book a private charter that takes you all the way to Kleftiko beach and the spectacular Sykia Cave.
When we visited Milos in November, we hiked to Kleftiko beach because there were no more boat tours available. But in summer, it’s better to avoid the unsafe hiking path due to venomous vipers.
Read more: Hiking to Kleftiko Beach on Milos Island: a complete guide
Gerakas Beach
Another beautiful beach in Milos is Gerakas Beach, located on the south side of the island with white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is framed by huge cliffs from ancient volcanic activity making it inaccessible by car or foot.
Sand spills from the hillside like giant slides, heated by a nearby volcano on the cliffs. The beach is only accessible by boat. There are no sunbeds or any amenities, the only thing you might spot are goats on the rocks.
Sykia Cave
Sykia Cave sits on Milos’ southwestern shore and is also called the Emerald or Blue Cave. It is also possible to hike to the cave (1h) but the nicest way to visit this beautiful spot in Milos is by a small boat.
You glide under a natural stone arch into this collapsed chamber where sunlight streams through the ceiling hole, turning the turquoise water into a glowing mirror on the walls.
Most boat trips pair it with nearby Sykia Beach, a tiny hidden cove inside another open-ceiling cave.
How to get to the beaches on Milos
Reaching the beaches in Milos is part of the adventure, and how you get around can really shape your experience. If you’re visiting in summer, the island gets busy and public buses quickly become crowded and infrequent, which makes relying on them a bit frustrating if you want to explore more than just the main spots. For flexibility and spontaneity, it’s much better to have your own wheels.
Renting a car or scooter in Milos is one of the easiest ways to reach most beaches, and many of the popular ones are accessible via paved roads. Do keep in mind, though, that with several rental companies it’s forbidden to drive on dirt roads, even if the track looks tempting and “almost fine.” Those restrictions are usually written into your rental contract, and ignoring them can lead to fines or issues with insurance if something goes wrong.
You’ll also see plenty of quads (ATVs) on Milos, and they can be useful for getting to rougher areas and viewpoints. However, they require extra caution: roads can be dusty, visibility can drop quickly, and drivers sometimes underestimate how unstable quads can be on loose gravel or sharp turns. If you decide to rent one, drive slowly, wear a helmet, and treat it as a scenic exploration tool rather than a toy.
For those who truly want to experience the best of Milos, a boat trip is hard to beat. Many of the island’s most spectacular beaches and coves are only accessible by sea, and joining a daily cruise, semi‑private tour, or even a kayak tour lets you visit iconic spots in a single day without worrying about road conditions or parking. Drifting into hidden bays, swimming in crystal‑clear water, and seeing the dramatic coastline from the sea is often the ultimate way to discover why Milos is famous for its beaches.
Our favorite beach accommodations
Staying near a beach can enhance your Milos experience, especially during high season.
Salt Suites & Executive Suites (Pollonia Beach): Luxurious accommodations with stunning views, perfect for a beachside retreat.
Artemis Deluxe Rooms (Paleochori Beach): Offering modern comforts, direct beach access, and an on-site restaurant.
Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel (Pollonia Beach): Modern and elegant, with an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.
We hope this guide to the best beaches in Milos helps you plan a memorable visit. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments, and enjoy your Milos adventure!