With over 70 beaches Milos is spoilt for choice for those who like to be by the sea – from cliffs in hues of striking colours to tiny sand spits, from wide golden sands to pebbly coves, Milos has it all. When the north wind is blowing the southern beaches offer more shelter.
Northern Coast
Papafrangas – beyond Pollonia, a deep cut in the cliff forms a natural mini-fjord. Narrow steps cut into the soft stone lead to a tiny beach with caves behind and an arch out to sea. Small, spectacular and very popular, there are no facilities at all.
Firopotamos – the nearest beach to Mandraki, Firopotamos is small and sandy with some umbrellas and a popular canteen. There is some parking behind and the water in the sheltered bay is particularly clear.
Plathiena– 2 km from Plaka, pretty Plathiena is a mix of sand and pebbles and has shallow waters that warm to bathtub temperatures in Summer. Sunsets here are special, looking out to the islet of Antimilos, best taken with a sundowner from the beach bar. Parking can be tricky in high season and the handful of umbrellas get taken quickly.
Sarakiniko – one of the undisputed highlights on Milos. Eerie and other-worldly, the beach itself is small but it is possible to lie on the surrounding smooth rock. Arrive at sunrise and you might be the only visitor, or come for an epic sunset experience. There is a car park which serves as the bus stop, and there is a rudimentary canteen for refreshments.
Near Pollonia
Mytakas – a long sandy beach on the northern coast with a handful of syrmata, the local boathouses. There is a small canteen but limited shade and it gets buffeted by the north wind when the meltemi is blowing.
Pollonia – at the northeast corner of Milos, overlooking the strait to Kimolos, is a small bay around which the village clusters. Long and sandy, the beach is backed by trees for shade and there are tavernas and restaurants in the village.
Near Adamas
Fatourena – next to Rivari, it sits on a shallow lagoon, and has a mix of sand and pebbles. Completely unorganised, there are views across the Bay of Milos to the villages opposite.
Lagada and Papakinou – these two beaches top and tail the port town. Papakinou is sandy with shade from Tamarisk trees and it follows the road as it stretches out of town. Lagada is on the other side of the ferry terminal and is perfectly fine for a cooling dip near to the town hotels.
Achivadolimni – the longest sandy beach on the island, it is easily accessed from the road that runs behind it. The shallow waters are appreciated by families and there is a beach bar and umbrellas to rent. Kitesurfers and windsurfers enjoy the predictable winds that blow across the bay.
The Southern Coast
Agia Kyriaki – an attractive sandy beach with pebbly sand, it is backed by Tamarisk trees giving plenty of shade. There are umbrellas and a taverna, while the parking is reached at the end of a dirt road. The waters are still and clear and it is sheltered when the north wind is blowing elsewhere.
Gerontas – a strip of nice sand with shallow clear waters looking out onto a distinctive rock arch. There is a car park at the top with a steep path to the beach, and another to neighbouring Katergo, a small cove surrounded by white cliffs. There are no facilities at either beach so come prepared.
Kipos – it stays quiet as there is no sand but rather large pebbles. Unorganised, there is a pier to swim from and a taverna on the hill above the beach. The water is clear and on the horizon barely visible lies Crete.
Firiplaka – long and sandy with a very gently sloping seafloor and steep cliffs hued in multi- coloured layers. There is a beach bar with umbrellas but the beach is narrow and can get very busy in high season. Access is through one of the mining areas and there is a clifftop car park.
Paliochori – one of the most popular beaches and with good reason. Developed with parasols, beach bars and tavernas, the cliffs behind the beach are impressively coloured. The beach is known for its hot springs and geothermal activity under the sand; Scirocco Restaurant even cooks some dishes in clay pots buried in the hot sand. Bring beach shoes as the sand and pebbles can get very hot.
Tsigrado – access is by a wooden ladder and rope attached to the cliffs, but the reward for your efforts is a small fine white sand beach dramatically surrounded by cliffs. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island it can get busy as day boats visit it. Of course, there are no facilities.
Provatas – a nice sandy beach but unspectacular in Milos geological terms. The water shelves gently and families enjoy wading in the shallows. There are beach taverns and sunbeds and it joins the neighbouring bay of Agios Sostis, which is generally quieter.
The Eastern Coast
Kolibisionas – a fine pebbly cove surrounded by cliffs, the water is perfectly clear and there are no facilities.
Tria Pigadia – a small and remote beach, it is a mixture of pebbles and coarse sand. Completely unorganised, it is at the end of a long dirt road and it is nearly always very quiet.
Thiorichia – with fine white and orange pebbles and clear water, here and next beach Thiafes are dominated by the old sulphur mines that lie derelict here. The yellow mineral is dusted everywhere and the old buildings lend an eerie air. Access is by dirt road and there are no facilities.
The Western Coast
Triades – Ammoudaraki – Agios Ioannis – these are among the finest beaches on Milos with fine sand and views across the bay of Triades to Antimilos. A string of coves, this is the wild west of Milos; difficult to get to and completely unserviced but breathtaking.
