3 Days In Milos Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide

Given that Milos is arguably the most distinctively shaped island of all the Cyclades, it’s poetically fitting that its landscape should also be one of the most unique. From the lunar-like rocks that enclose Sarakiniko Beach to the pink cliffs of Paleochori, there are loads of natural wonders to explore on a 3 days in Milos itinerary.

It’s not all about the landscape, though. We also had an amazing time exploring colourful fishing villages such as Klima, the beautifully situated Ancient Theatre, and the spooky subterranean world of the Milos catacombs. 

In our Milos Greece itinerary, we’re going to explain how to see these sites and more over the course of just 3 full days. Although renting a car in Milos does make it easier to fit everything in, it’s perhaps even better to hire a scooter or an ATV, as we’ll explain in this post.

3 Days In Milos Itinerary: Overview

Day 1 Sarakiniko, Mandrakia, Firopotamos + Plaka 

We started our trip at Adamas (also known as Adamantas), which is the main port on the island and connects to Athens (Piraeus) as well as Santorini. It’s a lively place full of cafes, restaurants, bars, boutique hotels, and shops, with great connections to some of the best beaches on our 3 days Milos itinerary.

📍Sarakiniko Beach

What better place to kick off our 3 day Milos itinerary than with one of the most famous places on the island, Sarakiniko Beach?

If you’re coming from Adamas like we did, stop at Mouratos Bakery on the way to stock up on baked goods for breakfast. We had a wonderfully fluffy spanakopita filled with cheese and spinach, but they do all kinds of Greek pastries.

Sarakiniko has a unique, bone-white landscape formed by volcanic rock that has been eroded over time into a smooth, undulating surface. Since there’s not really any sand here, it’s devoid of the usual sea of umbrellas that you see elsewhere. Just plop down a towel on the rocks and enjoy! 

The main beach area is very calm since it’s part of a mini cove that’s protected from the open sea. For more adventurous types, there’s a cenote and cliff-diving spot just north of the main area where you can plunge into the beautiful water.

Aside from sunbathing and swimming, Sarakiniko is a photographer’s dream! Make sure you hop up on Simba Hill, overlooking the cove, for a stunning snap hanging off the cliff above the sea.

How to get there: Sarakiniko is 10 minutes’ drive from Adamas by car or ATV. There’s also a bus that runs infrequently between Adamas and Sarakiniko. 

Where: Google location

📍Mandrakia

Next on our 3 days in Milos itinerary is the tiny village of Mandrakia, a quaint harbour that’s home to more boats than people!

The whitewashed ‘sirmas’ (boathouses) with their bright blue doors have been carved out of the rockface so that fishermen can take their vessels out directly into the sea. Right by the car park, there’s a wall overlooking Mandrakia where you can get a great view of the whole village before walking over to take a closer peek.

Aside from the sirmas, Mandrakia is home to a small orthodox church with an outsized gilded altar and a rather good seafood eatery, mythically named Medusa Restaurant. 

Eating at Medusa is one of our fav things to do on Milos island because it’s so isolated, so local, and so delicious! We scoffed down the smoked eel and octopus, but there’s plenty of other options. The only downside was there was a little wait because this place is quite popular, so book in advance for lunch if you don’t want to hang around for long.

If you do turn up and there isn’t a table imminently available, you can put your name down and wander up the coast a bit to Tourkothalassa Beach. A mix of sand and pebbles, the narrow shore isn’t the prettiest beach on Milos, but it is one of the quietest places to go for a refreshing dip. 

How to get there: It’s around 10 minutes’ drive from Sarakiniko. There isn’t a bus service, but the proximity to Adamas means you can order a taxi. 

Where: Google location

📍Firopotamos

Keep driving west along the coast, and you’ll come to Firopotamos, an even smaller village than Mandrakia, at the end of a steep access road. This dirt track can be tricky to navigate, which is why no buses come this way. Also, Firopotamos is so small it’s hard to imagine tons of people piling onto a bus to get here!

Like Mandrakia, Firopotamos is home to pretty boathouses (many of them have now been converted into holiday lets) and a picturesque, whitewashed church. 

There’s also the brick remains of a small door that seems suspiciously well positioned for photos, making us doubt whether it’s a true ruin!

Aside from the quaint vibe of the place, the reason we’ve included Mandrakia on our 3 days in Milos itinerary is the nearby beach. This is located just across the little bay from the village and is composed of a mix of sand and pebbles.

It does get a little more crowded during high season, but it’s still worlds away from the larger, more popular Milos beaches. 

How to get there: Drive 10 minutes west from Mandrakia. No bus service is available.

Where: Google location

📍Plaka 

Finish the day getting lost in the whitewashed alleys of Plaka. This is the capital of Milos, full of sugar-cube houses, pretty churches, and tavernas cooking up traditional Greek cuisine.

As you wander the streets, make sure you stop in at the Archaeological Museum of Plaka, where there’s a small but nicely curated collection of Hellenic and Roman pottery, sculpture, and other ancient items. They also have a replica of the iconic Venus de Milo statue, which was found on the island before ending up in its present home in the Louvre. 

A highlight of any Milos 3 day itinerary is the 13th-century Venetian castle, located right at the top of the town in a commanding position. The castle itself is almost completely ruined now, but the panorama from this spot was probably the best of our whole Milos trip, looking out on the higgledy-piggledy Plaka streets and the sparkling sea.

Fair warning: we did find the hike up quite strenuous on a hot day! Fortunately, it’s not too long a walk. Depending on how many photo stops you make along the way, it can take anywhere from 15-25 minutes to ascend the hill.

The area up here is known as Kastro, and once upon a time it was filled with homes that desired the protection of the castle. Today, the houses may have gone but there are a couple of simple but atmospheric churches that remain, including Mesa Panagia right at the top and Panagia Thalassitra with its exposed-brick belltower just the peak of the hill.

We really enjoyed watching the sunset from here, so try and time your trip up to coincide with the end of the day if you can. Alternatively, we can also recommend dinner and drinks at Utopia Cafe, which has an awesome terrace that faces the western horizon.

How to get there: Drive 10 minutes south from Firopotamos. There’s no bus between Firopotamos and Plaka, but you can get a bus between Plaka and Adamas.

Where: Google location

Day 2 Pollonia, Papafragas + Klima  

Day 2 of our 3 days in Milos itinerary is all about cute coastal villages – and, of course, some more awesome beaches!

📍Pollonia

One of our favourite places to visit in Milos, Pollonia has some fab boutique hotels, plenty of eating options, two beautiful white churches with baby-blue accents, and a great golden beach right on its doorstep.

Aside from being a lovely place to sunbathe, Pollonia Beach has boatmen who will take you out for a morning of diving, fishing, or coastal exploration. It’s also home to one of the nicest beach cafes we visited on the island, Deck Pollonia, which does mean salmon with scrambled eggs on toast.

At one end of the beach, you’ll see a small ferry terminal. This is where vessels depart several times a day to Kimolos Island. If you have an extra day to spare, we highly recommend a day trip. It’s a good place to go for hiking, sandy beaches, and a less touristy Cycladic vibe.

Another thing we did that might not quite fit into a 3 days in Milos itinerary was the wine tasting at Konstantakis Winery. It’s a short walk out of town but they have some tasty local varietals to try!

How to get there: Drive 15-20 minutes northeast from Adamas. There’s also a bus that runs between Adamas and Pollonia, although only infrequently during the off-season.

Where: Google location

📍Papafragas Beach

One of the most unique places on Milos, Papafragas is a narrow channel hemmed in by rock walls. A small, sandy beach can be accessed by descending a staircase at the end of the channel.

The waters can be seriously choppy on a windy day, so it’s only possible to swim when the weather is fine. If the weather is bad, you can still enjoy the incredible landscape in all its dramatic glory. For avid photographers, this must be included near the top of what to do in Milos Greece.

There aren’t any facilities here, so make sure to pack whatever you need beforehand. 

How to get there: Papafragas is less than 10 minutes drive from Pollonia. During spring, summer, and autumn, there are infrequent buses between Pollonia and Papafragas.

Where: Google location

📍Milos Catacombs

One of the most unusual places on our 3 days in Milos itinerary, the Catacombs are an extensive network of underground tunnels. The earliest ones were built in the 1st century AD, with more and more added over the next few hundred years. 

They were originally constructed as a Christian burial area but were later used as a place of sanctuary for Christians hiding from Roman persecution.

As part of the entry fee, we were accompanied by a guide who explained the history and significance of the Catacombs. It only lasted 10 minutes, but you can pair it with a trip to the nearby Ancient Theatre, making the trip out here worthwhile.

How to get there: The Catacombs are about a 20-minute drive from Papafragas. There is a bus to the nearby village of Trypiti from Adamas and Plaka, but not directly from Papafragas.

📍Ancient Theatre of Milos

A classic example of Roman architecture, the Ancient Theatre of Milos is an amazing building erected entirely out of marble. Located right on the coast, it can hold up to 7,000 spectators. 

We’re not sure how people could concentrate on the show, though, when the view is so breathtaking. Perched above the sea, the theatre has delightful coastal views. Plus, rather fantastically, it’s completely free to visit!

It was actually here that the Venus de Milo was discovered, and there’s a little plaque to explain the details for history buffs.

How to get there: The theatre is only a short walk from the catacombs. 

📍Klima 

Finish the day at Klima, a tiny little fishing village made up of a clutch of sirmas. Compared to the normal Cycladic colour scheme of white and blue, the buildings here have colourfully painted doors, windows, and balconies that sample from a range of hues.

People have been living here since at least 1100 BC, thanks to its convenience as a fishing base. Most of the boathouses no longer house fishermen, but instead have been converted into idyllic holiday homes.

Aside from snapping pics of the pretty sirmas, there’s also a small beach with powdery sand to the south of Klima, where we spent a lovely afternoon relaxing on the shore. It’s not particularly large, but we never found it particularly busy, and there was always space to throw down a towel.

End the day with a sunset dinner at Astakas, a seafood eatery that’s perfectly located right on the sea. We enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled sardines and sea bass, complemented by a refreshing salad.

How to get there: It’s about 10 minutes by car from the Ancient Theatre to Klima. Buses are a no go. 

Where: Google location

Day 3 Beach Hopping: Paleochori, Fyriplaka + Tsigrado 

If you haven’t noticed by now, one of the best things to do in Milos is go to the beach! We’ve already mentioned several scenic places for sunbathing and swimming, but those are only the tip of the iceberg.

On the third and final day, we’re going to take you on a trip along the southeastern coast of Milos, where some of the more isolated beaches (relatively speaking) are located.

📍Paleochori

The most accessible of the 3 beaches we’ve described here, Paleochori is a pebble shore enclosed by cliffs that have remarkable red and pink hues. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as plenty of space to pop down your own towel.

The sea was very calm when we visited, with shallow, azure water that’s perfect for a serene swim.

Our fav thing about this beach is that it has a couple of restaurants with terraces that are situated above the beach, showing off some fab views. After a soak and a bit of sun, we recommend heading up to eat lunch at Sirocco, where they serve up scrumptious seafood pasta dishes.

How to get there: Paleochori is about 20-30 minutes’ drive from Adamas. There’s also a bus that runs very infrequently between Adamas and Paleochori. 

Where: Google location

📍Fyriplaka

Personally, we think Fyriplaka is one of the highlights of our 3 days in Milos itinerary. Even before you get down to the beach, there’s a majestic view of the sand and the sea from the small hill in the middle of the (free) car park.

Even though the beach is composed of pebbles, these are small and smooth, so quite comfortable to lie upon. The water is calm, to the point it’s suitable for families or tentative swimmers. There’s a big rock about midway along the beach in the sea where you can grab some shade while you paddle.

On one end of the beach, there’s a well-stocked water sports hut where you can rent standup paddleboards and kayaks. They were also offering kayak tours from here when we visited. Just make sure to bring cash!

The one thing that did throw us is there was no toilet here, so either make sure you empty your bladder before you arrive or be prepared for a wild wee!

How to get there: The route Google took us on between Paleochori and Fyriplaka is very circuitous, so it takes about half an hour on an ATV. There’s no bus route between Paleochori and Fyriplaka, but there is one to the beach here from Adamas.

Where: Google location

📍Tsigrado

The last stop on our 3 days in Milos itinerary is Tsigrado. It’s very close by to Fyriplaka, so it makes sense to combine the two if you head down this way. 

By land, Tsigrado can only be reached by a slightly terrifying ladder attached to the cliff. This is definitely not safe for children, and we’d strongly suggest making sure you have sensible shoes and a backpack for your stuff if you decide to check it out.

And, check it out you definitely should! What we like most about Tsigrado is the south-facing bay, which has gorgeous azure water and plenty of sun throughout the day. The waters here are so clear and tranquil that we noticed a couple of yachts had chosen to anchor themselves off the coast for the afternoon.

There’s not much space to set up on the pebble-strewn shore, so get here early if you want to secure a prime spot. Really though, this place is more about the swimming than the sunbathing, so as long as you find a spot to chuck your belongings, you’ll be fine!

If the thought of the ladder is giving you shivers, it is also possible to reach Tsigrado by kayak from Fyriplaka.

The difficulty of accessing this beach means there are no facilities on site, so ensure you pack enough water and food for however long you plan to stay down here.

How to get there: Tsigrado is a very short walk from Fyriplaka, so you might not want to bother moving your vehicle from the car park. The same bus that goes to Fyriplaka also covers Tsigrado.

Where: Google location

Best Areas To Stay In Milos

As we mentioned at the start of our 3 days in Milos itinerary, we chose to base ourselves in ➡️ Adamas. This is the most convenient town to stay in, with lots of affordable accommodation, plentiful eating options, and bus routes that traverse the island. It’s also where the port is located, connecting Milos to Athens, Santorini, and more.

🌟 TOP HOTEL PICK IN ADAMAS ➡️  Santa Maria Village

➡️ Pollonia is the place to be for families. There’s a great sandy beach right in the village, and it’s pretty easy to organise a day trip to Kimolos Island if you have kids who like to hike.

🌟 TOP HOTEL PICK IN POLLONIA ➡️ Michalis Studios

If you don’t need or want to be headquartered on the coast, ➡️ Plaka is a gorgeous, photogenic town that’s great for history lovers and oozes local charm. 

🌟 TOP HOTEL PICK IN PLAKA ➡️ Palaios Rooms (super affordable)

Finally, there are the fishing villages of ➡️ Klima and Mandrakia, which offer a unique living experience in sirmas that have been converted into holiday lets. Once the day crowd has left, you’ll have these little slices of heaven to yourself.

🌟 TOP HOTEL PICK IN MANDRAKIA ➡️ SeaScape Mandrakia (super unique)

Milos Itinerary: FAQs

How many days is enough for Milos?

We reckon you can cover Milos in 3 days, which is enough time to explore the pretty towns, stop off in the sweet little fishing villages, and flop down by the sea. As with most Cycladic islands, you could easily add on days if what you want to do is spend lots of leisure time on the beach.  

Do you need a car in Milos?

Renting a car for your Milos road trip is the most convenient and cheapest way, but you can also visit by ATV or scooter. There are also bus routes that run between most of the places we’ve described here, although the number of buses per day can be an issue, especially outside of peak season.

Is Milos expensive?

We found Milos cheaper than more famous Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Of course, it depends on how many days in Milos you plan to spend as to what the total spend will be, and accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the time of year.

3 Days In Milos Itinerary: The Wrap-Up

If you follow our 3 days in Milos itinerary, you’ll get a good balance of history, culture, and beach time. Since we’ve stuck to just the eastern side of the island, where most of the inhabitants live, and the road network is better, it’s actually super easy to get around.

That means that you can easily check off everything on our list without wasting time on extended travel.