Where to Stay in Milos

Our Favorite Milos Hotels

– 4-Star: Milos Breeze
• 3- Newly opened hotel: Royal Senses
• Budget-friendly: Eleni
• ⋅ In Pollonia: The White Pebble Suites
• For Families: Pal’s/
• Plaka/Trypiti: Eiriana Hotel
• On the island of Milos: Vasealis & Seafis
• Kimolos: The Elephant Beach features a prime beachfront location.

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• For visiting couples: Milos Breeze

a beach scene with a balcony overlooking the ocean

See Also

Details about excellent hotels on the Greek island of Milos are available at this link.
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The Best Areas to Stay in Milos

Known as the Island of Colors for its vibrantly painted boatsheds, gleaming azure waters, and earth-toned landscapes, Milos sits at the southwestern edge of the Cycladic Islands, about halfway between Athens and Crete. This astonishing volcanic island is encircled by pristine beaches, divided by surreal geology, and reunited by exceptionally photogenic fishing villages. The isle also has numerous historic sites: the Venus de Milo was found here near the early Christian catacombs (from the 1st century AD) and an ancient Roman amphitheater (1st to 4th centuries AD). Most of Milos’ settlements lie on the eastern half of the island, while the west remains generally untamed with much of its area only accessible by boat, especially the sea caves, rock formations, and tunnels comprising the notorious pirate hideaway of Kleftiko (a day trip here is strongly suggested). Circling the coastline of the east side, travelers will see a kaleidoscope of beaches from moonlike Sarakiniko to the red, pink, and gold cliffs of Fyriplaka with the swimming holes of the Papafragas Caves, copper-colored Thiorichia (backed by abandoned sulfur mines), and many more in between.

a large body of water with a waterfall

Often overlooked by its more flashy neighboring islands, especially Santorini and Mykonos, Milos is starting to gain the recognition it deserves. Newly fashionable high-end hotels are appearing across the island but are most focused in Pollonia, a charming coastal town at Milos’ northeastern edge, and the lively port community of Adamas (meaning “diamond”) in the island’s natural harbor. Adamas, formally called Adamantas, is the largest village on the island, and it is from here that the huge majority of travelers arrive and depart. Settled by Cretan rebels in the 1830s, you’ll find some of Milos’s finest seaside restaurants here, along with two sandy beaches on either side of the port (Lagada and Papakinou), a wide selection of hotels, and an excellent central location for exploring the island. Pollonia sits about 10 km northeast of Adamas. A fishing-village-turned-beach-resort, newly trendy Pollonia centers itself around a sandy, tree-lined beach with a string of waterfront eateries, high-end and casual accommodations, and a small playground. A host of working fishermen still dock their boats along the two small piers here, many supplying their catch to the nearby restaurants. Pollonia’s port is busiest, however, with ferry traffic to picturesque Kimolos. This tiny island just 1 km from Milos enjoys long stretches of sandy beaches, a rich history, and a quaint, traditional village built around its old castle ruins and interlaced through with sidewalk cafes, churches, a handful of little museums, and a friendly vibe.

Located at Milos island`s highest eastern point, Plaka is the small but powerful capital. A tangle of narrow pathways and whitewashed buildings – filled with lively live-music lounges, casual yet creative dining, galleries, boutiques, and churches – makes up this conventional village with panoramic ocean views. Attractions in Plaka involve the old ruined castle (Kastro), Archaeological Museum, and Folk Museum. Going south just 1 km leads to the smaller village Trypiti, home to the island’s most important archaeological sites, the Underwater Caves of Milos and the Ancient Roman Theater. On the coastline south of Plaka and west of Trypiti, Klima is considered the most iconic fishing town on the island. The settlement is easily recognizable by its extended string of brightly colored syrmata, boat storage painted so that fishermen could pinpoint their own places from far at sea. Though some still serve their historic purpose, many asyrma has been remodeled into a boutique, cafe, or casually trendy room for rent, something distinctive to the island.
a large body of water surrounded by rocks and boulders

The Best Places to Stay in Milos

a hotel room with a bed and a window

Best Areas in Milos for…

    a number of small boats in a body of water

  • Best Places in Milos to Stay for First-Timers and Sightseeing: Pollonia, Plaka, Trypiti, Adamas
    Visitors making their initial excursion to Milos should contemplate one of the island`s three primary settlements. Adamas will likely serve as the arrival and departure locus for numerous sightseers, as it houses the ferry terminal. This centrally positioned village likewise functions as the principal transport hub of the island, rendering it ideal for individuals who choose not to drive. Two sandy beaches, a wealth of dining selections, abundant shops, a handful of attractions (the Mining Museum and short lighthouse hike), and lodgings accommodating all styles and budgets can be accessed conveniently on foot. Pollonia remains significantly calmer than Adamas, particularly at night, but offers a broad assortment of hotels, waterside meals, the ferry to Kimolos enabling fun day trips, and a sandy, organized beach. Perched upon an inland hilltop, traditional Plaka village has a pedestrian-only core (aside from motor scooters and motorcycles) and overflows with lively tavernas, nightlife, boutique stores, art galleries, museums, and fortress ruins. Though it does not border a beach like Pollonia or Adamas, it lies inside walking distance of the beach in Klima fisherman village (approximately 2.2 km downhill – you will likely want a taxi back up) and to the Catacombs and Ancient Theater in nearby Trypiti.
  • Best Places in Milos to Lodge for Families: Pollonia, Adamas, Kimolos
    Relatives will take pleasure in the wide selection of beaches, casual dining options, and spacious accommodations available in Pollonia, Adamas, and Kimolos. Pollonia is particularly popular amongst younger families, as its crescent-shaped shore offers soft sand, shallow waters, and natural shelter from the tamarisk trees lining the coastline. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented from the beach clubs and restaurants servicing the region. Adamas presents an excellent choice for active families, with two sandy beaches, plenty of open-air eateries, a handful of beach clubs, and convenient bus transportation (or brief drives) to reach some of the more untamed beaches including Fyriplaka, Tsigrado, Sarakiniko, Paliochori, and the Papafragas Beach and Caves. Kimolos is another superb selection, surrounded by soft, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and crossed with hiking trails through the interior. The friendly, walkable village of Chorio acts as the heart of the island with castle ruins, a folk and maritime museum, and picturesque squares filled with restaurants and shops.
  • Most Romantic Places in Milos: Pollonia, Klima, Plaka, Kimolos
    For a honeymoon or romantic escape, one really cannot go wrong anywhere on Milos. However, some locations hold a bit more charm than others. Among the most special places here is Klima, the picturesque fishing village with many brightly colored syrma now converted into stylish, independent suites detached from any hotel. There are a handful of eateries and shops in this area, a cozy shoreline, and excellent swimming. Above Klima on the hill (a steep climb up but an easy descent) is the lively capital, Plaka, a dreamy Greek town filled with bougainvillea-laden pathways overflowing with cafés, tavernas, and boutiques winding up toward the remnants of old fortress walls. Pollonia provides upscale resorts and accommodations on a sun-drenched beach facing east toward the sunrise, along with a few swimming spots on its northern end. Coastal restaurants and beach clubs extend along the coastline, particularly near its boat-lined pier. Just across the water from Pollonia, Kimolos offers an off-the-beaten-track stay with secluded, sandy beaches, an attractive village with old churches, castle ruins, dining options, drinks, and museums, plus ample opportunities for hiking in its rugged interior.

a beach with chairs and umbrellas on it

  • The best places in Milos to lodge for the beach encompass Pollonia, Adamas, Kimolos

    • With upwards of 70 coastlines, Milos` shoreline presents plenty of variety from soft sandy beaches to wild rugged crags to underwater caves only accessible by boat. Sarakiniko is the most popular featuring white bedrock wrapped around a small sandy shore. This beach is unorganized so travelers will need to bring their own refreshments and sun protection to enjoy a day here. Other dramatic beaches include Tsigrado (reachable by climbing down a rope and ladder off a cliff), Fyriplaka (fine sand and colorful volcanic cliffs), and Thiorichia (red-orange beach fronting an abandoned sulfur mine). The best organized beaches (with sun loungers, umbrellas, and refreshments) are Provatas (pictured above – family friendly with soft sand and clear shallow water), Paleochori (sandy with great swimming and snorkeling areas; scattered hot springs create warm patches), and Achivadolimni (longest sandy beach on the island, rarely crowded, windsurfing/kitesurfing possible). Travelers wanting to visit multiple beaches will find it most practical to stay in Adamas. Not only does this village have its own two beaches, but its central location puts it within a short drive (sometimes requiring a little hike at the end) to all the beaches that can be reached by land. Plus this is the main departure point for the more difficult to reach beaches needing a boat, namely Sikia Cave and Kleftiko. For a more relaxed beach stay, Pollonia is the best beach resort in Milos. Here is a long, sandy, half-moon shaped beach with shallow calm water, perfect for beginning swimmers. The beach has sun loungers and umbrellas lined along it, a variety of accommodations, and a string of restaurants and beach clubs serving delicious food along the waterfront. Kimolos Island, just 1 km off the coast of Pollonia, features a number of gorgeous sandy beaches with far fewer crowds than found on Milos itself. A handful are full-service beaches providing food and drinks all day, while many more are secluded, natural, and virtually untouched.

  • Ideal Areas in Milos for Nightlife and Dining: Adamas, Plaka, and Pollonia
    For most of the calendar year, the island of Milos sees little activity with a diminutive resident population. Nightlife is not what the island is renowned for, as there are no discotheques or dance clubs located here. But during the summer months, the villages of Adamas and Plaka become pleasantly lively with seasonal bars, traditional tavernas, and cafes that open to cater for the influx of holidaymakers and hospitality staff that descend on its shores during peak travel season. Adamas has the largest village and most night spots and eateries of any town on Milos, with the bulk of these establishments directly by the port. For drinks in Adamas, consider Fiki Cocktail Bar,Akri, and Mikro Cafe Bar; for dining, O! Hamos! on Papakinou Beach is superb, along with Nostos at the port area. The capital village, Plaka, provides a little more charm and authenticity than Adamas with various tavernas and lounging spots (some featuring live music performances) contained within its compact, pedestrian-focused core. With its elevated vista overlooking the ocean, Plaka is the premier location in Milos for sunset beverages and meals. Enjoy the colorful dusk from the terrace of Utopia Caffe (definitely make reservations well in advance) or at the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa (you can purchase drinks to go from the friendly Verina Cocktail Bar just behind), then proceed to dinner at Mavros Xoiros or Avli-Milos, and finish the evening with live performances and a nightcap within the garden courtyard of Kri Kri. The seaside resort of Pollonia is less of a nightlife locale, but it does feature numerous exceptional beachfront dining establishments and laidback cafes for a relaxing night by the sea. Top selections here comprise De Milos and Enalion, while premium beverages can be found at Deck Milos and Cactus Cafe Bar. Pollonia is also home to a small vineyard, Kostantakis, located inland at the southern edge of the town and beachfront Armenaki featuring wine tastings in a relaxed ambiance
  • Best Places in Milos to Stay for a Local Vibe: Plaka, Trypiti, Klima, and Kimolos
    To experience the local culture away from the main ports and beaches, head inland to Plaka and Trypiti, two neighboring hilltop villages offering traditional village centers and splendid ocean perspectives especially lovely at sunset. Plaka is the larger village with more dining and shops concentrated together, along with the ruins of a Venetian fortress and sweeping seascapes. Trypiti, though a smaller place, has a surprisingly large number of top-quality boutique hotels and exceptional eateries for its size, such as one of the island`s finest establishments, Methismeni Politia, and is home to the Catacombs and Ancient Roman Amphitheater. Klima is another wonderful option to sense the regional character. Even though hardly any residents currently inhabit here, you can see a couple fishermen still working in the waters or at the pier and remain in a conventionalsyrma amid the rainbow row of boat shelters representing the village. Note there is only one eatery and one shop in Klima; travel uphill to Trypiti or Plaka for broader dining selections. Kimolos is one of the lesser-popular islands of the Cyclades and definitely escapes the radar of most visitors, creating a terrific place for an authentic Greek island holiday. Most dining spots, tavernas, and stores cater to Greek tastes, though there are some destinations that may interest travelers, including astounding beaches, castle remains, customary architecture, and a couple of museums. Locals here generally treat travelers who show interest in their off-the-trail home with kindness.

    • a beach filled with lots of beach umbrellas

The 6 Best Places in Milos for Tourists

Pollonia

people sitting on a beach next to a body of watera close up picture of a street sign

Set in the northeast section of Milos and split from Kimolos by a kilometer-wide strait, Pollonia is considered the top beach resort on the island. The most luxurious town on the island (though not excessively lavish), Pollonia has precisely what many travelers to Milos seek: a long, golden sandy beach with clear water lined with shade trees and positioned in a sheltered cove, a broad selection of lodgings, delicious beachfront eateries, and a relaxed vibe – all within a compact, walkable region. Historically a fishing village, Pollonia has a gorgeous cove and a busy pier where fishermen still work daily, supplying numerous of the best restaurants perched along the water`s edge. Though there are numerous hotels and villas at the beach, most of Pollonia`s best accommodation (particularly newer construction) is just north of the beach on the Pelekouda Peninsula, where travelers will find several excellent beaches and swimming spots with rocky entrances, instead of sand. Pollonia is specifically popular with families since the beach offers shallow, calm water, a small playground, more spacious than average accommodation, and myriad kid-friendly dining choices without the nightlife noise you`ll find in bigger villages like Adamas and Plaka. Though farther from numerous of Milos` popular attractions, Pollonia is within walking distance of Kostantakis Winery, within a short drive of Papafragas Caves and Sarakiniko Beach, and is the closest village on Milos to Kimolos Island; Psathi Port in Kimolos is less than half an hour away by ferry.

Adamas

a large body of water with boats in ita street sign with a picture of a train on it

Positioned deep within a natural harbor, the port village of Adamas (formally known as Adamantas) offers visitors their first and last impressions of Milos Island. The surrounding community has plenty to offer guests: two sandy, organized beaches on either side of the port with shallow, calm, turquoise waters that are tranquil for swimming, a variety of hotels suited to all budgets and tastes, the island`s best nightlife scene, and lively seaside tavernas and restaurants. Centrally located Adamas serves as an ideal base for exploring Milos, just a 10-minute drive from the exotic Sarakiniko Beach, Klima fishing village, the capital city of Plaka, and the archaeological sites at Trypiti. Within a 15-minute car ride from Adamas, you can reach the sunny village of Pollonia, colorful Fyriplaka Beach, and the secluded beach at Tsigrado (which requires descending cliffs via rope ladder and passing through an underground tunnel). As the primary transportation hub of the island, Adamas is excellent for travelers who wish to experience Milos` natural beauty but prefer not to rent a vehicle; all of the aforementioned destinations can be easily accessed by bus. Additionally, boats providing tours to Kleftiko Cave and Sikia Cave depart from Adamas multiple times daily. For brief, active trips, this location serves as the best place to set up one`s temporary home.

Plaka and Trypiti

a park bench in front of a brick buildinga street sign with a picture of a train on it

Plaka and Trypiti are two close-by villages set on a highland area northwest of Adamas, with panoramic perspectives of the island and gorgeous sunset views over the Gulf of Milos. Plaka is the “new” capital of the island, established in the 18th century around a 13th-century Venetian fortress (Kastro) set high above the ancient, ruined capital near Klima. Constructed in the traditional style as a winding network of narrow walking paths, Plaka is mostly limited to pedestrians, closed off from motor vehicle traffic, though some small vehicles are permitted (scooters, motorcycles, and similar). Here you’ll find a delightful village buzzing with sidewalk cafes, tavernas, music, and shops selling local goods. Attractions in the village include the Archaeological Museum, the lovely Church of Panagia Korfiatissa (a popular sunset viewpoint), and right across from the church, the Folklore & History Museum (exploring daily life on the island from the 17th through 19th centuries). About a kilometer south of Plaka is the often-neglected village of Trypiti, a quaint village with an outsized culinary scene, a handful of excellent hotels, and a rich history. It was here that the Venus de Milo was discovered near the 1st-century Christian Catacombs (among the oldest in the world, even preceding those in Rome) and an Ancient Roman Theater also dating to the 1st century but believed to have been built on top of an older Hellenistic amphitheater. Staying in Plaka and Trypiti, visitors can spend the day at any of the nearby beaches (Klima, Firopotamos, Plathiena, or Sarakiniko) then return in the evening for romantic sunsets, inventive cocktails, and faithfully ready traditional fare.

Klima

a small boat floating on top of a body of watera blurry picture of a street sign

Situated merely a couple kilometers from Plaka and Trypiti although seeming much farther away from the village activities lies the picture-perfect fishing village of Klima. Perhaps the most frequently photographed fishing village on the island, Klima is easily recognizable by its lengthy row of whitewashed structures, all with cheerfully painted boat garages called syrmata. Traditionally, eachsyrma was painted a different color enabling each fisherman to spot their boathouse from far away. Nowadays, numerous of the syrmata have been converted into stylish lodging, though there are still a number of fishermen who make Klima their home base. Ideal for quiet, romantic getaways, Klima has only one restaurant (seaside, seafood specialists, Astakas), one hotel (family-owned Panorama), and a small, sandy beach. A self-propelled vehicle is strongly advised if staying here, as Klima’s limited offerings mean that most guests will want to travel up to Trypiti or Plaka for more choices of sustenance.

Kimolos

a beach area with chairs, tables and umbrellasa street sign with a cartoon character on it

The petite isle of Kimolos lies precisely across from Pollonia village. Though separated only by a slim channel, Kimolos was governed by the Athenians and Milos by the Spartans, making the islands’ historical inhabitants lifelong adversaries. Just like Milos, Kimolos was later ruled by the Venetians, followed by the Ottomans before unification by Greece. Currently Kimolos is relatively unknown to global travelers, visited generally by Greeks and a handful of day-trippers from Milos. This is the place to go for secluded, near-empty beaches with broad expanses of white sand and crystalline water, though the beaches close to Psathi Port and Chorio are served by a few casual tavernas. Chorio is the island’s capital and sole village, built inside and around the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian castle (among the largest and best-preserved in the Cyclades). Visitors will find Chorio’s narrow streets filled with traditional architecture in blue-and-white paint, centuries-old churches, lively tavernas and cafes, and two museums, the small Archaeological Museum and the even smaller Folk and Maritime Museum.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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