Published: October 27, 2024
Dreaming of turquoise waters, colorful fishing villages, and postcard-perfect beaches? Milos, one of the most beautiful Cycladic islands in Greece, offers all of that and more—without the overwhelming crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
If you are looking for a beach getaway, Milos is the island for you! Boasting over 75 unique and stunning beaches, Milos is a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, without the party scene and bougie beach club vibes of other Greek islands.
After spending five unforgettable days exploring every corner of this stunning island, I’ve put together the ultimate Milos itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. Whether you’re craving beach-hopping, boat tours, or charming seaside towns, this guide covers it all!
Join us as we share our 5 day Milos itinerary –plus the things we would do different next time to make your trip even better!
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Where is Milos, Greece?
How Many Days To Spend in Milos, Greece
Weather In Milos, Greece
The weather in Milos is a typical Mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Milos can be quite windy, especially during the summer months. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
Summer (June to August): This is the peak tourist season, with temperatures often ranging from 77°F to 95°F. The weather is typically sunny and dry, making it perfect for beach activities and outdoor exploration. A bonus: rain in the summertime is extremely rare in Milos!
Fall (September to November): Early fall remains warm, with temperatures gradually cooling to around70°F to 86°F in September. By November, it can drop to 59°F. Rainfall begins to increase, but sunny days are still common.
Winter (December to February): Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging around 50°F to 59°F. While it’s the wettest season, rainfall is usually sporadic, and sunny days can still occur. Many of the restaurants and tourist activities close down for the winter in Milos.
Spring (March to May): Spring sees a gradual warming, with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F. The island begins to bloom, making it a lovely time to visit, especially for outdoor activities.
Plan Your Itinerary Around the Wind Forecast
One of the best tips I can give for visiting Milos is to plan your itinerary around the wind forecast. The northern part of the island is more exposed, while the southern coast tends to be more sheltered. Try to visit northern beaches on calm days, and save the southern beaches for windier ones. Check the wind forecast daily and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Also, schedule your boat tours at the beginning of your trip. If a tour gets canceled due to wind, you’ll still have time to reschedule it during your stay.
Day 1 Itinerary: Arrival & Mandrakia
We flew from Washington DC to Athens on an overnight 10 hour flight. We then took the 1:00 pm Sky Express flight from Athens to Milos. For the best views of the islands during the flight, choose seats on the left side of the plane (when facing the front). The flight from Athens to Milos is a quick, 40-minute direct trip.
After picking up our bags, we were met in the parking lot by a representative from our rental car company, who drove us to our vehicle. We booked through Rentalcars.com, which compares prices across all the local rental agencies. Our car—a compact Hyundai—was from Yours Truly Car Rental. Most rental cars in Milos are small, which is essential for navigating the island’s narrow streets and alleys.
Milos drives on the same side of the road as the U.S., and we didn’t need an international driver’s license to rent a car.
The only real challenge was navigating the extremely narrow streets. Some felt like they should’ve been one-way, and in a few spots, we even had to fold in our side mirrors to let an oncoming car pass. That said, we adjusted to it fairly quickly.
Tip: Don’t rely on Google Maps for driving in Milos—it often directs you down poorly maintained or inaccessible roads. We had much better luck using Waze.
Another popular option for getting around the island is renting an ATV. These are easier to maneuver through tight streets and are widely used by visitors. If you plan to visit Old Sulphur Mines beach, plan to rent an ATV that day. (More information about that below).
Day 1: Check In To A Dreamy Seaside Cottage in Mandrakia
Our first stop after picking up our rental car was the charming seaside village of Mandrakia, where we checked into our stay at Aerides Mandrakia. Mandrakia is a quaint and picturesque fishing village on the northern coast of Milos, known for its whitewashed boathouses with colorful shutters and doors. It’s peaceful and quiet—much quieter than the more tourist-heavy areas of the island.
When we arrived, our host greeted us at the cottage with a warm welcome, a thoughtful gift bag, and a quick tour of the property. She also shared helpful tips and recommendations for our stay, which made us feel right at home.
The cottage itself was absolutely perfect. A traditional Greek home with a sitting area, a king-size bed, and a small kitchen, Aerides Mandrakia had everything we needed. The kitchen was stocked daily with eggs, fruit, yogurt, bread, cereal, milk, coffee, and juice—such a thoughtful touch! One of our favorite parts of the stay was enjoying our morning coffee on the patio, overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Another bonus? The cottage is just steps from Medusa, one of the best restaurants in Milos, and a nearby outdoor cocktail bar for sunset drinks.
One of the things we loved about staying in Mandrakia (besides the views!) was how central it felt—most of the island’s top sights were just a short drive away.
I highly recommend booking this cottage if you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic, and memorable stay in Milos. Check out my video tour of our rental on TikTok below.
Be sure to check out my post on Where to Stay in Milos to explore the pros and cons of staying in each part of the island, along with hotel and Airbnb recommendations for each town.
@postcardsfromcarrie 💙 Wondering where to stay in Milos, Greece? We loved our cottage by the sea that we rented! 💙 The cottage was located in the fishing village of Mandrakia, just steps away from one of the best restaurants on the island, Medusa. 💙 Our host stocked our kitchen for us every day. 💙 Comment COTTAGE below if you want me to send you the link to our rental. ⬇️ Follow me for more travel tips! #milos #milosgreece #greecetiktok #greece #greekislands #medusa #wheretostay #traveltiktok #traveltips #travel ♬ original sound - Postcards From Carrie | Travel
Day 1: Exploring Mandrakia
After checking in, we wandered just a few steps over to the outdoor cocktail truck next door—a stylish, open-air setup that felt fancier than a typical food truck. We grabbed a refreshing drink and took a short stroll through Mandrakia (emphasis on short—it’s tiny!) We passed the colorful boathouses lining the water, spotted freshly caught octopus hanging on lines outside Medusa and admired the stunning sea views. Just beyond Medusa, we found a small whitewashed Greek church perched above the water.
After our walk, we headed back to the cottage to freshen up and change for dinner. By this point, we had been traveling for nearly 24 hours, so we were more than ready to relax—and enjoy our first sunset meal in Milos. (And honestly just hoping we didn’t fall asleep while eating!)
Day 1: Sunset Dinner at Bariello
After settling in, we headed to the delightful village of Tripiti for dinner at the popular Bariello restaurant. Be sure to make reservations one week in advance for this fabulous restaurant. Barriello was our favorite restaurant in Milos, with incredible sunset views of the Aegean Sea. In August, sunset was at 8:00, so dinner reservations for 7:00pm were perfect. In Milos, people eat dinner much later than we are accustomed to in the United States. The restaurant wasn’t even open until 7:00pm!
The food at Barriello was indescribable! The grilled feta cheese was phenomenal! The service was wonderful and the owner even came around to introduce himself.
Day 2 Itinerary: Milos Boat Tour to Kleftiko
Our second day in Milos, we booked a full day boat tour of the island through Viator. We headed to the port of Adamantas to board the boat at 9:00 am. This boat tour was absolutely incredible–the highlight of our entire trip to Milos!
Our sailboat had 10 guests on board, including us, along with the captain, Aldie and his first mate, Andy. The tour included a delicious lunch, “mezze” (which we actually thought was lunch at first, but was really just heavy snacks before lunch) and snacks of fruit and yogurt after lunch! It also included wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.
Packing For Day 2:
- Drybag
- Liquid Sunscreen--spray sunscreen is not permitted on the boat
- Lightweight Towels
- GoPro or similar underwater camera
- Snorkel Gear
- Cash to tip the boat crew
- Portable Phone Charger
Kalogries Beach
The first stop on our boat tour was to Kalogries Beach where we snorkeled and swam in the turqoise water, right up to the shore. Snorkels were provided on the boat, but we brought our own.
Sykia Cave
Our second stop was Sykia, where we snorkeled through the caves! The cave of Sykia was so beautiful, with the towering white stone. I honestly did not think it could get any better from this point, but incredibly, the best was yet to come!
Kleftiko
The grand finale of our Milos boat tour was Kleftiko– a series of bright white rock formations and caves in the most beautiful teal blue and crystal clear water. After anchoring in Kleftiko, we boarded the small rubber Zodiac boat that we had been towing. Captain Aldie drove us on the Zodiac right into the sea caves of Kleftiko! One sea cave after another, it was truly majestic!
After exploring the sea caves, we pulled the Zodiac over to a cliff jumping spot. Captain Aldie used his GoPro to take video of everyone jumping into the water. We received all of the GoPro videos and photos in an email later that evening!
Our incredible boat tour ended back at the port at 5:00pm. What an amazing day exploring beautiful Milos!
➡️ Click here to reserve your full-day boat tour to Kleftiko on Viator.
Check out my detailed post on our amazing boat tour in Milos!
Day 2: Dinner at Medusa in Mandrakia
After the boat tour, we headed back to our cottage in Mandrakia to get ready for dinner at Medusa. Medusa is one of the most popular restaurants in Milos, and they do not take reservations. There is usually a wait for tables, but it is definitely worth the wait. They are known for their fresh octopus, but have variety of food options on their menu.
When we got back to the cottage, we walked next door to the restaurant to put our name on the waiting list (which was over an hour wait) and then back to our cottage to shower and get ready. By the time we finished getting ready, our table was ready! Another reason we absolutely loved our location!
Day 3 Itinerary: South Milos
On our third day, we set out to explore the beaches of southern Milos. In hindsight, we should have saved the southern beaches for the following day, which turned out to be much windier. Since the southern coast is more sheltered, it’s ideal to visit those beaches on the windiest day of your trip.
Pro tip: Check the wind forecast during your stay and plan your beach days accordingly. Save the northern beaches for calm days and head south when the wind picks up!
Day 3, Stop 1: Old Sulphur Mines Beach–ATV Access Only
We started our day early at the Old Sulphur Mines Beach. This abandoned sulphur mine sits directly on the beach and is such a unique and interesting place to visit. But what we didn’t realize before going was that the road to get there is a rough dirt path, full of steep switchbacks, loose gravel, and absolutely no guardrails.
We made the drive down to the beach in our rental car, and while it was nerve-wracking, it was nothing compared to the drive back up. On the way up the steep incline, our car’s tires started spinning, and we began sliding backward. It was terrifying. At one point, we got stuck in a pothole and I had to get out and fill it with rocks just so we could make it back up.
We saw several people navigating the road much more confidently in ATVs—and in hindsight, that’s absolutely the way to go. Do not attempt to drive down to this beach in a car! Rent an ATV for the day instead—it’s much safer and way less stressful.
Old Sulphur Mines Beach is definitely worth checking out if you have time, but it is not a must-do and if your time is limited, this is one that you could easily cut out of the itinerary. In hindsight, for this day, I would’ve cut out this beach and had more time to spend at Paleochori Beach.
Be sure explore my post on 15 mistakes to avoid in Milos for other mistakes we learned from on our trip!
Day 3, Stop 2: Tsigrado Beach (Ladder Beach)
Tips for Tsigrado Beach
Day 3 Stop 3: Fyriplaka Beach
Walk All The Way Down The Beach
Sea Cave & Snorkeling
The most famous image of Fyriplaka is the large rock formation that sits in the shallow waters of the beach. Pack a GoPro or waterproof phone pouch and walk through the cave in the rock formation.
Be sure to bring your snorkel gear and water shoes!
Day 3, Stop 4: Lunch at Psaravolada Restaurant
After visiting Fyriplaka Beach, we headed to Psaravolada Restaurant for lunch. Located just above Paleochori Beach, the restaurant offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea from its outdoor dining patio.
We ordered the fried feta cheese crepes with blueberry compote—absolutely mouthwatering. I also had the Greek salad, which I quickly became obsessed with. Unlike the typical U.S. version, true Greek salads have no lettuce—instead, they’re made with the freshest vegetables and the creamiest feta cheese. Honestly, U.S. Greek salads are a bit of a disappointment after this!
It was so hot out that the cocktails were incredibly refreshing and went down very fast—bonus points for Psaravolada having ice, which surprisingly is a hot commodity in Greece during summer!
Day 3, Stop 5: Paleochori Beach
Our last stop of the day was Paleochori Beach, known for its soft sandy stretches and colorful cliffs. The beach offers sunbeds for rent where we relaxed and soaked up the sun for the rest of the day.
For refreshments, the Deep Blue Beach Bar is a great casual choice right on the sand.
If you’re looking for a full meal, both Sirocco and Artemis are located directly on the beach and make excellent options for lunch or dinner. You can dine in your beachwear at both restaurants, although a cover-up on top of your swimsuit is recommended. Both restaurants will have some people dressed a little nicer for sunset dinner.
Day 3: Dinner at O’Hamos
For dinner, we headed to O’Hamos Tavern, a popular spot in Milos known for its authentic Greek dishes. Since they don’t take reservations, we expected a wait—and sure enough, it was about 45 minutes. We put our name on the list and decided to make the most of the time by walking just across the street to the nearby beach. There, we found a cozy cocktail bar with chairs right on the sand. Sipping refreshing drinks, we enjoyed the stunning sunset over the beach —the perfect way to unwind and soak in the island atmosphere while waiting for our table.
I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, tables underneath a canopy of lighted trees. But the thing that stood out the most was the personal details. Every menu was handwritten and included a story about the family. It was so incredibly charming!
Day 4 Itinerary: North Milos
Day 4, Stop 1: Sarakiniko Beach (Moon Beach)
Avoid the Yellow Sea Anemones
Sarakiniko Caves
Tips for Sarakiniko Beach
Day 4, Stop 2: Alagomandra Beach
Day 4, Stop 3: Papafragas Cave
Day 4, Stop 4: Lunch in Pollonia
Pollonia is a must-visit village in the far northeastern corner of Milos, known for its laid-back charm and impressive lineup of seaside restaurants—making it an ideal lunch stop for Day 4 of our itinerary.
We originally planned to eat at the popular Gialos restaurant, but the wait was too long. Instead, we grabbed a waterfront table at Enalion, and it turned out to be the perfect choice. Dining right by the sea with fresh seafood and a chilled glass of wine was a highlight of our day.
👉 Click here to explore lunch restaurants in Pollonia.
Although the main beach in Pollonia—simply called Pollonia Beach—is a calm and family-friendly spot, we skipped it this time. Instead, we headed to Kostantakis Winery for a wine tasting, knowing we still had one of the best beaches in Milos waiting for us later in the day.
Day 4, Stop 5: Kostantakis Winery
After lunch, we made our way to Kostantakis Winery in Pollonia for a vineyard tour and wine tasting. If you’re interested in the full vineyard tour, be sure to book in advance, as reservations are required. However, if you’re just stopping by for a wine tasting, no need to plan ahead—walk-ins are welcome.
While the majority of wines produced in Milos are white varieties, Kostantakis also offers a small selection of red and rosé wines. You can enjoy your tasting either outdoors on the large patio, surrounded by vines and sunshine, or inside their unique wine cave for a cooler, rustic experience.
Day 4, Stop 6: Fyropotamus Beach
Day 4: Sunset Dinner at Okto
We made reservations at Okto in Tripiti for a special sunset dinner. They offer the option to book their best table—the corner spot overlooking the water with completely unobstructed views—for a fee. The VIP table cost €80 and included two cocktails and two desserts with sparklers, but food was extra. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, my husband surprised me by booking this exclusive spot.
What we didn’t realize at the time was that Okto is right next to Bariello, where we had eaten on night one—so we’d actually already enjoyed that same stunning sunset view earlier in the week. Knowing that now, we probably wouldn’t have paid the extra for the VIP table again. But honestly, the service, food, and overall experience were incredible and we would definitely eat there again!
Day 5 Itinerary: Plaka & Klima
Day 5, Stop 1: Ancient Theater and Catacombs
Day 5, Stop 2: Klima
Our next stop was the iconic fishing village of Klima. A trip to Milos would be incomplete without visiting this picturesque fishing village. Klima is known for its colorful Syrmata–traditional boathouses carved into the rock along the waterfront. Most of these boathouses are vacation rentals. Click here to explore the boathouses for rent in Klima.
We walked around the charming village, taking advantage of all of the photo opportunities in Klima. Astakas is a seaside restaurant in Klima and a great option for lunch or dinner while you are in the village. We were not hungry for lunch yet, so we didn’t eat in Klima.
@postcardsfromcarrie 💙 Imagine waking up here, steps from the sea. ✨ 💙 Klima is a charming fishing village in Milos, Greece ✨ 💙 Most of these colorful houses are vacation rentals ✨ 💙 We absolutely loved Milos, I left a little bit of my heart there ✨ 💙 This is your sign to plan a trip to Milos! 📣 Comment MILOS for a link to these amazing rental homes ⬇️ Like and follow me for more! #milos #milosgreece #greece #greecetiktok #greecetravel #greekislands #klima #travelcontent #traveltips #travelguide #exploregreece #greece #travelblog ♬ original sound - The Macarons Project
Day 5, Stop 3: Lunch & Shopping in Plaka
Next, we made our way to the charming village of Plaka for some shopping and lunch. While there is no public parking inside the village, you’ll find two large public lots just before the entrance. Keep in mind it’s about a 10-minute uphill walk from the parking lot to the village center, so comfortable shoes are a must. If you’d rather skip the walk, you can also park at the bottom and take the bus up.
Plaka is your quintessential picturesque Greek village with whitewashed buildings and bright blue doors—one of the most Instagrammable spots in Milos. Beyond the dozens of photo ops, Plaka is home to several authentic, upscale shops that feel far from touristy.
I have a tradition of buying a Christmas ornament from every place I visit, and this time I found the sweetest store called Ellie, named after the owner Ellie, who was there with her husband. with lavender shutters and door. The owners, an older couple in their 70s, were incredibly warm. Everything in the shop was hand-painted, and I picked out a beautiful ornament shaped like the Milos eye. The husband proudly told me his wife painted it herself and pointed out her signature on the back. Ellie seemed shy but clearly touched by the praise, as he lovingly put his arm around her—it was such a sweet moment and one that I will remember every time I put that ornament on my tree.
After some shopping, we grabbed lunch at Avli in Plaka, then spent more time exploring the village’s shops and charming streets.
Day 5: Sunset at Plaka Castle
Departing Milos
Ferry or Flight?
Final Thoughts
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@postcardsfromcarrie 📌 Add this boat tour to Kleftiko in Milos to your Greek Island itinerary! ✨ A boat tour to Kleftiko is the top thing to do in Milos, Greece! ✨ The scenery is indescribable, the stark contrast between the bright white rock formations and the deep turquoise water is breathtaking. ✨ Exploring the sea caves was definitely the highlight of the day! ✨ The word of the day was “wow” because we must’ve said it a hundred times. ✨ I can’t stress enough how epic this experience is…a trip to Milos would be incomplete without it! ✨ 📣 Comment BOAT TOUR if you would like the link to the tour we used. ⬇️ Follow me for more travel tips and inspo! #milosgreece #milos #greekislands #greece🇬🇷 #greecetiktok #greecetravel #greecetrip #seacaves #kleftiko #traveltiktok #travel #traveltok #traveltips #travelinspo ♬ original sound - Headbangers Dan
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