Beaches Milos Island Greece: The ultimate guide to the Island of Colors.

Beaches Milos Island Greece:Milos Island or the Island of Colors, is a Greek volcanic gem, situated in the south western part of the Cyclades. Milos, unlike its renowned neighbors, is being glorified by a coastline that is not only as geologically varied as it is spectacular.

The beaches of the Milos Island Greece are sought after by the travelers due to the surreal scenery that comprises both egg-like white volcano rocks, as well as colorful multi-colored cliffs that provide a landscape that is incomparable to the ordinary sandy beach.

Milos has more than 70 distinctive coastlines environments which offer unmatched diversity of the coastlines. It can be the traditional white boulders of Sarakiniko, the secret caves of pirates of Klectediko or the peaceful beauty of the colored fishing villages with Klima, this island will have something to show to every kind of adventurer.

It is a guide to the top ten beaches in Milos with practical safety tips, when to visit and the most important pieces of advice on how to navigate this rough Mediterranean heaven.

What is the Location of Milos Island in Greece?

Milos is the south-west island of the Cyclades group in Aegean Sea. It is located between Athens and Crete at approximately half the distance, and at the borders of the islands of Kimolos, Sifnos and Folegandros. Its huge central bay that is a flooded volcanic caldera characterizes the island and provides Milos with its characteristic shape of the horseshoe and a safe harbor of its major port, Adamas.

How to Reach Milos

• Via ferry: This is the most frequented mode of getting here as there is a ferry by the port of Piraeus in Athens. It will take high-speed ferries about 3 to 4 hours and the conventional ferries will be a scenic 5 to 7 hours. Milos also has good access to Santorini (2-5hours) and Paros (2-3hours).
• Air Carrier: Domestically, the island of Milos is served by the Milos Island National Airport (MLO) which accepts flights of Athens daily. It is a short journey of about 40 minutes, and the aircraft used in this flight is very small and thus is easily sold out months before the summer season.

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What are the Unique Things of Beaches Milos Island Greece?

The volcanic history of the island has led to the beaches of Milos being as it is. Most of the Greek islands are completely covered with golden sand and blue water, whereas Milos is full of minerals, the palette of which makes the coastline a natural museum.

• Volcanic Geology: You shall have bone-white volcanic ash (Sarakiniko), volcanic obsidian sand, cliffs, which are streaked with sulfur-yellow, iron-red and manganese-black.
• Coastal Diversity: It is the islands isolate form and as a result of this it enables a great deal of conditions. It is either sheltered, shallow, sandy bays which are family friendly or dramatic deep water sea caves that are only accessible by boat.
• Syrmata Villages: Numerous beaches are surrounded by syrmata (old fishermen houses hewn out of the soft volcanic rock). With its brightly painted doors, these characteristics give cultural complement to the natural beauty of the shore.

Milos Island Greece Beaches: Best Time to Visit.

The best time to pay a visit to Milos is in late May until the first month of October in order to enjoy a holiday centered on beaches.

• The High Season (July -August): It is the hottest and the sea warmest. But the Meltemi, or strong northerly winds of the Cyclades, are also to be met with during these months. These winds are safe because they help in alleviating the heat, but they may result in siamangs rendering the north beaches such as Sarakiniko too rough to swim.
• The Shoulder Seasons (June and September): It is believed to be the best month. The crowds are also smaller and the winds are usually lighter, however, the weather is always sunny and warm (24 o C to 28 o C).
• The Low Season: Beach bars and boat tours among other tourist amenities are closed between November and April. The island is quiet however the water is too cold to swim at this time.

Are the Milos Island Beaches safe to the visitors?

Safety is of high priority at safetravelquest.com so that your exploration of the coastal areas is stress-free. Milos can be considered quite safe, however, its rough character presupposes certain precautions.

Swimming and Wind Safety

The greatest safety rule of Milos is to swim on the lee hand side of the island. When the north wind is blowing, then go to the southern beaches (such as Firiplaka or Provatas) and there the water will be calm. On the other hand, in case of a rare southern wind, then the beaches in the north will be the best bet.

Cliff and Terrain Safety

Most well-known locations in the island including Sarakiniko or the approach to Tsigrado feature irregular volcanic rock.

• Tsigrado Access: This beach is only accessible by a steep crevice which one has to descend using a wooden ladder and a rope. This should not be used by individuals who fear heights, a small child and people who have mobility problems.
• Rock Stability: Never approach the sides of white volcanic cliffs, because some of the formations are usually fragile and can be easily washed away.

Boat Access and Remote Areas

Such beaches as Kleftiko and Sykia can be reached only by boat. Should you hire a small boat on your own, be sure to use a full-charged phone and you are not out of the marked safety areas. To see these far flung destinations, it is the safest way to be in a group boat tour especially in case of a lone traveler.

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Best Beaches Milos Island, Greece.

Sarakiniko Beach

The most regularly visited beach on the island is Sarakiniko, which has also been referred to as Lunar. It is not a conventional sandy beach but stretches of sedimentary plain, white volcanic rock.

• Most Suited: Photography, leaping off the cliff, and visiting sea caves.
• Tip: Go early in the morning or evening so that the white-rocks do not shine so brightly in the middle of the day and the crowd.

Kleftiko Caves

It was a historic hideout of pirates which technically was not a beach but a series of coves and sea caves.

• Best: Snorkeling and boat tours.
• Hint: In order to reach this spot, you need to arrange a boat tour either in Adamas or Pollonia. The water is very clear and turquoise.

Firiplaka Beach

This is among the most frequented organized beaches situated on the south coast. It has a long expanse of fine sand that is supported by high multi-colored cliffs.

• Best: Families, swimming, and views of the sunset.
• Hint: The water is shallow over a long distance, so it is a watering-ground to the children.

Paleochori Beach

Thermal activity is a popular activity in this beach. You can even feel hot water bursting out of the sand in certain places.

• Best To: Snorkeling and eating on volcanic (at least some restaurants prepare meals in the hot sand).
• Hint: This water is deep within seconds and is famous because of its unbelievable deep blue hue.

Tsigrado Beach

A small, out of the way cove concealed in vertical cliffs.

• Most Suitable: Adventure and privacy.
• Tip: It is not easy (through a ladder). Take all the stuff you will, because you will never find a facility after you are down on the sand.

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Activities in Milos Island Beaches.

Other than sunbathing, the topography of Milos is unique and would be explored actively.

• Sea Kayaking: Sea kayak tours are one of the most effective methods of sightseeing the smaller caves and the “secret” beaches between Sarakiniko and Fyropotamos.
• Snorkeling: Various fish of the Mediterranean are found in the volcanic reefs. The best place to be underwater is in Kleftiko and Paleochori.
• Geology Walks: There are many beaches that are a glimpse of the industrial and geological history of the island, including Thiorichia (the deserted sulfur mines). The ruins are rust-colored and walk through them is hauntingly beautiful, moving next to the beach of crystal-clear waters.
• Sunset Boat Tours: Most of the operators of boats have sunset tours, which sail along the colorful syrmata within Klima offering an excellent place where photography can be done.

Facilities and Accessibility.

There is a wide difference between the infrastructure of Milos beaches.

• Planned Beaches: Beaches such as Paleochori, Firiplaka and Provatas have sunbeds, umbrellas and taverns nearby. These are the most suitable to choose the comfort and convenient access to food.
• Unstructured Beaches: Icons, such as Sarakiniko, Tsigrado and Thiorichia, are unstructured. Bringing your own water, shade and snacks is necessary.
• Accessibility: Travelers with little mobility will find Pollonia and Papakinou (near Adamas) to be the most accessible. They are even, sandy and are situated on the paved roads. Conversely, the volcanic beaches have most of them being accessed by walking on rough and boulder-like surfaces.

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Milos Travel tips: Beaches.

• Shoes are Essential: Do not use flip-flops only. There are numerous beaches where one should walk through rough volcanic rock or ascending slopes. Carry a pair of strong sandals or water shoes.
• Renting a Car or ATV: Although there exists a bus system, it serves only the big beaches. A rental car (preferably a 4×4 because of the dirt roads in the west) is very necessary to visit the more remote locations.
• Sun Protection: On the volcanic rocks of Milos, there is nearly no natural shade. Don a hat, sunscreen with high SPF and you might need a portable beach umbrella in case you are going to unorganized beaches.
• Bring a Dry Bag: When visiting Tsigrado or going on a boat tour, a small waterproof bag will ensure your camera and phone are not ruined by the salt and splashes.

Milos Beaches Visited Compared with other beaches in the Greek Islands.

Feature	Milos	Santorini	Mykonos
Beach Type	Volcanic/Geological	Volcanic (Dark Sand)	Sandy/Gold
Crowds	Moderate	Very High	Very High
Safety	Rugged/Adventurous	Cliffside/Organized	Flat/Very Organized
Best For	Nature & Discovery	Views & Romance	Nightlife & Luxury

Who is it for? Milos is also favorable to those travelers who put the value of natural beauty and diversity rather than a partying atmosphere. In case you are inundated by big beach resorts of Mykonos, then the choose-your own adventure format of Milos is what will probably fit you to the dot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the beaches in Milos sandy or rocky?

Milos has both. Fine golden sand may also be found at such beaches as Firiplaka and Provatas, yet the island is best known by a kind of rock formations. Sarakiniko consists of white rock which is smooth whereas other beaches consist of pebbles or colorful volcanic stones.

Are the Milos beaches safe to swim?

Swimming is not very dangerous, as it is dependent on the wind. During a day of strong north winds, there may be dangerous waves and currents in the north beaches. It is always best to watch the wind direction, and go to the lee side of the island.

Do you require a car to get to Milos beaches?

An ATV or car is very advisable. The bus service includes the major ports and some of the most popular beaches, however, most spectacular places are isolated and can only be accessed with an individual vehicle or boat.

What is the most famous Milos beach?

The most recognized beach of Milos is Sarakiniko. It is symbolic because of its bone-white volcanic moonish landscape which is contrasted to deep blue Aegean Sea.

Do you have lifeguards on the beaches of Milos?

The majority of beaches in Milos are unattended. Lifeguards in the most organized beaches can be present only at the height of the summer. When going into the water, travelers must be self reliant and careful.

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Final Travel Advice

Milos Island has one of the most rewarding coastlines experiences in the Mediterranean. It is a place that needs a little additional planning than a standard resort island, that is, in terms of the wind patterns and mode of transportation, but the reward is a collection of sceneries that appear as though they were found nowhere on the planet. To have the safest and most enjoyable journey, pay attention to the south coast on the north winds, always wear a good pair of shoes and be sure to put in at least one full day tour of the island in a boat which cannot be accessed by any road.