Yes, Santorini and Mykonos are beautiful and unique in their own ways, but Milos is a beautiful Cycladic island with fewer tourists and just as much to offer. It’s famous for its dramatic lunar-like landscapes and glistening turquoise waters, making it a prime vacation destination. What’s great about visiting Milos is that you can enjoy some of the best things to do on this island in 3 days.

Milos is home to unusual rock formations and hot springs, shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The island offers incredible beaches, colorful fishing villages, incredible restaurants featuring fresh seafood, and a rich history.  

Just like Santorini, Milos also has a crescent shape. The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic era and has a long history of mining due to its rich mineral deposits.

I visited Milos during a larger vacation in Greece in August 2025 with my brother and had the best time! In this article, discover the best things to do during a 3-day Milos itinerary for a summer trip. (This article was updated in August 2026.)

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Traveling to Milos, Greece:

If Milos is your first stop on a European or Greece-specific vacation, then you’ll most likely have to fly into Athens, the capital, first. This is if you’re coming from the USA or another international destination outside of Europe. Either from Athens or another major European city, you can take a short flight to Milos Island National Airport. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.

For those who are island-hopping in Greece and plan to visit Paros, it’s best to take the ferry. Many ferries run throughout the day, and depending on which one of the nearby islands you’re traveling to and from, the trip usually takes anywhere from half an hour to a few hours each way. During your journey, the ferry boasts designated areas where you can leave your luggage. There is also a bar where you can order food and drinks.

Once you arrive on the island, there are a few ways to get around. The most convenient way to enjoy all the best things to do in Milos and visit different villages, beaches, and hidden gems is to rent a car. To rent a vehicle in Greece, you’ll need to obtain an International Driver’s Permit. If you’re based in the USA, you can get one by visiting your local AAA office.

In addition to having your own car, another great way to get around Milos and discover the secluded areas is to rent a scooter or an ATV. There are many narrow roads in Milos, making a scooter or ATV one of the top forms of transportation.

The main public transportation option on Milos island is the KTEL bus. All routes start at the main bus station in Adamas, and you can buy tickets on board for €2. Overall, seven routes stop at numerous beaches and tourist sites, such as Sarakiniko Beach and Plaka.

Where to Stay on the Island of Milos:

If it’s your first time visiting Milos, I recommend staying in the main town of Adamas. (Also called Adamantas.) It’s walkable, offers amazing eateries, and is near the ferry terminal.

In addition to Adamas, the other best places to stay are Plaka, if you want more charm, and Pollonia, which provides a quieter experience near the Aegean Sea.

Throughout Milos, you’ll find numerous hotel options across different budgets. Below are the best hotels around the entire island of Milos, Greece:

Luxury Accommodation: Erema, a Member of Design Hotels

Boutique Accommodation: Salt Suites Milos by Mr. and Mrs.

Mid-Budget Accommodation: The White Hotel Milos

Budget Accommodation: Hotel Eleni

Like other Greek islands, Milos offers a wide range of rental properties. Click here to book the Airbnb my brother and I stayed in Adamas.

Weather in Milos during the Summer:

Like other destinations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, Milos has hot, sunny, dry weather during the summer months. Overall, summer is the peak season for tourists, so when you plan your trip, I recommend booking everything, from accommodations to tours, in advance. The high season for tourism in Milos runs from June to September.

Spring is a lovely time to visit Milos, with fewer crowds, but the sea is still too chilly for swimming. Autumn is also a wonderful time to visit this stunning island, with pleasant weather and warm seas. Winter is the quiet season, with many hotels, restaurants, and tour services closing and ferries running on a limited schedule. The colder months also bring on more rain.

If you want to experience the best things to do in Milos, I recommend visiting anytime between late May and early October. Below are the average temperatures you can experience in Milos, Greece during the summer:

May: Average highs in the mid-70s°F and lows in the lower 60s°F

June: Average highs in the lower 80s°F and lows in the upper 60s°F.

July: Average highs in the mid-80s°F and lows in the lower 70s°F.

August: Average highs in the mid-80s°F and lows in the lower 70s°F.

September: Average highs in the lower 80s°F and lows in the upper 60s°F.

October: Average highs in the lower 70s°F and lows in the lower 60s°F.

Best Things to Do in Milos, Greece: A 3-Day Milos Travel Guide

From uncovering quaint fishing villages to enjoying sunny days at one of the many unique beaches, discover all of the reasons why Milos is one of the leading Cyclades islands. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

Day 1: Arrive in Milos

Whether you arrive in Milos by flight or ferry, I recommend checking into your accommodation first and grabbing a light lunch or snack.

If you arrive by flight, I suggest picking up your rental car at the airport. If you travel to the island by ferry, you can pick up your rental vehicle in Adamas.

Savor the Best Gyros of Milos:

If you’re already in Adamas, a delicious, easy, budget-friendly option is Gyros of Milos. It’s a great spot to savor mouthwatering gyros and souvlaki, two staples of Greek cuisine.

Located in the heart of Adamas, this restaurant offers generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. My brother and I sat outside and got the chicken gyro, which came with French fries and a Greek salad. This is one of my favorite meals in Greece, and nothing beats having it with a crisp, refreshing Fanta.

Tour the Ancient Ruins of Milos:

Before visiting the picturesque fishing village of Klima, I suggest seeing some of the island’s historical sites. It’ll take around 15 to 20 minutes to drive from Adamas to this area. Click here to book an archaeology and culture tour of Milos.

One of the first places to check out is the Catacombs of Milos. It’s considered Greece’s most important early Christian place of worship. The Catacombs of Milos date back to the 1^st century AD.

This site is an underground early cemetery that is carved into volcanic rock. The catacombs form a network of tunnels and chambers that are filled with tombs. It served as a graveyard for several thousand Christians, but an earthquake that happened in the 6^th century AD buried it under soil. Excavations in the mid-1800s rediscovered it.

Only one of the catacombs is open to visitors, and it requires a steep but scenic climb down 110 stairs. You can visit the Christian catacombs daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. General admission for adults costs €10; seniors over 65 and EU residents pay € 5, and students can visit for free.

While you’re in the area, I also suggest seeing the Ancient Theatre of Milos. It’s a well-preserved Hellenistic-era amphitheater that overlooks the beautiful village of Klima. The theater features tiered stone seating and offers sea views. (It is free to visit.)

Additionally, you must also see the replica of Venus de Milo, otherwise known as the “Statue of Aphrodite.” It’s the Greek goddess of love and beauty and is located in the Archaeological Museum of Milos. A farmer found the original statue in the early 1800s, and it’s believed to have been carved between 130 and 100 BC. She is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

A general admission ticket costs €5 for adults, €3 for seniors over 65, and is free for students and children under 10. The museum is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily, except on Tuesdays when it is closed.

See the Colorful Fishing Village of Klima:

The perfect place to visit during your first afternoon in Milos is the colorful seaside fishing village of Klima. It’s famous for its syrmata, which are colorful boat houses, nestled at the water’s edge. These buildings are painted different colors because, historically, fishermen used them to spot their homes from the sea.

Syrmata buildings serve a dual purpose; the ground floor is used as a garage to protect the fishing boats from storms. The upper level was the living space for fishermen and their families. Nowadays, these traditional buildings are used for souvenir shops and vacation rentals.

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Milos during your 3 days on the island is to visit Klima. It’s a quiet location, and although it draws tourists, it doesn’t have an actual swimming beach. You can still swim and sunbathe at certain spots!

Overall, Klima is more of a photogenic destination than an adventure area. Between the boat houses with their colorful doors and the beautiful Aegean Sea, there are endless “Instagrammable” spots.

While you’re visiting Klima, you must also enjoy some shopping at one of the boutiques located in the syrmata and even grab a beverage or a snack at one of the coastal tavernas.

If you’re visiting Klima in the evening, it is one of the most magical places to watch the sunset.  

Have Dinner and Wander in Plaka:

Fun fact: Adamas may be the largest city on the island, but Plaka is the capital. Another difference is that Plaka is a traditional whitewashed village, like those you often see throughout the Greek Cyclades, especially on other islands like Paros.

One of the best things to do in Milos is to get lost amongst the quaint narrow streets. It features many picture-perfect spots, including iconic Greek blue-domed churches, bougainvillea-filled walls, and beautiful views of Plaka Castle and the nearby Aegean Sea.

Before dinner, visit the Kastro, a 13^th-century Venetian castle with some of the best sunset views on Milos.

Two great places to visit in Plaka are Avli for classic Greek dishes, especially fresh fish, in a charming alleyway, and Utopia Caffe for cocktails.

Day 2: Experience Milos’ Must-Do Activities

On your second day in Milos, wake up to coffee and Greek pastries at Artemis Bakery if you’re staying in Adamas. From there, head over to your rental car to drive to the famous Sarakiniko Beach. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from Adamas to Sarakiniko Beach.

Spend the Morning at Sarakiniko Beach:

Being a volcanic island, one of the best things to do in Milos in 3 days is to enjoy time at the iconic Sarakiniko Beach. Even though it is a popular place on Milos, it will surely make you feel like you’re on another planet with its white volcanic rocks. These white rock formations are caused by wind and sea erosion.

What’s interesting about Sarakiniko Beach is that there is no sand at all. Instead, you’ll sunbathe, jump from, and walk along the white rock. You can relax in the small coves, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the sea caves, and bravely jump off the steep cliffs.

Enjoying Sarakiniko Beach is one of the top free things to do in Milos. However, there are no lifeguards, so you’re swimming, jumping, and exploring at your own risk. There are also no facilities, such as bathrooms, lounge beds, or food or drink options.

Overall, Sarakiniko Beach is one of my favorite areas on the island. In fact, I believe beaches like Sarakiniko are what make Milos one of the best Greek islands to visit during a European summer vacation.

(I recommend wearing water shoes, bringing a towel, and wearing sunscreen, since there is minimal shade.)

Relax at Firopotamos Beach:

Located 12 minutes from Sarakiniko Beach, the tiny fishing village of Firopotamos is a must-visit during your 3 days in Milos.

Firopotamos Beach has fewer tourists than Sarakiniko Beach, so it provides a more peaceful experience. Like Klima, this small fishing village features blue-and-white boat houses. It also requires a narrow dirt road and steep stairs to access.

Overall, Firopotamos offers one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with gorgeous blue water, soft white sand, and picturesque views.

Unlike Sarakiniko Beach, Firopotamos Beach has sunbeds that you can rent. A small beach bar also serves lunch, snacks, and refreshing drinks.

While you’re enjoying an afternoon at Firopotamos Beach, you must also see the lovely Greek Orthodox chapel, Agios Nikolaos. It’s nestled along the harbor.  

Enjoy Dinner and Sunset at Medusa in Mandrakia:

Medusa in Mandrakia is a great place to enjoy a delicious dinner and drinks with magical sunset views. Set in one of Milos’ most beautiful areas, Medusa features views of the turquoise Aegean Sea, picturesque fishing boats, and the idyllic village of Mandrakia.

This scenic Greek tavern offers traditional Milos flavors. Since Medusa doesn’t take reservations and is popular, you will need to give your name to the host/hostess and be added to a waitlist. In the meantime, I suggest grabbing a drink at the bar and enjoying the beautiful views.  

From the wine to the seafood and prime meats, along with the amazing ambiance, you will not be disappointed when you spend an evening at Medusa!

Day 3: Sail around the Southern Coast of Milos

The best way to experience amazing beaches in Milos is to sign up for one of the top boat trips on the island. I recommend a private tour where you’ll sail up and down the island’s southern coast, enjoy hidden beaches, snorkel, and explore beautiful coves.

Before driving over to Thalassopetra, where your tour will start, I recommend grabbing a healthy breakfast with a refreshing juice or smoothie at Garden Juice Bar in Adamas. (If you’re staying there.) It’s around a 20-minute drive from Adamas to Thalassopetra.

Book a Private Boat Tour around Milos:

Overall, enjoying a half-day boat tour is one of the best things to do in Milos! Sailing to and from Thalassopetra, my brother and I enjoyed a relaxing boat ride. We saw some of the island’s most spectacular beaches, like Tsigrado Beach and Gerakas Beach.

Our awesome captain also took us into captivating caves and stopped at breathtaking coves where we could jump off the boat and enjoy a nice swim. I always love swimming around unique rock formations and uncovering small beaches.

During this experience, we stopped at the iconic Tsigrado Beach, which is considered one of Milos’ most dramatic beaches. The reason it’s known as one of the island’s most adventurous beaches is that you either have to access it by swimming or take a ladder or a rope down a cliff to reach it. (You visit this beach at your own risk.)

This beautiful sandy beach offers clear waters perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You are sure to have an enjoyable experience at Tsigrado Beach!

Gerakas Beach is one of Milos’ most captivating and remote beaches. It’s famous for its dramatic white cliffs and aquamarine waters. You can only reach this beach by boat.

It’s a long beach with a volcanic area above its cliffs called Agia Kyriaki-Firiplaka. Natural thermal pools are found in small caves along the beach. In fact, while you swim near them, you can feel a gentle warmth rising from the seabed.

When you return to Thalassopetra, I recommend lunch at the local seaside tavern overlooking the glistening water and boats. I savored a delicious seafood pasta at this lovely spot.

Appreciate a Laid-Back Afternoon in Adamas:

When you return to Adamas, I suggest enjoying a relaxing afternoon at one of the local beaches or learning more about the port town’s history.

Two wonderful beaches to visit in Adamas are Papikinou Beach and Lagada Beach. Papikinou Beach is a 15-minute walk from the heart of town, and Lagada Beach is right near the ferry terminal. Both beaches are sandy, making them perfect for sunbathing, and you can rent lounge beds and enjoy the facilities.

Right by the port is Aggeliki Ice Cream Shop, which offers the best gelato in Adamas. I recommend stopping by for a refreshing sweet treat before or after your beach time.  

During your time in Adamas, I suggest visiting the picturesque St. Haralambos Adamantas Holy Orthodox Church, with its typical blue domes.

Also, visit the Milos Mining Museum, which celebrates the island’s long history of mining. As you move through the museum, you can view paintings and photographs, maps, and tools. A video documentary also showcases what life was like for former miners on Milos.

The museum is open daily in the summer from 10 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 10 pm. General admission costs €7; with an audio tour, € 10. It’s €4 for seniors over 65 and students (€7 with an audio guide), and children under six are free to enter.

Relish Traditional Greek Cuisine at Petrinos:

On your final evening in Milos, one of the best things to do is to enjoy a traditional Aegean dinner at Petrinos. It’s situated along the beach road in Adamas and features incredible Greek dishes and the best wine!

With an astonishing, dreamy setting in Adamas, Petrinos offers panoramic views of the bay and port. My brother and I shared a mezze platter (Greek appetizers), and for our main dishes, I savored the chicken souvlaki, while he had a steak. Everything was mouthwateringly delicious!

Afterward, head back to your accommodation to get a good night’s rest before departing Milos the next day.

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I hope you all enjoyed discovering all the best things to do in Milos, Greece during a 3-day summer vacation. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of Greece:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Athens, Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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