When traveling to the Greek Islands, one of the hardest decisions when planning your trip is determining which islands you want to visit during your time there. Milos, a volcanic island in the southwestern Cyclades, had been on my list for years. A smaller island than many of its neighbors, Milos is home to some of the most unique natural landscapes on the planet with a rich history dating back to the Neolithic Period.
TO STAY:
If you are visiting Milos, you must stay at Skinopi Lodge for at least two nights. The design of each villa on the property was inspired by the traditional fishermen’s houses found throughout the island. Skinopi strikes the perfect balance, each feeling secluded in nature among the nine acres of private seafront landscape. A true haven for adventure and design-lovers, Skinopi’s remote location requires a 4X4 and maneuvering some windy off-roading but the end result is a true paradise found. Plan to be there every night for sunrise, dive into the water off their private dock, grab the bottle of wine from the mini-bar and sit on the canvas chairs overlooking the sea as the sun drops behind the island.
Envisioning a boutique suite right on the sea? Terra Mare Suites is the ideal stay for those looking to dip their toes in the water right as they wake up. Located in a cove traditionally used by fishermen to protect their boats from bad weather, built into the rock, hugging the sea, these suites give their visitors a natural taste of Milos, incorporating the beauty of the island at the forefront of the hospitality experience.
TO EAT:
Ice Monkey
Fuel up for the day at local coffee and juicery, Ice Monkey. Don’t leave without getting a nutella croissant to-go.
Oh! Hamos!
Head to Oh! Hamos!, a tavern in the main town serving traditional Greek cuisine and sourcing their meats, cheeses and vegetables from the owner’s farm. After morning at the beach in the sun, venture here for a relaxing lunch. There are no reservations accepted and lines for dinner tend to be long.
Gialos
For dinner, make a reservation at Gialos and drive to the seaside town of Pollonia, for a delicious meal and impeccable service. The owner, Christos, takes great care of every guest.
Astakas
Go see the small fishing village of Klima and have a seaside lunch at Astakas. Wander down the strip of multi-colored traditional fishermen houses, known as “syrmatas”, along Milos bay. Take a dip and then relax seaside enjoying a long, delicious lunch with the small waves crashing on the shore.
TO VISIT:
Sarakiniko Beach
If you’ve been on Instagram in the last year, you might’ve seen Sarakiniko beach pop up on your feed a few times but this natural gem still does not have the crowds you’d expect given its jaw-dropping beauty. With moon-like, dusty white rock formations that have been uniquely formed over hundreds of years contrasting with the deep blue of the sea, it does not disappoint. Go for sunrise to see the orange glow hit the rocks only adding to the unearthly beauty of this place.
Village of Mandrakia
Hike (about a half hour) from Sarakiniko to the small fishermen’s village of Mandrakia, enjoy this serene seaside locale where octopus are hanging out to dry between colorful waterfront homes. Take a dip into the salty Aegean sea, but don’t leave without a stop at the town’s main restaurant, Medusa, for lunch.
Chrysovalandou Catamarans
There is no leaving Milos without experiencing the island from the sea. Take a private boat from Chrysovalandou Catamarans. They will take you along the amazing coastline, into the caves of Sikia and Kleftiko, and bring you back just in time for sunset.
‘Venus de Milo’ Statue Discovery Site
Finally, the history of Milos is an important part of the island. The famous marble sculpture ‘Venus de Milo’, now housed at the Louvre in Paris, was discovered in 1820 by a farmer in modern-day Trypiti on Milos. You are still able to visit the site of discovery on the island and other archaeological sites such as Nichia, the home of an ancient obsidian mine and workshop, where you can view ancient tools and arrowheads carved in prehistoric times.
