Milos, the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades, is one of the lesser-known Greek islands. But I can’t imagine it will stay that way for long – Milos has some of the coolest beaches I’ve ever visited.
The island is of volcanic origin – last erupting 90,000 years ago – creating impressive landscapes and unique beaches. Archeologists note Milos was inhabited as early as 2300 B.C., and excavation efforts have revealed some of ancient Greece’s most famous statues including Venus de Milo (which you can now visit in the Louvre).
In this post, I will give my impressions of the best beaches in Milos Greece, what makes them worth visiting, the best way to get to them, and other helpful tips!
Which are the best beaches in Milos Greece?
1. Tsigrado Beach
The secluded beach, Tsigrado, is located on the southern coast of the island, hidden by cliffs and caverns, and is one of Milos’ most unique beaches.
Accessing Tsigrado is not for the faint of heart. A series of ladders takes you from the top of the cliffs, through narrow crevasses, down into the sandy cove below. Be sure to wear proper footwear to safely descend and ascend the ladders, as well as climb over rocks.
The beach is mostly sandy, but there are some large rocks in the water, so water shoes may be helpful when swimming around and exploring.
Milos travel tip:
Before heading to Tsigrado, or any beach along the southern side of the island, check the weather. Wind intensity and direction can really change your experience. If the wind is blowing from the south, the waves get very choppy, and in Tsigrado, almost treacherous.
On no-wind, high-season days, the small beach can get packed with sunbathers and boat tours. But if you go during the low season, you might end up with the beach all to yourself.
How to get to Tsigrado Beach
One popular way to explore the island is to rent a car or ATV. At the top of Tsigrado, there are ample places to park in the small parking lots or along the dirt road. Parking is free.
The island of Milos also has a very well-run bus system. You can take the bus from Adamas to the Tsigrado – Fyriplaka bus stop. Once you get off the bus, follow the signs to Tsigrado Beach.
Be sure to double-check the return times, as this bus comes infrequently.
Once you reach the large dirt overlook, you’ll notice a cavern and a small piece of a ladder poking up. Carefully follow it down – if you dare.
2. Fyriplaka Beach
If Tsigrado is packed, or you want to keep exploring, Fyriplaka Beach is another awe-inspiring beach in Milos conveniently located right next door.
This large sandy beach is a great place to spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking up some sun. A pair of beach beds and an umbrella is 20€ for the day, and there is a snack bar serving hot dogs, sandwiches, and french fries.
On the far end of the beach is space to lay out your towel and enjoy the beach for free if you prefer.
If the wind is blowing from the south, the sea gets pretty tumultuous. But it is still fun to play and jump in the water with the crashing waves.
On a calm day, the water is shallow and crystal clear.
How to get to Fyriplaka Beach
Fyriplaka and Tsigrado are right next to each other, so you can hit two birds with one stone. If you drive, there is parking closer to Fyriplaka. But you can also leave your car in the same place you parked for Tsigrado, and visa versa.
The bus stop is the same as Tsigrado as well, just follow the signs for Fyriplaka Beach instead. Expect to walk 10-15 minutes down to the beach from the bus stop.
Milos travel tip:
If you plan to visit both beaches, I’d start with Tsigrado as it will be easier to descend the ladders when you are dry. Then make your way to Fyriplaka for lunch and hang out the rest of the day on a sun bed.
3. Papafragkas Beach
Papafragkas Beach is known for its large sea caves and unusual rock formations.
The Papafragkas Beach itself consists of a very small sandy area. If you were hoping to lay out on your towel and get a tan, this might not be the best beach.
But the real fun is exploring the area, climbing rock formations, and swimming in the turquoise-blue water. You can even jump off the small cliffs into the water, but watch out for snorkelers swimming below.
Papafragkas is less commercial than some of the other beaches, so don’t expect any snack shops or sun beds.
How to get to Papafragkas Beach
If you are driving yourself in a car or ATV, there are two large parking lots. The first parking lot, when driving from Adamas, is the closest to Papafragkas Beach. If you miss that one, or it’s full, you can park along the street, or go to the second parking lot a little bit further.
The bus to Pollonia also makes a stop at Papafragkas. It may drop you off closer to the second parking lot, in which case you can either walk back along the road or traverse the rocky trail back toward the beach.
Milos travel tip:
Near the second parking lot is another beach worth visiting as well. It is full of rocks but makes for a unique place to swim if you have goggles or snorkel equipment. Shoes are a necessity when exploring Papafragkas.
4. Pollonia Beach
If you want to get away from the more touristy parts of Milos, head to Pollonia. Pollonia is a traditional Greek village along the North Coast with great restaurants and a big sandy beach.
Pollonia is a more typical, golden sand beach with rentable sunbeds and umbrellas, and restaurants right on the beach. If you got a little too sunburned already, this beach also has plenty of shady trees to hide under.
Milos travel tip:
Just as I recommend checking the wind for Tsigrado and Fyriplaka, you should check for winds coming from the North before heading to Pollonia. The beach juts out from the island, so there really is no protection from the wind swell and waves if the wind is unfavorable.
If the winds are coming from the South, head to Pollonia for smooth, crystal-clear waters.
How to get to Pollonia Beach
Pollonia is the last stop on the Adamas-Papafragkas-Pollonia bus line before it turns around to go in the opposite direction. The bus stop is located practically on the beach – you can’t miss it.
Beware when following Google Maps; there are multiple pins on the map for this beach. But luckily they aren’t too far off from the actual location.
5. Sarakiniko Beach
Welcome to the moon.
Sarakiniko Beach feels like you’re walking on another planet. Volcanic rock has been warped for centuries by winds and waves into some pretty out-of-this-world formations.
There is a very small area for laying out on your towel. But most everyone is climbing around on the rocks, having photoshoots, or jumping off the cliffs into the clear blue waters below.
Follow the path from the parking lot down to the water for a little swim; then keep following the path through the rocks until you reach the top of the cliffs. Here you will find adrenaline junkies and first-timers jumping off the side of the rocks and swimming around.
There are several heights for jumping – and if I can do it, you can do it! Your Instagram feed will thank you.
In my opinion, this is hands down the coolest beach in Milos. And maybe all of Greece.
Milos travel tip:
Bring sunglasses. The bright white rock reflecting the sun is blinding.
Some of the rock formations provide some shade as well if you need to get out of the sun for a bit. This beach was definitely a highlight for me – a must-see when visiting Milos.
How to get to Sarakiniko Beach
If you are driving yourself, you can hit up Sarakiniko, Papafragkas, and Pollonia one right after the other, as they are on the same road on the North side of the island.
However, if you are taking the bus, Sarakiniko has its own dedicated line. This is probably Milos’ most popular destination so make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds.
While you wait by the bus stop, there is a food truck offering snacks and drinks.
Tips for taking the bus on Milos Island
The bus system is very easy to navigate and can take you to all the best beaches in Milos, Greece. No matter the destination, the price is always 1.80€ each way.
In Adamas, the bus stop is located just outside the popular cafe chain with the lime green logo, Gregory’s (Γρηγόρης); and it drops you off in basically the same location.
The times and routes change throughout the year, so check the latest bus timetable.
Who recommends these beaches in Milos Greece
Rachel Botten is an adventurous digital nomad and expert at working while traveling the world. Over the last few years, he has traveled and worked in 16 countries and counting! She provides helpful travel tips and informative destination guides specifically for digital nomads and slow travelers on her blog, White Collar Wanderer.
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