Sarakiniko, Papafragas, Kleftiko, Gerontas, Firi Plaka, Tsigrado, Paliohori, Plathiena, Triades. The volcanic phenomena that shape the beaches of Milos are truly spectacular. Visitors treat these beaches as attractions, often planning to visit two or three a day to swim and explore as many as possible during their stay. Touring the coastline by boat offers an unparalleled experience on the island.

Close to Plaka and the Northern Coastlines

Sarakiniko
Sarakiniko feels like a beach from another planet. This volcanic marvel commands respect and admiration. Beyond enjoying the shallow turquoise waters of the enclosed bay, which transition to deep blue as you venture out toward the impressive rocks and shipwreck, you’ll want to explore the dazzling rock formations, take photos, and capture videos.

Sarakiniko is unique, providing an unparalleled experience. It’s not an organized beach, and while it’s accessible to everyone, be cautious as the rocks can be slippery.

Papafragas
Carved steps lead you to the enclosed cove of Papafragas, featuring natural caves that are among the most impressive in Greece. Its emerald waters resemble a swimming pool, but its reputation and easy access mean it often attracts crowds. Next to it is the tiny beach of Kapros in a very closed bay. Opposite Papafragas, you’ll find Glaronisia, three impressive rock formations inhabited solely by seagulls. These rocks, composed mostly of andesite, have formed into upright columns shaped like hexagonal or pentagonal prisms. Glaronisia has become a prime climbing spot, accessible by boat.

Pahaina
Featuring coves with beautiful rock formations west of Papafragas, Pahaina offers stunning views of the Glaronisia.

Plathiena
Located in the northwest near Plaka, the capital of Milos, Plathiena is a bay with light-colored sand and pebbles. It’s easily accessible and offers views of the castle. The Plathiena Foodies beach bar is also open here.

Alogomantra
Alogomantra features sand, white rocks, and a cave. This beach is not organized, adding to its natural charm.

Fyropotamos

North of Plaka, a secluded bay with shallow, turquoise-green waters. It has a small sandy beach, white rocks surrounding it, and a small settlement with colorful “syrmata” (structures for storing boats). It is a popular spot and there are small hotels in the vicinity.

Pollonia

The beach of the namesake settlement is located next to the road, it is sandy, with tamarisk trees, suitable for families as the waters are shallow and warm. The settlement offers all necessary amenities and numerous hotels. There are also various cafes and restaurants, among which Armenaki, the award-winning Akrotiri Sea Food Obsession, Yalos, and Hanabi Seaside Sushi stand out. There is also a diving center in operation.

From Pollonia, you can take tourist boats to Kimolos and the islet of Polyaigos, with turquoise waters and white sand – a truly heavenly place.

Near Adamantas
Papikinou
It’s not one of the island’s great beaches, but it’s very close to Adamantas and easily accessible as it stretches alongside the road. It has sand, plenty of tamarisk trees for shade, and is suitable for families as the waters deepen gently. On the beach of Papikinou, you’ll find the well-known restaurant “Oh! Hamos!” and “Alevromilos” with traditional cuisine, in Parasporos.

Achivadolimni (or Chivadolimni)

The largest sandy beach on the island (3 kilometers), near Adamantas and the airport, sheltered when the south wind blows. The waters display beautiful shades, ranging from turquoise to deep blue. It is easily accessible from the asphalt road, with shallow waters, making it a favorite among families. At the upper end, there is a wetland within the Natura 2000 network boundaries, serving as an important migratory bird station.

On the southern coastline

Kleftiko

It features in every guide to Milos. The famous, imposing, and photogenic Kleftiko with its white cliffs and majestic arches is a geological park with paradisiacal waters, located at the southwest edge of Milos, next to Cape Psalida. The coastline boasts sea caves and small sandy coves. The waters are exotic green and turquoise. You can visit by tourist boat or your own vessel – but during the high tourist season, be prepared for crowds.

Gerontas, Katergo

Close to Kleftiko, Gerontas features caves and magnificent cliffs, but due to southern winds, its small sandy beach tends to disappear. It’s preferable to visit by boat. From the parking area near Gerontas, there is also a path leading to Katergo Beach, a small beach with a pirate past.

Firiplaka

Αn amazing and very large beach, organized at its beginning. It has turquoise waters and is very crowded. Its cliffs are a geological marvel, displaying a unique combination of colors – white, yellow, orange, red, gray. You can also go snorkeling. There is a beach bar called Loco and Milos Watersports

Tsigardo

One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, without facilities. It has warm green waters, white sand, and small sea caves. Come by boat because access from land is difficult.

Agia Kyriaki

A large organized beach with fine white pebbles and turquoise waters. It has umbrellas, sunbeds, the restaurant-beach bar Thalassopetra, and fish taverns. Similar to Paliochori, the sand temperature here in some spots reaches up to 102 degrees Celsius. The beach is protected from the meltemi wind and has parking facilities.

Paliochori

A very popular and large beach surrounded by taverns and many small hotels. Access is easy, but there is congestion of cars. The beach stands out thanks to its impressive vertical cliffs with all shades of red and orange. In the center, it is organized, on the left (facing the water) it is free, and on the right is the renowned Sirocco.

The sand can be hot in various spots due to vapors (hot gases emitted into the sea and the slope). There are hot springs at 50 degrees Celsius, and the sand temperature in some spots reaches 101 degrees (which is why Sirocco cooks food in pots buried in the sand). The large beach bars Deep Blue and Aqua Loca operate with a nice ethnic style.

Provatas

A windless, bustling, sandy beach near Fyriplaka, with easy access and shallow waters, ideal for families. One section has umbrellas and sunbeds, along with the beach bar of the Golden Beach hotel. In the neighboring bay to the east, where the chapel of Agios Sostis is built, you will find more tranquility. Taverns such as Tarantella with a beautiful terrace and view, and Muses, known for fresh fish, operate here.

Thiafi

Located in the southeast, it has green waters, fine white and orange pebbles. Swimming here, you will taste the sulfur and admire the old sulfur mines that resemble a cinematic setting. Access is via dirt road and there are no facilities.

On the westcoast

Triades – Ammoudaraki – Ai Yiannis

These are the best beaches on the western side of the island and among the most beautiful in Milos. They are not organized. The three consecutive coves have sand with shades of yellow and wonderful cliffs displaying an impressive palette of colors (red, orange, pink, yellow, and others). Access is via a rough dirt road and then a path, so it is preferable to come by boat.

Sea Excursions

All the wonders created by volcanic activity on Milos will be revealed to you on a cruise along the coastline. You will see:

• Armenis: A cluster of lava rocks 3 meters high at the harbor entrance.
• Glaronisia: Opposite Papafragkas.
• Kalogries Cove: The sea cave of Sykia.
• Gerakas: With white perlite sand dunes.
• Famous Kleftiko: You will also admire the Cape Vani in the northwest, with its impressive old installations for manganese mining, accessible from the mainland.

You can go on a tourist boat or rent a sailing boat with a captain. Tourist boats depart from Adamantas. From Pollonia you will go to Polyaigos and Kimolos. Sometimes (depending on the weather), boats also depart from some southern beaches. Many organized excursion programs include meals or snacks.