An overview of Milos

[by delfini]

I fell in love with Milos this year and can't promote it enough!
In general, Milos is a very pleasant, friendly, and affordable island. There are beautiful beaches surrounding the entire island. It's the kind of island you would definitely want to go to, to experience a quiet island culture. Although tourism is picking up, it hasn't reach the Mykonos-Paros level and hopefully, it won't.
The sunset from Plaka, up at the kastro is...unbelievable - better than Santorini is my opinion. We rented ATV's (4 x 4) and a moped and travelling back from Paliochori, we stopped and were in awe as we were heading toward Adamas... The sun and its colours filled the entire sky. I'm actually surprised that people haven't flocked to this island for the sunset (well, Santorini is also heavily marketed as "the" place to go to for the ultimate sunset experience.) I'm actually happy that Milos hasn't been completely "discovered" because I'm afraid it would lose it appeal or "innocence" as an island...the people are so friendly and aren't out to "get you for a quick buck" if you know what I mean. Very accommodating and happy people.
I believe the ferry ride from Pireaus is about 5 hours (I'm not 100 % sure since we arrived from Santorini.)
If you are planning to go to Greece next year or sometime soon, don't hesitate to go to Milos. It definitely doesn't have the "party" atmosphere of the other Cycladic islands (Mykonos, Paros, etc.) but the port is very vibrant with some great bars with great music, cafes, and restaurants (and wonderful, fresh, fish tavernas!)
We took a "round-the-island" boat tour which was nice because we swan in some beautiful turquoise-coloured waters (like Kleftiko). We stopped off in Kimolos, a small island to the east of Milos and that's where we felt ripped-off because food and drinks were pricey. I think we paid 6,50 euro for a crepe! Ridiculous, but I suppose that's the only way this island would make money.
Another must-do is going to the "Arethousa" chocolate pie cafe which is located on the road towards Plaka, on your left. You can't miss it! It was recommended to us by a local who happened to be travelling on the Flying Cat from Santorini. This delectable dessert was recently featured in an Athens magazine and all the desserts are soooo good!! Very fresh and delicious.

I highly recommend "Hotel Ostria" which is located in Adamas (the main port, to the right about 10 minutes when you enter the harbor.)
The hotel has been in operation since April, is brand new, and beautiful. They even have an elevator so that you don't have to drag your "valitses" (luggage) up several flights of stairs! http://www.milosvenus.gr/hotels/ostria/ostria.htm This is the website for the hotel. It is only in Greek, unfortunately, but you can still view the pictures.

If anyone else has been to Milos, please share your travel experiences and perhaps recommend restaurants, must-dos, etc. Sometimes, it's unfortunate when specific islands in Greece are constantly promoted and others, that have so much to offer in terms of "authentic" Greek experiences, are left out.

delfini

[by delfini]

whoa, sorry for the long essay. I had no idea it would take up so much space delfini

[by o_xenos]

Delfini, maybe I'll meet up with you next year on Milos! We could enjoy a frappedaki and discuss the delicate balance of promoting tourism to less-popular places while trying to protect the traditional environment that tourism ultimately destroys! LOL Seriously, good post - details are good.

[by Hank Freid]

Yes, I agree with you. To most people, the island of Milos is known as the place where the statue of Venus, now in the Louvre Museum in Paris, was discovered. It is only recently that tourism has noticed the beautiful beaches of this Cycladic island, its rocks and clear waters. So your information teasing to go there. It is good information about island of Milos. Ok i plan to island of Milos.

[by kamar]

Hello,
I'll go in Milos in September wowwww. Still I have to go there and already I love it.

Well, when I'll be back, I'll write about but...to be ready because my way to travel is different from the most of tourist I mean, I love to know the true face of the place, do descover the hidden places, where many tourists don't go

Also, I love nature so I think I'll have way to descover many thing, like, Monk Seal oh yes...I'll go in Kimolos to, looking for it, in respect of nature

[by Thomas Steve]

We start with the beaches of the Cyclades Islands, the Red Sand Beach in Santorini Island being the most unique out of my selections. Red lava cliffs, black and red sand, it almost sounds like a picture from Mars. However, it couldn't be more different. The cliffs dive into the shoreline below which is met by the clear blue sea.