Milos, is a nice volcanic island with spectacular geological and rock formations and super beaches. Milos’ port Adamas is located in the flooded interior of an old caldera and is one of the safest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
General Information
Milos is the most southerly island in the Western Cyclades. It is notable for its volcanic soil and for the rich deposits of minerals that lie beneath. It has a distinctive horseshoe shape.
The civilization of Milos is considered to be as ancient as that of Crete, and spans a period of at least 5,000 years.
Its fame spread throughout the civilized world thanks to the masterpiece of the Venus de Milo, a statue found buried on the island in the 19th century and now in the Louvre’s Museum in Paris – a plaster copy can be viewed at the island’s archeological museum.
Milos or Plaka, capital of the island today stands on a hillside overlooking the sea at the foot of the castle. It is a most attractive town, with architecture in the characteristic Cycladic style.
Among the most notable of its churches are those of Our Lady “Korfiotissa”, Our Lady “Thalassistra” and Our Lady “Messa Panagia”.
At the north-eastern extremity of Milos is the modern resort of Pollonia or Apollonia. Close by (3 km.) is Phylakope, the most important centre of population in Minoan times; the ancient city was built in three phases. Next to the archeological site is the spectacular Papafranga cave. The sea-cave called Kleftiko is at the south end of the island.
The extensive infrastructure for tourism of Milos, its clear waters and its fascinating monuments are helping to attract more and more visitors to the island.
The nearby islets of Antilmilos, Arkadies and Glaronissia are also of interest, each in its own way.
Sightseeing
In Plaka, Milos’ capital, there are quite a few things to see. You can visit the archaeological museum where various findings from the excavations on the island are displayed, as well as a copy of Aphrodite of Milos.
The Historical and Folklore Museum has a collection of folk artefacts, samples of the island’s minerals, photographs and historical documents of the greatest interest.
The church dedicated to the Virgin Mary has many icons and here you will also get a wonderful view. The Venetian Kastro is also worth a visit.
Just above Klima there is a big archaeological excavation site, and here you will see many ancient ruins, as well as the spot where Aphrodite of Milos was found.
The Christian catacombs from the 1st to 3rd century where about 2000 people were buried are definitely worth a visit.
In Milos’ harbour, Adamas, there is a mining museum, as well as an ecclesiastical museum.
Beaches
There are more than 50 different beaches on Milos Island, offering tourists all kinds of setting for a delightful swimming exeprience. Hivadolimni Beach is the longest beach of the island about 1 kilometre. The rest of the beaches are starting from North are Sarakiniko, Papafragas, Kapros, Pachena, Alogomantra, Konstantinos, Mitakas, Mantrakia, Firopotamos, Nerodafni, Lakida, Plathiena, Fourkovouni, Areti, Pollonia, Gourado and Filakopi. South beaches are Firiplaka, Paliochori, Provatas, Tsigrado, Agia Kyriaki, Psaravolada, Kleftiko, Gerontas, Gerakas, Agios Sostis, Mouchlioti, Katergo, Spathi, Firligos, Pialothiafes, Kalamos, Krotiraki, Psathi, Svoronou and Sakelari.Western beaches include Agios Ioannis, Cave of Sikia, Agathia, Triades and Ammoudaraki and Eastern beaches include Voudia, Thalassa, Paliorema, Tria Pagidia and Thiafes.In the Bay Area you may find Hivadolimni, Lagada, Papikinou, Fatourena, Klima, Skinopi and Patrikia. The North and South and the bay beaches are tourists attraction. The east beaches are very quiet and the west are also quiet and lonesome beaches.
Useful Information
How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22870
Municipal Offices: 21370, 21249
Police: 21378
Port Authority: 23360
Olympic Airways, Milos: 22380
Milos airport: 22381
Health Center: 22700, 22701, 21755
Archaeological Museum: 21620
Historical and Folklore Museum: 21292