Where to Stay in Milos Island, Greece

Also known as the ‘island of colors’, Milos is one of Greece’s 227 inhabited isles. Located in the Aegean Sea, between Athens and the island of Crete, Milos is only small in size, stretching roughly 160 square kilometers. But, don’t let this fool you as this island truly packs a punch for visitors looking to experience island life at its best. 

Milos island has been blessed with a variety of beautiful coastal landscapes, boasting peaceful bays, bright white shorelines, and glistening turquoise waters. In contrast, its vibrant and striking inland landscapes are the home of vivid rock formations and volcanic regions, creating a diverse scenic environment. 

When it comes to its settlements, Milos radiates traditional Greek charm, which has been preserved thanks to the island being a lesser-visited spot compared to its neighbors. Its lovable villages and towns are brimming with the quintessential characteristics of Greek settlements, including white-washed homes and buildings, old cobblestone streets, and ocean-blue accents. 

So, for those looking to discover a more tranquil and traditional greek location, and for beach dwellers who are in search of sampling some of the best of Greece’s sandy havens, Milos is without a doubt worthy of a visit. 

And when it comes to where there is to stay on Milos, there are plenty of options. Despite the island being small, there are several areas each with its own delights and unique beauty that will leave you in a state of disbelief at how picturesque this Greek isle is. 

That’s why, in this blog post, we’ve highlighted some of the best places to stay in Milos so that you can pick and choose the best locations for your Greek island vacation experience. So, keep reading to discover exactly what this breathtaking island has to offer!

Adamas Milos is a thriving destination in the northern part of the island that remains popular amongst tourists and locals alike. For those visiting the island for the first time, we would highly recommend considering Adamas as a location to base yourself from when deciding where to stay in Milos. 

The town has developed its reputation for its breathtaking harbor and for being home to some of the best beaches in Milos. Its main beach, known as Adamas beach, is the most popular on the island, lying only a short walking distance from the town and its port. It is a thin stretch of golden sandy shoreline met by crystal clear waters, offering a tranquil setting for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can even try their hand at water sports activities, including paddleboarding and kayaking, whilst here. 

To take in Adamas’ atmosphere, we’d recommend strolling along its main harbor, where you can indulge in lovely views of the docked yachts and fishing boats bobbing with the waves. Here, you can also stop for a drink or bite to each in any of the delectable taverns, bars, cafes, and restaurants to watch the world go by and soak in the gorgeous scenery. 

One of Adamas’ most charming characteristics is its traditional and colorful fishing huts that line its water’s edge, known as Syrmata. Nowadays, they are used as holiday homes, but they were once crucial storage spaces for fishermen to leave their equipment and boats. 

And should you be planning on getting to Milos by ferry or boat, Adamas is home to the main Milos port, so it’s ideally situated for those making their journey to the island via this mode of transportation. This Milos town also has great transport links to other settlements, meaning getting around the island is easy for visitors to explore more of what it has in store.

Situated in the southwest of the island, Tripiti Milos is an idyllic settlement in Milos, Greece known for its rich history and fantastic Greek traditional architecture. 

It is one of the best places to stay in Milos for those looking for a more authentic experience during a vacation here, offering ample opportunities to discover the heritage and culture of this lovely Greek island. 

Tripiti is filled with Cycladic-style buildings and houses, embodying a quintessential Greek island settlement. As you walk through its cobblestone streets, you can gaze upon the white-washed houses with bright blue details on their doors and windows, which are truly picturesque. 

And when it comes to showcasing the island’s rich history and heritage, Tripiti is home to a number of historic attractions that leave its visitors in awe, one of which is the Catacombs of Milos. Dating back to the 1st century AD, this maze of underground tombs is an important early Christian site. For those who would consider themselves to be history buffs, it offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the settlement and island and its evolution over thousands of years. 

Similarly, history lovers will be fascinated by the Ancient Theatre of Milos. Another historical landmark in Greece, it faces the island’s southside and is nestled on a hill offering a lovely vantage point to view the surrounding landscape. It dates back to the Hellenistic period in the 3rd century BC and is carved into the natural rock formations of the coastal landscape. It’s without a doubt that Tripiti is the best place to stay in Milos for lovers of all things historical, therefore.

Located in the northeast, Pollonia Milos is a quaint fishing village that is one of the best places to stay on the island for those in search of a tranquil and relaxed getaway immersed in natural beauty. 

Pollonia is best known for the calm beaches that surround its small settlement. Its main beach is a tiny curved bay boasting bright turquoise waters with colorful boats anchored beside its shoreline. This is the ideal spot for a relaxed beach day out, where visitors can paddle, swim, and sunbathe in peace and tranquility. 

Thanks to its prime seafront location, Pollonia has also become well-known for its delicious seafood served in its local restaurants and eateries. The catches of the day are brought in by local fishermen fresh, including sardines, octopus, and squid. Patrons of any of the village’s local establishments can tuck into delicious traditional dishes where this seafood takes center stage.

Pollonia’s simplicity, good food, and breathtaking coastal settings mean it ranks high on our list of where to stay on Milos island. If you’re in search of a peaceful place to reside where you can simply watch the world go by and relax amidst scenic beaches in Milos and dine on delicious seafood, this is the destination for you.

Plaka Milos perfectly encapsulates the vibrant nightlife scene that Greece is known to offer, alongside beautiful architecture and cultural sites. The settlement is the capital and chief town of Milos, located inland on the Northern tip of the island.

Built atop a hill, visitors to the town can expect exceptional surrounding views stretching across the Aegean Sea and the craggy coastal and inland landscapes of Milos island. Much like Hora is to Mykonos or Heraklion is to Crete, Plaka is the hive and center of all activity on Milos, just on a smaller scale than its Greek island counterparts. 

Plaka’s streets are lined with bars which, come nightfall, glow beneath the dark night sky and play lounge music until the early hours. Whilst Milos may not have developed a reputation for its nightlife scene, Plaka is known to be the best place to stay in Milos for those who want to experience Greece’s nightlife. There are ample establishments throughout its quaint cobblestone streets where you can grab a drink and revel in a more lively atmosphere. 

We would say that Plaka is one of the best places to stay in Greece for couples who want to experience a more relaxed, island setting whilst also still enjoying the nightlife on offer. Plaka is known for having multiple spots where you can grab a cocktail and sight some breathtaking sunsets, perfect for a romantic moment with your significant other. 

Alongside its nightlife scene, Plaka is home to a range of cultural attractions, including its Archaeological Museum which features prehistoric and classical artifacts alongside ancient jewelry and pottery from the island. Its Venetian Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, is also a must-visit, offering a chance to indulge in the settlement’s history and see some of the best views of neighboring islands.

Located on the northern curve of the island, Sarakiniko is an area that surrounds one of the most iconic Milos and Greek beaches, Sarakiniko beach.

This beach is one of the island’s most famed and favorite hotspots. Shaped by volcanic activity, its natural beauty is unmatched due to its huge rock formations that cascade and border the bright Aegean Sea. 

Thousands of tourists flock annually to Sarakiniko beach given its uniqueness, beautiful sandy shorelines, and fantastic photo opportunities.

Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the nooks and crannies of these towering geological formations of sand and white-toned rock, which is exactly why we’ve recommended it as one of the places to stay in Milos. The beach gives its visitors the impression that they’re almost walking on the moon, creating an entirely otherworldly atmosphere, unlike any other coastal scape in the world. 

If you’re looking to snap some unforgettable moments, Sarakiniko is the place for you. The beach has ample space to swim amongst its volcanic formations and discover hidden coves, have a picnic, or even take a guided tour to better understand the geology and history of the area.

Mandrakia Milos is another small fishing village situated on Milos’ northern coast. It is a prime example of simple, quintessential Greek living, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and showcasing traditional architecture. 

The atmosphere of Mandrakia is peaceful, so, if it’s critical that your chosen Milos locations have an air of calmness and relaxation, Mandrakia should be placed high on your list. 

Everything about this settlement shows what real Greek island life is like, from its laid-back attitude to its white-washed homes. It’s the perfect location to switch off from whatever may be happening in your life and have a moment to reflect, allowing every worry or thought to simply melt away. 

As you explore Mandrakia, you’ll walk amongst its picturesque white houses that are built into the craggy shoreline of the settlement. You can also stroll along its small pebblestone beach, which is a lovely haven where you can sunbathe and swim whilst you admire the contrasting blue Aegean waters lapping beside the white-washed buildings. 

There are also colorful fishing huts alongside its rocky bay, which surround its beautiful lagoon offering a picturesque place to sit and paddle, and a prime photo-taking spot. The idyllic settlement is within close proximity of some of north Milos’ most popular locations, including the likes of Klima and Plaka, making it a picturesque and well-located place to stay on the island of Milos.