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| Milos |
| If there were beaches on the Moon |
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| The harbor of Adamas, in Milos. |
Milos is the southwesternmost island of the Cyclades, halfway between Piraeus and Crete. It is the fifth largest Cycladic island and a permanent population of 3.222. The bay of Milos is one of the largest natural harbors of the Mediterannean.
Milos is a volcanic island that emerged between 2.5 million and 500 thousand years ago. The result of a volcanic explosion, the island hosts a number of mineral springs and mining pits.
The south coast is laced with all kinds of sea caves and coves, that, according to legend, were used as hiding places by pirates in the middle ages. The island also boasts of impressive catacombs that were dug out in Klema in the early Christian era and are considered among the world's best.
During the Persian invasion of 480 BC, Milos was allied with Athens and fought against the Persians in the Battle of Salamis. During the Peloponesian War (431-404 BC) Milos was neutral and the Athenians, in 426 BC, sent a fleet of 60 warships and 2 thousand men, led by General Nikias, to force the island to line up with Athens.
The Athenians were not successful, but 10 years later, prompted by General Alciviades, the Athenians returned, laid a siege on the island for about 2 years and ended up killing all men and enslaving the women and children, as mentioned by Thucidides. The great tragedian Euripides, in a pointed attempt to condemn this act of brutality, wrote his famous play Trojan Women, which supposedly referred to the war on Troy but, in reality, was a metaphor for the plight of the Melians.
The fall of Greece to Rome, after 146 BC, brought peace and prosperity. This is when the Roman theater of Milos was built, which is still around and a major sight on the island. The Byzantine era was not a particularly good one for Milos, because the island suffered from years of pirate raids and plunder.
Milos came under Venetian rule after 1204 and the fall of Constantinople to the Fourth Crusade, and became one of the area's baronies. After that, its history is the history of the Cyclades and mainland Greece.
In the 20th century, Milos emerged as a mining center and attracted a number of domestic and foreign mining companies Among the valuable ores found on the island are perlite, caoline and bentonite, three basic industrial minerals that are essential for iron and steel processing and the production of cement.
In the last 15 years, the island is becoming more and more a tourist magnet every year, mainly because many of those who like to spend summers in the Aegean have discovered its incredible beaches. It would not be exaggerating to suggest that almost no one of Milos' 15-20 major beaches look like any one else. The island's rich geology has resulted in a string of stunning beaches, many of which are accessible only by boat. |
| The Highlights |
- The amazing volcanic beaches.
- The capital town, Plaka, a typical Aegean hamlet with great views.
- The island's landscapes that become spectacular at points, due to its geological composition.
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| We Recommend |
- Take a boat cruise around the island.
- Visit as many of the island's beaches as possible: they are each one different than the other and all beautiful.
- Try the local foods and delicacies at the taverns of Adamas and Plaka.
- See the sunset in Plaka and walk around its cobblestone streets.
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| We Do Not Recommend |
- Driving carelessly on the island's narrow dirt roads.
- Rent a motor bike, if you can have a car.
- Coming here without having made reservations.
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| Read our users' reviews... |
| Once is not enough |
If there were beaches on the moon, it would undoubtedly be Milos. An island that casts a spell over you with the wonderful sunset and its amazing beaches. Once is not enough; one definitely wants to come back. I recommend it unreservedly to all who wish to combine romance, adventure, crystal-clear sea, new experiences and good food.
Paraskevi Stratiki, Greece
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| You will have raised your standards so high... |
If you go to Milos, even once, you will have raised your standards so high, as far as quality of beaches and quality of hospitality, by the incredible locals, that every other island will be a let down. It is certain that, every year, you'll want to come back. I recommend going to Milos between 5 and 25 June, to enjoy it at its best.
Demetrios Tzanetakos, Greece
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| An island for lovers! |
Visiting once in not enough! Unbelievable, dreamy, fantastic beaches! An island for lovers, where you fall in love again and again. A very organized island, with easy access almost everywhere, without the need to own a means of transportation. You all have to visit and don't miss the boat tour around the island, it's magic!
Maria Sal, Greece
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| Useful Information |
| The country code for Greece is 0030 (from the US and Canada: 01130). |
| Tourist Info Office |
| In Adamas (22870 22445). |
| Police Station |
| The police station is in Plaka (22870 21878). |
| Hospital |
| The island's health center is in Adamas (22870 22700-1). |
| Pharmacy |
| There are pharmacies in Adamas (22870 22178) and in Plaka (22870 21405). |
| Port Authority |
| The harbormaster is in Adamas, on the quay (22870 22100). |
| Tourist Agency |
| Athena Travel (tel: 22870 21627 and 22870 23391, fax: 22870 21627, souli1@otenet.gr) is a full-service travel agency. |
| Car Rental |
| Kozzmozz (22870 28036) is one of a number of car rental agencies in Adamas. |
| Bank |
| All major Greek banks have branches in Milos: National Bank (22870 22077), Commercial Bank (22870 22263), Agricultural Bank (22870 22330) and Bank of Piraeus (22870 24053), either in Adamas or in Plaka. Business hours are 8 am to 2 pm. |
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