Milos:

Mysterious, romantic, and strikingly photogenic, Milos resembles a floating geological park casted at the southwestern tip of the Cyclades. Carved out of volcanic stone and frozen lava, the island of Venus de Milo and of precious obsidian (the "gold of prehistoric times") is a special destination.

A Cycladic city with a centuries-old culture and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, a centre of trade for precious stones and pottery, a pirate haven, and the cradle of the most sought-after sailors of medieval Europe. An irresistible combination of wild landscapes and exotic beaches that promises moments of true tranquillity for nature lovers.

In the shadow of the Venetian castle, 220 meters above the sea, stands noble Plaka, the capital of the island. Wander in the beautiful, cobbled streets with the characteristic Cycladic aesthetics, among whitewashed houses, churches, and elegant art shops.

Pass by the church of Panagia Korfiatissa (1810). Its courtyard, with its ornate mosaic of tombstones from the old city, is considered one of the most beautiful terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea. Visit the stunning Archaeological Museum for a unique trip to prehistoric Milos. In the outstanding Museum of Minerals, in Adamas, the mining history of the island comes alive through the impressive rocks and multimedia presentations.

The traditional settlements of Milos are postcard-perfect. Picturesque Trypiti, with its signature white windmills, spreads out amphitheatrically on porous volcanic rock. The village is famous for its excellent views and the nearby early Christian Catacombs, an imposing underground cemetery of the early Christian centuries (late 2^nd century AD).

Next stop, the settlement of Klima, a scenic fishing village recognised for its famous "syrmata", the cave houses with colourful wooden doors on the ground floor, where the fishing boats were kept (an architectural feature unique to Milos and Kimolos).

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Milos in prehistoric Phylakopi (3000 - 1100 BC) and the ancient town of Klima that flourished from 1100 BC to Roman times. Take a walk in the exquisite Roman theatre made of all-white Parian marble and wonderful reliefs, built on the base of an older theatre of the Hellenistic era (3^rd century BC). Do not miss the Sulphur Mines, in Paliorema bay, the old sulphur extraction quarry (1890-1956) and its abandoned facilities. This rare post-industrial attraction overlooks an incredible beach with coloured pebbles and crystal-clear waters. In the picturesque fishing village of Apollonia (Pollonia) you will enjoy fresh seafood overlooking neighbouring Kimolos.

In Milos you will find one of the most distinctive local cuisines of Greece. The island’s intense gastronomic culture comes from the osmosis of Cycladic tradition and Venetian and Cretan gastronomy.

Try the local products such as Milos’ thyme honey or heather honey, the aromatic capers and of course the beltes or domatozoumi (tomato paste or tomato juice) made of local sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a favourite snack for children and adults, spread on slices of bread called skizes.

Taste pitarakia (small pies with dry ladotyri cheese), ladenia (local pizza with tomato, onion and capers, originating from Kimolos) and sweet karpouzopita (watermelon pie) made of flour, honey and watermelon flesh). 

The great cheese-making tradition of Milos has produced fine delicacies such as the spicy hard cheese of Milos with parmesan aroma, known as mileiko, the skotiri (semi-cream cheese), the semi-hard melichloro. Enjoy with local raki in the traditional cafes of the villages or in the restaurants of Milos along with other fine dishes, such as skotyrokolokytha (fried zucchini with skotiri cheese), tsirakia (sun-dried small fish on the grill), seashells (kochylakia) with olive oil and lemon dressing) and saliakous (snail stew). Also, flaounes (local spinach pie with wild greens, spinach, rice and raisins), skordolazana, the handmade lasagna with "aliada" (garlic sauce made of flour and water) and local tomato paste), rooster in tomato sauce (kokkinisto) or wine sauce (krasato), savoro (fried fish with vinegar, oil, rosemary and garlic), voidoglossa (fried wild greens), cod in tomato sauce with ditalli pasta, goat in tomato sauce cooked in a pot.

Do not leave Milos without trying the famous "koufeto" of Milos (traditional spoon sweet made of white pumpkin, honey and almonds). Pass by Paliochori to try dishes cooked in hot sand, using the natural geothermal energy of this land.

The beaches of Milos are captivating: sceneries of natural beauty, an explosion of colours in an epic volcanic setting. Several of the island’s beaches have been featured in some of the largest travel magazines and international campaigns of iconic fashion houses.

The famous Sarakiniko, a lunar landscape of white flat rocks that reach down into the sea. The natural pools of Papafragas.  The enchanting Tsigrado. The vast beaches of Paliochori and Fyriplaka with the imposing vertical rocks and turquoise waters. The superb sandy beach of Plathiena overlooking the islets of Akradies, Arkoudes and Mandrakia. The alluring landscape of Kleftiko, the "Meteora of the Seas", a magnificent sculptural composition of towering grey-white rocks and pirate caves that you can only discover by boat. The emerald cave of Sykia. The incredible colours of the rocks and pebbles in Kastanas. The Glaronisia.  

Milos is a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts. In Achivadolimni you can take windsurfing and kite-surfing lessons. Also, the circumnavigation of the island is a unique experience. Discover Vani, a conical rock formation, and Glaronisia, magnificent volcanic basalt formations. Both locations are popular climbing fields. Enjoy sea kayak rides through the sea caves.

Milos’ traditional festivals have a special place in the cultural agenda of the locals. Do not miss the feast of Agia Paraskevi in Apollonia (June 26), one of the biggest festivals on the island, with traditional dancing, island music with violins, local delicacies, and plenty of local wine. Also, the feast of the Holy Trinity in Adamas, 50 days after Easter. On the 15^th of August, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in Adamas.

Get to know the geological history of the island through organized walks held by the Mining Museum of Milos.