Greek Islands: Exploring Milos
The volcanic Milos is one of the most spectacular islands in the Cyclades due to its extraordinary rock formations, hot springs and white villages located on multi-colored cliffs. With the Minoans and the Mycenaeans, the island became rich thanks to the obsidian trade; but in the fourth century B.C. the Athenians brutally took it and colonized it. Continuously besieged by pirates, it was ruled by the Crispi dynasty during the Middle Ages and was claimed by the Turks in 1580. Minerals are today its main source of wealth, although tourism grows day by day.
This rugged island is dotted with volcanic remains and long stretches of beach. The vast bay of Melos, where the central crack of the volcano is located, is one of the best natural harbors in the Mediterranean and comprises some of the most interesting places in Milos.
To the west of Adamantas is the small beach of Lagkada and to the south, there is a succession of excellent beaches, including Chivadolimni, with a lake of turquoise waters behind it. On the south coast is the beautiful beach of Agia Kyriaki, near the town of Provatas.
At the northeast point of the island is Apollonia, a popular tourist center with a beach lined with trees. From here hydrotaxis leaves towards the island of Kimolos, so-called by the chalk (kimolia) that is extracted from it.
Little remains of ancient Phylakopi, southeast of Apollonia, which centuries ago was home to an important civilization. The walls of the Mycenaean city, the ruined houses and the burials can be distinguished; but a large part of the city lies at the bottom of the sea.
Sarakiniko is the most popular beach on the island of Milos. And you can easily tell why: its lunar landscapes and turquoise waters make it a unique beach in the world that gradually transports you to the moon.
From a distance, the beach seems much smaller than it is supposed to be. Although luckily that feeling is taking away as you get closer: once on the beach, when you are surrounded by that landscape of white rocks it is impossible not to be amazed.
Most tourists stay on the beach. But if you visit Sarakiniko don't just stay on the beach and dare to explore a little more. It has cliffs from which, if you dare, you can jump into the sea or simply appreciate the landscape. You will also find caves and caves among its turquoise waters. It is undoubtedly a paradise for photography.
Milos Geology
Due to its volcanic origin, Milos is rich in minerals and has spectacular rock formations. From Adamas, you can visit by boat the phantasmagoric lunar landscape of Sarakiniko, formed two or three million years ago, the lava formations known as “organ pipes” of Guelanisia (on the coasts of Philakopi) and the sulphurous waters of Papafragkas. Geothermal action has created abundant hot springs; in some cases, such as on the Mavra Gkremna cliffs, the sea can reach 100 degrees Celsius just 30 centimeters below the surface.
Plaka
4 km from the port of Adamas, on top of a cliff, Plaka is a pleasant amalgam of churches and white houses that extend to the Trypiti suburb, crowned by windmills. It is believed to occupy the site of the acropolis of ancient Milos, built by the Dorians between 1100 and 800 BC; destroyed by the Athenians and finally colonized by the Romans.
Discover Milos with this package to the most romantic Greek Islands!