My daughter and I will be visiting Milos and trying to decide best location for hotel. I want to snorkel, go to thermal hot springs, go on some boat trips and also explore - and, oh yes, try to relax in there also. My daughter loves beaches too.
Any suggestions appreciated! We don't need luxury accommodations and prefer more authentic experiences with some character.
thanks!
Here's my favorite comprehensive website on Milos. http://www.milos-island.gr/index.en.html To explore, you'll really need to rent a car ... bus system very sparse ... cars cheap (€35?). YOu don't say what the age of your daughter is. If she's 7, it's beach & bucket, if she's 17, cafes & nightlife more important! For nightlife, it's all in Adamas in June, but that's not the place for swims ... but with a car u can go anywhere. I stayed w. my friends in Pollonia, dozens of places right on or just off the beach, also has several tavernas, a bakery, a grocery etc. http://www.pollonia.com. We stayed at Capt. Stavros, there are many like i -- all are very straightforward, family-run places, not much english, great views. http://www.milos-island.gr/rooms-apartments/pollonia.html There are I think TWENTY-TWO beaches in Milos, BEACH MAP http://www.milos-island.gr/beaches/beaches.html Some have no amenities (sunbeds, food etc) Here's 1 of many guides to Beaches http://www.cycladia.com/best-beaches-greece/milos/?res_perpage=25
The boat trips around the island rim are full-circle or half-round; I favor the latter, from Adamas to Kleftiko & back -- more time to go ashore in several coves for swims, BBQ ... rubber raft trip thru natural arch/caves. There are big party boats in hi season; in June just small (6 pp) sailboats, one big catamaran (cap. 14); we took latter & loved it. The advantage is -- even if it's windy, the cat can go under sail, where small boats have to just motor. The boats line up in port before dinner, you "shop" and choose.
Do NOT miss the Mineral museum in Adamas ... yes, lots of minerals but main thing is color doc. about miners & mining (men & women) over past 100 years... interviews, stories, very moving. Memorable insight into a culture, a people.
Also the ancient ruins & the catacombs well worth a visit... and Plaka (the high town) , stunning views!
Have a wonderful time ... have been there 2x would welcome a re-visit-- TJ
Thanks for this great info!
My daughter is turning 25. She likes beaches. I love snorkeling and boats. We will rent a car for sure. My next decision is whether to ferry or fly from Athens to Milos. We will be taking a ferry from Milos to Santorini at the end of our trip as our flight is out of Santorini rather than Athens.
Dorris
I would say Fly, if you can get a flight at the time you like, not have to hang at the airport for more than 3 hours or so The trip by conventional ferry can be 7+ hours, and by the faster ferries, almost as expensive as flying (which is 50 mins max).
Thanks - looks like we can get a 530 flight!
We spent five days in Adamas in mid-Oct. It's a lovely waterfront town with an upscale harbor, lots of tavernas, shops, and other businesses. It's probably the best place to base oneself unless you rent a car. We stayed at a very fine accommodation at the end of the bay right across from the beach. We had it to ourselves . . . probably more people in June. So-so bus service in Oct., not sure about June, probably a little better. One part of the island I highly recommend visiting is the Tripiti/Klima area. Tripiti is a lovely hilltop village overlooking the Aegean. Just a short walk below are the ancient Catacombs and if you are up for it continue downhill to the fantastically colorful fishing village of Klima. Along the way there is an ancient ampitheater, the site where the Venus di Milo was found, some archeological remains here and there, and a pretty hilltop church with great views. I agree about the mining museum, very informative, moving and an insight of the old Greece. Milos is one of those Greek Islands that still hasn't seen over-the-top development and tourism like Santorini or Mykonos and is more authentic if you prefer that to nightlife and partying.
Thanks - this is really helpful advice! You reaffirmed the exact reason I chose Milos - along with the hot springs. Do you remember the name of your lodging? we are still planning this part. Not sure we need to reserve in advance, but feel it might be a good idea for mid June. We plan to rent a car to be able to explore fully as well.