Top Things to See and Do in Milos Island, Greece

There are no cars in Plaka, Milos’s capital – only mopeds and motorbikes zipping around its narrow, paved alleyways. When you think of a traditional Cycladic town with white- and blue-painted buildings, pink flowers spilling over walls, views of the sparkling sea, Plaka sums it up. Pop into the churches of Ypapanti of Christ – or Panagia Thalassitra – and Panagia Korfiatissa, before visiting the imposing Venetian castle, which dates back to the 13th century.

Grab a sun lounger beneath a thatched umbrella at Firopotamos – on the northeast side of the island – for a typically Greek day at the beach. The cluster of fishing houses leads around a sweeping headland all the way to the blue-and-white Orthodox church of Saint Nikolaos at its tip. Stretching out before you is the brilliantly blue Aegean Sea, hugged by the white bay. Bring your swimming shoes so you can enjoy a paddle on the rocky sea bed.

Billed as the most colourful fishing village in Greece, Klima is formed of fisherman houses known as syrmatas, which all have painted verandas so that the fishermen could easily recognise them in all kinds of weather. The ground floor of each house serves as a boathouse and kitchen and the living space is up on the first floor. These days, it’s more of a tourist attraction than a real neighbourhood, but locals flock here to dine at its restaurant, Astakas – which serves excellent seafood with a harbour view.

It might not have a beach to rival Firopotamos, but the fishing village of Mandrakia has plenty of rustic charm. There are also fewer tourists, so it’s the place to come for a stroll if you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic ambience. Brightly painted storehouses and bobbing boats contrast against the sapphire-coloured sea and mini flights of steps lead up the pier to Zoodohos Pigi church. Grab lunch at Medusa – just a five-minute walk away – best-known for its barbecue octopus.

When you want to strip away the seaside bells and whistles and enjoy a quiet swim, Paralia Aghios Sotis is the place to go. There are few facilities at this little bay – you won’t find any sun umbrellas or loungers – but the water is shallow and clear, making it perfect for wading out. Plus, it’s not devoid of places to eat: above the beach is Tarantella restaurant, which has a wide veranda and a traditional Greek menu.

Pollonia is a sleepy fishing village with a small population for most of the year – but every summer it bursts to life with tavernas, bars and some of the island’s coolest hotels that lay out beanbags and hammocks on the sandy beach for its visitors. If you’re not staying in Pollonia, at least stop off to dine at the Gialos Restaurant – the only proper steakhouse on Milos – and ask for a waterfront table when you book.