The Best Bars in Milos, Greece

Perched high above Adamantas port, the stone-paved outdoor terrace of Akri attracts sunset watchers, who are also there to enjoy its mixologists’ unique twists on classic sundowners such as the Aperol spritz, the negroni and the cosmopolitan. Once the sunset performance is over, hip guest DJs from all over Greece steal your attention, banging out chart-toppers to keep you on your feet until the wee hours.

The epic location – on Milos’ south coast, beneath red cliffs – is as much the draw here as the drinks. The bar terrace overlooks the white sand and calm, teal waters of Paleochori beach, while the friendly staff are primed to serve you an iced beverage or whip up a classic cocktail (the mojitos are a winner). At night, there are occasional guest DJs, whose house beats attract a lively crowd of local and international partygoers.

This is one of several establishments in Adamantas that looks over the yachting marina from a lofty location above the port. Aragosta is a refined restaurant by day and a mellow watering hole by night. Owner Kostas is happy to chat and pour you a chilled glass of Cycladic wine, and if you’re bored of classic cocktails, tell him your favourite spirits and flavours and he’ll whip you up an original creation.

Made homely by its congenial proprietor, this beachside cafe wears many hats. Great for a morning espresso, it’s equally popular for light lunches and sundowners, and offers an array of iced coffees and fresh fruit juices if you’re not in the mood for anything stronger. If you are, owner Merena can customise your cocktails, depending on your preferences. On some nights, DJ sets take over from the mellow lounge soundtrack.

On an island where finding the best sunset spot is a bona fide art form, this casual beach bar pulls ahead of the competition thanks to its privileged location overlooking a rugged, west-facing, white-sand bay north of Plaka. You’ll appreciate the ice-cold beers, the excellent selection of Greek nibbles and – unusually for this corner of Greece – the delicious non-alcoholic cocktails. Try the virgin watermelon mojito.

Perch on the eponymous, minimalist chrome deck at this Pollonia cafe-bar and gaze out at the marina, while friendly owners Stelios and Katarina will mix you one of their classic cocktails: a bronx or a margarita, perhaps, or a zombie with a twist. Their creations are distinguished by their use of fresh fruit juice and high-end spirits, while DECK’s daytime menu of speciality coffees and creative brunch dishes has won fans among locals and visitors alike.

Reservations are essential if you want to watch the sunset from this perennially popular cafe-bar in the hilltop village of Plaka, whether you pitch for the pergola-covered bar area or al fresco terrace. The drinks menu doesn’t stray from the classics, but there’s something special about making your way to this aptly named bar through the bougainvillea-fringed lanes and settling in to watch the natural light show, chilled drink in hand.

Sunset views are also a big draw at this dedicated cocktail bar, tucked away by Plaka’s whitewashed church. Mellow beats play while you sip a herbal mastika digestif, a Greek spritz or prosecco. Alternatively, opt for Verina’s signature drink – the secret recipe is jealously guarded, and we can only reveal that it involves gin and cardamom. Seats around the pocket-sized, pared-down interior and on the terrace are limited, so get here early or book ahead to be safe.