Milos Island in the Cyclades, Greece
Why Milos is the Best Choice for a Leisurely Greek Island Holiday
May 1, 2009
Milos is one of the many Greek Islands in the Cyclades group, which includes its more celebrated cousins, Mykonos and Santorini and Naxos. For the holiday-maker who wants to experience true Greek Island atmosphere and hospitality without the high prices, constant commercial pestering and Disneyland artificiality of the bigger tourist venues, then Milos is the answer.
How to Get to Milos
Milos is regularly served by ferries from Piraeus, at a cost of 50 Euros each way. The trip on the super-fast boats takes just 4 hours. There is also an airport on Milos. If the traveler can book ahead, flights from Athens on Olympic Airways are cheaper than the ferry. The flight takes 40 minutes.
Transport on Milos
The public buses from the port of Adamas concentrate mainly on Plaka the capital and the beach resort of Pollonia. Except for peak season, the service is very limited. For example, in late April, the last service to Plaka, just 4 km away, is at 3:30 pm. To dine in Plaka, the tourist must get a taxi…or hire a vehicle.
Similarly, many of Milos' beaches are inaccessible without private transport. Taxi fares are not outrageous (Adamas to Plaka 6.60 Euros), but the figure soon mounts if that is the chief source of transport.
Vehicle Hire on Milos
To overcome this problem, hire companies abound on Milos. It is possible to hire a small car from 27.50 Euro per day (off-season special deal), and motor bikes or quad runners (4 wheel bikes) are very popular.
Roads are OK, but narrow, windy, and apparently quite busy in peak season. Nevertheless, the visitor who wants the freedom to visit some of the spectacular swimming areas across the island really does need to hire. However, with Adamas or Pollonia as a base, there is plenty of swimming at the doorstep.
Accommodation on Milos
Accommodation is plentiful, but not luxurious. There is a good overall standard of cleanliness, comfort and facilities, but few places with pools or internet. The author has written an article specifically about accommodation on Milos. There is a link to it at the bottom of this article.
What Makes Milos Special?
In a nutshell, some of the problems described above stem from what makes Milos beautiful and different. It has not been over-developed as a tourist trap. The bus caters for local needs; the roads are dusty; drinking water is best purchased in bottles. Real people live here and try to make a living from the sea and the soil.
There is excellent accommodation, a number of great yet inexpensive restaurants specializing in local delicacies, some good bakeries, even a little night life (in peak season!). But touts won’t jump out from every doorway, rattling worry beads in your face and urging you to come inside. You won’t have to buy a drink at a café to earn a place on the beach.
What to do in Milos
Most visitors won’t look to do much more on Milos than drink in the atmosphere, watch the fishing boats unload their catch in the morning, wander along the waterfront or climb the barren hills for spectacular views.
The tourist board boasts proudly that there are more than 70 beaches on Milos, although the visitor needs to understand that any gap between two headlands where the water is accessible qualifies as a beach. That being said, there are so many swimming places on Milos that deserve to be visited for their sheer beauty alone. Many, such as Kleftiko, Fyriplaka and Sarakiniko, feature the most amazing rock formations and colours.
There are archaeological sites to visit, especially near the capital Plaka. These include an ancient amphitheatre, catacombs (presently closed for continuing work) and a ruined Venetian fort, the Kastro, on a hill overlooking the town. There are numerous pretty little traditional churches, and, of course, the famous white homes with blue doors and shutters.
Round the Island Cruise
This is a must-do experience. Several yachts offer the full day’s circumnavigation. The boats stay close in under the towering volcanic cliffs and the changing colours and shapes is a constant source of amazement.
In addition, the boat will stop in idyllic secluded beaches for swimming, take passengers off on a small lighter to go through sea caves at Kleftiko, and will usually prepare a light lunch on one of the pretty beaches. It is also possible to take a shorter trip for a few hours’ swimming in crystal clear water at one of the prime beaches.
For value for money and a sense of the real Greece, Milos wins hands down. For a run-down on accommodation options on Milos, see the author’s other Suite101 article.
 |
 |
