Greece - Part 4: Milos

Milos

Each island more beautiful than the last.  Our stay in Milos was far too short.  After a much smaller ferry ride on much rougher seas, we arrived about 2 hours after we'd left Paros.  We picked up our car from the port from Avance Rental Car and headed to Pollonia to meet our host, Steilos at Unique Milos Suites.  

Private Beach at Unique Milos Suites

We booked this directly through their website as booking.com kept surge pricing me each time I looked. Steilos was the most gracious host and the place was amazingly beautiful.  The suite itself was spacious, airy, and bright.  It had two porches, one in the back and one in front, a shower that had a cutout to view the ocean while showering, and its own private section of beach across the little street.  Each of the three suites at Unique Milos had a small dedicated section of beach with two large bean chairs, two small, and two loungers under a large tree.  Steilos also stocked the suite each day with fresh fruits and breads and treats as well as clean towels.

After checking in it was quite late so we quickly headed down the road to Yialos for dinner.  Max and I split the lamb which was sous vide to 62 degC then grilled to perfection.  Jeremy and Jesse split the seafood pasta. 

Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakinko Beach

The next day we started our exploration with a stop at Sarakiniko Beach where we spent most of the morning.  The moonscape like features are so unique.  We walked around, swam in the inlet and 3 of us even jumped off the cliff.  The cliff jumping was interesting not for the jump itself (we did the small one), but for the swim out through the cave. We watched several people do this before going ourselves.  Timing was critical to wait for the lull in the wave to exit.  We watched many people not do this and get pounded to the rocks upon exit.

 

Fishing Village (Firopotamos or Mandrakia)

Octopus sun drying on the line

Next we headed to a few small fishing villages to wander around.  We started with Kilma (near Trypiti), where we had lunch, then explored Firopotamos, and Mandrakia.  Each is only a short drive and maybe 15-20 minutes of viewing, but they are worth the stop.

We then explored around the capital of Plaka (this you can skip) and walked around the port town of Adamas.  Finally we headed back toward home for the late afternoon so we could enjoy the beach and suite where we were staying. 

Sundried Grilled Octopus

For dinner we ate on the beach at Akrotiri where we enjoyed their famous grilled octopus and sausages.  (Note, when eating sun dried grilled octopus you must slice it very thin to enjoy it). 

Milos Sea Tours

The next day we headed out early to drive south for a small boat tour with Milos Sea Tours off the beach of Agia Kiriaki.  Here you have two options, drive the boat yourself or hire a captain for the half day (9-2).  When we booked I’d opted for a captain (skipper) and I’m so glad I did.  Alex was our captain and he was amazing.  If you don’t get a captain you can’t go into the tiny caves and Alex took us into all of them, even some that were crazy small.  He knew all the best and secret places.  I can’t describe in words the magic of how the water looks and changes when you enter a sea cave and the light refracts just right off the water.  It’s magical.  

Caves

Blue Water of Milos

Caves

Alex also took us to Klefitiko caves, and up to Sykia caves.  The waves were choppy heading north up to Skyia caves but the kids loved it. It may have been the highlight of the day. They had so much fun bouncing around on the small boat. Alex even did a few circles for them back in the calmer area and let them drive for a few minutes.  After a few hours we all got out and swam at Kleftiko and Fyriplaka beaches, both only accessible by boat. This adventure was one of the highlights, if not thee, highlight, of the trip to Greece and if you find yourself in Milos you must rent a small boat, get yourself a skipper, and I highly recommend Milos Sea Tours. (Note to bring water, food, and sunscreen, though they did also provide beer and waters and juices for us too).

Alogomandra (I think)

After hanging on the beach at Agia Kiriaki for a while we made our way back home with a quick stop at Papafragas for photos and Alogomandra.  Well Alogomandra was supposed to be quick, but Max saw a jumping spot and really wanted to jump in.  Jesse also thought it was cool and really wanted to go and not miss out on the experience.  So I went in with them and we swam through the channel and under rock bridges.  The water wasn’t so clear but Jesse was so proud of himself for going into the water and conquering his fears. 

After lounging on our beach back in Pollonia and taking some much needed showers we headed to Rafiki for dinner.  I had the seafood risotto which was so delicious and Jeremy had the Rafiki cocktail was also quite good. 

Our last morning in Greece and on Milos we decided to enjoy our suite and just relax at the beach.  Stelios was nice enough to give us a later checkout so we could stay till 12:30 before heading to the airport.  While we didn’t have time to Kimolos island on this trip, I can say for certain that we will be back to Milos.  

After a very interesting and short puddle jumper flight back Athens, it was on to Rome!  (Note for next time, flights operate on island time, so make sure connections have at least 2 hours or longer if traveling to another destination, expecially internationally)

On to Rome!