Paliochori is the Milos beach that reminds you most clearly that the island is a volcano. Below a rock face in bands of red, yellow and white, the sand and the shallows are heated from below by volcanic activity, so that on some patches the sand is too hot to stand on barefoot and the water near the shore can feel warm. The beach itself is long, with sand and small pebbles and a gentle entry into clear green and blue water that is excellent for snorkelling. It is also the most organised beach on the island, with sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach bar, tavernas and restaurants, water sports and parking. One taverna is famed for cooking food in the hot sand, and the ritual of unearthing a pot of slow-cooked meat or vegetables from beneath the beach has become part of the visit. Nearby, a smaller beach called Tourlos has a beach bar and a more relaxed mood. The beach lies about ten kilometres from Adamas on the south coast and is a standard stop on any tour of the southern shore. It suits families, couples and groups who want comfort as well as scenery, and it is lively without being loud.
Practicalities
The road is paved to the beach, and parking is available near the sunbed areas. The beach is south-facing and so often protected from the meltemi, which blows from the north, making it a good option on windy days when the north coast is rough. Sunbeds fill quickly in July and August, so arrive early or reserve through the beach bar.
Bring flip-flops, since the hot sand can burn bare feet, and use caution with children near the warm patches. The heat is natural and harmless in the usual swimming areas, but do not dig deep holes.
Snorkelling and water sports
The rock walls at each end of the beach have fish and sea life, and the clear water makes a mask and fins worth bringing. Operators rent kayaks, pedalos and other equipment and can arrange boat trips along the south coast. Several small coves and caves can be reached by kayak, and from the beach you can see the colours of the cliffs change through the day.
Eating
If you want to try food cooked in the volcanic sand, reserve in advance and allow plenty of time, since the dishes take hours to prepare, and ask about the vegetarian options. Other tavernas offer fish, salads and grills. Prices at an organised beach are higher than in villages, so check menus.
Paliochori combines well with Tsigrado and Firiplaka, which lie nearby, or with a South Coast Beaches cruise that shows the same coast from the sea. For families, the shallow water and facilities make this one of the easiest beach days on Milos, and for photographers the coloured cliffs are best in the late afternoon sun.
Visitors who prefer a quieter patch can walk along the shore away from the main sunbed area, where the sand is less crowded and the cliffs are closer. Early morning and the last hours of daylight are the best times for photographs of the cliffs, and for a swim before the beach fills, and it is worth noting that the heat of the sand is strongest in the middle of the day.
What to expect
The experience
A beach day on a long south-coast beach with sunbeds, a beach bar, tavernas and clear water, famous for its volcanically heated sand.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon; south-facing, so often a good option on windy north-wind days.
How long
A half day or longer.
Tips
Wear sandals for the hot sand, reserve a sand-cooked meal in advance and bring a mask for snorkelling.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers who want comfort, facilities and unusual scenery.
- Families
- Easy for families, with shallow water and amenities; take care near hot sand.
- Couples
- A sunset dinner at a beach taverna.
- Pair with
- Tsigrado, Firiplaka or a south-coast boat cruise.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Why is the sand warm?+
Milos is volcanic, and heat from below warms parts of the sand and shallows at Paliochori.
Are there sunbeds and food?+
Yes. There are sunbeds, a beach bar, tavernas and water sports. Reserve a sunbed in high season.
Can I try food cooked in the sand?+
A well-known taverna does this. Reserve ahead, because the dishes take hours.
Is it good when the wind is blowing?+
The south-facing beach is often sheltered from the north wind, but check conditions on the day.
How far is it from Adamas?+
About ten kilometres by road.