Milos is often said to have more than seventy beaches, and they are unusually varied: white volcanic rock, golden sand, red cliffs, pebbles in sheltered coves and bays that only a boat can reach. The best strategy is to match the beach to the wind and to what you want from the day.
Sarakiniko: the white moonscape
On the north coast, a short drive from Adamas, Sarakiniko is a landscape of smooth white volcanic rock with ramps, ledges and shallow caves, rather than sand. You swim from the rocks and the small inlet, and the contrast with the blue water is striking. There are no facilities, little shade and slippery rock, so wear sturdy shoes and be careful when the north wind raises waves. Go early or late for the best light.
Paliochori: volcanic sand and facilities
On the south coast, below cliffs of red, yellow and white, Paliochori has warm patches of sand heated from below, sunbeds, a beach bar, tavernas, water sports and parking. One taverna cooks food in the hot sand. It is the most organised beach on the island and a good choice for families and anyone who wants comfort and clear water for snorkelling.
Firiplaka and Provatas
Firiplaka is a long beach of fine sand and some pebbles with red volcanic cliffs behind, and it has sunbeds, a beach bar and water sports. Provatas, nearby, is known for tavernas and a lunch stop. They are easy to reach by road and make a good pair with Paliochori.
Tsigrado: the hidden cove
A short scramble down rocks, ropes and a ladder leads to a tiny golden cove between cliffs, with no facilities. It is quiet and dramatic, and rewarding for confident walkers and snorkellers, but unsuitable for small children or anyone with mobility problems. Go early or late.
Agia Kyriaki
A sheltered cove of white pebbly sand with emerald water on the south coast, with sunbeds, umbrellas, a taverna and some shade from trees at one end. It is the departure point for some south-coast boat trips and a good all-round beach.
Gerakas and the boat-only bays
Gerakas, a secluded, lunar-like bay with very clear water, is reached by boat from Agia Kyriaki. Kleftiko is boat-only too. Self-drive boats, south-coast cruises and sailing trips are the ways to see them.
Pollonia and the north-east
Pollonia has fine golden sand with natural shade from tamarisk trees, tavernas and shallow water, making it excellent for families. Plathiena, a small golden cove sheltered from the meltemi, offers a few sunbeds and a beach bar. Firopotamos has coarse sand and pebbles beside boat houses, with clear water for snorkelling. Alogomandra is a small, romantic cove with fine sand and a large cave for shade, but avoid it when the north wind blows, since waves can reach the cave.
Thiorichia
A beach below old mining buildings, with fine yellow sand and green and yellow rock, reached by a rough track of several kilometres or by boat. The setting is eerie and photogenic, and the road is the main hazard, so go with a guide or by boat and keep away from abandoned structures.
Choosing by wind
When the meltemi blows from the north, the south coast, with Paliochori, Firiplaka, Provatas and Agia Kyriaki, is usually sheltered, while Sarakiniko, Alogomandra and other north-facing spots can be rough. When the wind is calm, the north coast and the west are at their best. Check the forecast the evening before and be ready to switch sides of the island.
Choosing by mood
For comfort and facilities, pick Paliochori, Firiplaka or Pollonia. For photographs and drama, choose Sarakiniko, Tsigrado and Kleftiko. For quiet and families, choose Plathiena, Firopotamos or Agia Kyriaki. For adventure, rent a self-drive boat or join a south-coast cruise.
Beach etiquette and safety
Take rubbish with you, avoid jumping from rocks without checking the depth, keep away from cliff bases because of rockfall, carry water and shade where facilities are limited and respect rules about anchoring and protected areas. Bring sandals for hot sand at Paliochori and for rocky entries, and reef-friendly sun cream to protect the clear water.
A simple beach plan
Spend one early morning at Sarakiniko, one lazy day at Paliochori or Pollonia, one adventurous half-day at Tsigrado or on a south-coast boat, and keep a flexible day for wherever the wind is kindest. Carry a mask, water and a hat everywhere, because many of the best places have no shop or shade.