Milos with its unique horseshoe shape is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades group and one of the most popular travel destinations of international fame. It has unique natural beauties, rare morphology, the most hospitable inhabitants, fine golden beaches with clear waters, impressive marine caves, picturesque villages, and an excellent tourist infrastructure.
The capital of the island PLAKA, at the entrance to the bay of Milos, spreads around the slopes of a hill which is crowned by the ruins of a 13th c. Venetian castle.
On the left side, as we descend the path towards Plaka, is the remarkably beautiful church of the Circumcision of Christ or Thalassitra, which had been a very small old church until the end of the 18th c.
The capital is notable for its island architecture and its mild climate. The tourist infrastructures of Plaka are very good and satisfy all demands. Close to Plaka there are some small beaches.
There is an Archaeological Museum (tel. 22870 21620), housing finds from the excavations on the island, dating from various periods, as well as a plaster cast of the famous statue of the Aphrodite of Milos, the original of which is now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
There is also a Folklore Museum (tel. 22870 21292) which hosts beautiful folklore items and traditional tools.
The site of Ancient Milos is near the small fishing village of KLIMA, 2 kilometers south of Plaka. Excavations have brought to light part of a theater dating from the 3rd c. and remains of fortification. Near this theater, the famous statue of Aphrodite was found by chance, in 1820 by a farmer.
Another chance find in the same area – between Klima and Trypiti – twenty years after the discovery of the statue, brought to light the famous Catacombs of Milos, an important monument of Early Christian times. They were used by the Christians for worship, and also as burial places for their dead and a refuge from the persecution they suffered.
TRYPITI is a graphic traditional settlement next to Plaka with windmills and a panoramic view in the gulf of Adamas.
ADAMANTAS the harbor and the tourist center of the island is 4,5 kilometers from Plaka and 8 kilometers south of it lies the superb beach of Achivadolimni where there is a camping site providing all comforts. Its name is due to a small lake whose depth is full of conches.
Around the port of Adamantas there are numerous hotels, apartments and rooms to let, taverns, snack bars coffee shops, bars, clubs, travel agencies and public services.
In the region you will find two fine beaches accessible by foot: Lagada and Papakinos. Both beaches are shaded by tamarisk trees.
It is worth to visit the Mining Museum, the church of the Holy Trinity with its Ecclesiastical Museum, the small catholic church of Saint Nicholas and the largest church of the island of the Assumption of the Virgin which stands at the highest point.
Driving uphill from the port, we first come to TRIOVASSALOS, which is actually two villages merged into one, with considerable commercial development. There are two remarkable churches Agios Spyridonas in Triovassalos and Agios Georgios in Pera Triovassalos.
On the south-west of the island are two impressive grottoes: Sykia with a height of 5m and width of 20m. and Kleftiko. The existence of a wonderful beach inside the cave of Sykia is something unique! You can reach it with boats that tour around the island.
Kleftiko is the most impressive place on Milos with is a characteristic rock in the middle of the sea and a cave with two entries. You can reach Kleftiko by boats that tour around the island from Adamantas.
On the south part of the island and 7 kilometers from Adamantas is located PROVATAS with its magic beach. It has golden red sand and abrupt rocks with crystal shallow waters. Around the beach you will find coffee shops and taverns.
The medieval capital PALEOCHORA was built in the interior, south-east of Adamas.
The village ZEFYRIA is built on the same site.
The old Cathedral of Milos Virgin Mary of Portiani built in the 17th c. is worth seeing.
In the east of the island, near the sea are the sulphur mines, with the remote beaches of Paliochori and Agia Kyriaki further south. Agia Kyriaki is one of the most famous beaches of Milos with thick sand and white pebbles. It is offered for water sports.
Paliochori has 3 beaches but the intermediate is the biggest and the most popular.
Tsigarado is another magic beach in the southern of the island with white sand and crystal deep blue waters. Next to Tsirigado lies the exotic Firiplaka beach with silver sand and huge colored rocks.
The beautiful sea-side village of APOLLONIA (or Pollonia) is 12 kilometers east of Plaka.
White-washed houses line the coast and the church of Agia Paraskevi stands on a small peninsula. Due to its natural beauties and the antiquities, Apollonia has become a highly organized summer resort. In the area you will find hotels, apartments and rooms to let, taverns and coffee shops. There is a fine sandy beach with many sea trees and a nice view of the island of Kimolos.
3 kilometers to the west of Apollonia, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of ancient Fylakopi.
In the same spot, near the archaeological site, is located the cave of Papafraga, one of the most famous natural sites in the island.
In the west part of the island is the picturesque settlement of EMPORIOS, with a beautiful beach, reached by boat from Adamantas port.
NEARBY ISLANDS
ANTIMILOS and POLYAIGOS are considered of the most important biotopes of the European Union. Antimilos is located 13 nautical miles to the north-west of Milos. It is uninhabited but there are signs that show previous settlements on it. Its coastline is rocky and has one pebbled beach.
TRADITION – EVENTS
The Milos Festival takes place in Plaka during the summer months, offering a variety of cultural events and happenings.
On July 17, the Festival of Agia Marina takes place in Achivadolimni
On August 15, the popular Festival of the Virgin Mary is held in Adamas, including plenty of music and delicious local dishes.
The most important Milos event is the Festival of Agios Ioannis Theologos in Provatas on September 26, with dancing and a feast of tasty delicacies.
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