Just 52 miles from Santorini, it is one of the “best islands” in the world with over 70 beaches and remains relatively quiet compared to its popular neighbours. This treasure was first recognized by Travel + Leisure in 2021 as one of the “best islands in the world” but could fly slightly under the radar, even as time passed.
Santorini attracts around 3.4 million tourists each year, but even up to 17,000 people a day – the island saw less than half of that number in 2023. Even in 2025, Milos was called “the island of Greek islands” in international travel magazines, meaning that Milos actually forces you to slowly relax and sleep, sleep and get sleep as a swimming.
“Born over hundreds of thousands of years from earthquakes, tsunamis and undersea volcano eruptions, Milos was destined to open up a clear name for itself.
“But until the mid-2010s, the mineral-rich Greek island was nothing more than a summer hideaway for Doo-Aidedian couples.”
Milos, a small but beautifully formed island of Cycladic, has over 70 sand and pebbles beaches, considered “the best in the Aegean Sea.”
Sarakinico Beach is known for its otherworldly volcanic rock rock and small sandy beaches, but Kleftiko has a series of caves and sea arches that can be accessed by boat, and offers opportunities to swim and snorkeling in turquoise waters.
The volcanic past of Milos means that you can immerse yourself in natural hot springs such as Picropigis, or explore the caves and coves of Sicia and Kleftiko.
The capital, Plaka, is a typical photograph of Greece, with narrow cobblestone alleys running between whitewashed houses with flower-covered balconies. The castle in the old town also offers breathtaking views of the island's sunsets.
The colorful fishing villages of Kurima are also a must-see, with rows of blue, red and yellow houses originally used to protect the fishing boats lined up on the waterfront.
As the island's airport is domestic, Milos must reach a connecting flight from Athens or a ferry from the mainland.
