Summer is winding down, as autumn arrives it's always a bittersweet time for me. The excitement of the summer months is my favorite, and after missing it due to Covid-19 in 2020, this season was even more exciting. I was lucky enough to travel for all three months to several different countries. It has been six years since I had been to Greece, I am so grateful to have made it back. It's not too early to start planning next summer, and when you put Greece on the table, because let's face it Greece is always an option, Milos should be right at the very top of your list.
Before Traveling to Greece
Before making your way to Greece be sure to check the official government websites with the latest updates on what is required before entering the island. Summer 2021 the following was required:
1. A negative PCR COVID-19 test is required within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country
2. After completing the COVID-19 test you are required to fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), you must do this the day before you flight, 24 hours before midnight in Greece - I ran into trouble here. If you flight is on the 3rd you need to complete your form before the 2nd (midnight in Greece), so if you are in Miami - like me, that means before 5:00 PM on the 2nd. To make it simple, as soon as you get your results fill out the form, https://travel.gov.gr/#/
3 Days in Milos
STAY
Milos is set up with two main "centers" of the island. Plaka - where we stayed, and Pollonia. Both are beautiful, Pollonia is much more populated with hotels, and while we drove to the north side of the island, I'm glad we were in Plaka. It's close to the port, Adamantas, and our Airbnb was just a 15 minute walk through the classic Greek streets into town.
Normally our Airbnb's have a meeting point at the address. We were met at the port and chose our car rental on the spot (details below). Our instructions were to call Sofia upon arrival, she told us to "drive up the hill and meet across from the parking lot". The three of us thought it was going to be really difficult to find, lucky for us Milos as an island is pretty straightforward.
Sofia welcomed us with wine, cherries, and a stunning view over the Aegean. The only downside to this apartment is that only the master room and living room had air conditioning, we arrived in the middle of a heatwave in Greece... The problem was solved by closing all the shutters and opening the doors to allow the main air conditioning pass through all of the rooms. Apart from that this Airbnb is lovely!
If you're going to Greece, especially on a romantic trip, you may want to opt for the hotel option, I don't blame you. The truth is that Milos still has very limited options for hotels, especially on the luxury scheme. Milos Breeze is becoming more beautiful every day, the road still isn't finished and this boutique hotel is growing more and more, it's definitely one to keep an eye on for any hotel trips now and in the future.
It was an early start in the Greek capital to make it to Piraeus where our ferry was waiting for us. The ferry was quick and seamless, before we knew it were in the middle of the Cylcades. Firsts thing first, in the 38°C (100°F) we needed a beer and some food in our bellies before all of us turned in hangry bears; that worked out perfectly because we had some time to kill while we waited for the car.
DAY 1
After checking in to the Airbnb it was a quick change before heading to our first beach, Firiplaka. None of us were thrilled with the beach at first, but it was nice to grab a drink. Our opinion changed we found the rocks we were going to jump off.
The local supermarket, though small, was very well stocked. All we needed were the essentials for our wine night.
Milos first got put on my radar when one of my favorite brands did a campaign in Sarakiniko. These rock formations look out of this world. Aside from the breathtaking views, when the sea is calm enough, they are perfect to jump off of and swim around. Today we were joined by my lovely friend Stephanie, who I should add does amazing retreats in Greece (button below), I was so pleased when my local friend suggested going to the place I had been dying to see as our main plan for the day.
We spent hours jumping into the water, climbing the rocks, the four of us looked like little kids exploring. I cannot recommend this area enough. It is a little bit of a walk from the parking area, if you or someone in your group has mobility issues, you'll need to make arrangements or sit this one out because it's not an easily accessible beach.
DAY 2
The four of us walked up through windy streets, saying kalispera to our temporary neighbors, who seemed happy to meet us. We arrived just in time for another marvelous sunset. An outdoor terrace was waiting for us, sipping on our cocktails we watched the sunset go down.
From there the maze like streets, that somehow seem to lead you to just where you need to be brought us to our favorite restaurants, Archontula. All the food here was amazing, especially the stuffed mushrooms, and the waiters where a joy.
You can't go to Greece and not do a sailing trip, no matter how cliche it may seem, it's a popular thing to do for a reason. We met at the port at 8:30 AM, we had to show proof of vaccination, those of us that hadn't been vaccinated had to show proof of a negative antigen test. It was easy to buy at the pharmacy the day before.
From there we made our way out to Kleftiko, passing Klima along with incredible rocks that shoot out of the water to get around the archipelago. Our captain, Elias, was the friendliest man, he was so excited to show us his island, the experience was incredibly enjoyable because of him and his crew. Our lunch was delicious, we relished in plenty of wine, ouzo, beers, along with soft drinks and snacks. It wasn't a private boat, but that can be requested. If you choose to go in the group, it was about 12 -15 people. The boat took us into different caves where we could jump in and swim, with water so clear you could see every pebble on the ground no matter the depth. On our way home Elias killed the motor and let the wind take us the rest of the way, we were visited by some dolphins who were played in the sailboat's waves, a truly perfect way to end the day.
DAY 3
DAY 4
Our last morning in Milos started with us trying to find a new place to grab a coffee. We headed over to Mandrakia, this beautiful little harbour on the north side of the island. Unfortunately, everything was closed until lunch, but I would definitely plan to go there for a meal, there is one restaurant at the waters edge with a perfect view.
The next part of the day was spent visiting a hotel, I do have to work sometimes...We grabbed lunch in Pollonia before stopping at a beach we had passed several times in the car called Pachaina. Of course, another rock to jump off of, another cave to swim through. You would think that I get bored of doing the same thing, evidently that's not the case.
In the afternoon we dropped of our local, Steph, at Milos Airport before heading back to Plaka for sunset drinks at the Utopia Cafe.
DAY 5
Time to catch the ferry and leave Milos. When island hopping around Greece, if the islands are in the same region, the ferry is the way to go. The bigger islands often have airports but rarely have flights inter-island, most of the time you have to go via Athens. Plus the view on the ferry is delightful. Sea Jets is the fast ferry, it's easiest to buy the tickets directly with them. I hope you enjoy Milos as much as I did, can't wait to come back!
