Milos is located in the northwestern Cyclades, 86 nautical miles from Piraeus and roughly midway between Piraeus and Crete. The island has an area of 151 square kilometers and is the fifth largest island in the group, with a 125-kilometer coastline. Its location is 36ο 44' 35'' N and 24ο 25' 28'' east (Plaka). Though considered a low island, its highest peak - Profitis Ilias - rises to 751 meters; a second peak, Hondro Vouno reaches 636 meters, but the rest of its hills and mountains do not top 400 meters.

Adamantas, a broad natural harbor and one of the largest in the Mediterranean, has played a major role in the island's history and economy, in concert with Milos's mineral wealth. There are daily ferry links between Piraeus and Milos; non-stop, the journey by conventional ferry takes about 5 hours, reaching over 7 when the route includes stops at other islands (Kithnos, Serifos, Sifnos, and Kimolos). In the summer there are three to four weekly sailings from Milos to Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros, Santorini, Crete, and the eastern Cyclades.   

Milos has an airport, with daily flights to Athens. Routes are more frequent in the summer months (May through October) than during the winter. Flight time is 30 minutes; the airport is 4.5 kilometers from the port, Adamantas.

The island has a good road network, whose trunk is extended by good dirt roads and tracks. Buses reach all main destinations, with frequent routes from Adamantas to most settlements and beaches. There is a taxi station at Adamantas.  

Milos has a population of 5,000, which swells in the summer months. Most settlements are concentrated in the north around eight main villages: the capital Plaka, Plakes, Triovasalos, Pera Triovasalos, Trypiti, Pollonia, Zefyria, and Adamantas.

Milos is the seat of one of four eparchies of the Cyclades Prefecture; the eparchy includes Kimolos, Sifnos, and Serifos. Geologically, Milos is volcanic - as is Kimolos. It is barren, with sparse vegetation and no forests, streams, or cascades. Thanks to its unique geology, the island boasts 75 gorgeous beaches with pristine waters - some sand, some white, red, yellow or black shingle.