Milos boasts over 70 gorgeous beaches that captivate visitors thanks to their pale gold sand, shimmering turquoise waters, and multicolored reflections on a seabed laid with volcanic rock.
Sparkling, pristine waters and fine sand are the hallmark of Milos's coastline, making the island an ideal destination for beach-lovers who can choose to visit a different beach each day, with varied landscapes and shelter according to the wind's direction. In August, a period marked by strong northerly winds, the beaches along the island's southern shore are sheltered, while the western coast is sheltered from southerly gusts.
Milos's extensive road network offers access to most beaches, starting from the expansive harbor at Adamantas with the beaches at Papikinos and Ahivadolimni. Beaches on the northern coast are linked by road, which also extends to beaches on the southern coast as far as Ahivadolimni and Provatas. Access to more distant beaches is by good dirt road. Ayios Ioannis and Triades on the western coast can be reached by dirt roads, although access, especially in the early summer, is difficult by vehicles without four-wheel drive.
Milos's northern coast is formed by a sheer, rocky coast and the barren terrain resembles a lunar landscape. These beaches are not recommended for swimming when strong northerly winds are blowing. The main beaches on the northern shore are Sarakiniko, a small, somewhat remote cove; Mytakas, Alogomantra, Papafrangas, and Ayios Konstantinos are dotted with caves, rock formations that offer natural bridges, and snug patches of sand. These beaches are not organized, but the beauty of the landscape more than compensates the visitor for the lack of facilities.
Beaches on the eastern coast are accessible via Pollonia. Few offer facilities and most are pebble or shingle. In addition to those beaches accessible by road, there are a number of remote sand coves accessible by boat from Pollonia.
The western coast is the least accessible, but it's worth braving the rough tracks to enjoy the totally unspoilt landscape. Bathers should bring drinking waters because there are no shops or other facilities beyond Ahivadolimni. Beaches on the western shore includes the twin beaches at Ayios Ioannis, accessible only by boat; Triades, with its three sand coves; and the striking sea caves at Ammoudaraki.
Milos's southern coast is accessible by road and sheltered from the August meltemi gusts and northerly winds. These sand beaches offer a range of facilities. The most picturesque is Yerontas, with its dark-colored sand, pristine waters, and dreamy landscape. Ayia Kyriaki, a pretty beach with coarse sand and white pebbles about eight kilometers from Adamantas, offers a restaurant, beach bar, and water sports facilities. Other beaches include Paliohori and Provatas, a seaside village seven kilometers from Adamantas with golden sands, rocks, and shallow waters offers restaurants, cafes, fish tavernas, and accommodations. The beaches at Fyriplaka and Tsigrado may not offer tavernas but bathers will enjoy the grey-hued sands and unique landscape. Fyriplaka offers some facilities, and beach umbrellas and sun beds are also available at Portokali.