Milos is a perfect Greek isle with lots of beaches, extraordinary terrain with wonderful rock formations, beautiful coves, hot springs, villages with quaint little whitewashed houses, windmills and interesting history. This volcanic island is the westernmost island of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea.
Since ancient times this island has been quarried for its rich minerals and obsidian, and it has been aptly called “Nature’s geological lab”.
The port of Adamas offers a dramatic entrance to the island, and it is the safest natural port in the Aegean.
The View of Milos
A Little Bit of History
The island has been inhabited since the Myceneaen and Minoan periods, and was one among the earliest civilizations of the Cyclades Islands.
The island was formerly a Spartan colony, but remained neutral during the Peloponnesian War.
Milos did not join the Athenian league and was given the choice of paying tribute or being destroyed.
The people of Milos were destroyed by the Athenians in 416 BC, the men were massacred, and women and children were made slaves.
The island was re-colonized with 500 Athenians, but it was the beginning of the end of the Athenians as well.
In the 1st century AD the island became home to Christians who buried the dead in famous catacombs. After the fall of the Byzantines, Milos was captured by the Venetians.
In 1580, the Ottomans captured Milos, but during that time the island was dominated by pirates.
Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo)
After the Greek War of Independence, Milos was taken in by Greece and the navy got rid of the pirates.
In 1820, the famous 4th century BC statue of Aphrodite of Milos (that was renamed as Venus de Milo) was discovered at Milos by George Kentrotas.
Her great beauty was recognized by the French Consul, who bought her and gave her to Louis XVIII. The statue can be seen at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
It stands as a symbol of the civilization that flourished on Milos before centuries.
The port of Adamas was so important to the Germans during the World War II that they did not liberate it until the very end of the war.
The minerals and obsidian, a volcanic glass, have been the main source of trade in Milos, since ancient times.
People in Milos keep up their tradition alive by celebrating many local religious festivals and events.
The burning of Judas is made on Easter Sunday, and Christmas and Easter are celebrated with various events.
Where is Milos?
- 95 miles/ 153 km from Santorini, Greece
- 116.8 miles/ 188 km from Athens, Greece
- 43.1 miles/ 69.4 km from Apollonia, Greece
- 91.9 miles/ 148 km from Paros, Greece
- 129.2 miles/ 208 km from Mykonos, Greece
- 6 miles/ 9.7 km from Milos Airport, Greece
- 98.7 miles/ 159 km from Paros Airport, Greece
- 95.6 miles/ 154 km from Santorini Airport, Greece
- 129.8 miles/ 209 km from Mykonos Airport, Greece
Things to See
- Plaka
- Klima
- Christian Catacombs
- Ancient Theatre
- Phylakopi
- Papafrangos Cave
- The Church of Adamas
- Gerontas Cove
Beaches
- Sarakiniko Beach
- Paleohori Beach
- Mandrakia Beach
- Papikinou Beach
- Polonia Beaches
Excursions
- Boat Excursions
- Santorini
- Mykonos
Milos is a perfect holiday destination for the traveler who wants to experience Greece in all its natural beauty, without the disturbing crowds found in the popular Cyclades Islands.
It holds a special place in Greece’s history, and it will take you back in time with its way of life which has not changed for centuries.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
