Fyriplaka beach

Milos, the Island of Venus de Milo and stunning beaches

Milos is the most western island of the Greek Cyclades.
It is known for its colourful rock formations, interesting history, and the famous statue of Aphrodite of Milos as well.
The island is horse-shoe-shaped. Actually, in the middle, there is a large natural gulf, formed as a result of the volcanic eruption. And because of it, Milos is known as the „island of colours “.

 

How to get to the Milos Island

Milos is about 140 km from Athens. Actually, it is in the middle between Athens and Crete Island. During the summer, there are Olympic Air daily flights from Athens, which last about 35 minutes. Usually, tourists take daily ferries from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, and then go back home from Athens airport. The ferry trip takes about 4 to 7 hours, and the ticket costs €40 to €70, depending on the vessel and the route. And there are ferries from Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, as well. The ferry schedules you can check here.

The best way to explore the island is by car or motorbike, which you can take to rent-a-car agencies. Also, there is local public transportation, but the buses go to several towns-villages and a few beaches. The bus ticket is about 2.00 €. The main bus terminal is located in the centre of Adamas Port, close to the Portiani Hotel and taxi station. So you can take the taxis to visit beaches or villages, as well. Additionally, in the ports of Adamas and Pollonia, you can join the various sailing excursions.

 

Some information about Milos

About 6.000 inhabitants live in the area of approximately 160 km. The island is mostly mountainous, with many hills, but the highest peak is Prophets Ilias, 751m high. The climate is the mild Mediterranean, with a lot of sunshine during the year. Usually, the winter is mild with little rain. Between June to September, the dry, strong wind Meltemi blows all over the Aegean Sea. The wind is strongest during July and August. Sometimes it can be strong, and even high-speed ferries cannot depart the ports. The wind is good for sailing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing, but you have to check the weather conditions, especially if you are planning to rent a boat or yacht.

Since there is no mass tourism, you can find various types of accommodation, from cheap to boutique apartments and villas. Also, there are hotels, but there are no large resorts.

 

A few words about the history of the island


The history of Milos is going back to Neolithic times (7000-2800 BC).
During the Bronze Age (2800-1100 BC), Milos became the centre of the Cycladic civilization. The most important city was Phylakopi, located in the north of the island. Phylakopi was destroyed by Mycenaeans about 1400 BC, which built a new city with sanctuary. It is completely abandoned in 11 BC. And today it is possible to see the only wall remains of the former city.

Then, in 10 BC, the Dorians came and founded a settlement in the area of Klima, below today’s modern Plaka and Trypiti villages. During the Peloponnesian War, the inhabitants tried to remain neutral, but the Athenians captured them in 416 BC. After the war, the Spartans helped them to rebuild the city and during the Hellenistic Period, Milos became prosperous again under the rule of the Macedonians, the Antigonids, and the Egyptians.

From Romans until now

The Roman times were important for Milos because of the mineral trade. From this period, there is the marble amphitheatre of Milos below Trypiti. Also, there were catacombs made to protect Christian inhabitants in their religious ceremonies and places to bury their dead.

Plan of the ancient city of Melos

Plan of the ancient city of Melos

 

Then, after the decline of the Roman Empire, all the Cyclades including Milos became part of the Byzantine Empire. So, in 1204, the islands of the Aegean came under Venetian domination which lasted until the 16th century, when it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1566.

After the Greek Revolution for the liberation from Turkish rule, the island was united with the rest of Greece in 1830, together with other Cycladic islands. However, after World War II, many inhabitants left the island because of the hard living conditions. Fortunately, with tourism development in the last decades, Milos has become an interesting and desirable tourist destination.

 

The Mining History of Milos


Thanks to its volcanic origin, the mining history of Milos started 10.000 years ago, and it lasted until today. The Neolithic period was marked by obsidian, black stone, suitable for making weapons and tools. After that, the mining industry and trading developed by centuries with various minerals, such as sulfur, kaolin, alunite, pumice, trachyte, and the production of salt as well.  Otherwise, the modern mining period started in 1862, with the first mine concession, including the production of sulfur, kaolin, barite, bentonite, perlite, siliceous stones, and manganese. Today, Milos is the largest producer of bentonite and perlite in the European Union.

 

The sulfur mine Thiorychia

One of the remarkable reminders of the great mining history is the Thiorychia (Thiafes), the sulfur mine, located near the beach Paliorema, on the southeastern part of the island. The sulfur exploitation was started from the 5thc. B.C., when Milos was under the Athenian rule and continued also during the Ottoman Empire. However, systematic exploitation began in 1862 by independent contractors until 1928 when the company “Theiorychia of Milos” was founded. Since 1958, the USA exported large quantities of sulfur to global markets at low prices in 1958, the mine stopped production and has been abandoned. Even today, you can see the remains of industrial equipment, rail, office building, and workers’ rooms.

More about the mining history and geological formations you can find in the Milos Mining Museum (MMM), located in Adamas.

 

What to see and do on the Milos island

As I have mentioned before, Milos is known for the colourful rock formations that surround the remarkable beaches.
Swimming, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking make your vacation in Milos more interesting.
Also, it is famous for its antique history, mining production, and most of all, the sculpture of Venus de Milo, which today can be seen in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

And of course, you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and wines, and join local’ fests and events during July, August, and September.

 

The colourful beaches on the Milos island

In a word, Milos beaches are just wonderful. There are more than 70 beaches, sanded and pebbled, organized, and isolated, with crystal clear water. All around the island, you can see different shades of white, grey, black, yellow, red, brown, and violet colours of rocks that surround the beaches. They look unreal!

Take a look at some of the fascinating beaches.

Milos beaches

Amazing Milos beaches

 

  • Sarakiniko, the huge white rock, is known as “the moon beach” because it looks like you are walking on the Moon’s surface.
  • Paliochori, a sand-pebbled beach with amazing colourful rock formations and deep blue water.
  • Fyriplaka, an amazing sanded beach with stunning rocks and colourful pebbles.
  • Paliorema, an unusual beach with an abandoned sulfur mine and the remains of the mine’s construction next to it.
  • Tsigrado, a little bay, reached through the narrow rock passage, using the rope and ladders.
  • Kleftiko: it is not exactly a beach and it can be reached only by boat during excursions. It is a landmark of the island, with remarkable rocks and turquoise water.

👉🏖️You can read more about the wonderful Milos beaches here.

So one of the best ways to see the beauty of Milos is by an organized sailing excursion. If you have enough time, take this trip because sailing around the island is an unforgettable experience.

👉🏖️ And for more information about this adventure click here.

 

Adamas (Adamantas)

Adamas is the main port on the island, situated in a large and natural golf.

Milos island, Adamas port

The view of  Adamas port and city

 

Once it was a small village, founded by Crete refugees, but today it is the tourist centre on the island.

Milos island, Adamas port

The view of Adamas port

 

There you can find various types of accommodation, banks, post offices, doctors, and tourist agencies.

Adamas, port and city

The port and city of Adamas

 

And of course, there are taverns, cafes, and shops with souvenirs and various products.

Charming shops in Adamas, Milos Island

Charming shops in Adamas

 

As I have mentioned before, the main bus terminal is located in the centre, and dock with yachts and boats for sailing excursions. Next to the port, there is a small beach Lagada, and on the other side is the long and sandy beach Papakinou.
The peak of the season is July and August, but it is not as crowded as some Greek islands and places could be during the summer. Actually, Milos is perfect if you want a calm and interesting vacation, without all-night fun and parties.

 

A few interesting spots to visit:

◊ Old Church of the Holy Trinity: a small church close to the port.
Inside it, there is the Ecclesiastical Museum of Milos, with a holy icon of the 14th century.

♦ Church of Agios Haralambos: built in 1870, on the hill of Adamas, with a blue dome.

The Church of Agios Haralambos, Adamas

The Church of Agios Haralambos, Adamas

 

Milos Mining Museum: an interesting place with a lot of information about mining history and geological formations. And of course: the tavern O! Hamos, near Papikinou beach.
The menu is handwritten in several different languages! The local food is delicious, and they serve traditional Greek specialities from local products. And if you like, you can leave feedback written on the back of your chair 🙂

O Hamas restaurant, Milos

O Hamas restaurant, Milos

 

After a meal, they gave us a small white ball in a glass of water. The waiter explained to us that it was Mastiha, which is used as a breath freshener. My sister and I were delighted because we saw this natural resin with a specific flavour during our vacation on Chios Island a few years ago!
👉 For more information about the fantastic Mastiha, a unique product from Chios, click here.

Plaka (Plaka Milos)

Plaka is the capital of Milos, founded in 1800. It is located on the north of the island, looking at the blue Aegean Sea. It is a small place, with whitewashed houses, and blue-coloured doors and windows, typical for the Cycladic architecture.

Wanderlust Plaka alleys, Milos Island

Wanderlust Plaka alleys

 

The cars can’t enter the centre because of the narrow spaces between houses. It is pleasant walking the narrow cobblestone paved alleys looking for interesting taverns, cafés, and little shops with handmade art items and jewellery. And everything is surrounded by flowers and blue walls.

Plaka, whitewashed houses, charming taverns and interesting shop

Plaka, whitewashed houses, charming taverns and interesting shop

 

Going around we saw a beautiful whitewashed church, Panagia Korfiatissa, built in 1820.

Panagia Korphiatissa in Plaka, Milos island

Panagia Korphiatissa in Plaka, Milos island

 

From the church courtyard, there is an amazing view of a blue sea and neighbouring islets.

A beautiful view of the blue Aegean Sea, Plaka, Milos Island

A beautiful view of the blue Aegean Sea

 

And then we saw the remains of the Catholic Church of Rosario – Monastiraki Rosario, built by the French Vice-Consul Louis Brest. In 1820, he helped in the negotiations about transport and selling the statue of the Venus of Milo to France. His wife Catherine was buried in the church courtyard in 1823.

Catholic Church , the tomb of the French Vice-Consul Louis Brest's wife

Remains of the Catholic Church and the tomb of the French Vice-Consul Louis Brest’s wife

 

Plaka Castro

Actually, Plaka is developed around the Venetian Castro, dating back to the 13th century. It is located at the highest point of Plaka and once it was a refuge from pirate attacks. To get to the top, you have to go to the steep blue-white footpath between the houses.

Walking around, the path to Castro Plaka

Walking around, the path to Castro Plaka

 

So when you get there, you can enjoy the amazing view of the blue sea, Plaka, and the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa,  Also, on the way to the top, there is Panagia Skiniotissa church (known as Mesa Panagia) and the church Panagia Talasistra, from 19th century.

A panoramic view of the island from the Castro, Plaka

A panoramic view of the island from the Castro, Plaka

 

And the sunset from his place is simply unbreathing.

Sunset from Plaka, Milos Island

Sunset from Plaka

 

So, if you have enough time, visit the Folk Museum and the Archaeological Museum, as well.

 

Archaeological Museum of Milos

The Museum is located in a small Neoclassical building from 1870.

Plaka, the Archaeological Museum of Milos

Plaka, the Archaeological Museum of Milos

 

It was opened to the public in 1985 and contains the antiquities discovered during excavations on the island.

The Archaeological Museum of Milos

The Archaeological Museum of Milos

 

Even though the museum is small you can see the Prehistoric Collection from the Bronze Age settlement of Phylakope and the Obsidian collection. Also, there are sculptures, pottery, and various inscriptions.

The Archaeological Museum of Milos

Pottery, the Archaeological Museum of Milos

 

But the most important part is the plaster replica of the Aphrodite of Milos – Venus de Milo.
It is the first thing when you enter the Museum.

 

Venus de Milo

So, let’s remind us a little about Greek mythology.
Aphrodite was an ancient Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty, like Venus by the Romans.

It is supposed that the statue was created about 100 BC, by Greek sculptor Alexandros of Antioch.
This marble sculpture is 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) high.

Statue of the Venus de Milo or Aphrodite, Archaeological Museum of Milos

Statue of the Venus de Milo or Aphrodite, Archaeological Museum of Milos

 

In 1820, a young farmer Yorgos Kentrotas found it by the case in the field near Trypiti. It was buried in a wall within the ruins of the ancient city of Milos. There were two pieces: the upper torso, and the legs, covered in drapery. So, a French naval officer Olivier Voutier from the French fleet helped him in the discovery. Then, he informed about it Louis Brest, the French Vice-Consul on Milos.

After a lot of negotiations, the statue was bought in the name of Marquis de Riviere, the French Consul to the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople. He presented it to French King Louis XVIII in 1821 in Paris, who donated it to the Louvre Museum. And even today, after 200 years, Venus de Milo is still there, attracting the attention of the visitors.

During the excavation, a few sculptural fragments of the separate left arm holding an apple, jewellery, and an inscribed plinth with the name of the sculptor were found. But they lost after discovering.

“Take Aphrodite home”

A few years ago, the inhabitants of Milos started a campaign “Take Aphrodite home”, dedicated to coming back the statue to Milos, to her home on Milos Island. It is still wondering was she bought or stolen because, in that period, Milos was under Ottoman rule. But the Venus de Milo has not come home yet. For more information about this project click here.

 

Trypiti village

At walking distance of Plaka, there is Trypiti village. The Church of Agios Nikolaos is located in the centre, surrounded by whitewashed houses, a few taverns, and apartments.

Trypiti, the restaurants, and the Church of Agios Nikolaos

Restaurants, and the Church of Agios Nikolaos in Trypiti

 

Trypiti is known for a founded statue of the Venus de Milo, the catacombs, and the ancient theatre of Milos.

MIlos: Tripiti, where to go first :)

Milos: Tripiti, where to go first 🙂

 

Milos catacombs 

The Catacombs are located next to the ancient city of Melos.
In fact, the settlement Trypiti got its name because it was full of caves in the white volcanic rock.

Catacombs in volcanic rock, Klima

Klima catacombs in volcanic rock

 

The catacombs are dated from the 1st – 5th centuries. Together with the catacombs of Rome and the Holy Land, Milos catacombs are among the most famous in the world. And it is supposed that they are older than those in Rome.

Catacombs of Milos

Catacombs of Milos

 

The inhabitants used it as a burial site for their beloved. Later, it was a place of worship and a refuge for years as well.

The catacombs were excavated in 1843, and the complex of corridors and chambers is about 200 m long. The galleries are 1 to 5 meters wide and from 1,6 to 2,5 m high. It is estimated that about 2,000 inhabitants were buried there. There are two types of tombs: horizontal and arched, but also floor graves. In some of them, there are still remains of inscriptions and decorations. But, visitors can see only a few small chambers.
Well, it is pretty dark inside, but the visit to the catacombs is a very interesting experience.

Catacombs of Milos

Inside of Milos catacombs

 

The ticket for adults is 4 EUR to adults, 2 EUR to people over 65, and free to EU students. Visiting hours are Monday – Sunday, from 9 AM to 6,45 PM, and it is closed on Tuesday. You can read more about Milo catacombs here.

 

 The ancient Theatre of Milos

About 200 meters from the Catacombs is the ancient Theatre of Milos.

The first construction probably dates to the Hellenistic period and the ancient city of Klima. But the remains we can see today belong to the Roman period in the 4th century AD, and it was used until the beginning of the 7th century AD. Nestled on the rocky hill, the theatre could host about 7.000 visitors.

Ancient Roman theatre in Tripiti, Milos

Ancient Roman theatre in Tripiti, Milos

 

The first exploration started in 1735 when the Jesuit monk found a few rows of marble seats and part of the auditorium. But the first excavations were started in 1816 by the German architect, and later in 1836, during the rule of King Otto, the son of Ludwig I, King of Bavaria.
In the last decades, there have been some more excavations and some reconstructions. From 2016, some cultural events were held in the theatre.

So today we could see the remains of the orchestra, the floor of the stage building, some parts of the façade of the scene buildings, and construction. If you visit the theatre, take a break and sit for a while on marble rows. Some of them are renowned with Parian marble.
Try to imagine how the theatre looked like in the time of its best days, enjoying the sounds of orchestra and actors’ play. And enjoy the view of the blue sea from the theatre in silence. Well, it is an amazing feeling to be surrounded by a great ancient masterpiece.

The remains of the Ancient Theatre of Milos

Remains of the Ancient Theatre of Milos

 

Village Klima 

Klima is a small fishing village, below today Trypiti village. So just hike down to the sea and you will come to this interesting place. Once it was an important ancient harbour.

A view from Trypiti to Klima village

A view from Trypiti to Klima village

 

There are several interesting fishing villages, mostly on the eastern side, such as Fyropotamos, Mandrakia, Areti, Fourkovouni, Agios Konstantinos.

For these villages are characteristic small, two-storey white houses, known as “Sirmata”. The doors and windows are painted in different colours in every house. The ground floor is used as a garage for the boat, and on the first floor, there are apartments. Some of them could be rented during the summer.

Houses in Klima, Milos island

Houses in Klima

 

Pollonia (Apollonia)

About 20 km from Adamas, on the northeast of the island, is Pollonia. They are connected by daily bus transportation. It is a second port on Milos, but it is much smaller than the port in Adamas. From here, you can catch the ferry to the neighbouring Kimolos, a small and interesting island to spend one or more days.

In this small fishing village, you can find many various types of accommodation, some shops, rent-a-car agencies, and cafes. Also, it is known for its excellent fish restaurants on the promenade. The small sandy beach is close to the port as well.

Pollonia, a view from the sea, Milos Island

A view from the sea, Pollonia

 

Dreaming about Milos

 

Milos is a perfect place for an active and interesting vacation, calm and hedonistic as well.

No matter if you visit it with friends, partners, or kids, you will fall in love with Milos immediately.

However, in this coronavirus situation, we are still limited to travel. Only we can do is look at the photos and think about stunning beaches, interesting sights, and wonderful sunsets. But I hope that it will change soon and that we can travel again, all around Greece and the world.

And I hope that Venus de Milo, one of the most famous works of ancient Greek culture,
will come back to her home soon.

A view from Trypiti bar, Milos Island

A view from Trypiti bar

 

Source: www.greeka.com/cyclades/milos/history/

 

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