Milos claims more than 70 beaches — the most of any Cycladic island. Volcanic minerals paint them white, red, ochre and grey, and the coastline hides arches, caves and coves that look designed by a set decorator. Here is the secret, though: the very best of them cannot be reached by car at all.
This is our local guide to the beaches of Milos (and its neighbours) that you will only ever see from the deck of a boat.
1. Kleftiko
The postcard of Milos: white pinnacles, arches and pirate caves at the island’s southwest tip. No road, no trail to the water — boat only. Go in the morning for the best light and the calmest sea. Read our full Kleftiko guide for routes and tips.
2. Sykia Cave
A sea cave whose roof collapsed centuries ago, creating an open-air lagoon with a small pebble beach inside. Sunbeams hit the emerald water through the opening around midday. Small boats can slip right in.
3. Gerakas
On the wild south coast, a secluded strip of sand beneath crumbling volcanic cliffs. You will likely share it only with the seagulls it is named after.
4. Kalogries & the west coast
The entire western shore of Milos is roadless wilderness — a sequence of empty coves, red-and-white cliffs and the sea stacks of Arkoudes (“the Bears”) guarding the entrance to Milos bay.
5. Tsigrado (easier by sea)
Technically reachable on land — if you are happy descending a rope-and-ladder chute in a cliff crack. From the water you simply anchor and swim in. Next door, Firiplaka looks its dramatic best from the sea too.
6. Poliegos (Polyaigos) beaches
The largest uninhabited island of the Aegean sits just east of Kimolos: no houses, no roads, only goats and the clearest water many of our guests have ever swum in. The white cliffs of Manolonisia and the “blue caves” are the highlights of a full-day trip.
7. Monastiria, Kimolos
A wild chalk-white cove on the north side of Kimolos, facing the islet of Agios Andreas. Part of our favourite Kimolos boat route.
How to visit them
Rent a small motor boat and string 3–5 of these beaches into one unforgettable day. Two of our boats — the Compass 150cc and Compass 165cc — require no licence: after a short briefing you are your own captain. For the full west-coast run to Kleftiko or a Polyaigos day, the Compass 7s is the comfortable choice.
Frequently asked questions
Which Milos beaches are not accessible by car?
Kleftiko, Sykia cave, Gerakas, the west-coast coves and everything on Polyaigos are boat-only. Tsigrado is far easier by sea than by its cliff ladder.
What is the best way to see the beaches of Milos?
From the water. A boat lets you visit several beaches in a day, escape the crowds, and see the volcanic coastline — the island’s true masterpiece — from the angle it was meant to be seen.
When is the best season?
May to October. June and September give warm sea, settled weather and fewer people.
Questions about routes or conditions? Ask our team — we are on the water every day.
Ready to explore Milos by boat?
No licence needed — rent one of our Compass boats and discover Kleftiko, Polyaigos and the beaches only the sea can reach.
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