The Greek island of Milos is located in the southwestern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades archipelago. It is about 120 kilometers from the Greek mainland. Milos is of volcanic origin, which gives the island its unique landscape with numerous beaches, caves and bizarre rock formations.
View of the bay of Milos
History
Milos was known in ancient times for its wealth of obsidian, a volcanic rock used for tools and weapons, and the island therefore also played an important role in early trade in the Aegean.
Over the centuries, Milos was ruled by various powers, including the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, before Milos became part of modern Greece in 1830.
During the Second World War, German troops occupied the island.
Life on Milos
Milos has an area of about 160 square kilometers. The island encloses a large horseshoe-shaped bay. Fewer than 5.000 inhabitants live in the rural towns and small harbors.
Milos - typical alley in Plaka
Milos - View of Climate
The highest point is Mount Profitis Ilias, at 748 metres. The rocky coast in the east of the island is lined with beaches that stand out due to their multi-coloured rocks. A magma chamber several kilometres below Milos causes hydrothermal activity. There are hot springs and fumaroles in numerous places on the island, from which water vapour and sulphur gases emerge.
Milos has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.
Culture
Milos was already inhabited in prehistoric times and has an eventful history. Many relics of the past can still be seen today, such as the Roman theater or the early Christian catacombs.
Ancient Roman Theatre of Milos
The Catacombs of Milos
The famous statue of Aphrodite of Milos, better known as Venus de Milo, which is now exhibited in the Louvre in Paris, was discovered in a field on the island in 1820. A faithful copy of the masterpiece was erected at the site in 2022. Another copy is in the Archaeological Museum of Milos.
Replica of the Venus de Milos
The islanders organize many traditional festivals. These include religious celebrations such as the Feast of Saint Nicholas and the Feast of the Holy Trinity
Economy and tourism
The most important industry is mining. Milos is rich in minerals such as bentonite, perlite and pumice. Around 40 percent of the people on Milos live directly or indirectly from mining and the associated industry. The mining companies on Milos attach great importance to sustainable practices and environmental management. This includes measures to minimize environmental impact, recultivation of mining sites and protection of natural resources. The Mining Museum in Adamas offers insights into the history and importance of mining on the island.
Milos - Tuff formations of Sarakiniko
Milos - Moon Beach of Sarakiniko
Tourism on Milos is becoming increasingly important. The island attracts many visitors because of its scenic beauty, beaches and historical sites. Milos offers a wide range of accommodation, although large holiday resorts are completely absent. There is no mass tourism, the emphasis is primarily on sustainability and individuality.
In addition to mining and tourism, agriculture is also practiced on a small scale. The main crops grown are olives, grapes and fruit.
Directions and traffic
Milos has a sheltered harbor and is easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus/Athens and other islands in the Cyclades. A small airport connects Milos with the Greek capital Athens.
There is a well-developed road network on the island. Rental cars, quads, motorbikes and public buses are popular means of transport for tourists.
Milos for cruise ship passengers
Cruise ships rarely call at the Cycladic island. In 2024, small and medium-sized cruise ships from the shipping companies Celestyal Cruises, CFC Croisière, Explora, Seabourn, Silversea and Star Clipper are registered. The pier in the protected harbor of Adamas, also called Adamantas, is mainly used for ferries.
Milos - Panorama from Adamantas
Cruise ships are anchored in front of the port and tender boats bring the passengers ashore.
We appreciate the privilege of sharing the island with the Celestyal Journey What there is to see and experience on Milos is reported in our article Milos Attractions.
June 2024