Milos, Greece was the last stop on our one-month, four-island tour – and we had pretty high expectations.
Known for its rugged landscapes, otherworldly beaches, ancient ruins and quaint villages, Milos is a unique slice of paradise in the Cyclades. However, we had one hang up: we didn’t want to drive.
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When we initially sketched out our Greek Island Itinerary, we had anticipated renting a car on Milos Island so that we could explore to our hearts’ content.
But once we arrived, we changed our tune. We were already in full relaxation mode…and simply didn’t want the stress of getting behind the wheel.
Feeling confident after exploring Santorini, Paros and Sifnos without driving, we abandoned the idea altogether. Instead, we switched gears and looked up the bus schedule.
What we found was slightly disappointing. Our mid-May visit was still very much in the Milos shoulder season – and there were only two useable bus lines for sightseeing.
Fortunately for us, those two routes could take us exactly where we most wanted to be on Milos Island!
Planning 3 Days in Milos with No Car
When planning a no-car Milos trip, it’s best to stay in Adamas (also spelled Adamantas). Not only does it host the ferry port, but also the island’s main bus hub.
We booked an efficient studio on the edge of town for our longer stay – but you can find the right place for your trip (at the best price) by using our hotel booking tips.
Later in the article we share important advice about using buses on Milos Island – but for now, let’s get to the fun part!
3 Day Milos Itinerary Without a Car
Although we stayed 8 full days on Milos, we are condensing our best car-free experiences into an idyllic 3-day itinerary.
Note that while we designed this itinerary for Milos without a car, it works just as well if you are driving!
Day 1: Milos Villages and Ancient Ruins
The first day is all about picture-perfect places and Greek history. Using a combination of buses and walking, you will explore three small towns and three historic sites.
Morning: Top Milos Sights
Begin by ticking off a few of the major Milos attractions: Venus de Milo, the Ancient Theater of Milos, Klima Fishing Village and the Catacombs. Check out our highlights reel!
Getting There
From Adamas, take the bus toward Trypiti. Tell the driver that you want to disembark at the Catacombs. We were let off at the top of the road, but in summer the bus may actually go down to the entrance.
Milos Sightseeing
Start at the replica statue of Venus de Milo – better known in Greece as the Aphrodite of Milos – which marks the area where the legendary artwork was found.
The original statue was carved from Paros marble in the year 100 BC – but it was left buried on Milos for centuries until a farmer discovered it in 1820. Today, it stands in the Louvre.
Next, follow the signs to the Ancient Theater that overlooks Milos Bay. Constructed in the 1st century AD, the marble arena blends Greek and Roman designs.
After relaxing on the marble slabs and taking a bow at centerstage, retrace your steps to find the stone path that leads down to the sea.
The trail ends at Klima, one of Milo’s most picturesque places to see. The 2-story, waterfront boathouses – called syrmata – are brightly painted in a rainbow of colors.
You can walk along water, but you will likely get your feet wet! In our opinion, the best view is from the long pier that protrudes from the center of town.
Leave Klima via the road – but as you approach the parking lot at the first bend, take the staircase through the stone arch.
The route passes a tiny church built into the rock (pop inside if the door is unlocked) and ends at the catacombs.
These early Christian burial grounds were built between the 1st and 5th centuries AD. Tickets are required to tour the subterranean space, but there are a few plaques that share info for free.
Complete your morning by walking up to Tripiti. Be sure to check out the Agios Nikolaos Greek Orthodox Church; it’s stunning inside!
If you have time, meander the cute alleyways and find the windmills above town. Most of them have been converted into homes or vacation rentals.
Afternoon: Discover Plaka
By midday, make your way to Plaka – a true gem on Milos Island! The capital is characterized by narrow lanes that wind past classic whitewashed houses and lead to iconic viewpoints over the Aegean Sea.
How To Get to Plaka
The simplest way to get to Plaka from Trypiti is by walking, The two towns are less than a mile apart and the stroll only takes about 15 minutes.
If you want to give your feet a rest, you can also hop on a bus…but, honestly, you will probably end up waiting longer than it takes to walk!
Discovering Plaka
First thing’s first: Lunch! There are heaps of places to eat in Plaka, but we recommend going to Vlahos for a cheap and tasty souvlaki pita.
Once satiated, spend the rest of the afternoon touring Plaka. Wander down the pretty lanes, pop into artisan shops and take in the sweeping view from the Church of Panagia Korfiatissa.
If you still have some energy, make the short trek up to the 13th century Venetian Kastro. The hilltop fortress was the area’s prime defense against pirates.
Although little is left of the stronghold, a small church stands at the peak and the views are sublime. Watch our video of Plaka sights!
Evening: Seafood Dinner in Adamas
End your first day on Milos with a sensational meal, lovely views and hopefully an unforgettable sunset!
Getting to Adamas
When you are ready to leave Plaka, hop on an Adamas-bound bus. The short trip should take less than 20 minutes.
Dinner and Views
Just east of the marina, several restaurants line the shore – but in our opinion, Mikros Apoplous is the most authentic. They are known for affordable pricing and exceptional dishes – especially fresh seafood.
Walk off your meal with an evening stroll along the harbor. If you’re up for an after-dinner drink, stop at Akri Bar or Mikro Café for an elevated view.
Day 2: Milos by Land and Sea
Start the second day of your 3 days on Milos Island by stretching your legs on a hike from Adamas. Then spend the afternoon aboard a sunset cruise to captivating Kleftiko!
Morning: Adamas Hike
Begin by exploring the coastline west of Adamantas. Adventurers can scurry up to the lighthouse, but those looking for a more relaxed excursion can just wander as far as the beach.
Getting There
One of the best things about staying in Adamas is that you don’t need a vehicle to go hiking in the hills or swimming in the sea! Both are just steps away from the center of town.
Hiking in Adamas
Milos is not known for hiking, but there are a few trails that extend into the hills to the west of Adamas.
The best route simply follows the coast to the west, passing by Lagada Beach and the French Military Cemetery before crawling up to the Adamantos Lighthouse.
The viewpoint from the promontory is simply spectacular! We liked this spot so much that we made the trek twice during our trip. See the highlights in this video.
It’s even possible to go higher into the hills from the lighthouse – we watched several hikers navigating toward the peaks and distant Greek flag…but there is no official trail.
On the return trek to town, cool down with a swim at the beach or at least dip your toes in the sea and skip a few stones!
Next, wander through the streets of Adamas, making sure to reach St. Haralambos Church before descending down to the harbor for lunch.
Egoist Café is a prime spot for people-watching and casual fare while Rustic is an excellent choice for traditional Greek food by the sea.
Afternoon: Milos Sailboat Cruise
Now it’s time to set sail on a sunset cruise. Admire the stunning coastal scenery as you make your way to Kleftiko, where you can dive in the water, stand-up-paddle and snorkel.
Getting There
Almost all cruises in Milos depart from the marina…so if you are staying in Adamas, no public transportation is necessary. You just need to find your boat!
Milos Sunset Cruise
We don’t believe there is a more magical way to end your day than with a sunset boat tour from Milos. It was an absolute highlight of our entire Greece Island-Hopping Trip!
From the beautiful sailboat to the amazing crew to the delicious food and the natural beauty, we loved every minute of the 5-hour cruise. Check out the reel!
Our boat departed from Adamas at 3pm, hugging the shoreline as we passed the lighthouse and Klima Village.
Then we sailed south along the west-facing coast until we reached enchanting Kleftiko Bay. Legend has it that this was once a hangout for pirates.
The volcanic rock has been sculpted by the sea and wind into devastatingly beautiful curves and caves. It’s also a prime spot for splashing around in the sea or just sun-bathing on deck.
Finding the Right Milos Cruise
Many tour companies in Adamas tout daily afternoon cruises…but we struggled to find one that was actually running during our late-spring visit.
By pure stroke of luck, we found this cruise at the last minute – and it turned out to be better than we ever could have expected!
Evening: Adamas at Night
Adamas is a hub of activity in the evenings – and it’s easy to get swept up in the revelry. After you disembark, soak in the buzzing atmosphere by popping into any place that looks like fun!
Dinner, Snacks, Drinks
Most sunset cruises offer free-flowing beer and wine along with abundant food – but if you want a sip and bite when you return, then stopping at a ‘barbeque’ is a good option.
Our favorite barbecue restaurant in Adamantas was Gyros of Milos, which attracts as many locals as tourists.
The standard gyros and souvlaki are on point, but they also offer a few unique options (like Kebab Philadelphia) that we haven’t seen anywhere else in Greece.
Day 3: Milos Beaches
When visiting Milos in 3 days, spending time at the beach is a must. In fact, Milos is famous for its beaches and there are more than 70 to choose from!
Morning: Sarakiniko Beach
Of the many beaches in Milos, Sarakiniko reigns supreme. Nicknamed Moon Beach for its lunar-like landscapes, it is unlike any other place we’ve ever visited.
Getting from Adamas to Sarakiniko
As Milo’s most popular beach, Sarakiniko is connected to Adamas by a public bus route…but it only operates seasonally.
In the height of summer, there are several daily buses, but during our springtime trip, we were limited to just a couple a day.
Alternate options for non-drivers are taking a taxi or walking. It’s only about 2 miles from Adamas (although over a hill) and the walk should take about 45 minutes.
Explore and Swim at Sarakiniko
This is not a normal beach. In fact, there’s very little sand at all. The real reason you go to Sarakiniko is for the magnificent ‘moonscape’ terrain. Watch the video highlights!
Huge swaths of faded volcanic rock flow like waves toward the dazzling turquoise water. Otherworldly monoliths stand at odd angles. Sheer cliffs hover over deep blue pools and a network of caves.
Be sure to wear durable shoes so that you can explore it all properly. Afterwards, head for the long cove of sparkling water for a refreshing dip!
Besides one lonesome food truck, there are no other services here. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a towel and a hat or umbrella (because there isn’t any shade either).
Top Tip: Before hopping on the bus in the morning, grab a spinach pie or ladenia (Greek pizza bread) from the bakery right across from the Adamas bus stop.
Afternoon Options: More Milos Beaches by Bus
During our visit, Sarakiniko was the only beach we could reach by bus – but it’s a completely different story in the summertime.
With more departures and routes available, you can visit multiple beaches in one day – or mix it up with a stop in Pollonia Village.
Evening: Traditional Restaurant in Adamas
Cap off your Milos 3-Day Itinerary with a memorable meal at one of the island’s best eateries.
How To Get There
Both of our recommended restaurants are located in Adamas and just a short walk from the town center.
Dinner at a Local Milos Restaurant
We love getting a taste of regional fare – and there are two Milos restaurants that excel at it.
We savored our meal at O! Hamos!, which is located on the east side of town, just across from Papikinou Beach.
Dedicated to the farm-to-table concept, they use products from their own homestead (along with generations-old recipes) to make exceptional dishes. The slow roasted piglet was outstanding in every way!
Zygos was just down the street from where we were staying and suggested by our helpful host.
Every dish we ordered – from the pork belly on the spit to the Zygos Salad to the baked feta with honey and sesame – was totally delicious!
Travel Tips for Milos Without a Car
Milos Buses are comfortable and air conditioned. Tickets cost 2 euros per ride (cash only) and you pay when you disembark. The main bus stop in Adamas is located here.
Schedules are posted online and frequencies change every week. Extra buses might run on cruise ship Fridays with times posted at the stop. They do fill up…but standing is allowed.
Note that this itinerary for 3 days in Milos is not possible year-round – as buses are extremely limited from the end of October until the first week of March.
You can get to Milos Island from Athens by plane or ferry. Use Skyscanner to search for cheap flights and FerryHopper to find boats.
Whether you are looking for a budget studio with a kitchen or luxury accommodation with a pool, Booking is a good place to start.
Pack plenty of sunscreen – it’s expensive to buy on the island. A wide-brim hat is also a good idea. Milos is truly gorgeous. Be sure to bring a proper travel camera, like a DSLR Canon Rebel, to capture it all!
Start planning your trip to Greece! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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