Turquoise waters, white sand beaches, mouth-watering food… what more could you want from a Greek holiday?
Milos is a small island in Greece that is a nature lover’s delight. From amazing geological formations and STUNNING coves, you’ll find landscapes like no other.
If you’re more of a history buff than a beach bum, then you’ll love exploring the ancient Greek history of the island. From marvelling at the fabulous architecture that dates back hundreds of years to exploring the fascinating museums. There is much to learn and admire in Milos.
When it comes to choosing where to stay on Milos, there are plenty of options. Discovering what each village offers and which will be best for you can be a challenge.
But never fear! I’ve done the hard yards for you. I’ve spent time exploring the island (I know, tough job but someone had to do it) and I’ve put together this guide on the best areas in Milos.
So here goes, let’s figure out which area is best for you.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Milos?
For those travelling to the Greek islands, Milos is one of the best islands to visit. It has the best of what Greece has to offer without the crazy high price tag and huge crowds of tourists.
Here are my top overall recommendations for the best accommodation options. Whether you’re after boujee or budget – I’ve got you covered.
Capetan Giorgantas | Best Hotel in Milos
Located in Adamas, this lovely hotel couldn’t be more central. They have options for everyone with double, triple and family rooms. The hotel team are super helpful and they provide great recommendations on what to do nearby.
When you are not swimming and sunbathing at the beach, you can enjoy a cooling dip in their wonderful swimming pool. They also provide a bangin’ breakfast!
Armenakis Houses | Best Private House in Milos
Armenakis Houses are newly renovated and absolutely gorgeous. The houses are in a perfect location across the road from the beach and tavernas. The houses have a front patio that you can relax on and take in the incredible views.
The rooms are cleaned every day and guests are often left fresh tomatoes, olive oil and cakes. The host, Antonios, goes above and beyond to make sure you have an amazing stay.
Aqua House into the Sea | Best Guesthouse in Milos
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway then Aqua House is the place for you! It’s an easy drive to the local town which is filled with restaurants and a local market.
You can rent kayaks to explore the surrounding coves and the sunsets from the balcony are out-of-this-world beautiful. You will love the place!
Milos Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Milos
Adamas
Adamas, or Adamantas as it is locally referred to, is both the biggest and most lively village in Milos. Home to some 1300 people this fabulous seaside village is the main port of Milos.
Pachaina
Located on Milos’ north coast, Pachaina is a charming, unpretentious fishing village that offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the locals.
Pollonia
Compared to Adamas, the charming family-friendly town of Pollonia is a lot more low key, but therein lies much of its charm.
Plaka Milou
Plaka is the capital of Milos and is by far the best place on the island to go for nightlife. A lively, yet quaint town that enjoys a picturesque location atop a hill, the area has lots of great bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to enjoy, that are open late.
Milos is a standout for many travellers deciding where to stay in Greece. Most people choose Milos because they want to enjoy its incredible, famous beaches.
But there is more to the island than just its beautiful sand and ocean. If you are after a more immersive, cultural Greek experience you will want to consider where you want to stay.
For first-time visitors, Adamas is one of the best places to stay in Milos. As a charming seaside village, it is known for its great beaches, excellent museums, and rich, archaeological history. There are also some fantastic boat trip opportunities from here.
Another great area to consider is Pachaina, especially if you are on a budget. A quaint fishing village, it offers a wonderful insight into the local way of life. Accommodation in Milos tends to be much cheaper here despite hosting some wonderful beaches and the best sunsets around.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Families should consider basing themselves in Pollonia, on the northeastern corner of the island. The beach is incredible here and offers plenty of opportunities for diving, swimming, and snorkelling. There are plenty of family-friendly cafes and restaurants to explore.
Finally, if you are looking for where to stay in Milos for nightlife, then Plaka Milou is where it’s at. The capital of Milos, it is the centre of all the action. It features a number of excellent bars, restaurants, nightclubs, beach clubs and terrific shopping too.
Milos’ Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now you know roughly what each neighborhood has to offer, let’s take a deeper look at each of them Whether you’re looking for an apartment, studio, villa, or luxury hotel inMilos, I’ve listed the best of each area below.
1. Adamas – Where to Stay in Milos for Your First Visit
Adamas, or Adamantas as it is locally referred to, is both the biggest and most lively village centre in Milos, Greece. Home to just 1300 people this fabulous seaside village is the main port of Milos.
Adamas is well-known for its incredible seafood, as well as the fantastic scenic views. This historic village possesses a rich, archaeological history that is presented in a number of archaeological museums here. The town has charming streets and alleyways, as well as some notable architecture, too.
As you would expect there are a number of great beaches in the area. You could spend hours swimming, floating, and going snorkelling. There is also a lovely promenade, which is based around the port, that boasts loads of excellent bars and restaurants.
There are a good few bars and nightclubs here for those who want to party into the small hours of the night. So for the first-time visitor, Adamas has it all.
Capetan Giorgantas | Best Hotel in Adamas
You’ll instantly fall in love with this wonderful hotel. There are options for everyone with their double, triple and family rooms. The hotel couldn’t be more central with the beach, shops, tavernas and bus stops all close by.
When you are not swimming and sunbathing at the beach, you can enjoy a cooling dip in its wonderful swimming pool. Plus, their breakfasts are absolutely delicious!
Joannes Vacation Rooms | Best Apartment in Adamas
Joanne’s Vacation Rooms are the perfect Greek oasis. It’s in a great location with an easy walk to the main port area, a grocery store, and Papikinou Beach. The apartment is spacious and the view of the ocean from the balcony is gorgeous.
There’s a well-functioning heat pump unit for cooling as well. Which is perfect no matter if you’re heading there in the warmer or cooler season!
Sabbia Studio | Best Studio in Adamas
This gorgeous studio is located very near to the Port of Adamas. Offering terrific views of the sea and harbour, this beachfront property is fabulous. It features a super comfy double bed that you will love to sleep on!
Should you want to explore the area, the studio is situated near a bus station and taxi rank. There are also a number of very good restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.
Things to See and Do in Adamas:
- Hire a car, ATV, or bike and drive around the island
- Try some of the best seafood in the whole of Milos
- Check out the island’s museums like the Milos Mining Museum and the Ecclesiastical Museum
- Visit the magnificent 17th-century church of Agia Triada
- Relax on Adamas Beach and Lagada Beach, two of the island’s best beaches
- Enjoy a catamaran cruise to a famous cove called Kleftiko, formerly an old pirates’ hideout
- Head to stunning Sarakiniko Beach to swim and relax
- Head down for a tour of the Ancient Roman Theatre.
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Located on Milos’ north coast, Pachaina is a charming, quaint fishing village. It offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the locals.
You won’t find any deluxe accommodation here, or fancy resorts. Instead, you will get an authentic experience for a much lower cost compared to the more expensive areas of Greece. Known for the quality of their fantastic gastronomy, the location here is stunning.
Overlooking the Aegean, you can take in the magnificent view of the island of Glaronisia from here. Pachania boasts a lovely sandy beach and several important settlements of the prehistoric Aegean era.
Top tip: there isn’t much in the way of amenities or facilities here. So bring plenty of money and provisions with you when you arrive.
Infinity Seafront Villa | Best Villa in Pachaina
This is a great alternative to a luxury hotel as you bag a whole villa to yourself! This brand-new, two-bedroom property is incredible. Everything has been completed to the highest standard – it is pure magic.
The beach in front of this villa was very private, so you can enjoy some secluded swimming. It is definitely a bit pricey compared to other options in the area. But it’s totally worth it if you’ve got some cash to splash.
Aqua House into the Sea | Best Guesthouse in Pachaina
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway then Aqua House is the place for you! It’s an easy drive to the local town which is filled with restaurants and a local market. The house is for up to four people, so it’s perfect for small groups or families.
You can rent kayaks and explore the surrounding coves. It feels like you have the ocean to yourself. Plus, the sunsets from the balcony are out-of-this-world beautiful.
Gorgeous Boat House by Agrei-Milos | Best Boat House in Pachaina
This boat house accommodation is a private, peaceful paradise. The house is beautifully decorated and is stocked with everything you could need. The location is great and only 10-15 minutes away from everything you need.
It is within walking distance from the beautiful beach of Alogomandra. Be sure to grab a kayak and adventure around the nearby beaches. The crystal clear water right outside the home is hard to beat.
Things to See and Do in Pachaina:
- Try the delightful local seafood
- Taste some local wines on a winery tour
- Enjoy some fun in the sun at Pachaina’s impressive white sandy beach
- Check out the small cove that overlooks the beaches of Papafragas and Kapros
- Visit Phylakopi to see a significant prehistoric Aegean settlement
- Walk around the charming downtown area
- See the sunset dip below the horizon from one of many excellent vantage points
3. Pollonia – Where to Stay in Milos for Families
Compared to Adamas, the charming family-friendly town of Pollonia is a lot more low-key. But therein lies much of its charm. Situated on the northeastern corner of this Greek Island, the picturesque village retains an intoxicating ambience. You will instantly fall in love with it.
The main attraction here is the beach, which will entertain the whole family for hours. That said, if you want to explore the area in more detail there is plenty to see. You could check out the quaint pier that provides wonderful views of the bay and a brace of historic churches.
Wine lovers will enjoy a visit to the Kostantakis Cave Winery which is open in the summer months. While the kids will love the playground that is in the middle of town.
At night, Pollonia offers a collection of excellent cocktail lounges and seaside tavernas that showcase amazing coastal views.
Armenakis Houses | Best Private House in Pollonia
Armenakis Houses are newly renovated and absolutely gorgeous. The rooms are cleaned daily and guests are often left with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and cakes. The host, Antonios, goes above and beyond to make sure you have an amazing stay.
The houses are in a perfect location across the road from the beach and tavernas. The houses have a front patio that you can relax on and take in the incredible sea views.
Venia’s Guesthouse | Best Guesthouse in Pollonia
This guesthouse will be your home away from home. It is clean, comfortable and modern with a Greek aesthetic.
There is a gorgeous balcony which is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. The main beach, which is home to some of the best restaurants in Milos, is within walking distance.
Blue Suite | Best Suite in Pollonia
Beautiful, spotless and unique. This luxury accommodation operates like a boutique hotel. It has been recently renovated, with incredibly high-quality furnishings and a great eye for design. The property operates like a boutique hotel.
The views were extraordinary, with spacious decks overlooking the small bay. The kitchen area is perfect and the beds are super comfortable. The rooms are cleaned daily which is a nice treat to come home to.
The host, Michail, prepares a welcome gift basket for guests – it’s a big tick from me!
Things to See and Do in Pollonia:
- Spend some quality time at Pollonia Beach
- Explore the natural landscapes and learn about the ancient folklore of Milos on a history tour
- Walk along the seaside, to the windy pier, which showcases awesome views of the bay
- Check out the Church of Saint Nicholas and the Agia Paraskevi, two fabulous and historic churches
- Explore the neighboring island of Kimolos by ferry to see ancient geological formations and stunning beaches
- Go on a diving tour of the spectacular crystal blue waters of the Aegean with the Milos Diving Center
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Grab an eSIM!4. Plaka Milou – Where to Stay in Milos for Nightlife
Plaka is the capital of Milos and is by far the best place on the island for nightlife. A lively, yet quaint town that enjoys a picturesque location atop a hill. The area has lots of great bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to enjoy until late.
But there is a lot more to this wonderful town than just food, drinks and dancing. If you do explore further, you will discover a town rich in history and traditional Cycladic architecture.
You will also find a warren of winding alleyways. As well as impressive buildings like the Venetian Kastro (“Castle”) of Milos and the magnificent Panagia Korfiatissa, Metropolitan church.
If you are into culture, you’ll love the archaeological and folklore museum. Whereas, you beach-lovers will enjoy the epic swimming and snorkelling at Plathiena Beach.
One of the major highlights here is the sunset view against the Gulf of Milos, it’s bloody unreal.
L’Olivier Milos | Best Apartment in Plaka Milou
This gorgeous apartment is a great place to stay in Plaka Milou. It is well-designed and super comfortable. The art and decor inside are gorgeous.
Marina (the host) has thought of everything – from beach towels to the well-stocked kitchen. The apartment is in a great location, just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Plaka.
Plaka Sea View Suites | Best Suites in Plaka Milou
Plaka Sea View Suites are spacious and clean with well-thought-out decor. The property is newly renovated and has a great layout. It’s the perfect romantic getaway.
There are great views to soak in while you sip on your morning coffee from the terrace. Being just a short walk from town, you can’t go wrong booking in here.
Sunset Studio | Best Studio in Plaka Milou
From this property, you can see the spectacular sunsets of Milos Island. It provides the perfect place for a couple’s romantic getaway.
The apartment is located on the upper floor of a spectacular 19th-century building. This lovely 22 square meters studio is small but perfectly formed. The main room features a comfortable double bed, while the bathroom has a toilet and shower facilities.
Things to See and Do in Plaka Milou:
- Discover the eclectic mix of shops Plaka has to offer
- Visit the iconic Venetian Kastro (castle) of Milos
- Pop into the Panagia Korfiatissa, a Metropolitan church which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary
- Check out the Panagia Thalassitra and Panagia Eleousa places of worship
- Peruse the exhibits on display at the Archeological and Folklore museums
- Swim and snorkel at Plathiena beach
- Hire a boat to see the interesting rock formations near Plathiena
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FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Milos
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Milos and where to stay.
What To Pack For Milos
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Milos
Overall, Milos is a fascinating island to explore. It’s packed with rich history, epic architecture, stunning beaches, and delicious food. And with that glorious Mediterranean sun, it’s the ideal destination to visit all year round (yes, that’s right – even in the winter!)
Milos is a very special island. If you’re after an authentic Greek experience, Armenakis Houses is the perfect place to stay. You’ll get to experience true Greek hospitality from the host, Antonios and others in this local town.
One tip that I would leave you with is to hire a car if you can. There is so much to explore all over the island that you may struggle to get to without your own transport. However, don’t worry too much budget-backpackers, there are also local buses that you can jump on.
After reading this guide, I hope you have a much better idea of which area of Milos is right for you. Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed anything!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Greece.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Greece.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Greece instead.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Greece.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
