Santorini, a renowned Greek island, attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, with numbers steadily increasing. However, for those seeking similarly breathtaking whitewashed architecture and serene blue waters without the overwhelming crowds, the island of Milos, situated 52 nautical miles south of Santorini, offers a perfect alternative.
Described by Visit Greece as “the island with heavenly beaches,” Milos boasts a unique rocky landscape that reflects its volcanic history. While it isn’t devoid of tourists, it experiences far fewer visitors than Santorini, even during the peak summer months.
According to Go Ask a Local, the best times to visit Milos are late spring (May and early June) or mid-autumn (late September through October).
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During these periods, the weather is warm enough for swimming, all island amenities are open, and prices for ferry tickets and hotels are more reasonable compared to the peak summer season. Additionally, you’ll avoid the summer crowds, although Milos does see an uptick in visitors in July and August. Despite this, Milos doesn’t get as crowded as Mykonos or Santorini, although prices do rise and popular spots can become busy.
Milos comes highly recommended by those who have visited. In the Reddit forum r/GreeceTravel, one user praised Milos and Antiparos as beautiful places that haven’t been overly commercialized.
The island features over 70 beaches, each with pristine shores and stunning aquamarine waters. Notable beaches include Kleftiko, Provatas, Palaiochori, and Tsigkrado. Kleftiko, often called the Meteora of the Sea, is renowned for its dramatic grey rock formations rising from clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming.
Provatas is perfect for families, offering golden-red sands and shallow waters suitable for paddling. Plaka, the capital of Milos, showcases the quintessential whitewashed architecture seen in photos of Greece, with its quaint winding alleys and charming buildings.
For travelers seeking a picturesque Greek island experience with fewer tourists, Milos presents an ideal destination with its heavenly beaches, volcanic landscapes, and authentic charm.
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