Another destination we were looking forward to visiting during our September 2026 trip to Greece were the Thiorichio Sulfur mines on Milos Island in Greece. These old historic mines are located on Paliorema Beach. This area is quite difficult to get here by car but can also be reached by boat. We went by car, and it was quite the unforgettable journey. We did this trip on our own but for reader’s information, there are tours such as Viator’s Jeep Sunset Adventure that include the Sulfur Mines.
Location
The Thiorichio Sulfur Mines are located on Paliorema Beach on the East side of Milos Island in Greece.
The Thiorichio Sulfur Mines
The Old Sulfur Mines Thiorichio on Milos Island were operational from the late 19th century until 1958 producing sulfur for gunpowder, pesticides and medicine. Sulfur prices dropped dramatically in the mid 1950’s which made it impossible to operate, produce product and still make a profit. In addition, the strenous work was laborious in temperatures often exceeding 100F (38C) and along with health hazards from the mining, it made finding workers difficult. Due to these issues, along with low wages and delayed pay, workers often went on strike. The plant closed abruptly in 1958 and left everything there.
Today, this historic mine consists. of several crumbling buildings, rusted rails, abandoned wagons and carts, has a very eerie feeling. The splashing of the waves on shore and the all in all seclusion added to this feeling. Almost the entire time we were here, we were on our own. We saw no other cars, hikers or even boats.
The Road to the Mine
I am going to be brutally honest. This was the most terrifying ride I have ever experienced. My husband and I have driven some of the most renowned 4 x 4 mountain roads in Colorado, canyon roads in Utah, the curvy roads of Crete and many other Greek islands, and I have loved them all. The thrill is part of the fun and adventure. But hands down, this road scared the daylights out of me.
At one point, I thought of leaving the vehicle and walking the rest of the way. Unfortunately, I could not do this at this point as there was no where to safely leave the vehicle. Also there was no where to turn around so that was not an option either. Therefore, slowly Steve inched his way down like he didn’t have a care in the world. Surprisingly we are still married after this as words may have been said.
Our vehicle was a 4×4 Jimny and Steve is a great off-road driver, but this road was so narrow, had so many blind corners, and there were lots of fallen rocks around. I was 100 percent glad he was driving! Now that being said, for some reason, the same road on the way back up did not seem nearly as bad.
At the Mine
Once at the mine, the drive there all but forgotten, we both scampered out of the Jimney like two kids at a park, ready to explore and see all there was to see. I will say, we did not go inside any of the buildings as it just didn’t look safe and certainly didn’t want to fall into some deep dark hole in this woebegotten place.
I thought it was interesting how the old mine ruins blended into the canyon walls. It was hard for me to imagine this quiet, peaceful, area once being a busy mine, bustling with activity from the many people and machinery working here. While here all I heard was the splashing of waves against the shoreline, at one time it must have been a very noisy area.
Paliorema Beach
This beach is just a few steps from the mine. While the mine was in operation, this beach operated as a pier for loading sulfur and other minerals on to ships. Although the beach is small it is picturesque. This rocky beach shows off red, yellow, and orange rocks which are these colors due to the high amount of sulfur in this area. As a matter of fact, there is the distinct smell of sulfur in the air. It was very windy and the water was rough when we were there so although the blue cold water was inviting we did not swim. My understanding is the water becomes deep quite suddenly just off of the beach.
The Way Back Up
As I mentioned earlier, the way back up was much less stressful and did not seem at all scary to me. We reached the top uneventfully and without passing any other vehicles which was good.
Conclusion
The Thiorichio sulfur mines are definitely worth visiting while on Milos Island. Although the vibe is a bit eerie, the history and the beauty of the area make it a top place to visit in my opinion. The old buildings seem to blend in as if they are part of the landscape. If you don’t like 4×4 driving on narrow shelf roads, I would advise taking a boat trip here or joining a tour. Although we drove to the mines on our own, I am sure there are many tours that include Thiorichio on Milos Island, here is a tour from Viator that looks fun: Click on this link to check it out Jeep Sunset Adventure that looks like it a lot of fun.
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In Addition to this post on Milos you can also check out my other posts from our 2025 trip to Greece, my 2018 trip to Milos, and also previous years Itineraries by following these links!
The Villages of Milos Island – Sept 2025
Exploring Milos: Ancient Theater and Prophet Ilias Chapel -Sept 2025
Kleftiko Boat Tour on Milos Island – Sept 2025
Discover the Quiet Beauty of Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Livadaki Beach at Folegandros, Sept 2025
Hike to Agios Nikolaos Beach at Folegandros Sept 2025
Delos Island; A comprehensive Self Guided Tour September 2025
Mykonos One Day Itinerary Sept 2025
Great Places to Eat in Plaka, Athens and Nearby. Updated Sept 2025
Self Guided Tour to Acropolis Sept 2025
Tower of the Wind, Athens Sept 2025
The Roman Forum in Athens, Sept 2025
National Archaeology Museum Athens, Sept 2025
Milos 2018
Three Day Guide to Milos, Oct 2018
5 Great Beaches in Milos-Oct 2018
Greece Itineraries
8 Days in Greece, Athens, Milos,Santorini. Oct 2018
10 Days in Greece Athens ,Crete, Santorini Sept 2019
14 Days in Greece Crete, Naxos, Santorini, Athens Sept 2021
2 Weeks in Greece, Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini Sept 2022
10 Day Peloponnese Itinerary August/September 2024
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Loved this. When I was on Milos, I didn’t even know you could visit these old silver mines. In any case, you guys are very adventurous!
We do love our adventures!!
This is truly amazing! Glad you got to see it! Gotta go myself!
We enjoyed it! Something definitely out of the ordinary!
That looks like an interesting visit Lori. I hear you on the scary roads. We were on some similar roads on our recent trip to NZ. Best to close your eyes and hold on, unless you are the driver. 😁All the best. Allan
I am definitely the close my eyes and hang in type! Steve does the driving. Works well for us. That being said, I don’t mind driving Colorado or Utah to any of those areas as long as I can go slow enough and no one’s behind me honking their horn! Have a great upcoming weekend!
Ah the memories, sometimes better than the actual experience. After one ride along with a friend on a California canyon road I never rode with him again. Worse than the Charles Bronson movies “Death Wish”.
I love a good 4 wheel drive road but this one was different. I‘ve been down Canyonlands, several in Colorado, Elephant Road in Utah, and many more but this one gave me quite the white knuckles!
Here’s another coincidence: I also visited these old mines in 2023 during my trip to the Cyclades.
I was crazy enough to drive down there not in a Jimny, but in a little Nissan Micra. I didn’t make it to the end; at the last bend, I left the car and finished on foot (the slope was too steep!). How I got back up, only God knows… It’s true that you feel completely alone in the world when you’re surrounded by these abandoned buildings.
Oh wow! That would have been horrible! I would hate to have to climb back up to my car. Well I can tell. you the road has not improved in the last couple of years! Thanks for sharing your experience, I love knowing others felt that way here as well and found the road a bit rough! Lori