During our September 2025 trip to Greece, we had a wonderful time on Milos Island and enjoyed wandering the picturesque villages. During our previous trip to Milos Island in 2018, we did not spend enough time in the villages, so we made it a point to enjoy them this time, especially the beautiful fishing villages.
Milos Island, Greece
Milos Island is one of the Cycladic islands located in the Aegean Sea, having been inhabited since 7000 BC. It is best known for its beautiful beaches with dramatic rock formations. That being said, the villages of Milos Island are certainly worth exploring and are among some of the most charming in the Cyclades. Unlike Santorini and Mykonos, Milos is more of a laid-back island without the crowds and party atmosphere.
Locations
Plaka
Plaka is the capital of Milos Island and sits high on a hilltop. It is built upon a 13th-century Kastro but did not become the capital until the 19th century. The houses are built close together, and the streets are maze-like, both tactics to protect the people from pirates many years ago.
The Village of Plaka is hands down my favorite village on Milos Island. It is so very charming with its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone walkways, and bougainvillea trees throughout. Just roaming the streets is exciting as each turn uncovers another charming street. Plaka was not crowded when we were there during the day, but certainly busier than the other villages.
Shopping in Plaka
We also enjoyed some great shopping in the village of Plaka. The Art House in Milos has beautiful jewelry and lovely photographs of the island. We purchased a couple of the photographs, and the artist wrapped them very carefully, assuring they would make it back to the States without a problem. They arrived safe and perfect! He was a pleasure to speak with and very knowledgeable. We also bought a few things at MLO Souvenirs. This is a cute shop with homemade homeopathic creams and lotions, as well as other unique products. I bought a few jars of the creams, and they have worked amazingly well. I may have to return to Milos just to buy more of the cream!
Snack Time in Plaka
We especially love a bakery here called Palaios Cafe and Pastry! In 2018, we enjoyed eating here twice and twice again in 2025. We particularly love their baklava and portokalopita. Portokalopita is a Greek orange pie made with fresh oranges, yogurt, eggs, and torn-up little pieces of phyllo pastry dough, baked, then drenched in an orange cinnamon syrup. It is absolutely amazing! I can’t find a web or Facebook page for Palaios, but I recommend you check them out when in Milos.
Sunset and Dining in Plaka
At night, the village was more vibrant, and plenty of people were out and about. Quite a festive vibe. The village gets especially busy just after sunset. Speaking of the sunset, the castle above the village is the place to enjoy the view, although it is quite a hike. Steve trekked up and snapped some shots from near the castle, while I took a few photos from the village. I then went and secured us a table before the after-sunset crowds arrived. We dined at a spectacular restaurant called Archontoula, where we enjoyed a delicious meal. Partway through the meal, spontaneous music and dancing broke out in the restaurant. I was really excited to find my most recent wine obsession on the menu here; it is a white wine from Konstantakis Winery, a local Milos winery. I did purchase a couple of bottles to bring home and enjoy.
Pollonia
Pollonia, also known as Apollonia, is the second-largest village on Milos and also boasts a harbor. It is located in the northeastern part of the island and is a very lovely little village, named after an ancient temple that once stood just east of the current village. We stayed here both in 2018 and again in 2026. We really loved this village as it is quiet yet has several options for dining and shopping. It is also totally walkable to everywhere you may want to visit in the village. There is a very nice beach here. We also found a great little shop and bakery here with some very tasty honey, which we always stock up on. They also make a really good tomato paste, which Milos is known for. I bought a jar of that and wish I had bought more. It is very good!
Where We Stayed in Pollonia
This year we stayed at En Milos Hotel, which is just along the coastal road and very convenient. Our stay was comfortable. We enjoyed breakfast each day in the garden-like setting and also took advantage of the pool during the heat of the day.
Dining in Pollonia
I guess we are just a bit boring as we dined three out of four evenings at Akoritiki in Pollonia! I know that sounds odd, to keep returning to the same place on vacation, but the food was excellent, the staff was friendly, and we enjoyed a table by the sea while watching the sunset. In addition, it was close to our hotel and after having busy days we didn’t feel like driving. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the amazing baklava we ate here. So good we kept coming back!
Adamantas
Adamantas, also known as Adamas, is the main town of Milos and also the main harbor. It is in a natural bay that protects it from the strong Aegean winds. The village was founded by people from Crete, mainly Sfakia, who escaped Ottoman oppression from 1824 to 1841. This is a busy port town with lots of shops and restaurants. We did not spend a lot of time here but managed to wander through the main area. We also found a few T-shirts for the grandkids while we were here.
Mandrakia
While visiting the villages of Milos Island, you definitely want to stop at Mandrakia. This small, quiet fishing village is absolutely beautiful. It is located on a small circular bay, with Syrmata (cave garages for boats) right along the sea, built into the cliffside. Each garage has a brightly colored door. In front of the doors are several fishing boats in the sea. You can reach the garage boats by steps coming down from the cliff. A truly stunning area. Above the cliff are a small church and a taverna.
Fyropotamos
Fyropotamos is another one of the villages we visited, and it is unique as it has an ancient doorway on a cliff above the village looking out to sea. It is another fishing village and is located on a small sandy beach. There are houses along the beach with boat garages underneath. Also, above the village, near the ancient ruin, is another beautiful church.
Conclusion
Of course, there are more villages on Milos Island, but these are the ones we wandered through and enjoyed. Milos Island is one of our favorites to visit for many reasons, and the charming villages are certainly one of those reasons. If you are looking for an island with picturesque villages, I highly recommend, Milos Island.
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In Addition to this post on the Ancient Theater you can also check out my other posts from our 2025 trip to Greece, my 2018 trip to Milos Island, and also previous years Itineraries by following these links!
Sulfur Mines at Milos Island – 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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Plaka especially looks very charming. Were there not many people, or arw you just patient for them to leave? 😊 Maggie
A bit of both! Not crowded like Santorini and Mykonos, but there were clusters of people at times. Some streets were empty, as so many people only go down the main street when they travel it seems. Plus we were there around lunch time so a lot of people were in restaurants eating.
Looks like an awesome trip and an awesome island. I hope to get to Greece someday. That sun!
I so love Greece! And I do think the sun is brighter and the skies are bluer in Greece!
I agree, it is hard to beat Plaka. So gorgeous in so many ways. As to dining at the same location more than once, we do that all the time. If you find, good service and food for a reasonable price, why not repeat. Happy Sunday Lori. Allan
I am glad we aren’t the only ones that do this! If we find a really good place it would be terrible if we ate somewhere not as good the next day. Saves being disappointed! Have a good week!
Beautiful!!
It is such a pretty island!