Milos
Police: + (30) 22870 21378
Hospital: + (30) 22873 60001
Milos and Kimolos used to be one island, but an earthquake split the island into two. The volcanic nature has blessed the island with many bays, and the large, natural harbour made it a perfect place for some of the earliest settlers in Greece. There is evidence that the island was inhabited as far back as the 6th Millennium BC!
Both the Minoans and Mycenaean’s had settlements here in the 2nd Millennium BC and the island blossomed because of the good connections with other island, as well as the mainland. Milos produced large quantities of obsidian, a volcanic rock well suited to make weapons from.
Because Milos was such a rich island, the Athenians took an interest in it during Classical years, and the locals were forced to pay annual tributes to Athens. The Romans conquered the island in the 2nd century BC, and even built their own society here.
Milos was one of the first Greek islands to be Christianized, and in the catacombs from the 2nd century the skeletons of over 2000 persons have been found. The catacombs were also used as a hiding place when persecutors of the Christians, avenging Venetians, Turks or pirates attacked the island. Around the same time, the Romans also build a theatre here, which still is used from time to time.
The Venetian Duchy with Naxos as a centre, included Milos as well from the 13th century. In 1537 the Turks took over, and Milos was not liberated until the 19th century after the War of Independence had started in 1821.
Sightseeings
In
Plaka, Milos'
capital, there are quite a few things to see. You can visit the
archaeological museum where various artefacts from the excavations on the island are displayed, as well as a copy of
Aphrodite of Milos. There is also a
folklore museum, where you can see how the people of Milos used to live and dress.
The church dedicated to the
Virgin Mary has many icons and here you will also get a wonderful view. The
Venetian Kastro is also worth a visit.
Just above
Klima there is a big
archaeological excavation site, and here you will see many ancient ruins, as well as the spot where
Aphrodite of Milos
was found.
At
Sarakinika the ancient town
Fylakopis is being excavated, and the landscape here
resembles the moon. It is believed that this is where the first settlers lived, and there are traces of Minoan civilization here as well as a
Roman theatre from the 2nd century AD.
The
Christian catacombs from the 1st to 3rd century where about 2000 people were buried are
definitely worth a visit.
In Milos' harbour,
Adamas, there is a
mining museum, as well as an
ecclesiastical museum.
Beaches
There are
over 70 beaches and bays on Milos, so pick your choice. There are all kinds of beaches: sandy, rocky, pebble beaches or cliffs.
It is hard to recommend any, but
worth mentioning is the sandy beach
Tsigrado, the
Sarakinio beach with its many caves and
Voudia which has
warm wells.
Hotels
"Melian" Boutique Hotel & SPA, Guest House
Embraced by the serenity of splendid natural surroundings, this Eco-Friendly hotel in the enchanting island of Milos in Cyclades, Greece, is committed to the implementation of proactive measures in order to sustain and improve ecological stability.
"Tania Milos" Furnished Apartment
Perched on the north-eastern tip of the island of Milos, by the village of Pollonia, Tania Milos is a charming small boutique hotel, set in a traditionally styled Milos building, with white walls, exposed stonework and painted woodwork. With just ten spacious rooms, Tania Milos is a delightful retreat, providing cosy bed and breakfast accommodation in a spectacular beachside setting
"Psaravolada" Resort, Guest House
Located in the south side of Milos, very close to Aghia Kyriaki beach which is one of the best sandy beaches of the island and over the magnificent beach of Psaravolada from which it owes its name. The lodgings provide total relaxation and promise a pleasant stay in a beautiful, cozy and friendly environment with magnificent view to the endless blue, full with colours from the rise to the set of the holidays.