Blindingly white dwellings dotted with blue accents lay burnished under the intense sun. There is a jaunty air about this laid-back island – sailboats bobbed along to the lull of the gentle wind, skippers lay languid on the edge of the hull and Miloans breeze through their daily grind as they chug shot glassfuls of raki by the sea. Everything is chill here, a world away from her Cyclades sister of Mykonos where party-hopping rules the scene. 

THE BEACHES

Scout the island for beaches that glide and twist into otherworldly shapes. Sarakiniko Beach is a marvel with its ashen rock shore that dips into azure waters, resembling a prodigious moonscape. 

Swim in a pothole and stumble into caves at Papafragas Beach. If the swim makes you hungry, take a five minutes drive to Kivotos ton Gefseon and snack on chocolate pies, pizza bread and cakes. 

Head to Firopotamos near Plaka, the capital of Milos. The beach may be nothing to brag about, but its ancient ruins there are worth making a trip to. 

THE SIGHTS

The best views of Milos are seen from the ocean. Hop onto Captain Elias’s sailboat and explore the island’s outer rim, fringed by metamorphic beaches formed over centuries of volcano activity. The all-day boat trip skims through open caves and olden-day pirates’ lairs while you feast on homemade Greek salads, grilled octopus, dolmades, and ouzo.

Don’t miss a pit stop at Klima, a string of syrmata embellished with vivid hues. The village can be accessed via boat or car. Be warned – you will need to brave through a long flight of stairs if you take the car route.

THE FOOD

The island is crawling with sea view restaurants. O Hamos and Medusa are all-time favourites for Miloan food such as lamb baked in cheese, yogurt with sweets and grilled octopus. For more on what to eat here, check out the eating guide. 

ROOMS

Eiriana Luxury Suites is all powder white and turquoise blue with all the bells and whistles of a lavish roost. The pool is for views of the island and lounging around in the mornings with breakfast on the deckchair. The honeymoon suite has a jacuzzi with views of the nearby town area. Doubles start at €160.