At only 160 km², you can circumnavigate the entire island via Yacht or Catamaran in just one day. This is an easy way to see Milos island if you have limited time. However, there are a number of places such Polyaigos, Gerakas and the famous Klefiko that can only be reached by boat. These are arguably the best places, so Sailing Milos Island should be a highly considered adventure, regardless of time.

If you wander the port at Adamas, many boats line the jetty, all available for bookings. Most boats will have booking representatives who you can chat with and learn about the boat, captain and route.

The boats

Three yacht’s were recommended to us by our hotel (we stayed at Olea Bay Hotel, highly recommended!). It might be worth asking your hotel for recommendations too.

Thalassitra is ranked #2 on Tripadvisor. The boat is a replica of Greek shipbuilding tradition and almost resembles that of a pirate ship. While this makes the boat more sturdy, ideal for those succumb to sea sickness, it also allows for a larger capacity (which may detract from a boutique experience). Because the boat is also on the larger size, it’s slower and less nimble than the other boats. This means it can’t squeeze it’s way through some of those tighter nooks around Kleftiko.

Milos Adventures is ranked #3 on Tripadvisor and is a large catamaran so also allows for a larger capacity on board.

Eleni is ranked #6 on Tripadvisor and is a small boutique yacht.

We made our way back and forth along the jetty, spoke to all the representatives for the above boats and we loved the vibe and offering of Eleni the best. We loved that it only allowed for 11 people and had a really young and fun crew (be mindful we went in June, we were told capacity can increase in the peak season). Best still, it was the cheapest at 60Euro per person, which included meals throughout the day, snorkelling gear and unlimited drinks.

We were able to book Eleni (and any of the other boats if we wished) the day before the tour. We were in Milos before peak season, so if you’re visiting in peak, I recommend booking the boat as soon as your arrive to guarantee a trip within the time you’re visiting the island.

The journey

We boarded Eleni at 9am. The sun was shining, the cloud coverage next to zero. Perfect for yachting. A petite Greek girl, Maria, introduced herself as our tour guide for the day. Her vivacious personality set the tone for the day, encouraging chatter amongst all aboard.

Departing from Adamas, Maria started pointing out fishing villages –  Skinopi, Klima, Areti, Furkovuni and the rocks of Arkoudes.

Our journey continued along the north coast of the island past Plathiena, Akradies, Fyropotomos, Mandrakia, and the white rocks of Sarakiniko. While these beaches are excellent swimming spots, they can easily be reached by road. Therefore, Eleni didn’t waste any time stopping here, however Maria encouraged everyone to visit in our own time (which we did!).

Due to the Northerly wind, we skipped our first swimming spot, Glaronisia. Whilst not exactly a beach, it’s an island with a geology aligned to that of the Giant Causeway in Ireland. Millions of interlocking basalt columns emanate from the aqua water.

Sailing on Glaronisia, we passed Pollonia to the much awaited island of Polyaigos. We had heard the coast of Mirsini on the island was home to the great “Blue Waters”. As Eleni hugged the coast of  Polyaigos, the entire crew stared in awe of the growing contrast of the white cliffs against the turquoise water. As Mirsini came into view, the turquoise water consumed Eleni and before we knew it, we were surrounded by a sheer turquoise colour, as far as the eye could see. It was magical.

When Eleni anchored, we didn’t waste any time aboard. We grabbed some snorkelling gear and jumped excitedly into the blue depths of Polyaigos. Making our way closer to the white cliffs, we explored the hidden treasures beneath the surface.

Post the enchantment of Polyaigos, we sailed south past Thiorihia-Sulphur mines, Firligos, Paliochori and anchored at Gerakas for another swim. Gerakas is a crystal clear cove encapsulated by sheer sandy cliffs.

Our journey continued along the south coast of Milos past Tsigrado, Firiplaka, Kipos, Gerontas towards our next destination – the emerald waters of Kleftiko!

The abundance of caves at Kleftiko was once used as a refuge for pirates. Now they are open for exploration. The small size of Eleni enabled her to anchor up tight to the famous white rock formations. Most other yachts couldn’t get as close and therefore toured the caves via tender boat. Those aboard Eleni were able to use the provided snorkel gear to swim through the numerous caves. We were anchored at Kleftiko for 1 1/2 hours which was plenty of time to explore the underwater world and enjoy a Greek meal for lunch.

Leaving Kleftiko behind, we are served evening coffee, fruits and ice-cream as we followed the west coast back towards where it all started.

We passed the cave of Sikia, Agios Ioannis, Triades, Agathia, Kalogries and last but not least, Vani Cape.

As we headed back to Adamas, Maria gathered the group to the front of the boat and encouraged us all to sit in a circle. She placed a little wooden box with a miniature gold lock in the middle of the circle. She released the clasp and revealed 6 mineral stones, all native to Milos.

As an island of volcanic origin, Milos has a very distinctive geology, which is the main reason for the island’s fabulous variety of colours and landscapes. The 6 stones represented various formations of Milos island that we had toured past that day. Passing the stones around the circle allowed us to feel the texture and weight, appreciating the various landscapes.

Just as we thought the day was coming to a close, Maria walked out with another surprise – a bottle of Ouzo and a stack of plastic cups.

Ouzo is an aniseed-flavoured spirit, arguably Greece’s most popular alcoholic drink.

Maria enthusiastically handed around the plastic cups and free poured the Ouzo. When no one was left without a cup, Maria screamed “YAMAS” and threw back her Ouzo.

Everyone else tentatively pursed their lips against the plastic rim and sipped the potent and fiery drink in response. I winced at the taste and couldn’t quite smash it back as well as Maria.

I smiled at her vivacity and watched the port of Adamas come closer against the orange hue of the setting sun, as our Sailing Milos Island adventure came to a close.

If you have more than a day on this spectacular island, see our itinerary for more adventures.

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