Discover Milos with Louis Cruises | Travel Research Online

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Discover Milos with Louis Cruises

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Milos is the volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete, and is the south-westernmost island in the Cyclades group. Milos’ position, between Greece and Crete, and its possession of obsidian, made it an important centre of early Aegean civilizations. The island is notably famous for the statue of Aphrodite, “Venus de Milo,” now in the Louvre, as well as statues of the Greek gods Acelepius, Poseidon and Apollo.

Milos is also home to otherworldly beaches (Paleochori and Sarkiniko), spectacular caves (Papfragkas and Skyia) and a multitude of thermal springs (Kanava, Alki, Provata, Pikorpiyi). Diving enthusiasts will find a paradise in the the underwater caves, which have been formed triangularly by Milos, Kimolos and Ployegos Islands.

Moreover, the island’s villages are lovely too: the stately Plaka (the island’s capita), the harbor of Adamanta, the beautiful Hivadolimni, the marvelous Emproior with the little lagoon of Revary and the old iron mines.

Brief History

The volcanic activity in ancient years has endowed Milos island with an exciting variety of gorgeous landscapes, consequently offering visitors a wide range of activities. The unique shapes of the rocks and their wonderful colors at the beautiful white sandy beaches, are an expression of the volcanic features of Milos; the economic activity is another: obsidian has been excavated here for nearly 15,000 years, making it one of the most ancient mines in the Mediterranean. and crucial to the prehistory of the Cyclades. 

Places to See:

Brimming with panoramic scenery, picturesque villages and crystalline waters, Milos offers a remarkable experience for all types of travelers.

Tourists seeking a historically-focused experience, can visit Tripiti, a village perched on a ridge above the sea. Tripiti became the capital of the island in 1100 BC, after the abandonment of Phylakopi. Historically, Tripiti was inhabited during the Geometric, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods; here you can also visit the Roman amphitheater, which still includes seven intact rows of seats, and is accessible to visitors.Milos2

From Tripiti, it’s only ten minutes to the cobblestone streets and alleys
of Plaka, a classic Cycladic village of white stone houses and bougainvillea flower. This village offers travelers the opportunity to acquaint themselves with traditional architecture and stunning views of the sea, particularly from the courtyard of Korfiatsa Church. On your tour of the village, you can also indulge in some home-made sweets at the local pastry shops.

Just 100 meters from Plaka lie early Christian catacombs, the largest in Greece, and the ruins of ancient Melos. History aficionados can bask in the glory of ancient Melos, finding large Dorian walls and column fragments.

Tourists can also visit Kleftiko, a unique volcanic landscape and one of the most famous landmarks of Milos. You can tour its three bays or listen to tales of the bygone swashbuckling Aegean pirates and their plunder! Kleftiko was once a pirate hideout for about 400 years, but is perfectly safe now.

Things to Do:

Although Milos is repleted with history, Travelers will be amazed by the miles of gorgeous Milos coastline. Milos is home home to some of the Cyclades’ legendary beaches, including Paleochori, considered the best beach for swimmers, skin divers, sun-worshippers and water sports enthusiasts.

PicturePaleochori, is comprised of three beaches totaling 800 meters of sandy coastline, known for its dramatic cliff faces, and whose mineral deposits have rendered dazzling reds and yellows. Umbrellas and sun beds are available at the main beach, which is sandy with a smattering of white pebbles. There are some wonderful restaurants perched high above the beach here, including Artemis, a fish tavern, and the atmospheric Aqua local beach bar.

The beach features an outstanding Sirocco restaurant, that demonstrates the sophistication of volcanic cooking. The restaurant’s chefs cook your food in the sand, which is heated by volcanic (geothermal) energy. You will be able to tell your friends you dined on food cooked with geothermal energy!

Visitors can also enjoy Sarakiniko, a startling beautiful inlet of pure white stone sculpted by volcanic eruptions. Sarakiniko’s bright turquoise water is a true delight for swimmers, divers, and water sport lovers. This transcendental paradise is one of the island’s many geological wonders, and named by ISLANDS magazine as one of the worlds, “30 most beautiful undiscovered beaches.”

Kleftiko in Milos

For those who are looking for an unforgettable experience, travelers can tour the fishing village of Klima on a fourteen-meter “trehantiri,” a traditional wooden sailboat used historically in the Aegean for fishing. Klima is central to legendary boathouses called Syrmata (“Wire”), which provide homes for the fishermen and their families, as well as protection for their boats. The houses are called Syrmata, because the fisherman use wire to pull their boats from the water into the houses.

From Klima, tourists can sail to the sleepless Arkoudes, a rock formation that resembles a mother bear and her cub, who guard the entrance to the harbor. Travel just a bit north, and voyagers can pass Cape Vani, whose taunting rocks stand sentinel on the cape, beside the cape’s old manganese mines, used just a mere 100 years ago. Or, sail towards the southwest corner of the island, and visit the famous Skyia Cave for an unforgettable swim.

Whatever you choose to do, Milos will romance you and make you fall in love with traveling again!

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