Milos Island, Greece, Europe
When one thinks of the Greek Islands, it’s hard not to envisage sunset over the sweeping cliffs of Santorini, or sampling fresh seafood by the crystalline waters of Mykonos. Perhaps the ancient ruins of Crete spring to mind, or the promise of drinking cocktails and dancing until sunrise on a Corfu beach.
When planning your escape to the Greek Islands, however, it’s easy to become sidetracked by the most popular and tourist-trodden destinations. Of over 6,000 islands, 227 are inhabited, and it’s easy to miss some of the most quintessential and breath-taking among them, such as Milos.
Milos island is located in the Cyclades archipelago, and is approximately a five-hour ferry ride from Santorini. Milos is home to over 70 beaches, each of which are more unique than the next, owing to the island’s ancient volcanic activity. With sands ranging from snow-white, to ochre, to charcoal, and glistening bays of azure and turquoise, Milos has been rightly dubbed ‘The Island of Colours.’
To break up a four-month stint working in bars in Ios, I boarded a ferry to Milos for a relaxed weekend and some much-needed down time. I hadn’t heard a lot about the island; I spotted it scrawled in chalk across the ferry timetables at the ticketing office. After asking the clerk about it, I booked my ticket.
After a four-hour ferry ride, I disembarked into the quaint and peaceful town of Adamas. On the way to my hotel, I walked along the water’s edge, passing restaurants and stores. There were people around, but for August, the island didn’t seem wildly busy. Sweating beneath the afternoon sun, I was pleased when I arrived at my hotel. A short, round elderly woman welcomed me, and ushered me to my room.
‘Why you alone?’ she asked.
I laughed.
‘I’m on a holiday away from Ios.’
‘Ah, Ios,’ she shuddered. ‘Very crazy!’
She dipped out of the room suddenly. I set my bags down and was just about the change when she came bustling through the door again. She was holding a plate.
‘Ela! For you,’ she said, offering it to me. A large, thick slice of baklava was resting on it.
I thanked her, and she let herself out, closing the door behind her.
The following day, I booked myself on a yacht tour of the island. Having only a weekend in Milos, this seemed to be the best way to see as much of the island that I could. We departed at 9am, cruising out past the colourful fishing village of Kilma. As we continued to sail around the island, the captain anchored up in various turquoise coves for swim spots. Just before lunch, we arrived at Kleftiko, where we snorkelled and dived throughout the breathtaking limestone caves and lagoons.
Lunch consisted of fresh seafood, salad and pita breads, which we washed down with local wine. We spent the afternoon sunbathing, as the yacht continued to cruise the outskirts of the island. On sunset, we pulled into Tsigrado Beach for one last swim, before we headed back to Amadas.
I arrived back at my hotel to find another slice of wrapped baklava sitting on the table outside my room.
Elle Conway studies Journalism in Canberra. Prior to university, she spent four gap years travelling, working and living abroad. She loves spiced rum, and dreams of one day travelling to Antarctica.
& photos by Jayden Combes.
