milos island

Milos, the southernmost island of the Western Cyclades, stands out for its volcanic landscape as well as its rich mineral wealth. Milos is famous for its lacy coastline, with more than 75 beaches, with crystal clear bright blue waters and colourful monumental cliffs.

Thanks to its volcanic origin, Milos impresses with the landscape and variety of beaches. Here, white sand beaches can be found next to each other, as well as coves with pebbles, surrounded by white, red, yellow and even black cliffs.

The island's fame has spread throughout the world due to the statue of Aphrodite, which was discovered here in the 19th century and is now a masterpiece in the Louvre. The main port of Adamas, with one of the best natural bays in the Aegean, is a picturesque town with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, flower-drenched balconies and aromatic armiricum bushes, popularly praised by the poets. A visit to the Museum of Metals, with a rich display of minerals from the island, is recommended.

The administrative centre of the island, Milos or Plaka, is a beautiful town with its own distinctive architectural style located on the slopes of a hill at the base of the fortress. Special mention should be made of its churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary: Panagia Cor Fietissa, Panagia Talasistra, Mesa Panagia.

Of particular note are the Archaeological Museum with a replica of the splendid statue of Aphrodite of Milos and other monuments from various

ages; the Historical and Ethnographic Museum with traditional crafts, mineral samples, photographs and historical documents and the neighbouring village of Klima. There are ruins of fortress walls and an ancient theatre where performances are given in the summer.

At the north-eastern tip of the island lies the modern resort of Pollonia or Apolloni and 3 km away is Philakopi, the most important Minoan centre on the island where in antiquity there were three successive towns. Next to the archaeological site of Filakopi is the fairytale cave of Papafranga. Another, the sea cave, Kleftiko, is located on the southern tip of the island, one of the most beautiful spots of Milos. The island's main attraction is the famous catacombs (in the village of Tripiti, 2 km from the main town of Plaka) which are considered by experts to be one of the most important monuments of the early Christian period. The island has many stunning beaches: Sarakiniko, framed by whitewashed cliffs, windswept and polished by the sea, Hivadolimni, Pollonia, Adamantas, Emboryos, Provatas, Paliohori, Agia Kyriaki.

Thanks to the excellent tourist infrastructure, the unspoilt sea and the valuable historical monuments, the island is attracting more and more tourists.

The small neighbouring islets of Antimilios, Arkadjes and the group of islets of Glaronisia are each interesting with their own special flavour.