Sightseeing, Milos Island

Unique places for walk, swimming, relaxing and sightseeing are everywhere around Milos island. Check below the most common.

Castle

The Castle was built in the 13th century on the hill of Prophitis Ilias, on the northwest edge of the island (today’s Plaka).

Nowadays it is not inhabited, but its visitors can admire a view of incomparable beauty of the entire island bay and of the magic sunset that is worth enjoying when you decide to climb all the way to the top. Also, ascending to the Castle, you will have the chance to see the church of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary or Panaghia Skiniotissa and the church of Panaghia Thalassitra.

This Venetian Castle was not surrounded by walls, as it was the case with most of the Cycladic castles, but it was protected by the houses. Practically, the castle was used to protect the local population against the attacks of pirates (a frequent phenomenon of the era), and also for the control of the ships’ movements in Adamantas bay. On its top, the “Mesa Kastro”, the Tower of the Governor was located, the so called Palace and around the tower there were a few houses. It was established by the first duke of Naxos, Marcus Sanoudos and in the Mesa Kastro there were mainly the residencies of the Duke’s manors and deputies, as well as of other relatives and Franks.

Kleftiko

The complex of these volcanic original rocks is a magical landscape worthy of admiration, and also a part to enjoy the sensation of the transparent blue-green waters and the sun.

Kleftiko used to be an old hide-out for pirates from where the pirates’ ships used to pass and anchor so as to get protected in its small creeks and imposing rocks.

Today, these unique geologic formations created by the wind and the sea, are the perfect place for swimming and exploration. They are accessible only by sea and for this reason we suggest you go on a sea trip to this magic landscape.

Sarakiniko

In the Northeast part of the island, you will find the most photographed Aegean landscape: Sarakiniko.

This moonscape is unique. The volcanic eroded Rocks penetrate into the emerald-colored sea creating small and big caves, whereas the lack of green (vegetation), in combination with the rocks’ white color and the intense reflection of the light create a landscape similar to the moon’s surface, thus making this experience unforgettable for all of its visitors.

Sarakiniko, named after the Saracen pirates overlooks Sifnos and Kimolos and it is recommended you visit it when the wind is not north.

It is worth noting that you should also visit Sarakinino at night, especially when the moon is full, as the snow-white rocks of soft material reflect the light even the moonlight vividly, thus, creating an unforgettable landscape.

Sulphur Mines

In the east side of Milos lies Paliorema, a bay with crystal clear waters and yellowish pebbles, colored by the sulphur. There the sulphur mine of Victor Melas used to be in operation, the oldest business for the mining of sulphur all over Greece .

In Paliorema or Theioryheia you can combine your swim with a visit to one of the geologic sites of the island’s mining history. You can rest on the beach with the colorful pebbles and the fine sand and you can enjoy your swim viewing the old quarries for the mining of sulphur and the ruins of offices, spare parts and personal items of the quarries’ workers which compose an attractive landscape.

Historically, between 1890-1905, the mines were in function, owned by the Company of Public and Municipal Works. In 1905 their function stopped due to the production of cheap sulphur in the U.S.A. In 1910-1918 they were functioning sporadically, whereas in the 1930s there were in full operation and the installations - seen even today- were made. The sulphur mines, the Theioryheia, were in operation until 1960, whereas the business was put to a permanent stop in 1978.

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Milos Island Cyclades Greece

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