Milos, though smaller and less flashy than Paros, packs a tremendous heart and an even larger soul. Our day kicked off with a rush, as we had a boat tour on the calendar. We snagged our morning fix—Fredo Cappuccinos and Hot Cappuccinos at Egoist—and hustled to meet Volcanic Boat Adventures.
Our guide, Mana, a charming French girl, welcomed us aboard a modest boat, which left me quietly wondering if my Dramamine would stand up to the challenge. As we skimmed across the water, we captured our first panoramic shots of Adamas port from the sea—a photographer’s delight.
Figure 1: Adamas Port, Milos from the sea
We revisited the picturesque fishing village of Klima, then made a stop at Kleftiko Beach, famously known as the hideout of pirates and aptly named after thieves. Instead of sandy shores, we were greeted by shallow, emerald waters, shimmering around us, hosting schools of fish in its serene depths. Its untouched beauty was a poignant reminder of nature’s artistry.
Figure 2: Emerald waters of the Kleftiko beach
Next, we ventured to Sikia Cave, a breathtaking open-roof sea cave that’s only accessible by water, reinforcing Milos’s reputation as an island of hidden marvels.
Figure 3: Stunning Sikia Cave
Figure 4: Breathtaking water colors in Sikia Cave
Between stops, Mana and the crew kept us well-fed with an assortment of snacks: butter and fig bread, cut fruits, semolina halva, and olive oil and tomato sauce breads, washed down with beer and soft drinks. While Vanya embraced the cold waters with multiple swims, I opted to soak in the views from a drier vantage point, joined by two Australian families celebrating a significant birthday.
After the tour, I retreated to our room for a quick clean-up, while the girls explored the town further. By 4 PM, hunger called us to the local Greek bakeries, where we indulged in delicious Katafi, Spinach Patties, and Tomato Focaccia, our taste buds tingling with each bite.
Feeling a touch wistful, we acknowledged our looming departure from this island paradise to the historic and bustling city of Athens. The transition was stark—the ride to the airport took just five minutes, and the tiny Milos airport, with grass peeking through near the runway, felt worlds apart from what awaited us.
Figure 5: Small, grassy Milos Airport
Athens greeted us with its vast scale and dense crowds—a dramatic shift from the tranquil islands. Our hotel in the lively Plaka neighborhood offered just a glimpse of the Acropolis from our compact rooms, a stark contrast to the expansive sea views we’d grown accustomed to.
For dinner, we delved into the local cuisine with Massouka, Tabouleh salad, and Grilled vegetarian pita, a delightful introduction to Athenian flavors. The server, catching onto our enthusiasm, surprised us with a complimentary round of desserts, a sweet end to our day.
Figure 6: Dessert Assortment at our Athens Dinner
As we settled into the vibrant rhythm of Athens, the island’s calm seemed a distant memory, yet the adventure continued, promising new stories and experiences in Greece’s historic heartbeat.