Milos Maps

Milos is a volcanic island in the southwestern Cyclades, known for its geological diversity and mining history. The island covers 62 square miles and has a population of approximately 5,000 residents. Plaka, perched on a hilltop, serves as the capital, while Adamas on the north coast functions as the main port and largest settlement. The island's coastline features numerous caves, colorful rock formations, and hot springs resulting from volcanic activity.

Milos is the discovery site of the Venus de Milo, the famous ancient Greek statue of Aphrodite now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, found in 1820 by a farmer near the ancient theater. The Archaeological Museum in Plaka contains a copy and other finds from the island. The ancient theater above Klima village, dating to the Hellenistic period, overlooks the bay. Nearby, the early Christian catacombs represent one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece.

The island has over 70 beaches, many with unique characteristics due to volcanic geology. Sarakiniko on the north coast features dramatic white volcanic rock formations creating a lunar landscape. The fishing village of Klima and similar settlements of Fyropotamos and Mandrakia feature distinctive "syrmata," colorful boathouses with large doors built into the rock at sea level. Mining of obsidian in prehistoric times and later minerals including sulfur, alum, and kaolin has been economically important. Bentonite and perlite mining continues today. Tourism has grown significantly in recent decades, though Milos maintains a quieter atmosphere than more famous Cycladic islands.

The Facts:
Region: South Aegean.
Regional unit: Milos.
Cities: Milos.
Population: ~ 5,000.
Area: 62 sq mi (160 sq km).