Milos is a Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago that is a popular vacation destination. It is one of Greece’s most popular islands, receiving thousands of visitors a month during the summer high season.
The beautiful beaches are definitely the primary draw for visiting Milos. You can enjoy the lunar volcanic landscapes of Sarakiniko and Kleftiko (which used to be a pirate hangout) or stay at the popular sandy beach of Paleochori.
Explore the quaint towns on the island, such as the colorful Little Venice and welcoming Plaka. Milos has a long history (this was where the Venus de Milo statue was found) and you can explore this history at the island’s museums or at the catacombs.
Looking at a picture of Milos is enough to make you want to book your trip there as soon as possible, but before planning an impulse trip, it’s always a good idea to research a potential destination.
You want to know about any problems you might run into on vacation, such as safety challenges.
Milos is probably safe, but it’s always a good idea to double-check for sure. Keep reading to learn more about the island, including crime rates and safety challenges — we’ll show you all you need to know!
Is Milos Safe to Visit in 2024?
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Yes. Milos is safe to visit, just like most of the Greek islands! It is small and peaceful, and there are few safety challenges.
You may encounter some petty crimes such as theft or scams, but even these petty incidents are fairly rare. It helps that Milos is located in Greece, which is a very safe country.
Most governments agree in their travel advisories that Greece is perfectly safe to visit. The United States only issues a Level One travel advisory for the country, as does the Australian government.
Many of the risks countries may mention in their travel advisories for Greece are not present in Milos. Although there is a risk of terrorism in Greece, Milos is a small island with no political significance, so it is a highly unlikely target.
Civil unrest is also highly unlikely in Milos. Protests can happen, such as the Beach Towel Movement, a protest against expensive beach loungers pushing out locals that started on nearby Paros and may spread to Milos.
However, almost all protests concern local issues and are largely peaceful. You don’t have to worry about dangers when swimming either.
Milos is located in the Aegean Sea, thus it is protected from the dangerous waters of the open ocean or even the wider Mediterranean Sea. Many of the island’s beaches are also located on a bay, which further protects the water.
That means that you don’t have to worry about big waves, making it a great place for children. Obviously, you should still take precautions when swimming in Milos, the same as you would anywhere.
Avoid swimming while impaired as that affects your ability to make safe judgements. Always supervise children in the water as drowning can happen in an instant.
Be mindful of local warnings, signs, and lifeguard advice — if locals aren’t willing to brave swimming in a storm, it’s not a good idea for you to do so either. If you are visiting Milos in the summer, you should be mindful of the extreme heat of Greek summers.
The UK government included information about the extreme temperatures and heat waves affecting Greece in its official travel advisory for the country.
Heatstroke can cause serious illness, so make sure that you take precautions to avoid it such as staying indoors during the hottest part of the day. Summer is also wildfire season in Greece.
The summer of 2023 saw devastating wildfires, with many islands burning and needing to be evacuated. During this fire season, the Cyclades and Milos were mostly unaffected, but there is a risk every year from May to October that wildfires could happen.
Also make sure to follow the news for any government alerts. If an evacuation order comes through, obey immediately. Your accommodation will help you figure out how to evacuate safely as your hosts will need to leave as well.
Make sure that you don’t do anything that would affect the fire safety of the island.
Avoid risky behavior such as lighting fires outdoors or throwing out cigarettes without stubbing them out completely. When the climate is dry and hot, you want to avoid any spark that could cause a fire.
Crime in Milos
Milos, Greece – June 27 2021: Aerial view over sailboats moored in the bay of the small village Pollonia on the Island of Milos/fivetonine/Shutterstock
Crime is often a concern for people going abroad. This is particularly true for visiting the Mediterranean region, where many places have a bit of a reputation when it comes to crime.
Nobody wants to ruin their beach vacation by canceling bank cards, spending time at the police station filing a report, or even worse, suffering a traumatic event.
Luckily, crime is not something that you have to worry about much in Milos. The sleepy island has a very low crime rate. In fact, the crime rate is so low that it is difficult to find any statistics about crime on the island whatsoever (especially English language statistics).
However, anecdotal evidence such as reviews from other travelers can help reassure you that Milos is safe to visit. It helps that Greece has a very low crime rate overall.
The homicide rate in the entire country is just 0.85 incidents per 100,000 people. Most of these violent incidents occur in bigger cities and more populated areas, not on the sleepy island of Milos where everybody knows everybody.
The overall crime rate in Greece is also low. According to Numbeo, the country scores a 46.81 out of 100 on the crime index, which is a moderate rate, but this number is affected by crime statistics in big cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
The most common crimes in all of Greece are petty offenses such as vandalism and theft. Milos doesn’t even have a high rate of theft, like other beach destinations such as Santorini may have.
There are a few reasons for this. One is that the island is fairly small, with a population of just about 5,000 people according to local travel websites.
With such a small community, it’s difficult for criminals to blend in (in fact, many find it easier to pose as fellow tourists than as locals, since everyone knows everyone).
It also helps that Milos is a fairly wealthy island. The islanders don’t depend on tourism for income completely as it is one of the few Greek islands with a separate industry (in this case, mining).
That reduces many of the social factors, such as poverty and unemployment, that contribute to higher crime rates in other popular tourist destinations.
There is still a chance that some minor crime may happen while you’re there, especially if you are careless. However, the risk of anything dangerous happening is very low.
Petty Theft
When crime does happen in Milos, it is usually a minor offense such as petty theft. More dangerous incidents are almost unheard of on the island.
Most petty theft in Milos is non-violent, and even non-confrontational. Thieves are usually opportunistic and seize the opportunity when they see items without their owners.
As such, theft of unattended items is one of the most common problems here. The Australian government offers a few tips to prevent theft while on vacation. The most important thing you can do is not leave your belongings unattended.
Even on a quiet, safe island such as Milos, you never know who could be watching and waiting for an opportunity to take your things. Thieves often operate on popular beaches.
Make sure that you don’t leave your valuables on the beach while you go swimming. Either have someone from your group stay behind to watch your things or leave valuables such as your passport in your hotel safe.
If you have to take items with you to the beach, for example if you are driving to check out a great beach on the other side of the island, there are a few ways you can prevent theft of your unattended items.
One is to invest in a waterproof dive bag so you can take your items with you while you swim. A simpler hack is to just cover your bag with your towel while you swim.
Thieves only steal when they know they can take things without being spotted. Having to remove the towel will attract too much attention and they will move on.
Scams
Milos doesn’t have many scams, but any place that welcomes many tourists will also have some people that want to take advantage of these tourists. The most common scam is people overcharging tourists or charging for goods they do not deliver.
When you are booking ahead for something in Milos, such as a car rental, accommodation, or tour, always read reviews to make sure you are paying a deposit to a legitimate business.
Businesses in Greece are legally required to issue a receipt. Always check the price before paying for anything, such as the menu in a restaurant, and make sure it matches what is on the receipt.
Check the charges on your credit card to make sure businesses don’t charge you twice and feel free to dispute the charges.
Avoiding Bad Areas
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Milos is so safe that there are no bad areas that you need to avoid! The main town Plaka may have more petty theft than other parts of the island, just because it receives the most visitors, but it isn’t dangerous by any means.
We mention it because, just like in any area with a high concentration of people, you need a be more cautious than in those that are less sparse.
Things to Consider
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Here are a few additional safety tips to help you have a great time in Milos:
- The roads are not the best. Some of the “roads” are merely dirt tracks. If you decide to rent a car to explore more remote beaches, make sure you rent a sturdy vehicle and are prepared for the road conditions. However, the roads are also very narrow and twisting, so a small sturdy car is better than an SUV.
- Bring sturdy shoes. Some of the best sights of Milos are remote catacombs and beaches that you need to scramble over rocks to reach, so make sure you have a sturdier alternative to your beach sandals if you need it.
- Wear plenty of sunscreen. The sun is very strong in Milos, and you don’t want to get sunburned on vacation!
- Make an effort to get to know the locals. Follow local politeness norms such as saying hello when you enter a business. Don’t wear your beach outfit in town, especially not to religious sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few common questions people have asked about visiting Milos before:
Is it safe to drive in Milos?
Yes, it is safe to drive in Milos, and renting a car is a popular way to see the island. However, be prepared that many of the roads are narrow, and some roads leading to more remote areas are not paved.
Is it worth it to go to Milos?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it to go to Milos. The island has some of the best swimming locations in all of Greece thanks to its unique lunar landscape and pristine waters.
How many days in Milos is enough?
Most people recommend three or four days in Milos. You want to give yourself enough time to explore several of the unique beaches, see some other sights on the island, and truly relax. Don’t forget relaxation in your island-hopping itinerary!
Should I go to Milos, Greece?
If you want a beautiful, relaxing vacation, you should go to Milos, Greece! However, the island is small and doesn’t have the amenities you may get at other Greek islands such as thumping beach bars.
Is Milos a party island?
Milos is absolutely not a party island. While some visitors may find this disappointing, others come here precisely because of the tranquility. The lack of nightlife also contributes to the low crime rate since many crimes on Greek islands are alcohol-related.
So, Is Milos Safe to Visit?
Milos is one of the safest Greek islands and the perfect place for your next vacation! With a very low crime rate and few other dangers, it is a tranquil place for any vacation.
So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Milos has to offer. Happy travels!