The Best Time to Visit Milos in 2023 | When to Go

The best time to visit Milos largely depends on the type of holiday you’re after. Are you looking to explore the island’s beaches during Milos’ high season?

Maybe you don’t mind the chilly weather and would consider heading to the island in the off-season? How about going easy on your wallet and taking advantage of Milos’ least expensive months?

In our detailed guide, we provide suggestions for visiting Milos all year round to help you choose the most optimal time for you. We’re ready when you are.

Why You Should Visit Milos in 2023

Milos’ suitable tourist infrastructure, playful villages, welcoming locals, majestic landscapes, and interesting local festivities make it one of the most underrated Greek islands.

If this isn’t enough to convince you to visit Milos, let’s take a closer look at more specific reasons why this enchanting island should make it to your Greek bucket list:

• We have yet to hear about someone who hasn’t been mesmerized by the beaches on Milos. You’ll have a great beach experience regardless of which one(s) you end up visiting during your stay. However, these are the best of the best: Firiplaka Beach, Provatas Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko, Achivadolimni Beach, and Firopotamos Beach.
• Did you know the entire island was created thanks to volcanic activity? You don’t have to be a geology expert to enjoy the enchanting color combinations of the rocks.
• Many flock to Milos to enjoy the vibrant fishing villages. Being some of the most photographed points of interest, the village houses will seduce you with their vibrant colors as soon as you spot them. Here are some ideas as to which ones you have to visit: Pollonia, Trypiti, Adamantas, and Klima.
• Milos may not have the Santorini kind of sunsets, but we believe they come pretty close. Plus, considering Milos doesn’t see the same tourist crowds as Santorini and the like do, chances are you’ll find the sunsets there much more enjoyable in any case.
• The island has some of the most fascinating historical landmarks not only in the entire country but also worldwide — the catacombs. 
• Other popular points of interest include the Milos caves, the ancient theatre, the Archeological Museum, the Sulfur Mines at Paliorema, and the Church of Panagia Portiani.
• Full of white houses, souvenir shops, and Greek tavernas, Plaka, the island’s capital, is a story on its own. You’ll also find stunning views of the Aegean Sea, a Venetian castle, and several museums, to name a few.
• Care to tantalize your taste buds with authentic Greek cuisine? Popular dishes to try out during your stay on the island include manoura saganaki, skordolazana, plakopites, pork with tomato paste, skotyrokolokytha, flaounes, mitzithropitakia, and many others. For a full Greek experince, don’t forget to sample some of the local wines too!

Now that we got you hooked on this versatile Greek island, let’s see when the best time to visit Milos is!

Overall Best Time to Visit Milos

The overall best time to visit Milos is during the island’s peak season, which is in summer (June–August), the majestic beaches being the main reason for it.

From basking in the sun and relaxing in the sea to more dynamic beach hopping, kayaking, or snorkeling, Milos’ summer seasons have you covered. At night, you can catch the sunsets at the church right above Plaka, Panagia Thalassitra, and take some Insta-worthy photos.

Milos, just like most islands in the country, has plenty of local feasts known as “panigiria.” Being traditional festivities, these gatherings usually include a myriad of food and wine.

As a visitor, you not only get the chance to interact with locals but also observe common customs and learn a few local dances. When done right, the panagiria may very well be the highlight of your island stay.

During summer, here are some panagiria to look out for: Agia Marina (16 July), Profitias Illias (19 July), Agios Panteleimonas (26/27 July), Dormition of the Mother of God and Feast of the Holy and Glorious Hieromartyr Haralambos (15 August), and three panigiria at Kipos, Komia, and Trypiti (22 August).

Those looking for more dynamic festivities should definitely come at the beginning of July and enjoy the well-known Milos Festival.

An established event, the Milos Festival allows visitors to engage in a plethora of events ranging from concerts and theatre performances to book and painting exhibitions. Milos’ summers welcome travelers with temperatures varying between 68°F and 80°F.

Last but not least, if summers on Milos seem to resonate with your holiday expectations, make sure to book your stay in advance, as there’s high demand at this time. Also, expect higher prices as opposed to low season rates.

That said, Milos isn’t as expensive as other Greek islands, so chances are that no matter when you arrive, your holiday isn’t going to cost a fortune, which brings us to the next point.

Cheapest Time to Visit Milos

The cheapest time to head to Milos is during one of the island’s shoulder periods, in the fall (September–October).

Apart from the reduced accommodation rates, you can also swim, as the weather’s still pleasant, especially in September. September and October visitors should expect temperatures hovering around 79°F during the day and 61°F at night.

With school back in the game, crowds dwindle too, allowing island visitors to soak in everything Milos has to offer without fighting the busy crowds.

Also, hiking and sightseeing at this time are better, thanks to the pleasant climate. Local restaurants offer much more reasonable prices, so eating your way through the island can prove to be a truly special experience.

Popular hiking routes include Trypiti – Catacombs – Ancient Theatre – Profitis Ilias – Venus of Milos, Cape Vani – Agia Marina, Pollonia – Fylakopi and Trypiti – Catacombs – Milos Theatre – Klima.

Keep in mind that each of these routes comes with a different level of hiking difficulty, so make sure to pick the one which corresponds with your skills and current stamina the most.

Panigiria aren’t just a summer thing — you can enjoy them in other parts of the year too.

If you visit in the fall, here are the ones to be on the lookout for: Ayios Sostis (6 September), Panayia Eleoussa (7 September), Panayia Korfiatissa (8 September), Stavros (13 September), and Ayios Ionnis (16 September).

These are the perfect events to feel Greek’s warm hospitality while enjoying Cycladic music and trying local delicacies.

Least Busy Time to Visit Milos

Wish to steer away from the annoying island crowds? Consider heading to Milos in spring (March–May).

While Milos isn’t the greenest island possible, its majestic landscapes in spring will still mesmerize you. The seawater temperature in spring is far from enjoyable, but if you’re brave enough, you may give swimming a try sometime in May.

The relatively empty island allows you to not only explore the island and its villages at your own pace but also take postcard-worthy photos. Hiking is also great at this time, just as during springtime.

Those looking to have an authentic cultural stay on Milos should consider heading there during the Greek Easter celebrations.

Although Milos doesn’t have plenty of Easter traditions like other places in Greece, it still offers plenty of fireworks, special dishes, and other interesting customs. Spring temperatures on Milos vary between 50°F and 73°F.

Worst Time to Visit Milos

Climate-wise, winters on Milos (December–February) can be chilly. Moreover, not all businesses remain open, activities are limited, ferry/air services are drastically reduced, and many areas become all but deserted.

Ferries are frequently canceled thanks to the harsh winter winds, so flying may be a much better option if you’re on a tight schedule.

Rain isn’t very frequent, but in any case, it’s far more common than during summer. That said, visiting Milos in winter can be a true blessing if you wish to see the real island — without the peak season prices, tourist crowds, and large queues.

Plus, you can always escape the chilly weather by engaging in some fun indoor activities such as museum hopping, having a fun afternoon at the Konstantakis Cave Winery, and getting a massage.

Winter temperatures on the island mean average lows of 48°F and highs of 59°F.

Things to Consider

Consider these travel tips for the best holiday on Milos:

• Milos doesn’t have an international airport like other Greek islands, but it has a local airport, which means you can fly to Athens and then catch a short flight to Milos. Another option is a ferry ride.
• Extra tip: for a smooth ferry ride booking, download the Ferryhopper app and track your ferry at all times.
• Be mindful of the so-called meltemi winds, powerful summer winds, which may, at times, lead to canceled sailing tours or ferries.
• Although the island has a bus network taking passengers to most destinations around the island, renting a car will allow you to explore Milos at your own convenience and even go off the beaten path. That said, keep in mind that certain areas have very narrow roads, so driving around the island may require a bit of getting used to, but it’s far from impossible or dangerous.
• Extra tip: don’t forget to get your International Driving Permit before you set off.
• If you’re planning on renting a scooter or an ATV, you’ll need a motorcycle license.
• Considering Milos has quite a bit of unique terrain, packing versatile shoewear is advisable — bring comfortable sneakers, sandals, and flip-flops.
• Mosquitos aren’t really as annoying as in other areas in Greece, but just to be on the safe side, pack insect repellent. 
• In Greece, driving with slippers, sandals, flip flops, or any type of shoes that may affect your driving abilities is considered to be illegal. To avoid being fined and to ensure you and the rest of the passengers’ safety, always carry comfortable shoes, preferably sneakers, if you’re renting a car on the island.
• Stick to bottled water — while bacteria isn’t the main source of concern, salt is. Brushing your teeth and taking a shower is perfectly fine, though.
• While credit cards are generally accepted on Milos, bring enough cash, especially if you’re going to spend more time in the smaller villages.
• Although Greek is the official language, most people can communicate in English sufficiently, especially those working in the tourist sector.
• While tipping isn’t mandatory, you’ll find many restaurants adding service charges to the bill. Alternatively, you may round up the bill or, if you’re feeling extremely generous, feel free to leave a tip that reflects that.
• Get travel insurance — it simply isn’t worth the risk to do otherwise!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions to help you find the best time to visit Milos:

So, What Is the Best Time to Visit Milos?

👍 Best Time to Visit	June to August
💲 Cheapest Time to Visit	September to October
🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit	March to May
👎 Worst Time to Visit	December to February

• The overall best time to visit Milos is in summer (June–August). The temperatures are hot, the island’s busy, and there are summer events at every corner. However, this is when the prices on the island are at their highest.
• Trying to save some money, yet you’re keen to make it to Milos? Consider heading in the fall (September–October). The least busy time to visit Milos is in spring (March–May). These months are ideal for travelers who wish to enjoy Milos without having to deal with the peak season crowds.
• We suggest avoiding winters on Milos (December–February). Winters on Milos can’t compete with summer’s glow, events, and overall island vibe. That said, opting for indoor activities and experiencing the island like a local might be just the stay you need.

All in all, irrespective of which season you pick, you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals, tasty food, amazing sites, stunning beach views, and more activities that can actually fit into a single trip.

So with so much to see and do on Milos, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Milos trip today!