9 Best Photo Locations in Milos, Greece
/9 Best Photo Locations in Milos, Greece
Milos is by far one of the dreamiest Greek islands I have had the opportunity to visit. Not as touristy as Santorini, Mykonos, or even Ios, Milos island offers a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. This island also has some of the greatest and most unique photo opportunities. In this guide, I’ve put together a list of the 9 best photo locations in Milos, Greece that should definitely be on your radar while visiting this stunning island. For more tips and photos, you can also refer to this detailed guide of my favorite 10 activities to do in Milos.
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Best Photo Locations in Milos // Sarakíniko Cliffs
Nothing compares to the Sarakíniko Cliffs! I had seen pictures of this moon-like landscape before, but walking on it was an otherworldly experience. These low cliffs are dotted with ocean caves and surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it the perfect spot for swimming, cliff jumping, and soaking in the rays.
My favorite time to visit is in the early morning and in the evening. These times are really when the light is best and the location, least crowded. The cliffs start to get busy around 9 am so if you are here to take pictures, make sure you get here early. You might even be surprised at the number of committed photographers joining you in the early hours.
Two of the most famous photo opportunities at the Sarakíniko Cliffs are both by the cliff jump spot pictured below. If you stand at the top of the rock, you’ll be able to create an illusion of height and get the perfect shot. The second location is on the natural bridge created by the rock, just above the natural pool which you use to exit the water.
However, if you want to get get more creative, I suggest exploring away from the water. Especially right behind the highest cliff jumping spot. There is where Jake and I took the following picture.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Kastro, in Plaka
If you come to Plaka for dinner, go and enjoy the sunset before you sit down to eat. There’s a reason why Greek sunsets are famous! The best views for sunset are from the Venetian castle at the top of the town. Don’t expect much of the castle however, it’s mostly in ruins by now, but the views are absolutely worth the hike. There is also a picturesque church at the top and if it’s open, you can get an iconic shot from the top.
Fair warning: you might have to queue to get the perfect photo. When Jake and I hiked up, there were already a couple of people waiting in line to climb up to the church and get their picture taken. If you don’t mind waiting, I think it’s very much worth the wait. This shot will look best with a long lens so if you have one, make sure to hike up with it. If you’re the photographer, make sure to frame the shot from the path above the church, that’s where the shot looks best from.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Villa Windmill
Villa windmill is one of the most surprising and delightful Airbnb I’ve ever stayed at. Tucked in the center of the island, this incredible windmill converted into a house makes for the perfect couple getaway. Surrounded by a luxurious garden, the property offers also an epic background for luxury travel photos.
If you are an animal lover, this place is also meant for you. We were greeted by the most adorable puppy when we arrived, and there was a myriad of other animals and birds running around the grounds. Jake and I had only booked the windmill for one night, but looking back I wish we had stayed here longer.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Papafragas Cliffs
Papafragas consists of three tiny canals passing through high sea cliffs, forming beautiful caves and arches. There are two different parts and beaches to Papafragas, and you should definitely check them both out as they are as different as they are beautiful. You can hike from one spot to the other through the cliffs and it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Although there is parking at both locations, I would recommend walking from one to the other as it so happens that my favorite photo spot of all Papafragas Cliffs actually sits right between the two different sites.
As pictured below, I sat by the cliff’s edge just before reaching the famous archway beach. I didn’t find the archway beach to be particularly scenic but if you choose to make the hike down, do so mindfully: there are signs advising that these cliffs are dangerous and you need to be aware of your own limits.
The second photo location I love at Papafragas Cliffs is standing in front of the rock which forms a sort of bridge across the water hole. These photos were taken at mid-day sun and I was very happy with the result!
LOCATION 1
LOCATION 2
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Klima Village
Klima is a quaint little fishing village, perched above the turquoise ocean! It is absolutely worth the hike from Plaka. Driving there is also an option, but the hike was delightful and when possible, it’s always best to avoid motorized transportation. There are many restaurants in Klima so it’s the perfect place to have lunch and enjoy the view.
Here, getting the best shot is about choosing the right backdrop. When you walk down to the beach I recommend taking a right towards the colorful houses. In my opinion, they make for the perfect backdrop for a dreamy greek, travel photo.
Although Klima is precious, when Jake and I visited in September, the beach was covered in plastic. Seems like a lot of the junk washes up on this beach and we spent some time untangling rope, picking up water bottles, and sorting through micro-plastics.
If you have the time, consider spending a little time picking up the litter. On that same note, you might notice that plastics are still extremely prevalent on the island and if you are looking to limit your impact, try and remember to ask for drinks without straws and to avoid take-out whenever possible. For more information on how to protect the ocean, check out my Ocean Guide: 6 Ways to Protect the Oceans Right Now.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Firopotamos Beach
Firopotamos is a small but very impressive and scenic beach town, about a 15-minute drive from Mandrakia. The bay has a large beach and is perfect for spending the early afternoon wading in clear waters and exploring the church ruins at the back of the village. The beach is also perfect for families, as the water stays rather shallow for about twenty meters. If you’re interested in learning more about the beaches on Milos, you can also check out my favorite beaches on Milos guide.
However, the most famous photo spot is actually located at the back of the village, by the ruined arch. If you walk towards the end of the village, you’ll stumble upon a small, traditional greek church. Look beneath the church and you’ll find a small staircase leading down to the water. My favorite backdrop is that of the small fishing houses and the iconic wooden boat. You can also take a dip directly from here.
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Best Photo Locations in Milos // Kleftiko Cove
This was one of the absolute highlights of our trip! Kleftiko Cove is impressive, serene, and dramatic and it makes for the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos. Kleftiko used to be a pirate hideout in the 16th and 17th centuries, and today it is still soaked in history.
Kleftiko Cove can be reached by hiking, but most people prefer to visit it by paying for a sailing day tour around the island to discover more of the island’s western coast. Jake and I opted for the tour and our boat departed from Pollonia at 9 am and arrived in Adamas at around 7 pm. Jake and I chose a semi-private tour and there were only about 15 of us on the boat.
As part of our tour, we got to snorkel around the cove and its caves and loved every single minute of our adventure. The captain was very informative and we enjoyed our lunch on the boat while gazing at these mesmerizing white cliffs. If you’d like to check out the tour we did, click on this link.
The best photo spot here will have to be yours to discover depending on where your boat drops the anchor. Although, if you have a GoPro and a dome, I recommend bringing both of these. The water is incredibly clear here and it makes for the perfect conditions for underwater photography.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Mandrakia Bay
Mandrakia is a small fishing village, situated about 5 kilometers from the capital, Plaka. It’s a very scenic area and the village is home to one of the best restaurants on the island: Medusa. The restaurant serves traditional Greek dishes and seafood, right on the water. Medusa tends to get very crowded for lunch and dinner, and although it’s not very traditionally greek to make reservations, you’ll want to make sure you call to book a space before you show up.
Mandrakia isn’t the best spot for swimming as there is no beach per se, but from the parking lot, there’s a beautiful view overlooking this charming fishing village. From there, you’ll be able to take the perfect Instagram shot. The light here is best in the late afternoon or in the early morning.
Best Photo Locations in Milos // Pollonia’s Church
Pollonia’s beach is famous for its sandy shores, cute little waterfront bars, and restaurants. Although the beach isn’t the most breathtaking on the island, it’s very family-friendly and the town is the perfect place for grabbing a bite. The beach is also lined with trees, providing shade at all hours of the day. If you’d like to book a tour to visit the nearby islands of Kimolos and Poliegos islands, here is a good place to do so.
In terms of photo opportunities, however, I recommend exploring past the beach by taking a left as you approach the waterfront. Drive all the way to the end of the road—which eventually turns to gravel, and at the end, you’ll stumble right up to a beautiful orthodox church.
Milos is by far one of the dreamiest Greek islands I have had the opportunity to visit. Not as touristy as Santorini, Mykonos, or even Ios, Milos island offers a perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. This island also has some of the greatest and most unique photo opportunities. In this guide, I’ve put together a list of the 9 best photo locations in Milos, Greece that should definitely be on your radar while visiting this stunning island.