Milos

Milos is one of the Cyclades' most spectacular and least developed islands — a volcanic island of extraordinary geological diversity whose coastline is famous for the most varied and dramatically coloured rock formations in Greece: sea caves of vivid ochre and white tuff, turquoise water in sheltered bays, and the extraordinary Sarakiniko "lunar landscape" of white pumice rock carved by the sea. Sarakiniko, on the north coast, is the island's most otherworldly location — smooth white volcanic rock worn into curves and hollows, brilliant against the blue sea. Swimming in the natural pools between the rocks is outstanding. Kleftiko, on the southwest coast (accessible only by boat), is a maze of sea caves and arches in white limestone with extraordinary snorkelling. Tsigrado, Firopotamos, Paliochori (with steam vents from volcanic activity beneath the seabed) and Triades are among over 70 beaches on the island. Plaka, the whitewashed hilltop capital, has the best sunset views in the Cyclades — looking down over the village rooftops and the brilliant blue bay below. The Catacombs of Milos (early Christian catacombs carved from volcanic rock, among the most significant in Greece) are excellent. The Venus de Milo was found here in 1820 and is now in the Louvre; the local Archaeological Museum displays a copy. Milos is significantly less developed than Mykonos and Santorini, making it excellent for travellers seeking authentic Cycladic character.