Greek island rivals Mykonos but you'll need to commit if you want to visit

Daily Mirror

21 hours ago

If you're looking for something a bit quieter and don't mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you're looking for
A Greek island rivals Mykonos in its charm and beauty, but you'll have to work hard to get there.
Mykonos is one of the Cyclades, sitting in the sparkling Aegean Sea, and offers a bit of something for everyone. Beaches such as Paradise and Super Paradise have bars that blare thumping music and can set the stage for a big night of clubbing. It also has a gentler side, such as a row of 16th-century windmills perched on a hill above Mykonos Town, and plenty of quieter coves.
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It's a big hit with Brits, in no small part because of the ease of the journey. You can grab direct flights with easyJet from London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester.
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According to Kathimerini, more than 1.5 million people visit Mykonos each year, with another 1.2 million arriving by cruise ship. This small island has just 11,000 residents and covers only 85 square kilometers, yet hosts more tourists annually than Peru.
The sheer number and density of visitors mean that Mykonos is not for everyone. If you're looking for something a bit quieter and don't mind working a little harder to get there, then Milos may be the cup of tea you're looking for.
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It is one of the most picturesque of the Greek islands; however, it's only the third most popular holiday destination to reach from the UK, according to Travel Republic.
While Milos's beaches and ancient history are iconic, it lacks its own airport. For Brits longing to visit, the best option is to fly into Athens and take a ferry to the island.
The ferry ride can vary from 2.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. For the smoothest travel experience, consider visiting between late May and early September, when the seas are typically calmer and ferry services more frequent.
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Despite the longer journey, Milos remains one of Greece's most sought-after destinations, with demand surging by over 500% in the past month as Brits look for sun-soaked escapes. Shaped by a volcanic eruption, the island offers something for everyone, from scenic coastal hikes and a thriving food scene to fascinating ancient artifacts.
Milos is known for its picturesque fishing villages and indigo bays and as the place where one of the world's most famous artworks was discovered. In 1820, the Venus de Milo statue was found by a peasant named Georgios Kentrotas. As he wasn't aware of its historical importance, he kept it on his farm. When a French sailor named Jules Dumont d'Urville arrived on the island, he saw the statue and immediately understood the importance of the discovery. The statue is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The beaches on the island are iconic, with the most famous being the gorgeous Sarakiniko Beach. It boasts a lunar landscape of gleaming white volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Kleftiko is another popular attraction, albeit one that is only reachable by boat. Boasting towering rock formations and emerald waters, the former pirate hideaway is now a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and boat tours.