Attractions
Sulphur Mines
In the east side of Milos lies Paliorema, a bay with crystal clear waters and yellowish pebbles, colored by the sulphur. There the sulphur mine of Victor Melas used to be in operation, the oldest business for the mining of sulphur all over Greece. In Paliorema or Theioryheia you can combine your swim with a visit to one of the geologic sites of the island’s mining history. You can rest on the beach with the colorful pebbles and the fine sand and you can enjoy your swim viewing the old quarries for the mining of sulphur and the ruins of offices, spare parts and personal items of the quarries’ workers which compose an attractive landscape. Historically, between 1890-1905, the mines were in function, owned by the Company of Public and Municipal Works. In 1905 their function stopped due to the production of cheap sulphur in the U.S.A. In 1910-1918 they were functioning sporadically, whereas in the 1930s there were in full operation and the installations – seen even today- were made. The sulphur mines, the Theioryheia, were in operation until 1960, whereas the business was put to a permanent stop in 1978.
Castle
The Castle was built in the 13th century on the hill of Prophitis Ilias, on the northwest edge of the island (today’s Plaka). Nowadays it is not inhabited, but its visitors can admire a view of incomparable beauty of the entire island bay and of the magic sunset that is worth enjoying when you decide to climb all the way to the top. Also, ascending to the Castle, you will have the chance to see the church of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary or Panaghia Skiniotissa and the church of Panaghia Thalassitra. This Venetian Castle was not surrounded by walls, as it was the case with most of the Cycladic castles, but it was protected by the houses. Practically, the castle was used to protect the local population against the attacks of pirates (a frequent phenomenon of the era), and also for the control of the ships’ movements in Adamantas bay. On its top, the “Mesa Kastro”, the Tower of the Governor was located, the so called Palace and around the tower there were a few houses. It was established by the first duke of Naxos, Marcus Sanoudos and in the Mesa Kastro there were mainly the residencies of the Duke’s manors and deputies, as well as of other relatives and Franks.
Kleftiko
The complex of these volcanic original rocks is a magical landscape worthy of admiration, and also a part to enjoy the sensation of the transparent blue-green waters and the sun. Kleftiko used to be an old hide-out for pirates from where the pirates’ ships used to pass and anchor so as to get protected in its small creeks and imposing rocks. Today, these unique geologic formations created by the wind and the sea, are the perfect place for swimming and exploration. They are accessible only by sea and for this reason we suggest you go on a sea trip to this magic landscape.
Sarakiniko
In the Northeast part of the island, you will find the most photographed Aegean landscape: Sarakiniko. This moonscape is unique. The volcanic eroded Rocks penetrate into the emerald-colored sea creating small and big caves, whereas the lack of green (vegetation), in combination with the rocks’ white color and the intense reflection of the light create a landscape similar to the moon’s surface, thus making this experience unforgettable for all of its visitors. Sarakiniko, named after the Saracen pirates overlooks Sifnos and Kimolos and it is recommended you visit it when the wind is not north. It is worth noting that you should also visit Sarakinino at night, especially when the moon is full, as the snow-white rocks of soft material reflect the light even the moonlight vividly, thus, creating an unforgettable landscape.
Early Christian Catacombs
The catacombs are situated near Trypiti village, in caves of 150meters above the surface of the sea. In 2009, the Holy Synod proclaimed Milos a sacred island, because the Catacombs constitute the most ancient monument of Christianity. It was the first gathering place of the first Christians and they were used as a municipal cemetery for the first time in the end of the 2ndcentury BC. The Catacombs of Milos are of a unique size in the entire of Greece and one of the most famous and remarkable Christian world monuments next to the catacombs of Rome and of the Holy Land. This labyrinthine complex is composed of three big-initially separate-subterranean colonnades (A,B,C) carved in the porous volcanic stone, five corridors and one rectangular burial chamber in the form of cubicula in the Roman Catacombs. Each Catacomb is of a different width (1-5meters) and a different height (1,60-2,50meters). Its total length is 185metres and today 126 “arkosolia” (carved arched tombs) are preserved in the inner sides of the colonnades. The “arkosolia” were decorated with colors (red fascia on the crown and dark blue color on the spandrel’s surface), but today only scare traces of their colorful decor are preserved. The Catacombs’ form today is due to some 20th century interventions, such as the entrance to the burial chamber B and the passages uniting the three initially separate catacombs. Today you are allowed to visit only the colonnade B’, the Catacomb of the “Elders” as it is called, and to go around it on a wooden platform. In the left side of this catacomb, the only two-storeyed tomb of the Catacombs is preserved , as well as pieces of the most significant inscription with red capital letters written within a rectangular frame. In the center there is a rock, where most possibly one of the first bishops of the Melian Christian community had been buried and the first Christians used it as an Altar in their liturgies. From the Catacombs that are non-open to visitors, Catacomb A (west from today’s central colonnade) is of a big width, it has a spacious burial chamber and it is characteristic for the double family tombs carved in its inner sides, whereas Catacomb B (east from today’s central colonnade) is only partially preserved and it is worth having a look at the traces of frescos in it (one of the few preserved early Christian frescos where branches with flowers and birds are depicted).
Additional Info
Working Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 8:30 – 18:30 , Sunday 8:30 – 15:00, Monday Closed Area: Tripiti Phone: +30 2870 21625
Churches
Milos is one of the few islands that have a Church Museum, as well as more than 140 churches and chapels. We recommend you visit the churches in all the villages, as in each one of them great works of art are kept, icons and relics of past centuries and most of them are of a special architectural and artistic interest. The churches of Milos are of plain and unadorned architecture, they are snow-white and are usually located in the village center or on rocks overlooking the sea.