If you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply seeking a serene escape, look no further than Kleftiko Milos, Greece. As frequent visitors to this stunning island, my partner Eric and I have had the pleasure of exploring its hidden gems, including the breathtaking Kleftiko beach. Located in a protected cove on the island of Milos, this majestic nature spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rocky arch formations, and tranquil atmosphere.
As one of the best beaches in Milos, Kleftiko is a must-visit destination that offers an unparalleled snorkelling experience and incredible photo opportunities. Its secluded location also makes it a haven for those seeking peace and quiet away from the island’s main attractions.
As someone who has spent a week exploring Milos, I can attest that Kleftiko should be at the top of your to-do list when visiting this enchanting Greek isle.
By the end of this post, you’ll gain valuable insights on how to get to Kleftiko, what to do in and around this stunning location, and why it’s an absolute must-visit destination for anyone looking to unwind in style.
Where is Kleftiko Milos?
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Milos, one of Greece’s enchanting Cycladic islands, lies Kleftiko Milos. This tranquil retreat has captivated couples and families alike with its serene atmosphere and picturesque backdrop. A short flight from Athens, Milos forms a triangle with other notable destinations such as Paros and Santorini, both renowned for their unique charm.
While Kleftiko Milos is the main attraction, its proximity to these neighboring islands makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the region’s hidden gems.
The Southwest of Milos
As we arrived at Milos airport, renting our car from Budget, the representative’s first warning set the tone for our island adventure: be prepared for a rugged journey in the southwest. The region is notorious for its rough terrain, with maps labeling it as off-limits to both car rentals and paved roads. Instead, dirt tracks are the norm. While I’m always cautious when taking locals’ advice at face value, this time I decided to trust their assessment.
As an avid explorer, I crave uncovering hidden gems that few others venture near. The thought of missing out on these uncharted territories left me feeling disappointed. I opted to research other travelers’ experiences to gauge the severity of the West’s rough roads.
What others think about driving in the Southwest of Milos
As I delved into online forums and discussions, a common thread emerged: many who ventured to explore the West were left wishing they had known about the road conditions beforehand. The tales of rocky obstacles blocking their path and the need to rent rugged vehicles like Jeeps, often at a steep cost, painted a vivid picture of the challenges they faced.
These firsthand accounts gave me a valuable insight into the difficulties that lay between me and Kleftiko, making it all the more clear why I would have to think creatively about how to access this hidden gem by car.
How to get to Kleftiko beach
While Kleftiko Beach on Milos Island may require some extra effort to access due to its remote location, our research revealed that there are two viable options for visitors – a free alternative and a paid one.
By hiking
While hiking to Kleftiko might seem like a great idea at first, it’s not the most straightforward or stress-free option. In fact, I was initially thrilled about the prospect of hiking to one of Milos’ best beaches, but my enthusiasm waned once I realized the challenges involved. For instance, you’ll need to drive all the way to the West side of the island, which can take around 40 minutes and requires a sturdy vehicle that can handle rough dirt roads.
You’ll also have to find a rental car service willing to let you take their vehicle off-road. Once you arrive at the correct location (which, by the way, has no sign indicating Kleftiko anymore), you’ll need to spend about an hour searching for the right path in the wilderness. And even then, you’ll still face the daunting task of hiking down to the beach, which can take another 60 minutes. It’s not all bad news, however.
If you’re feeling adventurous and prepared, you can enjoy the scenic views and seclusion of Kleftiko without the crowds that come with taking a boat tour. Just be sure to bring plenty of food and water, as well as a few friends to keep each other company. Despite its charm, hiking to Kleftiko comes with some major drawbacks. For one, you’ll need to deal with the risk of encountering venomous snakes, including species that are both poisonous and deadly.
You’ll also have to navigate the lack of car services in the area, which means you’re on your own if something goes wrong. As an added bonus, hiking to Kleftiko means missing out on other incredible beaches only accessible by boat, like Gerontas beach. And let’s not forget the time constraint – with sunset coming earlier in September (around 7:30pm), you’ll need to leave the beach and start your hike back up to the car by around 4:30pm.
Ultimately, whether or not hiking to Kleftiko is right for you depends on your tolerance for risk, your physical preparedness, and your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
By boat
A second option to explore Kleftiko is by taking a boat ride from the Greek Islands. For instance, some beaches in Paros are more accessible by sea. You can either join a group tour or rent a private boat for half-day or full-day excursions. Horizon Yachts Milos offers group tours that start at 10 am and end at 5:30 pm, including an open bar, food, snorkelling equipment, and stops at the Kleftiko caves. The cost is €90 per person for an 18-person boat or €120 per person for a 10-person boat.
They also offer private tours for €1,200. While this group tour might be more budget-friendly, we opted out due to our tendency to get seasick and our preference for minimal human interaction during that time. Instead, we rented a private speedboat from Bloomarine for a half-day, which was an excellent decision for us. The 4.5-meter boat with a 30hp engine was perfect for the two of us. We paid €180 plus gas, totaling €222.
Our boat came equipped with a cooler, instructions from George, an anchor, and a sun protector that can be folded. We thoroughly enjoyed our private boat experience, having full control over our schedule and able to spend as much time as we wanted at each location. We were also free to disembark and swim whenever needed, which was a lifesaver for me when dealing with seasickness. Eric, on the other hand, had a blast driving the boat around.
Ultimately, whether you choose a group tour or rent a private boat depends on your preferences, budget, and what you’re looking for in an experience.
Best time to visit Kleftiko beach
When visiting Kleftiko beach in Milos, it’s essential to consider the crowds that flock to this stunning spot. As one of the best beaches on the island, private boats, sea kayaks, and tour boats tend to gather around these iconic rocks during the day. To avoid the chaos, I highly recommend arriving early in the morning when the atmosphere is more relaxed.
If you plan to visit Kleftiko via boat from Agia Kyriaki, aim to depart at 8:30 am to arrive by 9:15 am, which coincides with a great time to enjoy the scenery. Additionally, be mindful of the weather conditions. As Milos island is relatively small and prone to coastal winds, especially in September, it’s crucial to check the forecast beforehand.
With our experience using Bloomarine in September, we found that booking the boat just a couple of days in advance allowed us to make informed decisions based on the predicted weather.
Best things to do at Kleftiko Milos
While exploring the charming island of Milos, visitors to Kleftiko Beach may be surprised by the plethora of activities and attractions that await them. From leisurely strolls along the shore to snorkeling or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Swimming
The crystal-clear waters at Kleftiko are almost too pristine to resist the urge to take a refreshing sip. In stark contrast to some areas of Santorini, there aren’t any sharks lurking beneath the surface, making it an ideal spot for swimming. In fact, even if there were, the transparent water would allow you to easily spot them from a distance. As the island of Milos bakes under the scorching sun during the day, Kleftiko emerges as the perfect refuge for a rejuvenating swim.
Lounging
As you navigate through the tranquil waters of Kleftiko, be sure to carve out some moments to simply soak in the breathtaking views. Morning hours are particularly ideal for photography enthusiasts, as the serene atmosphere is less crowded, allowing for stunning shots to capture memories. Take a cue from our Greece quotes collection and add a touch of inspiration to your social media captions.
Snorkeling at Kleftiko
For those who enjoy snorkeling, Kleftiko is an absolute must-visit destination. The crystal-clear waters offer a unique opportunity to explore underwater landscapes, with cliffs and caves waiting to be discovered behind a mask. While some companies may provide equipment, we highly recommend bringing your own gear to ensure the best possible experience.
To help you make the most of your snorkeling adventure, we suggest consulting this comprehensive guide to find the perfect gear for your skill level.
Sea Kayaking
During our visit to Kleftiko, we were struck by the abundance of sea kayaks dotting the coastline. These versatile vessels offer an unparalleled level of exploration, granting access to areas off-limits to traditional boats. One of the most thrilling experiences was paddling through the region’s majestic caves, which would have been impossible without the agility and maneuverability of a sea kayak.
Exploring the caves of Kleftiko
Discovering the thrill of caving! From sun-kissed beaches to secluded hideaways, our adventures take us on an exciting journey through the hidden treasures of Santorini and beyond. On one of the island’s best beaches, or perhaps at Sarakiniko beach, we relish the opportunity to explore the mystical caves of Kleftiko Milos, whether by swimming or paddling through the crystal-clear waters in a rented sea kayak.
Whatever your preference, navigating the caves is an unforgettable experience that awaits you in this picturesque paradise.
How much time should you spend at Kleftiko
The duration of your stay at Kleftiko depends on the method of transportation you choose. If you’re hiking, it’s recommended to start early to ensure ample time for exploration. Conversely, if you’re taking a private boat for a half-day like we did, an hour or two spent at Kleftiko can be followed by further beach-hopping en route back. When on a guided boat tour, your time allocation will be managed by the tour, so be sure to stay informed about departure times and plan accordingly.
What to see around Kleftiko Milos
While Kleftiko Milos may be the main attraction, don’t overlook the opportunity to explore other nearby sites and beaches. After taking in the sights of Kleftiko, you’ll likely have some time left over to discover more hidden gems on the island. One such gem is Gerontas beach, which lies along your route back to Agia Kyriaki. We found this picturesque beach to be a tranquil oasis during our visit, providing a welcome respite from the sea and its accompanying motion sickness.
With its secluded coves, towering cliffs, and breathtaking views, it’s easy to see why Gerontas is one of Milos’ most beloved beaches. In fact, we were so enamored with this spot that we spent an hour and a half soaking up the sun and taking in the scenery, unlike the brief 15-minute pit stops common among boat tours. For us, this was a highlight of our morning, and a testament to why Milos is one of the best Greek Islands for couples.
The island’s natural beauty speaks for itself – just take a look at those stunning photos! In addition to Gerontas, other must-visit beaches include Gerakas, with its striking horizontal lines carved into the cliffs, and Tsigrado, famous for its unique ladder-accessed coves. While these spots may be more easily accessed by boat than car, they’re well worth the detour.
Practical information
When venturing to Kleftiko, it’s essential to be self-sufficient and prepared for a day out. As there are no facilities on site, pack all necessary food and water according to your planned duration. If hiking, consider having additional supplies in your car in case of unexpected delays or an overnight stay. Alternatively, if taking a boat tour, rest assured that the vessel typically comes equipped with a toilet and provides sustenance and refreshments for the journey. Any queries?
Feel free to drop them in the comments below or on Instagram and we’ll respond promptly.
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