Summer Vacation // Greek Islands: Milos

Kleftiko
Milos island is part of the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean sea and is famous worldwide about the statue of Aphrodite, currently sited @ the Louvre Museum in Paris. I know I had promised this way back last Sunday (...), but I must admit that it was very difficult for me to include all Milos's beaches of unspeakable beauty without creating a huge post, since there are about 70! I will do my best to keep it short so that you don't get bored, but also show the best of the island just in case you want to visit! The Duke and I visited this volcanic island back in 2004.


The Beaches
Sarakiniko is a magical lunar landscape of white volcanic rocks crawling into the sea, shaped by the wind and the waves.



The small beach and the cave of Papafragas were used as pirate hideouts during Byzantine times.



Tsigrado is a tiny beach to which the access is not very easy (you have to go down - and then up - a hill of sand holding each other and your belonging!), but when you get there you will be very happy you did! Oh, and don't forget to take a water with you...



Firiplaka is one of the biggest beaches of the island, with easy access and clear waters.



Gerondas is not recommended for those who have children with them, because the access is very difficult, you have to walk long enough under the sun on rocks that might be slippery like marble or sharp like blades. Only for the young and the restless =)



Provatas is a sandy long beach with shallow and clear waters and very easy access.


Paliohori beach has small pebble, waters that deepen abrupt and you can see small bubbles in the bottom that springs volcanic hot water! Yes, you read that right: hot water! There is a little tavern that cooks fresh fish and other foods inside the boiling hot sand. Tip: Don't go there without wearing shoes!  




And I left the best for last: Kleftiko can be accessed only by boat. There are stories telling that Pirates have hidden treasures inside the caves. Unfortunately, we didn't go, but it is the #1 reason to visit the island again!



Of course, there are many more! The North and South and the bay beaches are tourists attraction. The east beaches are very quiet and the west are also quiet and lonesome beaches. Just to mention a few: 
North // Sarakiniko, Papafragas, Kapros, Pachena, Alogomantra, Konstantinos, Mitakas, Mantrakia, Firopotamos, Nerodafni, Lakida, Plathiena, Fourkovouni, Areti, Pollonia, Gourado and Filakopi. 
South // Firiplaka, Paliochori, Provatas, Tsigrado, Agia Kyriaki, Psaravolada, Kleftiko, Gerontas, Gerakas, Agios Sostis, Mouchlioti, Katergo, Spathi, Firligos, Pialothiafes, Kalamos, Krotiraki, Psathi, Svoronou and Sakelari.  
West // Agios Ioannis, Cave of Sikia, Agathia, Triades and Ammoudaraki. 
East // Voudia, Thalassa, Paliorema, Tria Pagidia and Thiafes. 
In the Bay Area // Hivadolimni, Lagada, Papikinou, Fatourena, Skinopi and Patrikia. 

Other things you should know about the island
The Aphrodite of Milos or Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek statue and one of the most famous works of ancient Greek sculptures. Created sometime between 130 and 100 BC, it is believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is a marble sculpture, slightly larger than life size at 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) high. The arms and original plinth were lost following the discovery. From an inscription that was on its plinth, it is thought to be the work of Alexandros of Antioch; earlier, it was mistakenly attributed to the master sculptor Praxiteles. It is currently on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. [source: Wikipedia]


The statue was discovered on April 8, 1820 buried within the ancient city ruins of Milos, the current village of Tripiti. 
A marble inscription saying that this is the spot that Aphrodite's statue was buried


The Ancient Theatre is near Tripiti, near where Aphrodite was discovered. Î¤he construction probably dates back to the Hellenistic period, but the remains visible today belong to the Roman phase of the monument. Despite the fact that research is not completed, the theatre is being used for theatrical performances during Summer festivities. 




The most beautiful village of Milos is Klima. In the past, not very long ago, fishermen used to store their boats inside small lodges with big, colorful wooden doors called 'sirmata' to protect them from Winter. Now, many of them changed into small seasonal residences






As a volcanic island the soil of Milos is very rich in metals and minerals. Bentonite, perlite, pozzolana and small quantities of kaolin are actively collected via strip mine or open-pit mine techniques in Milos and sold all over the world. [source Wikipedia]


I do hope that you enjoyed this small trip to our beautiful and exciting Milos.
Until next time,
xoxo

Images my own and via:
http://pinterest.com/nikaah/travels-tips/
http://pinterest.com/milenapek/islands-cities-vilages-countries/
http://pinterest.com/salonikia/great-greek/
http://pinterest.com/greekj/greek-stuff/
http://pinterest.com/djoe8/beautiful-greece/
http://pinterest.com/karenmichelelee/places/
http://pinterest.com/notak/favorite-places-spaces/
http://pinterest.com/junanda/eternal-masterpieces/
http://pinterest.com/hwang/places/
http://pinterest.com/xanthippeart/my-places/
http://pinterest.com/sandroske100/places-id-like-to-go/
http://pinterest.com/sofiakinti/my-greece/
http://pinterest.com/kikik/to-go/