This guide to Kleftiko Beach in Milos will help you plan out how to get there and what you can expect from this dreamy destination in Greece.

When you research Milos, Kleftiko Beach is one of the first images to pop up. That’s because the iconic patch of coastline exemplifies everything idyllic about the Greek island’s topography — clear, turquoise-tinted water, white cliffs, intriguing tunnels, and caves. Kleftiko Milos is, in one word, spectacular. 

It takes a little bit of planning to visit this stunner, though, since it sits on the south coast of the remote western end of the island. Even so, this is one of the top things to do in Milos and well worth the effort.

This guide will help you plan out your excursion to Kleftiko, with info on how to get there, where to book Milos boat tours, and what you can’t forget to bring along. 

The Ultimate Guide to Kleftiko Milos Beach

Use this map and guide to plan your visit to Kleftiko Beach in Milos. It will point you to the best boast tours and what you don’t want to forget to bring.

Where is Kleftiko Milos?

Kleftiko is located along the southern coast of Milos, one of the Greek Cyclades islands. The Aegean Sea here is incredibly clear, and the volcanic landscape full of colorful rock formations.   

The shoreline at Kleftiko has an arid landscape atop rocks that end suddenly in sheer, sandy-colored cliffs dropping to the sea. Tunnels and caves carve into the cliffs and landmark rock formations just offshore.

It is said that pirates once hid out in the coves here, but today you’ll find mostly catamarans and snorkeling visitors. 

How to get to Kleftiko Beach

On Milos, most towns and amenities huddle on the eastern half of the horseshoe-shaped island, while the western section remains remote and rugged. This means not as many tourists venture west on land, given the rough roadways that void any assistance from auto rental providers. 

Half-day Milos boat trips often leave from a south coast meet-up spot and primarily feature Kleftiko, though you might make a couple of stops for photos. Most excursions include time to swim and snorkel, and even provide some gear to do so.

Adventurous types who attempt to hike to Kleftiko by land will find it possible but hazardous, including a drive on unpaved roads and trails without signage.   

What’s the best way to get to see Kleftiko?

How to book a Kleftiko Milos boat tour

Otherwise, visit the harbor in Adamas when you arrive on the island and you’ll see many boats there advertising their services and displaying where they go. Some may request payment in cash, so be sure to plan ahead.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Kleftiko Beach?

If you know what day you’d like to visit, I do recommend reserving a spot on a boat in advance during the busy summer season. If you don’t make a reservation ahead of time, you can wander the harbor in Adamas to find a local guide.

What is there to do at Kleftiko?

Swim, snorkel, soak up the sun — it’s all on the docket at Kleftiko beach. You don’t even have to get in the water to appreciate the scenery. Stare down into the clear water from your boat and you’ll spot fish scooting about. Snap photos from every angle of the cool rock formations.

But, hopping into the chilly water is a must if you have even an ounce of adventurous spirit. The bay is packed with caves and coves and tunnels to explore. Don some snorkel gear to dip under the waves or just swim about under the natural rock bridges and into the dark caverns. 

Lounging spots are limited to some flatter rocks along the shoreline and the water is deeper than toes can reach in much of the bay, so don’t be ashamed to grab a colorful foam noodle if your boat has them to take floating breaks with here and there. Some vessels may also provide smaller paddling boats or kayaks to drift around in.

When is the best time to visit Kleftiko?

The Milos tourist season spans about four months between June and September, though you might find some facilities and services open as early as May and as late as October. Most of the boat tours start shutting down at the end of September, though some run a couple of weeks beyond that.

If you visit outside of summertime, you’ll likely find it difficult to get around, with rental services limited and bus routes on diminished schedules. August tends to be the busiest, so try June or later in September if you’d prefer lighter crowds and not as many boats anchored at Kleftiko, which is one of the most popular places to go on Milos.

How much time is needed at Kleftiko?

If you have an hour or less, scout out which side of the bay you’d rather explore and stick to one direction. The eastern side is most popular with a few different sized rock tunnels to swim through. Or, you can stick closer to the boat with a snorkel and seek out the marine life.

With two or more hours, you’ll likely have time to explore both ends of the bay with a little breather in between.

Are there any facilities at Kleftiko?

Kleftiko beach is not an organized sandy beach like some on Milos, so it doesn’t have amenities like restrooms, chair rentals or food vendors. Your boat tour should provide at least the bare necessities like a toilet and some snacks if you’re out for a few hours. Bring plenty of water along, though, because the Milos sun is hot and draining.

Where to stay in Milos near Kleftiko

Kleftiko is located on the more remote western side of Milos, so you won’t find many places to stay near here. But since you’ll likely be visiting on a Milos boat excursion, basing yourself close to a port town like Adamantas or Pollonia will be handy. This Milos hotel guide breaks down the different hotel types and locations.

It’s a convenient base for Milos vacations, well connected to the rest of the island via bus and a short drive to popular beaches and attractions on the south and north coasts, like the lunar looking Sarakiniko Beach and the colorful village of Klima. 

What to pack for a Kleftiko boat tour

Since you’ll likely be visiting Kleftiko on a Milos boat trip, make sure you pack up everything you need for the day into a dry bag, backpack or beach bag. Check with your tour provider to find out what food and beverages will be provided and ensure you’ll have enough water and snacks to last for the outing. 

See everything we recommend for a day at Kleftiko below.