Guide to Sarakiniko Beach Milos: One of the Best Greek Islands Beaches

This guide to Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Greece, includes how to get there, what to do, and what to expect from this bucket list beach in the Greek Islands.

Breathtaking Sarakiniko Beach Milos might just be the most stunning seaside in all of the Greek islands — a region acclaimed the world over for its sun-drenched shores. With an intriguing lunar landscape for exploring and scenic lounging zones for basking under the rays, Sarakiniko is one of the best places to go in Milos.

Before you pack your sunscreen and camera for this one-of-a-kind destination, take a glimpse at the info below to get familiar with the beach and what you can expect when visiting. We’ve covered everything from where to park and buy snacks to the geology behind how the moonlike surroundings came to be. 

If you’re hanging out on the island for a few days, be sure to check out these other incredible things to do on Milos (including other incredible beaches and colorful fishing towns you can’t miss). 

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The Complete Guide to Sarakiniko Beach Milos

Use this guide to Sarakiniko Milos to plan your visit to the beach in Greece. You’ll want to read the tips below to make sure you know how to get there and what to bring since there aren’t many amenities in the area.

Where is Sarakiniko, Milos?

Sarakiniko is located on Milos, an island in the Greek Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. The volcanic island has a rich legacy in the mining industry and a wealth of interesting geologic formations. 

Sarakiniko beach sits on the northern shore, where waves induced by winds from the north help contour the coastline. Here, the salty surf has smoothed the silvery-white rock into a wavy, lunar-like landscape full of boulders, valleys and caves. In some sections, sea cliffs drop dramatically down into the turquoise water, while another area gradually declines into a beachfront cove perfect for lounging. It has become one of the most popular and best beaches on Milos due to its stunning landscape and easy access.

How to get to Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

The island of Milos can be reached from Athens in less than an hour on occasional flights, or by ferry in about three hours. There are also ferries from nearby Cycladic islands that dock at Adamas (Adamantas), the island’s harbor town.

In Adamas, you can rent cars and ATVs for the 10-minute drive to Sarakiniko (less than 3 miles) on smooth roads. A parking area with space for at least a couple dozen cars and more room along the shoulder is just a short walk from the beachfront on an easy-to-spot trail.

Milos also has a public bus system that connects Adamas and Sarakiniko during the tourist season (roughly June through September). The route is somewhat infrequent, so check the schedule ahead of time. 

What to do at Sarakiniko

Explore the moonlike landscape, laze under the sun, do an Instagram photo shoot in the midst of oddly shaped, white rocks — Sarakiniko beach has it all. 

With just a small patch of sand available at the end of a narrow cove, most folks find a spot along the smoothed flat surfaces to lay down a towel instead. The clear water lapping up against the coastline invites swimming and snorkeling, while some more adventurous types find places to practice their cliff jumping into the turquoise surface.

If sightseeing, hiking or photography are more your speed, be sure to walk up and down the coast on both sides of the inlet where the crowds thin out. You’ll see everything from rock arches, sea caves and steep, wavy cliffs to a shipwreck just a stone’s throw from the shore.

Can you swim at Sarakiniko Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Sarakiniko! The beach has a small patch of sand and some flat rocks where you can wade or slip into the water. You can also jump directly off the cliffs in some spots for an adrenaline rush.

How much time is needed at Sarakiniko?

Since it’s close to Adamas and easy to drive to, your visit can be as short as a photo stop or long as you wish. Allow at least a couple of hours if you want to swim or hike along the coastline, as you can walk for a long distance in either direction. If you stay for a half-day or more, keep in mind that shade is limited, and there are no umbrella vendors or restrooms.

Are there any facilities at Sarakiniko?

Sarakiniko doesn’t have many of the amenities that you find at some sandy Milos beaches, like chair and umbrella vendors, restroom facilities, or a sit-down cafe. A mobile food truck might be parked for snacks and drinks, but bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch if you plan to stay for a while.

When is the best time to visit Sarakiniko?

The Milos tourist season runs roughly from May through October, though some tourist facilities and Milos boat tours will only be open for the middle four months of that. If you visit outside of this time, you might find it hard to get around, with limited bus service and many rental facilities closed. August is one of the busiest times to visit, so opt for June or September if you prefer lighter crowds, as Sarakiniko is one of the top beaches to visit on Milos. 

Where to stay near Sarakiniko Beach

Three of the most popular towns to stay in on Milos are both only about 10 minutes from Sarakiniko — Adamas, Pollonia and Plaka. 

Adamas (also known as Adamantas) is the island’s harbor and ferry dock, so it’s well connected and convenient, though one of the busiest hubs. You’ll find plenty of eateries, a shopping street and a couple of markets for groceries as well as hotels and guest houses.

Pollonia is a quieter waterfront option, though with fewer retail and restaurant options, too. The vibe is very family-friendly with a big sandy beach and boutique hotels and homes to rent.

Plaka and neighboring Tripiti are up in the hills of eastern Milos, with fantastic views of the island. The whitewashed towns here have small cafes and rooms to rent, some even housed in old windmills. The area is also full of historic gems, including the Plaka Castle and Catacombs of Milos.

If you prefer to stay right by Sarakiniko, there are a few vacation homes and rooms to rent within walking distance, perfect for catching epic sunrises in the morning. You can find them on this map view on Booking.com.

What to pack for Sarakiniko

You’ll have to bring along everything you need to spend the day at Sarakiniko since rentals aren’t available and there is limited sand to lounge on. Be sure to remember sun protection and water to stay hydrated in the intense summer heat. See the full list we recommend for a beach day below.

1. Travel towel. You'll need this if you're swimming or lounging at Sarakiniko. If you have space, pack a plush towel to lay on the rocks as there aren't any beach chairs to rent. Otherwise, a compact, microfiber travel towel is quick drying and easy to pack.

2. Sun hat. There is no shade at Sarakiniko beach, so bring a hat to protect your face for a longer beach day.

3. Comfy shoes. Sneakers or hiking sandals will be best for exploring along the uneven rocky surfaces. If you have space to pack water shoes, they will be handy for wading in the shallow sections, where the rocks can be a bit slippery.

4. Sunglasses. The Greek island sun is hot and beaming, so you will need shades to protect your eyes.

5. Sunscreen. It's quick and easy to get a sunburn on Milos, especially with no shade at Sarakiniko, so apply sunscreen liberally. Local markets in Adamas will have some you can buy, but it will typically be cheaper to bring sunscreen from home.

6. SPF lip balm. Don't forget about your lips when you're spending time out in the sun. Protect them with a high-SPF lip balm.

7. Snorkel set. Sarakiniko beach doesn't have any snorkel rentals, so bring your own to explore under the waves. The water here is very clear, so visibility for snorkeling is excellent.

8. Snacks. There is just one small food truck that parks at Sarakiniko, so bring your own snacks and water for a longer visit.

9. Reusable water bottle. Bring your own large bottle and plenty of water for a beach day at Sarakiniko, as there isn't a place to refill at here.

10. GoPro or camera. You'll want to document the chalky white landscape at Sarakiniko, so don't forget your camera. GoPros can capture some cool underwater shots since the sea is clear here.