Where to stay in Milos without a Car
- Adamas
- Pollonia
- Plaka / Tripiti
Milos is remarkably accessible, and staying in the right village makes all the difference for a car-free adventure.
My experience showed me that you absolutely can enjoy this stunning Cycladic island without a vehicle, provided you choose your base wisely.
Adamas: The Convenient Hub
Adamas, the main port town, is undoubtedly the most practical choice if you're traveling without a car. I found its central location incredibly advantageous. It's where all ferries arrive and depart, making your arrival and departure seamless.
More importantly, Adamas is the main hub for the island's public bus network. I could easily catch buses to almost all major villages and popular beaches directly from here, which saved a lot of planning effort.
The town itself has a wide array of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and essential services, all within comfortable walking distance. I enjoyed strolling along the harbor, grabbing a bite at a taverna, or finding a local bakery, all without needing transport.
Pollonia: The Charming, Accessible Escape
For a slightly more relaxed atmosphere while still being well-connected, I recommend Pollonia. Located on the northern tip of the island, it offers a charming, laid-back vibe with a beautiful sheltered bay and some excellent seafood restaurants.
While not the central bus hub like Adamas, Pollonia has regular bus connections to Adamas, which then allows you to connect to other parts of the island.
I found the village very walkable, with easy access to its beach and eateries. It's a great choice if you prefer a quieter base but still want the convenience of public transport to explore further afield without being isolated.
Pollonia is also filled with seaside apartments in case you want to wake up 10 steps away from the beach.
Plaka / Tripiti: Picturesque and Walkable
Perched high above the sea, Plaka, the capital of Milos, and its neighboring village Tripiti, offer a truly picturesque Greek island experience. While not directly on the coast, their elevated positions provide breathtaking sunset views.
I found both villages incredibly charming to explore on foot, with their narrow, winding alleys, traditional Cycladic architecture, and quaint shops. There are regular bus services connecting Plaka and Tripiti to Adamas, making them accessible even without a car.
From Plaka, I could easily walk to the ancient theater, the catacombs of Milos, and the iconic fishing village of Klima. This area is perfect if you prioritize scenic beauty and historic exploration, and don't mind relying on buses for beach trips.
Getting Around Milos Without a Car
My car-free journey through Milos relied heavily on a few key methods of transportation:
- Public Buses (KTEL Milos): This was my primary mode of transport.
The buses are reliable, air-conditioned, and connect Adamas to most of the main villages (Plaka, Tripiti, Pollonia, Provatas, Sarakiniko, Paliochori, etc.) and popular beaches.
I always checked the latest schedules, which are usually posted at bus stops and available online. - Taxis: For early morning departures, late-night returns, or reaching less-frequented spots not on a bus route, taxis are available, primarily from Adamas.
I found them convenient for specific needs, though more costly than buses. - Boat Tours: This is, in my opinion, the absolute best way to see Milos's most famous and inaccessible beaches like Kleftiko and Tsigrado.
Many tours depart from Adamas and Pollonia, requiring no car at all. I highly recommend dedicating a day to a boat tour, it was a highlight of my trip. - Walking: Within villages like Plaka, Tripiti, Adamas, and Pollonia, walking is the most enjoyable way to explore. I also enjoyed scenic walks between adjacent villages, like from Plaka down to Klima.
Exploring Milos without a car was not just feasible, it allowed me to immerse myself more deeply in the local life and rhythms of the island. By choosing the right base and utilizing the available public transport and boat tours, I had a truly unforgettable and stress-free adventure.
