A Virtual tour in Milos island

Kleftiko, Milos island

ilos is the fifth largest island in the Cyclades with an area of 151 sq. km, a population of 3,222 inhabitants and 126 km of coastline. Its shape resembles a horseshoe, as the two sides of the island are joined by a narrow isthmus; in between, the sea penetrates deep inland to form the huge Bay of Milos and its safe natural harbour, which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

The sea has left its imprint in the form of caves which are unique attractions for visitors

ilos, as you will discover, has its own special charm due to the rare morphology of its terrain and its mineral wealth. Spectacular rock formations with different textures and unusual colours, from the purest white to black and from golden yellow to deep red, combine to form marvellous multicoloured images and landscapes that have been painstakingly fashioned by nature over the centuries. On Milos the bowels of the earth seem to be linked to the surface through vents that have created hot springs at various points. Here the visitor stands in awe before the divine inspiration that went into creating places such as Sarakiniko, Kleftiko or the Glaronissia

he sea too, the azure Aegean sea, has left its mark on the landscape. It has sculpted the coastline into countless indentations and inlets, mostly covered by fine white sand, that the visitor will find it difficult to resist. On the south coast of the island particulalry, the endless motion of the waves has created caves small and large that once hid pirates and buried treasure, local independence fighters and members of the resistance during the Great Wars.

he island of Milos also has a rich history. Its fame has spread far beyond the borders of Greece thanks to the Aphrodite of Milos, the famous statue that is better known as the "Venus de Milo" which draws the admiration of all the visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris where it is exhibited.

he strategic position of Milos on the sea routes gave rise in ancient times to the early development of civilisation on its hospitable land, a civilisation that shone for many centuries and provided a great impulse to the arts, especially those of pottery and sculpture.

At Phylakope, vestiges of the foundations of ancient cities have been found, one built on top of the other. Later, when the ancient world fell apart, Milos was among the first to adopt the new religion.

Terracotta base for a vesel from Plylakope

he catacombs at Klima date from the early years of the Christian era and are considered among the most significant in the world today.

The second catacomb of the Elders with the Table of the Martyrs

Obsidian was used in the manifacture of a large number of tools and spread the fame of Milos to the ends of the world

n antiquity, the Milians were wealthy merchants thanks to obsidian, the island's hard, black, glass-like rock that was used to make sharp tools and weapons before the discovery of iron. In later times as well, the soil of Milos has kept on providing rare and valuable materials that are shipped to all corners of the world.