2 Best Sights in Milos, The Cyclades

The reason that many people visit Milos, Sarakiniko is the eerily sculpted inlet whose bone-white rocks lie in the sea like vast Henry Moore abstract forms. The limestone and diatomite moonscape made up the seabed 2 million years ago and fish and shell fossils can often be seen in the rocks. Try to get there before 7 am as the sunrise is spectacular and you will be largely alone. Explore the right-hand side before settling down on the left for sunbathing, swimming, and cliff diving—past the cliffs on the right is a shipwreck half submerged in the sea, and there are abandoned mine tunnels to explore. Beware though, there is no shade and the light reflecting from the white rocks is mesmerizing and intense. There is parking at the top that also serves as the bus stop. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: sunrise; sunset.

Walkable from Plaka along an old donkey path, Plathiena is quiet and charming. The beach is sandy and faces west, offering shelter from the prevailing north winds, and the water shelves gently. Tamarisk trees offer some shade if you don't want to take advantage of the sun beds and umbrellas. The sublime sunsets are best taken from the pretty little beach bar with a drink in hand. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.