Greece - Korina Miller [354]
The island has a fascinating history of mineral extraction dating from the Neolithic period when obsidian was an important material and was even exported to the Minoan world of Crete. Over the years sulphur and kaolin have been mined and today Milos is the biggest bentonite and perlite production and processing centre in the EU.
Filakopi, an ancient Minoan city in the island’s northeast, was one of the earliest settlements in the Cyclades. During the Peloponnesian Wars, Milos was the only Cycladic island not to join the Athenian alliance. It paid dearly in 416 BC, when avenging Athenians massacred the adult males and enslaved the women and children.
The island’s most celebrated export, the beautiful Venus de Milo (a 4th-century-BC statue of Aphrodite, found in an olive grove in 1820) is far away in the Louvre (allegedly having lost its arms on the way to Paris in the 19th century).
Getting There & Away
There are two flights weekly between Milos and Athens. These are often quite heavily booked ahead. Milos is on the same western-Cyclades ferry routes as its northern neighbour Serifos. For details Island Hopping.
Getting Around
There are no buses to the airport (south of Papikinou), so you’ll need to take a taxi ( 22870 22219) for €7.65, plus €0.30 per piece of luggage, from Adamas. A taxi from Adamas to Plaka is €6.50; add €1 for evening trips. Taxi Andriotis ( 6942590951) is a friendly service.
Buses leave Adamas for Plaka and Trypiti every hour or so. Buses run to Pollonia (four daily), Paleohori (three daily), Provatas (three daily) and Achivadolimni (Milos) Camping (right), east of Adamas (three daily). All fares are €1.40.
Cars, motorcycles and mopeds can also be hired from places along the waterfront. A helpful outfit is Giourgas Rent a Car ( 22870 22352, 6937757066; giourgas@otenet.gr), reached by heading east from the ferry quay, going inland from where the waterfront road crosses a dry river bed and then turning right after several hundred metres.
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ADAMAS ΑΔΑΜΑΣ
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Plaka is the capital of Milos and the most appealing of all the settlements, but the pleasant, lively port of Adamas has most of the accommodation, shops and general services, plus a diverting waterfront scene.
Orientation
For the town centre, turn right from the arrival quay. The central square, with the bus stop, taxi rank and outdoor cafes, is at the end of this stretch of waterfront, where the road curves inland. Just past the square is a road to the right that skirts the town beach.
Information
ATMs can be found along the main harbour front and in the main square. The post office is along the main road, 50m from the main square, on the right.
Internet Info ( 22870 23218; per 30min €1.50; 9am-midnight) Located in the main street, just inland and on the right.
Municipal Tourist Office ( 22870 22445; www.milos-island.gr; 8am-midnight mid-Jun–mid-Sep) Opposite the quay.
Police station ( 22870 21378) On the main square, next to the bus stop.
Port police ( 22870 22100) On the waterfront.
Terry’s Travel Services ( 22870 22640; www.terrysmilostravel.com) Knowledgeable and helpful service goes with a great love of the island here. Help with accommodation, car hire, kayaking and sailing trips, diving and much more. Head left from the ferry quay, and, just past the bend in the road, go right up a lane.
Sights & Activities
The Milos Mining Museum ( 22870 22481; www.milosminingmuseum.gr; adult/concession €3/1.50; 9am-2pm & 6-9pm Jul–mid-Sep, 8.30am-2.30pm Tue-Sat mid-Sep–Jun) is a must for mining enthusiasts; in fact, it’s a must for everyone. It’s about 600m east of the ferry quay.
Dive courses are offered by Milos Diving Center ( 22870 41296; www.milosdiving.gr), based at Pollonia. It’s a member of the International Association for Handicapped Divers.
Kayak Milos ( 22870 23597; www.seakayakgreece.com) organises