Sarakiniko Beach

Beach

Beach · Milos, Greece 36.7427°N 24.4583°E

Why you should go

Ninety seconds on Sarakiniko Beach

Time needed

2 to 3 hoursThe usual stay

Best time

Late afternoonHeat eases, crowds thin

Effort

Easy walk inRock slippery, uneven

Season

May to early OctBusiest July and August

Access

Car, quad or busLarge car park above

Getting there

How do you get to Sarakiniko Beach from Adamas?

By car, scooter or quad, Sarakiniko is about ten minutes from Adamas and fifteen from Plaka, on a paved road with some steep downhill stretches. Milos Buses, the island operator, runs from its main terminal in Adamas, about 100 m east of the port, and lists Sarakiniko as one of its terminus stops. Its timetables can change without notice, and the operator advises checking them a week before arrival. Walking from Adamas, about 5 km, takes around 45 minutes.

Sand

Is there sand at Sarakiniko Beach?

Very little. Sarakiniko is bare volcanic rock, and the shallow water at the head of its inlet is lined with finely ground pumice rather than sand. Bring a towel or mat to spread on the smooth rock.

Shade and toilets

Is there shade or a toilet at Sarakiniko Beach?

No. There is almost no shade: one small tree and a couple of tiny caves, all taken by mid-morning. There are no toilets, kiosks or beach bars on the rock, though a small canteen truck sometimes parks near the car park in high season.

You come for the swim between pale walls: a shallow inlet cut into white volcanic stone, with smooth ledges to lie on and higher rocks that some swimmers jump from.

What makes it special

The white stone is volcanic tuff, a rock made of compacted ash. Wind and seawater have worn it into smooth curves, ridges, caves and arches, and the bare rock runs right down into the sea.

At the centre lies a small, narrow inlet of shallow water, walled in by the rock on both sides, and it is the main place to swim.

Above the inlet the rock rises in steps of different heights, from low ones just above the water to high ones that drop straight into deep water below.

On the way down, look at the sides of the valley that leads to the shore. Old mining tunnels are dug into them, and more caves and tunnels open in the rock along the coast.

Visiting

Leave the car or quad in the car park above the shore. The walk down to the water takes no more than five minutes, and the rock opens out into flat places where you can sit.

Go left from there for the inlet and the jumping rocks. This side is a hive of activity, with people swimming and snorkelling in the shallows and moving about on the rock above.

Go right instead for the white shelf of stone, worn into shapes of every size, which you will mostly have to yourself.

Tips

Bring a hat, sunscreen and a mat or towel to lie on, because the white rock throws the sun straight back at you. Carry water and snacks for the whole stay, and a bag so you can take your rubbish away with you.

Wear sandals or shoes with grip if you plan to walk out to the far edges of the rock or climb for views. Leave the formations as you found them: the tuff is delicate, so never scratch or carve it.

Know before you goIn July and August the Meltemi, a strong north wind, blows on this coast. Visitors report that it can make the sea rough and even dangerous for swimming.Some visitors jump from the higher rocks into the deep water, and the accounts all urge extreme caution. In high season the car park can fill, leaving you to park further back up the road.