Milos from the Land!

With the Northerly Meltemi winds bubbling up, we thought it best to explore the picturesque north of Milos, otherwise known as the Island of Aphrodite, overland, and with that, David ventured off to find a little hire car for the day.

Once settled in our little and somewhat gutless Fiat, we headed north, our first stop being the Beach of  Sarakiniko, which is more of a lunar landscape than a beach, truly unique, blinding white in the sun, so much so we were grateful for the wind otherwise we would have felt like eggs frying in a pan! The white rocks have been so eroded by the sea, creating hollows chiselled out of them, one to form a long narrow sea passage, which today was attracting people like bees to a honey pot!

From there, we drove to the North eastern tip of the Island, to  Pollonia with its quaint little tavernas  on the sea front, the inevitable church on the hill overlooking the bay and little else.

We then followed the coastline,  in awe of how dramatic it is, particularly with the sea now starting to roll in, looking for Papafragas Cave, or fjords I should say, we stood at the top of the narrow strip of rock between them and gingerly looked over the edge to see the tiny beach at one end and comprehend how the pirates once again used this tiny space to hideout in. We certainly would not have been brave, or stupid enough to take Seaclusion in there and she is a lot smaller than any pirate ship we have ever seen!

We then followed the road, branching off down a dirt track to find the tiny fishing village of Mytakas, with “syrmata” fisherman’s houses right on the sea with brightly painted doors on the ground level where they keep their boats, to this day.

We then headed west, catching a view of the port town, Adamas, and some local life along the way.

And headed towards a coastal village called Mandrakia, said to be the islanders “summer resort! Tiny, quaint, fishing village but still had its own church! We had hoped to find a taverna for a light lunch, and yes there was one,  but we have no idea where all the people came from, but it was jam-packed!

We then headed towards the centre of the island, to Tripiti, and found a narrow paved road that snaked down a hill towards the sea, winding its way down and ending up in Klima, said to be the most picturesque fishing village on the island. Despite it being in the bay that forms the main harbour, the wind was whipping the sea around the headland and washing up the “street” to the front of these tiny colourful houses. it reminded us of Bosham!  We also had a chuckle with a Australian holidaymaker who had chosen the end house as his B&B, not quite expecting he would have to wade to get there!

Our final stop was Plaka, the capital of Milos, in time for a wander around the small white houses and through the narrow streets  and to see the fabulous sunsets, after which we managed to get the last remaining table for 2 for dinner and a well deserved carafe of their local vino!