There is no better place to experience swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea than Kleftiko Beach. Kleftiko translates to “stealing,” and is located on the island of Milos, Greece. At one point in time, these stunning rock formations were used by smugglers and pirates to hide from view on the island. You can even see the remnants of where pirates had carved into the limestone rocks to create areas to anchor their ships. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination known for its stunning rock formations and caves. In this guide to Kleftiko Beach in Milos, Greece, I am sharing everything you need to know before visiting Kleftiko Beach.
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Guide to Kleftiko Beach in Milos, Greece
Milos, Greece
Milos, Greece is an island located in the Cyclades. This island is one of the lesser traveled islands in the Cyclades as many tourists opt to island hop to Santorini or Mykonos. However, Milos is one of the best islands to visit! There is so much to do in Milos, Greece including boat tours to Kleftiko Beach, and Sarakiniko Beach, visiting Klima, seeing Ancient Greek Architecture, and more. You can get to Milos by plane or boat. By plane, it’s about a 40-minute flight to Milos, Greece. If you opt to take a boat, it can take between 3 to 5 hours depending on what ferry you take. You can read my complete guide to Milos, Greece here.
How to Get to Kleftiko Beach
There are two options if you want to visit Kleftiko Beach. The first option is by boat. I highly recommend visiting Kleftiko by boat! There are many different boat tours that you can book that deport from Adamas (the main port). We booked a tour with Polco Sailing and had a great experience. We stopped at 4 different swim locations including the Cave of Sykia and Kleftiko. At each stop, there was food provided. Free drinks were provided as well. The tour was 8 hours long, cost around €100, and was semi-private. There are options for either a sailing tour or a catamaran tour.
Another perk of visiting Kleftiko by boat is that you can explore the caves. Many boat tours bring a dinghy. You will have the opportunity to visit the smaller caves in Kleftiko, as well as Sykia Cave (if your boat tour makes a stop here).
It is also possible to reach Kleftiko by land. While Kleftiko is commonly referred to as a “beach,” in reality, it isn’t much of a beach and is more of a bay. So while you can reach Kleftiko by land, it isn’t the recommended option. The trip to Keftiko on land will require a 4×4 car since you will be driving on unpaved roads for an hour from the port, and hiking around 45 minutes through steep and rough trails.
Best Time to Visit Kleftiko Beach
Many boat tours only operate during the high season from April to October. The timing of the boat tours are weather dependent and sometimes can start later, or end earlier. In the summer and later months, the water is warmer which is better for swimming. We visited in early October before the season ended and the water was still perfect for swimming! On days with high winds, boat tours can be canceled due to safety. In case your tour is canceled due to high winds, it is recommended that you book the boat tour early in your trip to Milos in case you need to be rescheduled (so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit!).
What to Bring to Kleftiko Beach
There are a few essentials you will need to bring for most boat tours. Typically food and drinks are provided. You should bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a swimsuit cover-up. The sun is intense in Greece, especially if you are spending the day on the water. Be sure to bring sun protection! If you want to take your phone onto the water, a waterproof case can’t hurt. Many boat tours include snorkel gear, pool noodles, and sometimes paddle boards. Check out your boat tour website to confirm what the tour provides and what you may need to bring before your trip.
Tips for Visiting Kleftiko Beach
- Although there are many different boat tours to choose from, you don’t want to miss out because the boat tours are completely sold! Book your tour ahead of time if you are visiting Milos during the high season.
- If you are prone to getting seasick, plan ahead and bring some Dramamine or ginger capsules.
- Arrive at least 15- 30 minutes before your boat tour departure so that you can find the meeting point and have enough time for them to go over the safety information. You don’t want to get left behind!
Guide to Kleftiko Beach in Milos, Greece
Kleftiko is worth visiting if you are spending time in Milos, Greece during your Greek island-hopping vacation. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip and we still talk about how much fun we had to this day. Plus, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to explore caves that pirates once hid in and swim in turquoise-blue waters in Greece surrounded by towering limestone rocks. It’s beautiful!
I hope this guide to Kleftiko Beach in Milos, Greece was helpful if you are planning a trip. If you have tips or questions, feel free to leave a comment below! Looking for more destinations to add to your Greek Island Hopping trip? I recommend Naxos and Paros!
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