Top 25 Diving Sites in Milos, Classified by Type: Caves, Wrecks, Reefs, and More
Milos, a stunning island in the Aegean Sea, is a paradise for divers seeking unique underwater experiences. While there isn't a definitive ranked list of the top 25 diving sites, several key spots are widely recognized for their distinct diving features.
Exploring Milos's Unique Underwater World
- Kleftiko Kleftiko, famous for its dramatic white volcanic cliffs and sea caves, offers divers a chance to swim through hidden caves and tunnels, explore pirate hideouts, and enjoy crystal-clear turquoise waters. Accessible mainly by boat, this site is a must-visit for any diver.
- Sarakiniko Known as the “Moon Beach” because of its surreal white volcanic rocks resembling a lunar landscape, Sarakiniko provides unique underwater topography formed by volcanic activity, featuring caves and smooth rock surfaces ideal for snorkeling and diving in calm conditions.
- Tsigrado Beach With its steep access requiring climbs down ladders, Tsigrado Beach rewards visitors with beautiful coves and underwater caves perfect for snorkeling and shallow diving exploration.
- Sykia Cave A collapsed roof cave accessible by boat, Sykia Cave offers divers a fascinating experience to swim through a natural skylight and explore the cave’s unique underwater environment.
- Gerakas Bay Known for its emerald waters, Gerakas Bay is a favored swimming and diving spot with tranquil waters suitable for observing diverse marine life and underwater volcanic formations.
- Polyaigos Island Often included in full-day sailing tours from Milos, Polyaigos Island's pristine waters and less touched underwater habitat make it a sought-after diving location for marine biodiversity and beautiful underwater landscapes.
A World of Diving Opportunities
Other notable dive spots around Milos involve exploring the many hidden coves and volcanic formations along the coast, accessible primarily by boat tours or small group cruises. These include the western side of the island near Cape Vani and other sulfur mining areas.
For the most detailed dive exploration, professional local dive centers on Milos can provide precise site information and dive conditions that highlight up to 25 specific dive points around the island.
Key Diving Spot Features
- Kleftiko: Sea caves, pirate hideouts, dramatic cliffs
- Sarakiniko: Lunar-like volcanic rock, smooth underwater surfaces
- Tsigrado: Steep access, hidden coves, crystal clear waters
- Sykia: Collapsed roof cave with underwater skylight
- Gerakas: Emerald waters, tranquil dive conditions
- Polyaigos: Pristine, less trafficked marine biodiversity
While these sites are regularly highlighted in various tours and guides, diving enthusiasts often combine several locations by boat for a day of diving and snorkeling to experience Milos’s rich underwater volcanic geology and clear Aegean waters.
Divers should be in good health and have a basic understanding of diving safety protocols. Most dive sites in Milos require a valid diving certification, such as PADI or SSI. The ideal time for diving in Milos is from late spring to early autumn, specifically between May and October.
Some lesser-known dive sites include the Wreck near Cape Vani, Provatas Reef, Fyriplaka Lava Formations, Agios Ioannis Wall, Kalogries Wall, Tsigrado Bay, Glaronisia Wall, and the Kleftiko Caves.
Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, Milos offers a diverse range of diving experiences for all skill levels, from wreck diving to exploring stunning caves and vibrant reefs.
- For a change from underwater diving, consider exploring the home-and-garden aspect of Milos island by visiting the various gardens in the bay area of Adamas, which contribute to the island's unique lifestyle.
- After a day of diving, travel to the charming town of Plaka, a short distance from the docks, for a taste of traditional Cycladic architecture and local cuisine, adding to your diverse lifestyle experiences on Milos.
