Full Day Boat Tour Around Milos and Poliegos

Planning a day on the water in Greece? This Full Day Boat Tour Around Milos and Poliegos promises an unforgettable 10-hour journey that combines breathtaking scenery, historical intrigue, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing. While it’s a popular choice—booked an average of 19 days in advance—what exactly makes this tour worth considering? We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what you can expect, so you can decide if this adventure fits your travel style.

We’re drawn to the way this tour offers diverse landscapes, from volcanic formations to charming fishing villages, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters with an onboard open bar and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. However, a couple of reviews hint that the boat can feel a bit cramped over a full day, which might matter if you’re sensitive to space or comfort. This tour is best suited for travelers who love the water, enjoy scenic excursions, and want to experience Milos beyond the usual land-based sights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering natural wonders, historical sites, and local villages
• Excellent value for the price, including food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and waterproof camera
• Small group size (up to 18 people) ensures a more personal experience
• Diverse stops offering swimming, exploring, and picture-perfect moments
• Unfiltered adventure with a focus on authentic scenery and stories
• Potential discomfort alert for those sensitive to tight spaces on the boat

An Authentic Greek Water Adventure

This full-day boat tour around Milos and Poliegos is a chance to see the island from a different perspective—out on the water, where Milos reveals its true character. With a duration of approximately 10 hours, it’s a long but rewarding day, especially if you love the water, history, and exploring hidden spots that most travelers miss.

Pricing is around $156.17 per person, which on paper seems reasonable considering the inclusions—meals, snorkeling gear, waterproof camera, and a full day of sightseeing—and the fact that it’s limited to just 18 travelers. This small group size keeps the experience intimate, allowing for more personalized interaction and a chance to ask questions about the sights you’ll see.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the diverse stops and the onboard dining experience. The stops include everything from iconic beaches to volcanic marvels, giving you a well-rounded taste of Milos’ natural beauty and history. Plus, the Mediterranean meal and open bar onboard mean you won’t go hungry or thirsty—perfect for a day out on the water.

The tour is also notable for its storytelling—the crew shares stories about pirates, local legends, and the island’s background, adding a layer of cultural richness to the trip. Whether it’s the tales of Kleftiko pirates or the lava formations at Glaronisia, these stories inject personality into what might otherwise be just a sightseeing cruise.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Initial Views

The tour begins at the Defibrillator (AED) in Adamantas at 9:00 am. From here, the boat departs smoothly along the coast, giving you your first glimpses of Milos’ stunning landscape. The crew shares insights into the island’s identity, pointing out fishermen’s houses, catacombs, and other local landmarks. Expect to marvel at the rugged coastline and perhaps snap some photos early on.

Sarakiniko Beach

The first major stop is Sarakiniko, famous for its smooth, white, lunar-like cliffs. The scenery here is extraordinary—almost otherworldly—especially during a full moon, when the cliffs glow under moonlight, making it a romantic and surreal sight. This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving plenty of time for swimming, photos, and possibly a quick walk along the unusual landscape. The best part? No admission fee is required, making it a free but spectacular highlight.

Glaronisia Lava Formations

Next, the boat visits Glaronisia, a tiny island formed from volcanic lava. The hexagonal basalt columns are a geological wonder, millions of years old, offering a visual spectacle of natural formation. It’s only a 10-minute stop, but the impact is significant—an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at Earth’s volcanic history. The review from a past traveler emphasizes how impressive this site is, noting it as “a rare piece of historical and mineral wealth.”

Northern Milos Village

The boat drifts past the northern village of Milos, across from Kimolos. While there’s no specific stop here, the crew shares background about this quiet, authentic part of the island—perfect for those interested in local life and scenic coastlines.

Poliegos Island

Perhaps the most striking stop is Poliegos, which remains largely untouched. The island’s bays harbor calm, therapeutic waters perfect for swimming. With about an hour allocated, you can enjoy a dip or just soak in the views of the rugged coastline. Many travelers note that the waters here are “beautiful and make you want to stay forever,” capturing the sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

Thiorichio Sulphur Mines

A quick, 5-minute stop takes you to Thiorichio, the abandoned sulphur mines built over a gorge. The site has a mysterious atmosphere—tools and structures still in place, frozen in time. It’s a photographer’s dream and a reminder of Milos’ industrial past. As one reviewer notes, it’s “built on a gorge and feels very mysterious,” adding a sense of history and intrigue.

Gerakas Bay

One of the tour’s most loved stops is Gerakas, a bay famous for its white sands and transparent green waters. The perlite mines nearby add to its visual appeal, with steep cliffs embracing the bay. Spending about an hour and a half here, you’ll enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in this postcard-perfect setting. The water’s clarity impresses many, often described as “like swimming in a pool of pure green glass.”

Kleftiko Beach

Arguably the star of the day, Kleftiko is an iconic site famed for its large, ancient volcanic rocks and pirate stories. It’s a favorite for swimming and snorkeling—there’s plenty of underwater scenery to explore. The crew often shares pirate tales, making it a fun, story-rich stop. Many reviews highlight Kleftiko as “a masterpiece,” and it’s easy to see why—these formations enchant visitors and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

Cape Vani

Your final stop is Cape Vani, home to old manganese mines. The red-colored cape offers dramatic views with vertical rocks plunging into the blue waters. It’s a short stop of about five minutes, but the scenery makes a lasting impression, blending natural beauty with a hint of Greece’s industrial past.

What Is Included and How Is the Experience?

Onboard, you’ll find snorkeling gear and a waterproof camera, which are great for capturing memories and exploring underwater life at stops like Kleftiko or Gerakas. The meals consist of a freshly cooked Mediterranean buffet, complemented by an open bar serving drinks to those 18 and older. According to reviews, the crew is friendly and attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable and engaged.

Most travelers find that the combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and delicious food makes the price worthwhile. However, one review pointed out that the boat felt cramped for some, with a long 10-hour day possibly feeling uncomfortable, especially if you prefer more space to move around.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Diverse scenery from volcanic formations to pristine beaches
• Excellent value considering the inclusions of food, drinks, gear, and storytelling
• Small group size enhances intimacy and personalized attention
• Authentic sites like abandoned mines and local villages offer genuine insights
• Good organization with a balanced schedule that allows ample swimming and sightseeing

Cons

• The boat can feel tight for some during a full-day trip
• Long hours may be tiring, especially if you prefer more comfort and space
• The tour requires good weather—bad weather could lead to cancellations or changes

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who are adventurous at heart, eager to explore Milos from the water, and enjoy natural landscapes and local stories. It’s perfect if you want a full day of swimming, sightseeing, and authentic Greek scenery with a small group. If comfort over long hours is a priority, consider whether the boat’s size and seating arrangements will suit you.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Boat Tour Around Milos and Poliegos offers a strong mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and fun on the water. With stops that showcase Milos’ volcanic past, stunning beaches, and local history, it’s a well-rounded way to see the island’s highlights without feeling rushed. The inclusion of meals, snorkeling gear, and storytelling adds a lot of value, making it a memorable, all-in-one experience.

While it might not be for everyone—those sensitive to cramped spaces or seeking pure relaxation—most travelers will find this tour to be a worthwhile adventure. It’s especially suitable for those who want to capture stunning photos, enjoy local cuisine, and experience Milos from a unique perspective.

If you’re looking for an authentic, fun-filled day out that balances scenery, history, and leisure, this boat tour could be just what you need to make your time in Milos truly special.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point later in the day.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the boat trip, snorkeling gear, waterproof camera, a Mediterranean meal onboard, and beverages from the open bar.

How many people are on the boat?
The tour accommodates up to 18 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Most of the stops do not require an admission ticket. The tour’s price seems to cover most activities and stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While most travelers can participate, the full day might be long for very young children, and space on the boat can be tight for some.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera are recommended. Snorkeling gear is provided.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This detailed review should help you decide if this boat tour matches your idea of a memorable day in Milos. Whether you’re after spectacular scenery, cultural stories, or simply a day on the water, this trip offers a balanced blend of all three.