Everything you need to know about Sarakiniko Beach, Milos

Sarakiniko beach is the most photographed place on Milos. Often referred to as the moon beach due to the rock formations it really is unique and beautiful. But it was not a straight forward visit and I was not prepared for it. Here is what you need to know!

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Where is Sarakiniko Beach?

Sarakiniko Beach is located in the north of Milos, it is about 5km from Adamas. It is actually really easy to visit, there are other beaches that are much harder to get to on Milos! You can even walk there which would take about 45 minutes but it is a bit of a hike!

Do I need a vehicle to get to Sarakiniko Beach?

You can reach Sarakiniko Beach with the Milos public bus system but you are bound by the timetable. We hired a scooter and I am really glad we did. Milos is really big and having your own vehicle helps you get around more effectively.

We visited Sarakiniko multiple days and at different times as we wanted to check out the light for photos. This would not have been possible using public bus system. I think having a car or scooter or renting a car on Milos is necessary! We always rent cars through Rental Cars online, make sure to do it early as they will book out. A scooter is great but it was hard to go long distances and in the mountainous areas to get to some of the beaches.

Facilities at Sarakiniko

There are not really any facilities at Sarakiniko. There is a van selling cold drinks and food but nothing else. The van is located at the entrance/car park area. We brought everything we needed with us! See my list below for what you need to bring to Sarakiniko Beach!

Is it really like the moon?

Sarakiniko beach is so unique and I can imagine it would be what the moon is like! The rock that formed from volcanic action is hard, white and has formed in waves, hills and valleys. It is such a crazy place, I couldn’t imagine that it would be as beautiful as it was.

Tips for visiting Sarakiniko Beach!

Here is what you REALLY need to know to visit Sarakiniko Beach, it isn’t like visit any other place on Milos.

There is a walk from the entry

The entry and car parking area to Sarakiniko is the first place you will enter but then you will have to walk to the beach area. If you get there after about 9.30am you will more than likely have to park further back. It is about a 10min/1km into the beach area and then through to the cliff jumping area. Actually when you walk through from the car park you have two options left or right. Go right for that moon like surface that is all different shapes and sizes and you will mostly have it to yourself.

Go left for the beach, cliff jumping and where most people will be hanging out! It is usually a hive of activity with people swimming, snorkelling and running around on the rock. It can get busy and this area is pretty small.

The rock is really hard, bring thongs (flip flops).

The white rock is really hard, you need to wear shoes to walk in and around. The rock is actually also really sharp in places. It can be smooth but in other places it will be really sharp to walk on and you wish you had brought your thongs. I wore my sneakers there one day and then after swimming wanted to walk to another part of Sarakiniko but I was wet and didn’t want to run my shoes. I was really wishing I had my thongs to throw on while I was there.

Bring shade with you

There is no shade at Sarakiniko Beach. There is one small tree and a couple of tiny caves but they are well taken by mid-morning. Brind an towel to sit or lie on and an umbrella for shade. You wont be able to put it in the ground as it is too hard but you can prop it on the ground.

Bring water and snacks

If you plan to stay for a few hours and enjoy the atmosphere then make sure you bring water, drinks and snacks. There is a van that you can purchase these from but it is back at the entrance. Bring them along so you can relax without having to run back when you get thirsty!

Don’t miss out on the second area!

We talked to people who didn’t realise there was another area and thought the beach was it. The beach is lovely but you have to walk around further to the cliffs. Here you will find people cliff jumping and swimming. It is a really beautiful part with the blue water against the white cliffs. If you walk further in from here you will come to an area where the white rock forms hills and valleys, you can walk into this area and really have it all to your self…and the friendly cat that will hang around you looking for a pat!

The water is cold

If this is your first Greek beach you may be surprised to find out that while the temperature is HOT and I mean it can be scorching full on sun heat and yet the water will be cold…if not freezing! It is so hard to get in but you have to swim here, it is like nothing else. Take in the views from the water, snorkel, swim through the river area, or cliff jump. What ever takes your fancy but make yourself get in. My tip is to get really hot on the rocks so that even though it is freezing you will welcome the refreshing cold.

Go at different times of the day

We visited at sunrise, sunset and during midday. They were all beautiful and we didn’t really have a favourite. The sunrise is much less crowded. Only a few other keen photographers were there and we had so much space to ourselves. Midday and sunset were much busier but so worth it to see the light at those times of day.

Don’t forget your camera

You will really want to capture this incredible beach! It is so unique and makes for great photos!

Spend a couple of hours there

We spent a couple of hours minimum each time we went. There is something spellbinding about this moon like beach it really is somewhere you want to stop and enjoy.

Where to stay on Milos?

There are tons of areas you can stay in Milos and each has excellent accommodation options, this really makes Milos the perfect Greek Island to visit in 2024. The main places will be the port town Adamas, the little fishing villages Pollonia, Mandrakia, Klima, the capital Plaka Milou, Pachaina and Firopotamos. We moved between two of the villages and honestly I would love to go back and stay in each of these areas. These are my picks of where to stay in each village.

Peran Triovasalos – On our first few nights we stayed at Sea Sun Sand Studios Milos. It is located in Peran Triovasalos which is a tiny village area almost in the centre of Milos. You can easily get to most places from here. It was nice and a good price. We just used it as a base and rode our scooter to where we wanted to go.

Adamas – The port town has alot of accommodation options! Our picks are The White House, Hotel Meltemi, Semiramis Guesthouse, or go luxe at Boho Sapiens, Cinnamon Era.

Pollonia – Captain Stavros! We planned to stay here before changing to stay at Pachaina.

Mandrakia – This is not the cheapest place to stay but there are some lovely options and its a beautiful area. It is expensive but our pick is Aerides Mandrakia Milos.

Klima – The fisherman’s huts are a must stay! I will be doing this on my next visit. Choose from these beautiful options:

On the Waves of Klima, Fisherman House, Blue Horizon Syrma, The Yellow Boat House, Turquoise Boathouse in Klima II, White Coral.

Plaka Milou – This area is not the cheapest but there are some reasonable options. We like Στην Ωραία Πλάκα, Piazza Castello or Archondoula Studios.

Pachaina – We stayed at Agnanti View Hotel, it was great. The owners are lovely and the vibe is so relaxed.

Firopotamos – I can’t wait to return to Milos and when I do I am staying at Salty Kisses and Sandy Toes! This little beach area can get expensive but it is so idyllic. I could spend many days here!

Final thoughts

I hope you love your time at Sarakiniko! It was one of my favourite places in Milos. If you have any questions as always just leave a question below I am happy to help! If you are looking for a great tour of Milos, check out Best of Milos Private Land Tour