Sarakiniko Beach, Milos : Everything You Need To Know
Sarakiniko is quite possibly the most unique beach in all of the Greek Islands, and that’s saying something, because the Greek islands are not exactly short on beautiful beaches. If you’ve seen the famous white beach that look like lunar landscape all over your Instagram feed and wondered whether it can really look that surreal, the answer is yes – that lunar looking beach is in fact real.
Sarakiniko is the most photographed spot in Milos and it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary, whether you’re staying in Milos or hopping over from nearby Kimolos, Sifnos, or Folegandros. In this guide we are covering everything you will need to know about visiting Sarakiniko in Milos.
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Why Is Sarakiniko Beach So Unique?
Sarakiniko is a beach unlike anywhere else in Milos, or really, anywhere else in the world. It’s not your typical sandy or pebble beach with sunbeds. Sarakiniko went viral in 2016 music video for “This Girl” (Kungs remix) this is when it started gaining all the attention it deserves.
The rock formations are extraordinary, they are all different shapes and sizes with white chalky surface, hidden caves to explore, small inlet with shallow, cenote with hidden blue lagoons that have impossibly clear water which is perfect for swimming.
Sarakiniko’s name derived from “Sarakinoi” the Greek word for Saracens, the Arab pirates who used the caves here as hideouts during the Middle Ages. This unique lunar landscape beach was shaped over time by volcanic white rock, wind, and waves, and with barely any vegetation, the whole place really does feel like you have landed on the moon.
By midday, the white stone almost glows, and the crystal clear electric blue water set against it absolutely stunning. It is easy to see why it is the most photographed spot on the island. Then is also a shipwreck, an old tanker that crashed into the rocks during a storm back in 2003, and has since quietly become one of the best snorkelling spots on the island on a calm day. It’s the kind of place that rewards the curious.
The best way to do Sarakiniko is to treat it like an experience rather than just a beach day. This isn’t really a “lay down your towel and order a cocktail” vibe. Visiting Sarakiniko without knowing what to expect means you’ll likely miss half of what makes it so special.
✦ Check the wind before visiting Sarakiniko beach, it faces north so receives strong Aegean winds which can make the water rough and dangerous. When the winds are strong, no swimming or cliff jumping is allowed for your own safety. Use windy.com the night before. |
✦ Tip: Combine with nearby spots: Papafragas Caves, Klima fishing village, and Mandrakia are all a short drive away on the Norther coast, make a day of it. |
Where is Sarakiniko Beach?
Sarakiniko Beach is located on Milos Island in Greece. It a short drive 10 minutes from Adamas, the island’s main port town. It sits between the charming fishing village of Mandrakia and the famous Papafragas Caves, and is also easy to reach from Plaka and Pollonia, which means its bang in the middle of some of the best things to do on the northern side of Milos.
✦ Hidden Gem: Inside the cenote, there is a natural arch and a blue lagoon, a unique swimming spot. Explore all different corners, don’t just stay at the main beach area. |
How To Get To Sarakiniko Beach in Milos? Do I Need a Vehicle to Get to Sarakiniko Beach?
Getting to Milos from Athens is quite straightforward, you can simply take the 1 hour flight from Athens or if you prefer a more scenic route the high-speed ferry takes two to three hours.
Once you are in Milos, Sarakiniko beach is one of the easier beaches to reach on the island. It does not require taking a boat, no dramatic cliff descents, just a simple paved road that will take you to the car park. You will however need a car to reach Sarakiniko beach in Milos. The car park is free and the beach a few minutes walk from the car park. Some adventurous visitors also take ATV, or motorbike.
| ✦ Good To Know: An international driving licence is mandatory for renting scooters and cars on Milos Island. |
Milos does have public buses during the peak seasons. To get to Sarakiniko by bus, you’ll mainly be catching the local KTEL buses that run from Adamantas (Adamas), the island’s main port, up to Sarakiniko. The direct “Sarakiniko” bus line leaves approximately every few hours and drops you right at the car park above the beach in about 10 minutes. If you’re staying in Plaka or Pollonia, you’ll first take a bus to Adamas and then switch to the Adamantas–Sarakiniko route.
Once you get to the Sarakiniko car park, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the car park through to the beach area.
| ✦ Good To Know: Go towards the left for the beach, cliff jumping, and where most people hang out. The right side is quieter and peaceful and more moonlike surface. |
Best Month To Experience Sarakiniko With Fewer Crowds
The best month to experience Sarakiniko with fewer crowds is May, June, September or Early October. During these months the weather is warm enough to enjoy the water without the summer crowds.
Best Time To Visit Sarakiniko Beach
Sarakiniko is at its prettiest during midway in the summer, this when the white rock glows and the water is at its bluest, however, this also means it tends to be the busiest time.
To avoid crowds, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. In the morning, it will be quieter, and perfect for photos. Alternatively, the golden hour is when the white rocks glow, the water softens, and the crowds also start to fade.
✦ Good To Know: ✦ • There are no toilets, no showers, no changing rooms at Sarakiniko • There are also no shops or vendors selling anything so bring your own water and snacks • The rock may look soft and chalky but in reality it is really hard so bring shoes accordingly • The water can be on the colder side even in the summer. The Aegean water has a bite to it, especially in the morning. It does warm up as the day goes • There are stray cats on the beach, fed daily by tourists. • If time allows, spend a few hours at Sarakiniko and explore it properly rather than making it as a quick stop in your itinerary |
How To Book Boat Trips To Sarakiniko Beach
Booking a boat trip to Sarakiniko is straightforward but it is important to know that these boat trips are usually part of a wider island cruise around Milos, rather than a standalone trip.
Some of the best boat tours from Adamantas (Adamas) to Sarakiniko are the small group catamaran and yacht trips that combine it with Kleftiko and Poliegos.
You can book online in advance on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator or simply head down to Adamas harbour and you will notice vendors selling these tickets. The later would be a smart option so you would have the flexibility if the weather changes. Private boat charters are also available, where you can create your own itinerary, and the freedom to stay longer at Sarakiniko without the crowds.
The Iconic Sarakiniko Cliff Jumping
Sarakiniko is famous for its cliff jumping spots, smooth ledges that drop into that unreal blue water. There are different heights depending on how brave you’re feeling, but always check the sea conditions first. When it’s calm, it’s perfect. When it’s windy, it’s a NO.
Hotels Near Sarakiniko Beach
We highly recommend the Domes White Coast if you are looking for a hotel near Sarakiniko. It is located just 7 minutes drive from the Sarakiniko Beach.
Domes White Coast
Location: Pachena, 7 minutes drive to Sarakiniko Beach
Domes White Coast is designed to impress by Greece’s most celebrated contemporary architects, Giorgos Tsolakis, the resort’s stark white cubism reimagines the echo of Cycladic villages. It’s an adults only hotel is nestled within a privately owned waterfront nature preserve, where you will feel completely secluded yet close to everything you may need so you can easily explore all that Milos has to offer.
As one of the best hotels in Milos, there are just 30 spacious sea-view suites, each suite here is designed to offer complete privacy with its own private terrace and infinity plunge pool, with breathtaking 180-degree views of the white-rock lunar shoreline of Sarakiniko.
Sunsets are a big affair on the island, and Domes White Coast offers some of the best views, thanks to its west facing location which means in the evenings you get a front-row seat to one of the most spectacular sunsets.
MICHELIN-starred Chef Patron Petros Dimas brings seasonal flair to every dish in one of the finest dining settings on the island. Dome White Coast is one of the best luxury hotels in Milos.
Alternatively, Book Your Stay Via Any Of Your Preferred & Trusted Booking Platforms: Hotels.com | Expedia.com |TripAdvisor.com
Map Of Hotels Nears Sarakiniko
Related Reads : Best Greek Islands To Visit
Related Reads : 11 Best Hotels in Milos Close to Beaches & Towns
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