 IntroductionMilos
is most well known as the place where the famous statue, the
"Venus de Milo" was discovered.
Due to its
volcanic origin, Milos is one of the most dramatic Greek
islands, well known for its spectacular rock formations,
superb beaches and white villages perched on multicolored
cliffs.
The
inhabitants of Milos are economically dependant on Mining and
Tourism.
Tourism
has only recently developed and the island remains untouched
by hotels chains and package tourism.
Mining
has occurred since ancient times and currently occupies about half the
workforce.
This dual economy has preserved an authentic local
culture that is not found on many of the other islands that
are entirely dependant on tourism.
 Where
is Milos
Milos
is the most southwesterly of the Cyclades group of island in the Aegean Sea of
Greece, lying about half way between the City of Athens and the island of Crete.
Milos
is 160km from Athens, 60km from Santorini and 115km from Crete . On a clear
day, the mountains of Crete and of the Peloponnese, as well as most of the
islands of the Cyclades group, can be seen from Milos.
Getting to Milos
To get to Milos first you must fly to Athens, then you have the
option of a FLIGHT or a FERRY.
Getting to Athens from Abroad
Staying in Athens
The FLIGHT
from Athens
Olympic Air operates two return flights
daily, from
Athens International Airport. The flight takes 30 minutes and costs about 40 euro, one-way. The approach to Milos is quite
spectacular and gives a good perspective of the rugged topography
and complex coastline.
By
FERRY from the port of Piraeus
To
get to the ferry port of Piraeus from the Airport take the direct
bus (every 30 min, 24 hr/7 days), takes 1-1.5 hours, costs 4 euro. Or
by the new Metro (costs 10 euro). A taxi will cost about 45
euro.
Milos can be reached from Piraeus by passenger ferry 1-2 times per
day in winter, increasing to
4-6
per day in summer. Various
ferries service the route. The journey takes 4-7 seven hours
depending on the number of islands
visited on the way. The cost
is 32 euro for
the slow ferry and 55 euro for the newer, fast ferries.
Ferry timetable for Milos
book online
www.milostravel.gr
The Geography
 The
island is about 20km in an east-west direction and about 10km north-south. It has a large bay, opening to the north, that almost divides
the island in two and provides a large natural harbor . The surface area is 151 square kilometers and the
coastline is over 130km long. The
eastern side of the island comprises low hills and fertile valleys, which
produce grains, vegetables, olives and grapes.
On the western side, the landscape is mountainous and covered with
prickly bushes. The western side is dominated
by Profitis Ilias, the highest peak at 752m.
Most of the 5500 inhabitants live in 7 villages in the north part
of east side of the island. From our base in the
village of
Triovasalos, it is less that
10 minutes drive to some of the best
paddle locations on the north coast, half an hour to the south coast and about 1
hour to the remote west coast.
 As
with its more famous neighbor Santorini, 75km to the southeast, Milos is
composed almost entirely of volcanic rocks.
Unlike Santorini, which was formed from a single volcanic
centre, Milos
is composed of dozens of eruptions that occured about 3 million years ago.
This complex volcanic origin is responsible for the wide variety of
useful rocks and minerals that have been mined over the millennia and for the
unique and colorful rock formations that comprise the coastline. Although the volcanic activity has ceased, earthquakes
occasionally rock the island - the last major one was in 1993.
Geothermal activity continues to the present day, and can be seen in the
form of steam vents,
native sulphur deposits, hot springs and a
natural sauna
cave.
 Of
particular interest to kayakers, are the abundance of sea caves, which occur all around the
island. Numbering well over 150,
they are particularly abundant in the southwest of the island, around an area
called Kleftico
and on the North coast at
Sarakiniko and
Papafrangus. Man
form impressive arches and some form tunnels over 50m long.
Some have massive, cathedral like roofs, while others have small
entrances and crooked passages, requiring torchlight for exploration.
The Weather in Milos
Milos experiences a typical eastern Mediterranean climate;
long dry summers, short wet winters and relatively warm waters, year
round:-
|
Average monthly
weather statistics for Milos in degrees Celsius.
Conversion to Fahrenheit.
|
| |
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
| Maximum
temperature (oC) |
14 |
14 |
15 |
19 |
23 |
27 |
29 |
29 |
26 |
22 |
19 |
15 |
| Minimum
temperature (oC) |
9 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
22 |
22 |
20 |
17 |
12 |
10 |
| Sea temp
at 2pm (oC) |
14 |
14 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
20 |
18 |
16 |
| No. of rainy
days |
15 |
10 |
10 |
7 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
10 |
15 |
| Hours of
sunshine (per day) |
3 |
3 |
5 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
14 |
13 |
11 |
9 |
5 |
3 |
| |
<-Ideal swimming temp.
-> |
|
| |
<----------Perfect
paddling conditions -----> |
|
The Sea Conditions As the Mediterranean is a closed sea, there is no
ocean swell and negligible tide. Together with
the warm water temperatures, the conditions much easier
and safer to
paddle than oceanic conditions.
The wind is the dominant
factor affecting sea conditions and it can be strong and persistent at any time of
the year. When the wind blows up, it usually persists for 2-5 days,
then dissipates for about the same. There is little variation in the wind
strength throughout the day; if its windy in the morning it will be windy
all day. When its not windy the sea is dead calm.
On strong wind days sheltered waters can be found on the lee side of the island.
Wind direction and strength are predicted
very accurately.
The site I find most reliable is the 8 day forecast on -
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk
When to visit Milos
Anytime from March to November
offers excellent paddling conditions: clear skies, calm seas, warm water
and air temperatures. April
and May is when the island
is at its most beautiful, green after the winter rains and full of
wildflowers. June, September and October have the
perfect combination of moderate air temperatures and warmer water
temperatures - perfect for swimming.
July and August are the hottest
months - You
are assured 13 hours sunshine, everyday and water temperatures above 22
degrees, perfect for lots of swimming and snorkeling.
The warm summer nights are ideal for
moonlight strolls and eating -out,
and remember, you will all ways be comfortable in our
air-conditioned
guesthouse. March and November
see very few visitors to the Greek Islands; airfares from northern
Europe are very low; and, as kayaker's, we virtually have the islands to
ourselves. The mild temperatures of early spring and late Autumn
are recommended if you are
more interested in kayaking than swimming and are perfect for longer
expeditions.
The Winter weather is
effected by continental cold-fronts, that
pass every 7-10 days. This results in
windy, cold and wet weather for 3-5 days then
mild and sunny weather for about the same. After the
rains we are rewarded with an exceptionally clear atmosphere providing
stunning views to the other Cycladic islands and sometimes to Crete and
the Peloponnese. The sea temp is never below 14 degrees and often
warmer than the air, so its always pleasant on the water. |
