Sarakiniko, the white-rock beach

What it is

Sarakiniko is the best-known image of Milos: a landscape of rolling hills of dazzling white volcanic rock, smooth and undulating, that runs down to a deep blue sea on the north coast of the island. The rock is volcanic tuff that wind and sea have gradually polished, and it contains many fossils. Among the hills a small natural harbour opens, closed off by rocks, with a strip of sand and blue-green water.

The name comes from the pirates, who used the cove as a refuge. You can still see, carved in the rock, the rings where they moored their boats.

How to get there and park

It is about 10 minutes by car from Adamas, along the road that goes north, well signposted. There is parking by the road, above the rocks; in July and August it fills up by mid-morning and fills again at sunset. From the car park you walk down a few minutes over the rock to the cove.

In summer there is a bus from the Adamas terminal: you have the timetables on the Milos buses page. If you hire a car, quad or motorbike, see the hire in Adamas page.

What to do

Walking over the rocks is as important as swimming. Climb the hills to the east or west of the cove and you will see different shapes, small coves and the contrast of white against the sea. For swimming, the strip of sand at the end of the natural harbour is the easiest place to get into the water. Many people jump from the rocks at the sides of the channel: the water is deep, but look carefully first where you will land and how you will get out.

No shade or facilities

At Sarakiniko there is no shade, bar, sun loungers or toilets. The white rock reflects the sun and at midday in summer it burns your feet and your eyes. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and shoes for walking on the rock. And take your rubbish with you.

When to go

First thing in the morning or at sunset. Early in the morning there are few people and the light is soft; at sunset, the rock turns pink and orange. At midday in July and August is the worst time: heat, reflected sun and the cove full. Outside summer, in May or October, it is very pleasant for walking even if the water is cool.

With children

For children the rocks are a playground, but keep an eye on them at the edges: the rock is smooth and slippery when wet, and some cuts drop straight into the sea. With small children, stay in the sandy area at the end of the cove, where the water is shallower. It is not a place for a pushchair.

Combine with

To the east, on the way to Pollonia, is Papafragas, another arm of the sea between cliffs. To sleep near both, the Kapetan Tasos Suites are in Pollonia. For fish on the north coast, Medusa has tables on the rocks at Mandrakia.