Milos Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Milos.
Healthcare System
Milos has a small Health Center (Kentro Ygeias) in Plaka, the island's capital, which provides basic medical services, emergency care, and has a doctor on call 24/7. For serious medical emergencies or specialized treatment, patients may need to be evacuated by helicopter or ferry to Athens or larger islands like Crete. The healthcare system follows the Greek public health model, with EU citizens able to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Hospitals
There is no full hospital on Milos. The Health Center in Plaka serves as the primary medical facility. The nearest major hospitals are in Athens (approximately 3-4 hours by ferry, or 30 minutes by emergency helicopter). Private medical clinics operate during summer months in tourist areas, offering basic consultations.
Pharmacies
Several pharmacies (farmakeio) operate in Adamas, Plaka, and Pollonia, with at least one maintaining extended hours during summer. Pharmacists are well-trained and can provide advice on minor ailments. Many common medications available over-the-counter in other countries require prescriptions in Greece. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended, as medical evacuation to Athens can cost thousands of euros. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card, but this doesn't cover repatriation or all services. Non-EU visitors will need to pay for all medical services upfront.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including sun protection, anti-diarrheal medication, and bandages for minor cuts
- Carry copies of prescriptions and generic names of medications in case you need refills
- Keep your travel insurance emergency number and policy details easily accessible
- For serious medical issues, consider arranging evacuation to Athens rather than relying solely on island facilities
- Pharmacies display a green cross and post rotating emergency duty schedules
- Dental care is limited; address dental issues before traveling
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are rare on Milos compared to larger Greek islands, but can occur in crowded areas during peak summer season, particularly at popular beaches and the port of Adamas.
The intense Mediterranean sun, particularly June-September, combined with limited shade at many beaches and archaeological sites, creates significant risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Reflected light from white volcanic rocks at places like Sarakiniko intensifies UV exposure.
Many of Milos's most beautiful beaches are remote with no lifeguards, and some have sudden depth changes, rocks, or currents. Boat tours to swimming spots like Kleftiko involve jumping from boats into deep water.
Milos has narrow, winding roads with poor lighting, limited signage, and steep drop-offs without guardrails. Many roads to beaches are unpaved and rough. ATV and scooter accidents are the most common serious incidents involving tourists.
Milos's volcanic landscape includes unstable mining caves, slippery rocks at beaches, steep cliff paths, and abandoned mining infrastructure. Falls and twisted ankles are common, especially at Instagram-famous locations.
Limited fresh water availability at remote beaches and hiking trails, combined with heat and wind, leads to dehydration. Many beaches have no facilities whatsoever.
Summer months (July-September) bring high wildfire risk due to dry vegetation, strong winds (meltemi), and high temperatures. Fires can spread rapidly and block roads.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some rental agencies claim pre-existing damage wasn't documented or charge excessive fees for minor scratches. They may pressure tourists to pay cash on the spot for damages, sometimes claiming insurance won't cover it.
Rare on Milos but occasionally occurs at tourist-heavy restaurants where extra items appear on the bill, particularly bread, appetizers you didn't order, or inflated drink prices. Sometimes 'cover charges' aren't mentioned upfront.
Individuals offer cheaper boat tours without proper licensing, insurance, or safety equipment. Tours may be canceled last minute after payment, or boats may be unseaworthy.
Properties shown in photos don't match reality, or you're told your booked room isn't available and offered a lesser alternative. Some unlicensed properties operate without proper safety standards.
Very rare on Milos due to the small community, but occasionally taxis claim meters are broken and quote inflated flat rates, especially to tourists arriving on late ferries.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Beach Safety
- Many beaches have no facilities, shade, or lifeguards - come fully prepared with water, food, sun protection, and first aid supplies
- Beaches like Tsigrado require rope climbing down cliffs - assess your fitness level honestly before attempting
- Wear water shoes at rocky beaches to protect against sea urchins and sharp volcanic rocks
- Check wind forecasts before heading to beaches; northern beaches become dangerous during meltemi winds
- Never swim alone at remote beaches and always tell someone your plans
- Bring a waterproof bag for valuables as theft, while rare, can occur at busy beaches
- Be extremely cautious at Sarakiniko - the smooth white rocks are slippery when wet and people have been seriously injured
Transportation Safety
- Rent a car rather than ATV/scooter if you're inexperienced - roads can be challenging and accidents are common
- Always wear helmets on scooters and ATVs, even in heat - head injuries are the most common serious tourist injury
- Fill up gas tank when you see stations - they're limited and may close early or on Sundays
- Download offline maps as GPS and phone signals can be unreliable in remote areas
- If renting a vehicle, get full insurance coverage including undercarriage damage from rough roads
- Don't rely on last ferry of the day - if you miss it due to delays, you may be stranded
- Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (July-August) as they can sell out
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is generally safe but may taste heavily chlorinated or salty; bottled water is widely available and recommended
- Restaurants are generally very safe; food poisoning is rare if you choose busy, well-reviewed establishments
- Be cautious with seafood at inland restaurants far from ports - choose coastal tavernas for freshest fish
- Wash fruits and vegetables if preparing your own food
- Keep food refrigerated in hot weather and be cautious of items left out at buffets
- Many remote beaches have no water sources - bring at least 2 liters per person per day
Accommodation Safety
- Ensure accommodation has working smoke detectors and know emergency exits
- Use hotel/room safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original
- Verify accommodation location on a map - some claim to be in Adamas but are far from town
- Check that air conditioning works upon arrival if traveling in summer - essential for safety in extreme heat
- Be cautious with ground-floor accommodations in terms of security - upper floors are generally safer
- Know how to contact property management for emergencies
Communication and Connectivity
- Download offline maps of the island before arrival - cell coverage is spotty in remote areas
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before you need them
- Inform someone of your plans when visiting remote beaches or hiking
- EU visitors can use their mobile plans, but check roaming charges if from outside EU
- WiFi is available at most accommodations and cafes in towns but unreliable at remote locations
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card for extended stays or if you need reliable communication
Money and Valuables
- Carry cash - many small businesses, beach tavernas, and rental agencies don't accept cards
- ATMs are limited to main towns (Adamas, Plaka, Pollonia) - withdraw cash before heading to remote areas
- Use hotel safes; don't leave cash or valuables in rental vehicles
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations - breaking large bills can be difficult at small establishments
Cultural Respect and Local Laws
- Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (cover shoulders and knees)
- Don't remove rocks, pottery shards, or any items from archaeological sites - it's illegal and heavily fined
- Nudism is technically illegal except at designated beaches; topless sunbathing is generally tolerated at remote beaches
- Greeks typically eat dinner late (9pm or later) - restaurants may seem empty early but fill up later
- Learn a few basic Greek phrases - locals appreciate the effort even if they speak English
- Don't flush toilet paper in older buildings - use the provided waste bin
- Respect siesta time (roughly 2-5pm) by keeping noise down in residential areas
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Milos is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The island has a family-oriented tourism culture, and harassment is rare. Greek island culture is generally respectful, and the small community atmosphere means inappropriate behavior is socially unacceptable. Women traveling alone commonly visit Milos without incident. That said, standard precautions apply, particularly regarding isolated areas and evening hours.
- Solo women travelers report feeling very safe on Milos; harassment is uncommon compared to larger Greek islands or mainland cities
- Dress modestly when visiting villages and churches out of respect, though beach attire is perfectly acceptable at coastal areas
- Be aware that friendly conversation from local men is usually genuine hospitality rather than harassment, but trust your instincts
- Avoid walking alone on completely deserted beaches or remote areas, more for safety from natural hazards than from people
- If staying in remote accommodations, ensure you have reliable transportation and communication
- Greek men may be more forward in conversation than in some cultures, but physical boundaries are generally respected - be firm if uncomfortable
- Traveling with a male companion is not necessary for safety; many solo female travelers visit without issues
- Evening hours in main towns (Adamas, Plaka, Pollonia) are safe and lively with families dining late
- If you feel uncomfortable, seek out other tourists, enter a shop or restaurant, or approach families
- Join group boat tours or activities to meet other travelers if you prefer not to explore alone
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it
- Keep your accommodation address private from casual acquaintances
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Greece, and the country has anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2015, and Greece generally has progressive LGBTQ+ rights for the region. However, same-sex marriage is not currently legal (as of 2024).
- LGBTQ+ travelers visit Milos safely, but it's not known as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination like Mykonos or Santorini
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection - holding hands may attract stares in villages, though is unlikely to provoke confrontation
- Accommodations are professional and unlikely to discriminate; book rooms through reputable platforms
- The island has no gay bars or specific LGBTQ+ venues; nightlife is generally family-oriented
- Younger Greeks and tourism workers are typically accepting and open-minded
- Consider Milos as a quiet, beautiful destination for couples seeking privacy rather than an LGBTQ+ party scene
- Athens and Mykonos have much more visible LGBTQ+ communities if that's important to your travel experience
- Trans travelers should be aware that conservative attitudes exist, though outright discrimination is uncommon
- Beach clubs and boat tours are generally welcoming regardless of sexual orientation
- If you experience discrimination, contact the Tourist Police (171) who are trained to assist
- Many LGBTQ+ travelers visit Milos without issues by exercising the same discretion they would in any small, traditional community
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Milos due to limited medical facilities on the island, the potential need for expensive medical evacuation to Athens, high costs of emergency helicopter transport (€3,000-10,000+), and risks associated with outdoor activities. The island's remote location means that serious medical situations require evacuation, which won't be covered by standard health insurance. Additionally, ferry cancellations due to weather are common, and comprehensive insurance can cover accommodation and rebooking costs.
Planning your trip? Make sure you have the right travel insurance for Milos Safety Guide before you go.