A Greek Escape to Milos and Tsagkarada: A Tranquil Retreat Amidst Breathtaking Landscapes and Authentic Culture

Travelling by taxi to tsagarada from Volos was very scenic to say the least. The roads winded up and around the mountains with endless views out looking the oceans. Filoxenia was the name of the guesthouse we were staying at, quietly nestled into the hills we arrived eager to get to the coast. The first beach we visited was Milopotamos. Walking two hours down the mountain we reached the beach full of excitement. It was then we realised that we were the only people there. The whole beach for ourselves, it felt surreal. Without anticipation we took our first swim in the Grecian sea. The water was a bright aqua blue, the waves crashed softly and cooled our bodies down from the long hike. Afterwards we stopped for a refreshment at the milopotamos cafe bar which was closing for the day. They kindly ordered us a taxi as we decided against a 3 our ascent back up the mountain to our lodging. Taking a twenty minute taxi back to our accommodation we grabbed some groceries to prepare a pack lunch for the following day. To finish off our first day we ate at the local restaurant recommended to us, which has the best fish dishes!

The following day we woke up to the sunshine and we were kindly gifted some juicy red cherries from the lady at the guesthouse. Prepared we walked 3 hours down hill to get to Fakistra beach. As we approached closer to the bottom, the vibrant turquoise sea shone through the green trees and the small beach cove felt secret and secluded. Sharing the beach with five other people we once again felt extremely grateful, as if it was our own private island. Luckily we managed to hike a lift back with the other couple on the beach which was a blessings

We cooked and enjoyed our last night together on our small balcony listening to the birds before we rested for the evening as we had a long journey to get to Milos the following day.

Proceeding on with our trip we spent the entire day travelling south to Milos island. Taking a train from Volos to Athens and an eight hour ferry we arrrived to Milos late in the evening.

The port was romantically lit, all the restaurants and cafes that over looked the marina twinkled and the warm summer night breeze welcomed us. The dock was filled with people welcoming passengers to the island, cars waitEd to board and taxis queued ready to take care of the arriving passengers. It was busy. Our air bnb hosts were kind enough to pick the three of us up from the port and take us to the apartment and show us the space. The apartment was modern, spacious, with an outdoor seating area. It was perfect for us.

The following morning we were greeted by the hosts grandmother and grandfather as we ate our breakfast outside. As we listened to the small village of Peran triovasalors wake up we decided amongst us to hike to Firopotamos beach that day. Taking a big bottle of water, a few cans of stuffed vine leaves and a sandwich we set off to the beach. Walking through the small villages filled with white traditional buildings was very scenic. The sun shown down on white houses emphasising the bright blue borders. The village was surrounded by mountains, the dry yet green terrain sharply contrasted the bright blue sky. Walking over an hour we arrived at Firopotamos, with crystal blue waters, the picturesque fishing harbour was full of small white boats. There was only a small section of sand to sun bathe on althoigh we spent most of our time exploring the harbour around the cove.
 

After we ate our lunch we walked further around the island to Plathenia beach. Here we met nadine a lovely lady who was travelling alone. We made plans to meet the following day to explore another part of Milos island by car. After a long day we headed back to the apartment and cooked a Mediterranean pasta and enjoyed a side of mixed Greek olives and a glass of white wine.

The following days we explored a few beaches such as agia kiriaki and fyriplaka. One of our favourites was Tsigrado where you had to climb down a big wooden ladder to enjoy the secluded beach. Each beach has its own unique character, for example kilma is another small village set into the coastline filled with small shops, adorned with colourful decorations, door and windows frames.

On the last day, the three of us decided to wake up earlier enough to walk to Sarakiniko to watch a sunrise over the volcanic beach. We left at 5am and walked in the hours of dawn , and it was without question worth it.

The rock formation was beautiful, the volcanic rock appears smooth with soft curved craters. It felt as though we were walking on the moon. The sunrise at sarakinko was breathtaking, to date one of my favourites I have ever seen. The surrounding rock illuminated as the sun rose and the three of us sat there filled with love and gratitude. We enjoyed our breakfast together in total awe of our surroundings.

Leaving sarakiniko we managed to hitch hike a lift back to the marina as we had decided to finish off our trip day with an infamous boat trip around the Island to visit Kleftiko as you can only swim and see this secluded spot by boat.

We ended our trip with a sunset dinner at Medusa. We spoilt ourselves with fresh calamari, shellfish, delicious stew and a crisp glass of wine! Neither of us wanted to leave Greece. Its paradise, the surrounding, the people, the fresh food and the glorious  weather. Our spent here will always be cherished in our hearts.