Why should I buy a home in Milos if I’m American? How does it rank compared to other destinations in Greece for me? In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of Milos with the help of Christy, American travel blogger and the creator of Ordinary Traveler.
Milos stands out as an ideal destination for American expats seeking a blend of authentic Greek island life, rich history, and a welcoming community, making it a top choice for relocation.
Who is Christy?
Christy Woodrow is the author of Ordinary Traveler, an award-winning adventure travel and photography blog that she created back in 2010. She first made it to document her travels and to share her passion for travel photography.
Throughout the past 14 years, Ordinary Traveler has grown to become one of the top travel blogs in the world. Christy also offers access to unique accommodations and immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventures, with an option for assistance in trip planning.
Find Christy on the Ordinary Traveler website here.
About Milos
Milos Island is like the little sister to Santorini. It is located nearby in the Cyclades and is known for its whitewashed houses and legendary sunsets. Out of all the islands with white buildings in Greece, it is less visited when compared to Santorini, while also being close to Athens. There are many caves and volcanic rock formations that kids love to explore, and also hidden caves where pirates used to hide.
Milos is also where the Venus de Milo (a life-sized marble statue of the goddess Aphrodite, now kept in the Louvre) was discovered.
Kleftiko
The famous cove of Kleftiko is a popular spot on Milos island and used to be a pirates’ hideout. It is known for its pristine water, its network of caves, and incredible rock formations. During the summer, many boats stop here because it is only reachable by boat.
Sykia Cave
Thalassitra also stops at Sykia Cave, which is special because the roof has collapsed. There is a round opening that acts as a natural skylight, and the cave lights up from this unique feature. This is the biggest sea cave of Milos and is found in the southwest area of the island. The only way to reach Sykia Cave is by boat, and only small boats can enter through the passage.
Polyaigos
Polyaigos roughly translates to “island full of goats” and it is the largest island of the Aegean without residents. It is unique for its wild landscapes, stunning beaches, and untouched natural beauty. It is a great destination for a day trip from Milos, especially for swimming.
Sailing in Milos
Milos trips is a family-run company in Milos that offers sailing experiences on Milos Island. They offer cruises around Milos and the surrounding islands in traditional wooden sailboats.
Thalassitra is a traditional wooden sailing ship which was completed by the owner, Mr. Lillis, who has a passion for the sea and since he was a small child, he dreamed of sailing on the waves of the Aegean.
Rating Milos for Americans
Sea View
Milos has one of the most beautiful coastlines of any area in Greece, and it expands over 125 kilometers. This is a longer coastline than a majority of Greece’s islands, including Santorini and Mykonos. Some parts of Milos are undeveloped and there are many opportunities for beachfront homes. Some popular areas to get a sea view in Milos are near Palaiochori, Papafragas, Gerontas, Firiplaka, Tsigrado, and Plathiena.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Direct Flights
From America, you can fly directly to Athens, Greece, and then take a ferry boat to Milos. The ferry to Milos takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is a typical journey for reaching the Aegean islands. Other areas of Greece like Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos will also require this amount of travel.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Property Prices
Prices in Milos highly depend on the area where you buy a home. According to national averages from Spitogatos, average prices are 2500-4000 Euros per square meter. Unfortunately, Spitogatos only has 15 listings in Milos, which is a large contrast to islands like Santorini or Mykonos, where you will find many more homes for sale.
Compared to other popular islands in Greece, like Mykonos and Santorini, prices in Milos are lower. For example, prices in Mykonos and Santorini can be up to double the price per square foot. Prices in Crete, the Peloponnese, and some of the other Aegean islands are lower than in Milos.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Internet Speed
Internet Speeds are available in Milos via Speedtest, which lets you check speeds in Greece. The average speed is 60 MBPS. Compared to other areas of Greece, this is above average.
Rating: 9 out of 10
English Speakers and Expatriate Community
If you choose one of Milos’s most popular towns, you will surely find English speakers. This area of Greece is growing a lot in popularity, so you can expect to see many visitors. If you choose to buy a home in the more remote areas of Milos, the community of English speakers will likely be smaller.
Rating: 9 out of 10
Milos Overall Rating for Americans: 9.1/10
