Milos is the most southerly island in the Western Cyclades. It is notable for its volcanic soil and for the rich depostis of minerals that lie beneath. It has a distinctive horseshoe shape.

The civilisation of Milos is considered to be as ancient as that of Crete, and spans a period of at least 5,000 years. Its fame spread throughout the civilised world thanks to the masterpiece of the Venus de Milo, a statue found buried on the island in the 19th century and now in the Louvres Museum in Paris.

Adams, one of the safest natural harbours in the Aegean, is a particularly charming spot, with white washed houses, cobbled alleys, balconies crammed with flower-pots and fragrant tamarisks which have been extolled by the poets.

Milos or Plaka, capital of the island today stands on a hillside overlooking the sea at the foot of teh castle. It is a most attractive town, with architecture in teh characteristic Cycladic style.

Among the most notable of its churches are those of Our Lady 'Korfiotissa', Our Lady 'Thalassistra' and Our Lady 'Messa Pangia'. The Archaelogical Museum has a copy of the Venus de Milo as well as other finds from various periods. The Historical and Folklore Museum has a collection of folk artefacts, samples of the island's minerals, photograps and historical documents of the greatest interest. At the norht-eastern extremity of Milos is the modern resort of Polonia or Apolonia. Close by (3km) is Phylakope, the most important centre of population in Minoan times; the ancient city was built in three phases. Next to the archaeological site is the spectacular Papafranga cave. The sea-cave called Kleftiko is at the south end of the island.

The nearby islets of Antimilos, Arkadies and Glaronissia are also of interest, each in its own way.

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