Milos Island

Milos is located in the western Cyclades with a population of 5000. It was colonized in the ancient times and prospered due to its rich mineral wealth in particular the hard black volcanic rock named 'obsidian' was an excellent material for making tools and weapons and gave Milos much prosperity in ancient times. Milos rich volcanic history has given her coastline wonderful colours and interesting rock formations.

Milos geological history can be discovered on a visit to the mining museum in Adamas, also the ancient history of Milos can be seen on a visit to the Ancient Cities of Filakopi and Klima, the Ancient Theatre and Catacombs. The hot springs of Milos at Kanava are known to be therapeutic and frequented by many.

Also Milos' beaches are the finest in the Cyclades group. Milos combines both relaxing and intensive nightlife. Cultural alleys, small chapels, traditional taverns and delicious homemade dishes make your stay memorable.

A small island that can give you great experience in every aspect from dawn till night. We are expecting the visitors to be offered a great time in the island of colors.

History

The civilization of Milos is considered to be as ancient as that of Crete and spans a period of at least 5000 years. Its fame spread throughout the civilized world thanks to the masterpiece of the Aphrodite of Milos (Venus de Milo) a statue found buried on the island in the 19th century (1820) and is now in the Louvres Museum in Paris. Around 5000 B.C. Flakopi the oldest settlement on the island was in existence between 4000 and 5000 B.C.

The settlement was destroyed twice by invaders and was finally rebuilt in 800 BC in a different style. The ability to take advantage of the various mineral ores (zinc tin etc.) gave the inhabitants a plethora of tools having incredible precision for those years. Flakopis existence is situated between the Neolithic and iron ages as many recent archaeological excavations have determined. The town was finally burnt down. The end of Filakopi came at around the same time as the Mycenaean civilization was flourishing elsewhere.

It was around 1000 B.C. and at that time the Dorian invaders arrived on the island. In fact Thoukidides reported in one of his books that it was for about 700 years that the Dorians made Milos their home. Milos became a center for artistic endeavor as shown by the wonderful statue of Aphrodite of Milos created around 400 B.C.