Kleftiko is hands down one of the most beautiful spots in Milos — and easily one of its most popular. With its towering white cliffs, hidden sea caves, and crystal clear water, it’s got that cinematic quality that makes you want to dive straight in.

Despite what most people call it, Kleftiko isn’t actually a beach. There’s no sand or loungers in sight. It’s a remote bay, and the only way to get there is by boat (or a fairly tough hike, if you're feeling brave).

The name Kleftiko comes from the Greek word kleftis, meaning thief. This spot once served as a hideout for pirates, who used the natural caves and rock arches to stash loot and stay out of sight. It’s not hard to see why. The place feels wild and secretive, like something out of a storybook.

Today, it's a brilliant spot for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking in some of the island’s most dramatic views. And yes, it's absolutely worth the journey.

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During our trip, we joined a full-day boat tour with a small group of about 20 people, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our time in Greece. The day included breakfast, lunch, and stops at a few stunning swim spots around Milos, with plenty of time at Kleftiko itself. The crew were fantastic, the food was properly tasty, and we got lucky with a brilliant group of fellow travellers.

If you're not fussed about reading the full post below and just want to follow our lead, you can book a tour similar to ours here. It cost us £170 per person and included unlimited drinks, breakfast and a hot, freshly cooked lunch.

Getting to Kleftiko Beach

Kleftiko Beach is only accessible by boat (You can’t drive or ATV to it), most of which depart from Adamas, the island's main port.

Boat Tours

There are 3 types of boat tours you can book

Quick trips - These trips go directly to Kleftiko and back with no other stops on a speedboat
Half Day Tours - Around 5 hours
Full Day Tours - Around 10 hours
Self-Sail Tours - Rent a boat and sail yourself (only for experienced sailors)

You can also choose between smaller, more private boats or large group tours. The fewer people you share with, the more expensive your trip is going to be. We personally try to avoid large group tours so that we can have a more relaxing time but you can see all of the available options on Viator or Get Your Guide.

The specific tour we booked is no longer available (we booked it via Airbnb).. unless you want to rent the entire boat for £3000 for 20 people, but this tour here seems to be the closest to what we did.

Choosing the Right Boat Tour to Kleftiko

Full-Day Cruises (What We Did)

This is the most popular choice, and for good reason. A full-day tour usually runs 6 to 10 hours, includes multiple swim stops, and often comes with an authentic Greek meal onboard. Our boat had about 20 passengers — it felt like a nice balance between sociable but not crowded. We had breakfast, lunch, unlimited drinks, and heaps of time at Kleftiko itself. If you want the full experience, this is the way to go.

Half-Day and Mini Tours

If you’re short on time, you can join a half-day or mini cruise that focuses mainly on Kleftiko and maybe one other stop. These trips usually last 3–4 hours and are great if you just want to see the highlights without committing to a whole day.

Private Charters

If you're travelling as a group or celebrating something special, a private tour can be a brilliant option. You get a bit more flexibility in the schedule and can sometimes customise the route. It’s pricier, but for a special occasion, it’s hard to beat.

Sail Yourself

If you’ve got a boating licence and feel confident navigating, you can rent a boat and sail to Kleftiko on your own. Just make sure you check the weather — the Meltemi winds in summer can be strong, and conditions can change quickly.

What to Look Out For When Booking

Departure point: Most tours leave from Adamas, but a few go from other ports.
Group size: Smaller groups = more space, more chill, but more expensive.
Inclusions: Check if meals, drinks, snorkel gear, and transfers are included.
Weather policy: Summer winds can lead to cancellations. Book early in your trip so you’ve got room to reschedule if needed.

Hiking to Kleftiko

While most visitors reach Kleftiko by boat, there technically is a land route. If you’re set on hiking, you can reach it on foot from the village of Agios Ioannis. But here’s the thing, it’s not an easy stroll. The path is exposed, rocky, and can be brutally hot in summer. You're looking at a 90-minute trek one way, and unless you arrange a boat pick-up, you’ll need to hike all the way back too.

The trail cuts through raw, wild terrain that feels properly off the grid. It’s scenic in its own way, but it comes with some very real challenges. For starters, Milos is home to the Macrovipera schweizeri, more commonly known as the Milos viper. It’s one of the few venomous snakes in Greece, and while encounters are rare, this is its turf.

There are no signs, no shade, and definitely no facilities. You’ll need to carry plenty of water, wear solid footwear, and ideally avoid the midday sun. If you do really want to take on the hike (it is possible), check out this blog post here, which goes into it in more detail.

Lets face it, we’ll probably give it a go on our next visit.

What to Do at Kleftiko Beach (Even Though It’s Not a Beach)

Once you arrive at Kleftiko by boat, the vibe is all about relaxing, soaking it in, and making the most of that incredible water. There’s no sand or shore to lounge on; instead, your boat becomes your base for the day, floating in this ridiculously beautiful bay surrounded by cliffs and caves.

Most boat tours will give you at least an hour here, which is the perfect amount of time to jump in, swim through the sea caves, and explore the arches. The water is crystal clear and even though it’s quite deep, you can see straight to the bottom. It’s not the kind of spot packed with colourful fish (so maybe don’t expect world-class snorkelling), but the visibility and cave swims make it feel special. Most boat tours will offer you free snorkels, goggles, and fins.

If you’ve booked a longer cruise like we did, you’ll probably hit a few other spots around Milos and Poliegos too. Between swims, it’s all about enjoying the views, chatting with your fellow passengers, and soaking up the sun with a cold drink in hand. Our tour served up a delightful spread: fresh Greek dishes, fruit, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. It felt like the perfect balance between a relaxing day out and a bit of exploring.

Wildlife & Nature at Kleftiko

Kleftiko doesn’t just impress with its rock formations; it’s also part of a protected marine area, so if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife while you’re out there. The waters around Milos are home to Mediterranean monk seals, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin. We didn’t see any dolphins on our visit, but the crew said they’ve been lucky a few times.

The cliffs and caves themselves feel almost otherworldly. Carved out over thousands of years by volcanic activity and the sea, they’re part of what gives Kleftiko that surreal, postcard-perfect quality. It’s also surprisingly peaceful; you’ll likely be sharing the bay with a handful of other boats, but it never felt crowded or chaotic when we were there. Just a calm, dreamy bit of coast that’s perfect for drifting and daydreaming.

What to Pack for a Day at Kleftiko

Even though most boat tours are pretty well-equipped, you’ll want to bring a few essentials to make the most of your day on the water:

Towel – Sounds obvious, but you’ll be in and out of the sea a lot. Quick-dry towels like these are our favourites for holidays.
Dry bag – Handy for keeping your phone, camera, and anything else dry when you're hopping back on board.
Swimwear – You’ll be wearing it most of the day.
Sun protection – Sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses.
Water bottle – Some tours provide drinks, but it’s good to have your own too.
Camera or GoPro – Kleftiko (and Mílos in general) is incredibly photogenic. Just make sure it’s waterproof or protected.
Light layers – It can get breezy on the way back, especially if the wind picks up later in the day.

You won’t find any shops or facilities at Kleftiko, so what you bring is what you’ve got. Most tours provide the basics — food, drinks, snorkels, and sometimes even a bathroom on board, just check with your operator if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re coming to Milos, don’t miss Kleftiko. It’s easily one of the island’s most iconic spots and for good reason. Between the otherworldly rock formations, crystal-clear water, and a touch of pirate history, it really does feel like a hidden slice of the Aegean.

Doing it as part of a boat tour makes the whole experience stress-free and genuinely fun. You’ll get to see parts of the coast you’d never reach otherwise, enjoy great food on the water, and spend the day swimming, relaxing, and exploring without rushing around.

Our full-day cruise was a highlight of the trip — great people, amazing crew, and that unbeatable view of Kleftiko from the deck with a cold drink in hand was really something. If that sounds like your kind of day, here’s the link to book a tour similar to ours.

Kleftiko might not be a beach in the traditional sense, but it’s got everything you’d want for a day by the sea — and a bit more.

How to Visit Kleftiko Beach in Milos