Where on Milos island can you find an authentic old fishing village, hidden from pirates, with traditional syrmata houses? A real contender for ‘most colorful village’ that ticks all the boxes of an authentic and traditional settlement is Klima, Milos.
Little Klima village has less than 20 permanent residents and it is one of the island’s smallest settlements, but a visit to it is a must while in Milos, Greece. It ticks all the boxes of an authentic and traditional settlement that is also incredibly cute.
From its rich past, unique architecture, and layout, to stunning sunsets and beach dining, Klima packs a punch. here’s how to make the most of Klima, Milos, on a day trip or a whole vacation.
Things to know before traveling to the island of Milos
Low key compared to the stars of the Cyclades island – Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini – Milos island has been inhabited since antiquity and was actually never dull, no matter what Lawrence Durrell said in his travelogue!
Milos, Greece is a volcanic island shaped like a horseshoe, with protected national parks, moon surface-like beaches, pirate’s coves, and extremely interesting sights.
Best discovered from the sea, I would recommend booking your stay early and filling your days with sailing boat excursions from the island’s main ferry port Adamantas.
Do not miss Sarakiniko, Tsagrado and Firopotamos beaches!
The most famous work of sculptural art in the world, the Venus de Milo, comes from the island.
Sculpted by Alexandre of Antioch and discovered in 1820 in Trypiti village, it is a prized possession of the Louvre Museum in Paris.
In Greek, it is called the Aphroditi of Milos and represents Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality.
Klima, Milos, is one of the most photogenic sites of the whole Cyclades archipelago, due to the proximity of the special fishermen’s houses to the sea and their colorful doors and windows. From a boat, it is even more spectacular!
Where is Klima Village, Milos?
Klima is located on the northern coast, on the eastern entrance to the main Milos Bay of the island.
Set below the small picturesque village of Trypiti, it is 2km away from Plaka town and 6 km away from Adamas – the main port of the island.
Very Brief History of Klima Village, Milos
Inhabited since 7000 BC, Milos was an important center for obsidian excavation (volcanic glass, a crucial material for the advancement of Cycladic civilization).
It’s why Dorians settlers arrived (from Sparta) during the 7th century BC. They mixed with the locals and create the prosperous Klima town and its merchant community.
As a safe haven and strategically located among other Cycladic islands, Klima became an important focal point of the whole island and the region. It was the central headquarters in the Aegean of the pirate world.
The downfall of Klima happened during the famous Peloponnesian War when in 416 BC the town fell to the Athenians.
Klima never regained its cosmopolitan charm and present-day Klima remains just a fishermen’s colorful village.
How to get to Klima, Milos
Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to Klima Village. However, you can take a bus from Adamas or Plaka to Trypiti and then walk (30 minutes, downhill, 60 minutes uphill) or take a taxi from Trypiti.
The best way to get to Klima is car rental, as you can enjoy the autonomy and there is a free parking lot at the entrance of Klima. Pre-booking a car online with a reputable company with all-inclusive pricing stops all kinds of things from potentially going wrong!
Since parking is also observed along the narrow road leading to Klima, the best idea is to rent a small car. Klima itself is exclusively pedestrian.
ATV and scooter rental is the most sensible option for those who like visiting all the sites and beaches of the island.
Roads (even dirt ones) are in good shape, so choose among many options among Adamantas or Plaka moto rentals. It’s a good choice to visit Klima especially, as the hill from Klima back up to Trypita is a killer!
Here is a complete guide to hiring an atv or scooter on Milos Island.
Taxi is the simplest option for visiting Klima. Being close to Plaka, you can get to it by bus and hail a taxi to bring you to Klima.
Don’t forget to book it for the return journey, as there are no taxi stations in Plaka.
Sailing to Klima is a unique experience and the best way of arriving at this village.
Milos, Greece is best discovered by boat, so getting out onto the water is always a highlight of any trip to the Greek islands, and Milos is no exception.
Most of these trips start from Adamas port town or from a fishing village, Pollonia. Couple this trip with the visits to the secluded beaches of Kleftiko and Tsigrado for the best of it!
When to visit Klima
The best time to visit Klima is in September and mid-October when the island is not stretched to its maximum.
You can enjoy your visit without the crowds (which get to be everywhere on the island in July and August), find plenty of choices for accommodation and places to eat without any reservation, and most importantly have the beaches to yourself.
Where to eat in Klima, Milos
The choice is simple as there is only one place in Klima – Astakas Cafe Restaurant! However, if you do not want to hang around for lunch or dinner, there are plenty of options in Trypiti or Plaka.
Check out Barriello restaurant in Trypiti for creative Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood or Ergina’s – a Greek restaurant serving local cuisine and the view is stunning.
Where to stay in Klima, Milos
While tourist accommodations and boutique hotels are dotted all around, Booking.com has 8 Syrmata (boat houses in Klima) available for booking in Klima, Milos and there’s almost 3 dozen places to stay in the tiny village.
They’re not cheap, but they do create unforgettable memories of what will be a very special holiday in this former fishing village.
There is also the Panorama Hotel which is 50m above the beach.
