Headed to Greece and looking for everything you need to know about Klima, Milos? You’re in luck! I’m sharing tons of info – how to get there, where to stay, the best things to do in Klima, and so much more. Consider this your ultimate guide to Klima!
Imagine golden sunsets over Milos Bay, whitewashed buildings set against a backdrop of rocky cliffs, sipping ouzo on a charming patio overlooking the water, waking up to crashing waves, and taking a dip in crystal clear waters. That’s what you can expect when visiting Klima! It’s oh so romantic! And the colorful boathouses (syrmata) – a true photographer’s paradise!
If you have a few days to explore the island, definitely add Klima to your list of things to do in Milos. It was one of our favorite spots on our Greek Island hopping itinerary, along with Sarakiniko and Kleftiko (two other main highlights on any trip to Milos).
This traditional fishing village on the island of Milos is known for its iconic pop-of-color houses – called syrmata – that line the hillside. It’s a popular spot for tourists (though luckily not so popular that your personal space is invaded!) and it’s easy to see why. Klima is the perfect place to explore and soak up the infamous Greek atmosphere.
Important Info For Your Trip to Klima, Milos
Where is Klima, Milos?
Klima is a lucky find on the northern coast of Milos, in the Cyclade group of islands in Greece, right in the middle of the Aegean Sea. It’s conveniently located on the inside of the horseshoe-shaped Milos Bay (which means calmer water and great swimming!), not far from Plaka, the main village of Milos.
It’s also close to some of the best beaches in Milos, like Sarakiniko, Papikinou, and Mytakas, and within easy reach of explorer’s paradise Papafragas Cave and the Catacombs of Milos.
How to Get to Klima
First things first, you gotta get yourself over to Milos. Thankfully, this isn’t terribly difficult if you’re already in Greece! From Athens, you can reach Milos by plane in a little over an hour, or 2-3 hours via high speed ferry. You can also take a ferry from other islands in the Cyclades, like Santorini or Mykonos, which is what we did!
Car/ATV/Scooter Rental: Thankfully, Klima isn’t too far from where most people stay on the island. It’s on the northern part of the island, only about 15 minutes from Adamas (the port town where we stayed!), 20 minutes from Pollonia (a cute seaside town), and 10 minutes from Plaka (the island’s capital city).
Renting a car, ATV, or scooter will be by far the easiest way to get to Klima. It’s definitely the way to go for convenience. Do note that the road to Klima is kinda narrow and steep, with its fair share of blind spots. Once you’ve turned off the main road from Trypiti, make sure you’re extra, extra careful. The road gets pretty windy!
We booked a car rental in advance, and I recommend doing so as well to ensure you’ve got what you want/need. Psst — there’s not many automatic cars on Milos, so if you can’t drive a manual transmission/stick, book ASAP. You may need to show your International Drivers License when picking up the car, so get that in advance back at home at AAA for $20.
Parking at Klima: There is a large, complimentary lot above the tiny fishing village, which is where we parked. It’s then about a 10-15 minutes walk down to Klima itself. You can also park on the side of the road down the hill but it seems kinda tight… not something we were completely comfortable with.
Do note there’s a free parking lot down at the shore right near Astakas, the popular restaurant in Klima. The parking is technically for customers only (with signs saying so), so…. buy a drink if you don’t wanna walk down!
Public Transport: Taking the bus will only get you part way to Klima, as the bus stops in Trypiti above the fishing village. Prepare to walk about a mile or so from Trypiti down to the Klima waterfront. And yup, this just means you’ll need to walk back up – not recommended in the scorching hot sun of summer! If you’re interested, find the bus schedule here.
Sailing Tour: Wanna see the colors of Klima from the water? Book a boat trip to Klima and beyond! Boats are a common way to see multiple spots on the coast of the island. Do note most boats simply just pass by Klima and don’t actually stop on shore, meaning you can’t get off the boat and explore all the colorful syrmata (traditional boathouses).
Taxi: You can easily find a taxi in Adamas (they typically hang out over there by the ferry port), but getting one back will be much trickier. There’s only 15 taxis in all of Milos, so good luck finding one at Klima!
You’ll most likely need to call for one (with your own cell, granted you have service), and it’ll definitely cost you a pretty penny and probably a long wait, especially in the summer months. Find more information about Milos Taxis here. Not an option I’d recommend unless you’re really, really desperate.
When to Visit Klima
- June through September: These months are the crowd favorite when it comes to visiting Klima (I say ‘crowd’ because it tends to get bumper to bumper with tourists!). If you can’t bear the heat (or a lot of people), you’ll want to avoid July and August. For reference, we visited in mid-July, and yes it was hot hot hot, but Klima wasn’t terribly crowded. I think it’s because everyone was getting ready for dinner at the seaside restaurant, and already explored!
- May and October: These are considered ‘shoulder’ months in Klima, Milos. You’ll find thinner crowds, everything remains open, and the weather cools down to a wonderfully comfortable temperature. I definitely wanna re-visit Klima (and Milos in general) in either May or October – you really get the best of both worlds (great weather with minimal crowds)!
- November through April: Yes, you can technically visit Klima year-round. But do note that many businesses (restaurants, car rentals, etc) close down during the chilly-ish winter months. And of course, the weather isn’t as nice.
- Time of day: If you only have a few hours to visit Klima (hey, I get it – you gotta save time for the best beaches in MIlos), I recommend making your way there in the late afternoon. This way, you can explore the village during daylight hours and then stay for the sunset. Psst – the lighting is absolutely incredible for photos during golden hour! Don’t forget your camera!
Brief History of Klima
Klima’s got some history going on, and it’s super fascinating.
Because of its sheltered position, and the fact that it was pretty much hidden from the routes of pesky pirates, this endearing village has been a popular home for locals since around 7000 BC. Damn, that’s a long time ago!
Fast forward a few centuries → it became pretty obvious that this was one of the best spots on Milos (can you blame them?). Naturally more and more people decided to call Klima home.
Fishing has always been an important industry here, with the villagers spending their days out on the water, and their evenings mending nets and chatting in the syrmata (traditional boathouses). The village was also a huge player in the export of volcanic glass, with the obsidian found on the island being used to make everything from knives to jewelry!
The port reached the height of its power and influence in the 18th century, when it was a thriving hub for trade and commerce.
These days, Klima is a lot more relaxed, and is better known as a place to come and appreciate the simple things in life; stunning sunsets, fresh seafood, and of course those unforgettable colorful syrmata.
They’re no longer in use as actual boat houses by the way, but instead act as charming souvenir shops or tourist accommodations Imagine waking up to the sea literally at your doorstep!
How Long to Spend in Klima
Klima is by no means large – in fact it’s pretty small (which only adds to its charm in my opinion). You could easily explore the entire village in an hour or less. If you wanna have dinner here (with Astakas being one of the most popular restaurants on the entire island), allot at least 2-3 hours (to explore and indulge in a leisurely meal).
If you’re looking to explore more of Milos (which you obviously are – you came all this way!, you could even consider using Klima as your base. It’s perfectly located for day trips around the island, and there are plenty of adorable accommodation options available (yes, I mean those old boathouses!).
Where to Stay in Klima
If you truly wanna experience something different, book a few nights in a traditional fishing village here in Klima! Known as “sirmatas”, they were traditionally used for fishermen to store their boats in the winter. But lucky for us, some have been renovated and are rented out for tourists to stay!
You’ll primarily find these here in Klima! Here’s a few to choose from which look absolutely wild and fun and truly authentic! Just imagine waking up in a traditional fisherman’s house! One of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
1. Fisherman House: Omg this place is the absolute cutest — the authentic decor and the sunset patio views, swoon! I 100% wanna stay here next time we visit Milos. It got only “exceptional” reviews, so book sooner than later! I’m sure it gets scooped up super fast in the prime summer months!
2. Nostromo House: Another traditional home that got only 5* exceptional reviews. Take a look at the photos — the little patio set up overlooking the sea looks like a dream come true.
3. On The Waves of Klima: This traditional apartment in Klima looks oh so cute — there’s a bedroom, a kitchen with dining area, a bathroom, and an outdoor terrace (overlooking the sea). And yes, it’s even air-conditioned!
Find more places to stay in Klima here!
Things to do in Klima
Klima is not a bustling town by any means, and apart from enjoying a meal or drink while watching the sunset, there’s not a lot of action to be had. But that’s precisely why I love it so much – it’s the perfect spot to slow down for a while.
These were some of our favorite things to do during our time in Klima, Milos:
Take lots of photos
Seriously, this place is ridiculously photogenic. Every corner you turn, there’s another postcard-worthy scene. The Cycladic style buildings are painted in a myriad of bright, bold colors, the harbor is full of traditional fishing boats, the water sparkles in the sunlight, and there’s even a church perched atop a hill. How could you not want to snap away? Klima is a photographer’s dream!
And while it’s certainly fun to snap photos of the village’s picture-perfect scenery, you’re gonna want to capture the everyday moments here too, like the locals going about their day to day business. And don’t forget to catch a few candid moments of your own – Klima is a place that’s meant to be savored slowly!
Watch the sunset
This is pretty much a given when visiting any Greek island, but the sunsets in Klima, Milos are next level. There’s something magical about watching the sun set over the sea. The colors are always changing, shifting from deep oranges and reds to lighter pinks and purples.
And in Klima, you can watch the sunset from one of the best vantage points on the island. Just head down to the waterfront with a blanket and and find a place to sit back and enjoy the show as the sun dips below the horizon! If you happen to be on that sail boat I mentioned earlier, passing by Klima during sunset, even better! Nothing beats being on the water to watch the sun go down.
Just remember – if you stay after sunset, you’ll need to drive back up the windy road in the dark. Keep that in mind and be extra, extra careful (and be mindful of oncoming traffic – plenty of people head down for dinner here). We chose to skip sunset here and explored a bit beforehand because of this.
Wander around and explore the boathouses (syrmata)
As I mentioned before, Klima was once a thriving fishing village, and the town’s two-story boathouses (or syrmata) were used to store their boats away from any harsh elements. Since all the whitewashed houses looked the same from the outside, each family painted their doors and windows a different color so they could easily identify their own home from the water (handy after being out for a few drinks at night too, haha!).
These colorful syrmata have become one of the most iconic symbols of Klima, and I just loved them!! They’re crazy picturesque, and easily one of the most instagrammable spots on Milos. There’s two sides to the shoreline, with the syrmata on the right hand side (facing the water) the most popular. We checked out both sides!
Today, the lower levels of the boathouses have been transformed into cute little souvenir shops and guest accommodations. Be sure to wander around and take a peek inside as many as you can – but remember people are using them as holiday rentals, so be respectful!
As you wander around, be extra careful – the waves crash along the shoreline, and there’s sometimes some slimy green moss that builds up on the walkway.
Browse the few shops
There aren’t many, but the handful of shops in Klima are definitely worth popping into! Beautiful scarfs, handmade jewelry, and colorful pottery are just some of the Greek crafts you’ll find.
I definitely recommend picking up a few souvenirs to take home with you! And even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a whole lot of fun to window-shop and chat with the friendly shopkeepers. Check out Pliatsiko, it’s full of treasures.
Enjoy a seaside meal at Astakas
This place isn’t just the best seafood restaurant in Klima, it’s one of the best on the whole island! There’s a reason it’s got over 1,000 positive reviews on Google. The catch-of-the-day is always fresh, and they have a delicious grilled octopus with fava that makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Mmm… polvo (Portuguese for octopus). Oh and it’s also one of the best spots in Klima to watch the sun setting into the sea. Super romantic!
Oh, and when in Greece… you’ve got to try their Greek salad! The freshest tomato, cucumber, and feta you can imagine! But really, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass (or two!) of local wine too. Cheers! And try the lemonade sorbet afterwards – so refreshing!
Ok, yes, it may be a little pricey for your average restaurant, but nothing about this place is average. I mean, you literally eat right on the shoreline! You will definitely need to make a reservation in advance, especially if you wanna eat here at sunset (which you do, trust me) during the high season of June through September.
Explore Agios Dimitrios Church
Klima only has one church, but it’s the cutest church I’ve come across! The small church of Agios Dimitrios is right in the center of the village and is exactly what you’d expect of Cycladic architecture.
If you have even just a couple of minutes to pop inside, do it! It’s worth checking out, even if you’re not the religious kind. The exterior is all white with a bright blue door and window frame, and inside there’s a beautiful tiled floor, gold altar décor, and intricate wall paintings.
Other Things to Do Near Klima
- Ancient Theatre of Milos: Just a 10 minute drive (or a 30 minute walk) away is an ancient theatre, built into the hillside dating back to the 3rd century BC. All that’s left today are the ruins of the seating area, but it’s still definitely worth a trip for the views (or to sing a song or two – the acoustics are amazing!).
- Explore Plaka Town: Perched on top of a hill, Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque town on the island of Milos, with its whitewashed buildings with blue-painted windows. Tons of bougainvillea, too! This is the place to go for traditional Greek cuisine, stunning panoramic views, and awe-inspiring architecture. It kinda reminded me of Mykonos Town, but without all the hordes of people and crazy nightlife.
- Relax at Sarakiniko Beach: A short drive away from Klima is one of Milos’ most unique beaches – Sarakiniko Beach. The lunar-like landscape was created by years of volcanic activity, and the result is an otherworldly beach with stark white cliffs and crystal clear waters. It’s one of my favorite beaches on Milos – for relaxing and the Insta-worthy photos of course!
- Papafragas Cave: Imagine a huge natural swimming pool and a tiny beach hiding between towering cliff walls. That’s Papafragas Cave, and it’s absolutely wild. It’s actually an enormous sea cave, and is visually stunning and super unique! Can you believe it was used in the past as a pirate base?! Whoa! You’ll need to walk down a few sketchy steps to reach the water, so do so at your own risk (although plenty of people do!).
Other Fishing Villages in Milos
Because Greece is such a haven for fishing villages, I couldn’t let you go without mentioning a few others worth a visit in Milos!
Mandrakia: This is one of the most picturesque little fishing villages on the island. Hidden away in a small bay, with waves crashing against your feet, it’s just perfect for a peaceful stroll around. Bring your swim gear as you’re near some of the best beaches in Milos! Come hungry, because Medusa is one of the best restaurants on the island (and very much worth the wait).
Pssst! If beaches are your thing, you should definitely check out Kleftiko Beach too.
Firopotamos: Get your camera ready as you enter this dreamy fishing village. With its adorable houses, blue waters, thatched umbrellas, and lush trees (yes there’s greenery here!), Firopotamos is great for lounging around, swimming, and exploring. I couldn’t wait to jump in the water — look how incredibly turquoise it is! Stunning and oh so clear!
There’s also Areti, Fourkovouni, and Agios Konstantinos (all fishing villages in Milos), but they’re not as widely visited. All super scenic though!
Hope this helps you plan out your trip to Klima, Milos! Colorful boat houses and spectacular sunsets await! Enjoy (…Milos is now one of my favorite spots on Earth!).
Leave a Reply