Tucked away in the Aegean Sea, Milos is the kind of Greek island that feels like a secret. While places like Santorini and Mykonos are packed shoulder to shoulder with visitors, this volcanic island remains under the radar - even though it has some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean.

Milos has more than 70 beaches, each with its own character. Sarakiniko, with its lunar-like white rock formations, is perhaps the most striking. Smooth, chalky cliffs tumble into turquoise water, creating an otherworldly landscape that looks more like the surface of the moon than a sun-soaked island. Elsewhere, Firiplaka stretches in a wide sweep of golden sand, while the hidden cove of Tsigrado is only accessible by climbing down a ladder through the rocks - the sort of adventure that makes arriving feel like a reward.

What sets Milos apart is its atmosphere. Unlike the cosmopolitan buzz of other islands, Milos moves at a slower pace. Fishing boats bob in harbourside villages, where tavernas serve freshly caught seafood to locals and a lot of curious travellers. The island's volcanic history has carved dramatic cliffs, colourful rock formations, and even hot springs into its landscape, adding to its wild beauty.

Despite its charms, Milos has somehow escaped the mass tourism that defines so many Greek islands. Its lack of large resorts and flashy nightlife means visitors are more likely to be couples, families, or independent travellers looking for peace and authenticity. That quietness is part of its appeal - you can wander narrow streets, swim in hidden bays, and watch the sun sink into the Aegean without the crush of crowds.

For anyone dreaming of Greece but put off by packed beaches and overbooked hotels, Milos offers a reminder of what the islands used to feel like. Untamed, welcoming, and stunningly beautiful.