The Greek island that stays 24°C in October but without the busy Santorini crowds

Travel experts are recommending the peaceful island of Milos, part of Greece’s Cyclades group, as the perfect off-season getaway not far from the UK.

While temperatures in Britain drop to the low teens, parts of Europe are still warm and sunny. One of the best places to enjoy that weather is Milos, a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea.

“People often think of Santorini first, but Milos offers the same beauty without the big crowds,” explained a Ski Vertigo spokesperson.

“With daytime temperatures around 24°C and calm sea conditions, October is a great time to enjoy its beaches and villages at a slower pace.” Milos is also called the “Island of Colours” because of its volcanic cliffs, turquoise waters and brightly painted fishing villages such as Klima and Mandrakia.

Milos boasts more than 70 unique beaches, each with its own charm. Sarakiniko Beach looks like a scene from another planet with its smooth white volcanic rock.

Tsigrado Beach is perfect for adventure lovers, featuring a fun rope ladder descent. For peaceful days by the sea, Agia Kyriaki and Paliochori are ideal choices.

The island’s capital, Plaka, sits high on a hill with narrow cobbled lanes and whitewashed houses. It’s a beautiful place to wander around, and it’s also home to one of the most stunning sunset views in the entire Aegean.

Local cuisine is one of Milos’s biggest highlights. Traditional tavernas serve delicious grilled seafood, warm cheese pies known as pitarakia, and sweet desserts made with local honey, all best enjoyed with a glass of Greek wine.

There’s plenty to see and do on the island. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the sea caves of Kleftiko and Sykia, visit the ancient Roman theatre, or wander through the fascinating early Christian catacombs carved into the rock.

The Mining Museum gives visitors a look into the island’s rich mineral history, while the charming villages of Pollonia, Tripiti and Zefyria offer a glimpse of real Cycladic life, complete with friendly locals and peaceful streets.

Milos also holds a special place in the world of art and archaeology.

Famous statues like the Venus de Milo, now in the Louvre, and the Poseidon of Melos, now in Athens, were both discovered here, along with other ancient treasures that highlight the island’s deep cultural roots.

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