Europe's 3 beautiful islands among the world's best and easy to visit on same holiday

Exploring Milos, Folegandros, and Sifnos by ferry offers a memorable Greek island-hopping experience, showcasing the unique charm and beauty of each island

By Astha Saxena, News Reporter

Traditional Greek Fishing Village in Mandrakia, Milos island, Cyclades, Greece

Milos is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including the striking Sarakiniko Beach (Image: Getty)

The Greek islands of Milos, Folegandros, and Sifnos offer a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. These Cycladic islands are known for their picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and delightful cuisine. 

The best part is that travelling between these islands is relatively easy, thanks to a well-connected ferry network.

Ferries are the most convenient way to travel between Milos, Folegandros, and Sifnos. The islands are well-connected, especially during the summer months when ferry services are more frequent.

Milos is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including the striking Sarakiniko Beach with its moon-like rock formations. 

The island boasts over 70 beaches, each with its own charm. Milos also has a rich history; it is the site where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered.


Folegandros island at sunset

Folegandros is a smaller, more serene island (Image: Getty)

Tourists can visit Kleftiko sea caves that are accessible by boat and then hop on to Plaka, the charming capital with narrow streets and traditional Cycladic architecture.

Several ferries operate from Milos to Folegandros, including high-speed options that take approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Folegandros is a smaller, more serene island, perfect for those seeking tranquility and authentic Greek island life. 

The island is known for its stunning cliffside village of Chora and its beautiful, unspoiled beaches.


Castro, Hora. Cycladic Architectural Style in Chora, Folegandros, Cyclades, Greece

Folegandros's main town, Chora, is renowned for its charming, traditional Cycladic architecture (Image: Getty)

At Folegandros, one can explore the picturesque village of Chora. From there, head off to the Church of Panagia which offers stunning views and is a great spot for sunset watching.

The ferry ride between Folegandros and Sifnos typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the service and stops along the way.

Sifnos combines beautiful beaches, charming villages, and a renowned culinary scene. It is known for its pottery and traditional Sifnian dishes, making it a paradise for food lovers.

All three islands are immensely popular among tourists who have called them “a piece of heaven” on the TripAdvisor forum. 


Church of the Seven Martyrs after sunset

Sifnos combines beautiful beaches, charming villages, and a renowned culinary scene (Image: Getty)

One user wrote: “I cannot say enough about Milos. If you are looking for some of the best beaches, romantic sunsets, small towns, great food, and the nicest people - go to Milos! The island takes you back to nature. The beaches are numerous and outstanding. The cliffs and water are breathtaking.

"It makes you never want to return to civilization. The hotels can be outstanding. The beaches are just too wonderful for words. If you're a city dweller like me (NYC), then you'll wonder how you don't throw it all away and just open a beach bar.”

A second user commented: “Folegandros is an island which concentrates on a few square kilometers all the charm of the Cyclades: a transparent sea, wild coves, a white village clinging to the cliff... And a successful balance between tourism and authenticity.”

cycladic architecture at Apollonia Sifnos Greece

The capital of Sifnos, Apollonia, is a charming town with narrow streets and whitewashed houses (Image: Getty)

A third user said: “We have just returned from a wonderful week on the island of Sifnos. We stayed in the port town of Kamares, which was lovely.

"The town of Kamares is very small so if you are looking for night life, this is not the island for you. We enjoyed it as there are quite a few nice restaurants to choose from (the best of these is an Italian restaurant called Da Claudia)

“We hired a car for a day and drove to Apollonia and the resort town of Vathi. I feel that we were staying in the best spot on the Island. The one downfall, I feel, is that the shopping is poor.

"I expected to be able to get leather sandals and traditional Greek clothing etc, but apart from one or two convience stores and stores selling costumes & jewellery (which I can get at home), there was nothing. I would definitely go back here.”


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