Take Me Too... Milos ~ Greek Islands
We have always wanted to shoot a collection in Greece and this year our dream came true. With the help from some incredible people, we were able to celebrate an amazing milestone – our fifteenth birthday at one of the most idyllic locations on earth. Here is part 2 of our Greek Islands travelogue, by 'Meals' our Creative Director...
Our guide to Milos...
Milos, along with neighboring Sifnos, stole our hearts... Known as the island of colours, as well as the island of lovers; the sheer diversity of the landscape is what attracted us to this magical island. Milos just opened an airport over a year ago. So much like Sifnos, its natural beauty and lack of over-development are part of the attraction. Unlike many of the Greek Islands, Milos is not dependent on Tourism and holds its own as a successful mining island. We were extremely fortunate to be able to shoot our summer campaign here which, created the perfect opportunity for me to celebrate my 10 years service at Tigerlily, by taking a month off to explore Greece further. I returned to Milos just a few weeks after the shoot to explore further and hopefully bring you some well researched travel tips...
...our fave beaches...
So many to choose from! Make sure you have a week or at least 5 days to explore a good variety of what the island has to offer!
Sarakiniko ~ is apparently the most photographed beach in the Aegean and we know why after shooting Day 2 of our campaign there this year. Sarakiniko would have to be one of the most incredible locations we have ever visited. A beach that can only be described as a moonscape - the smooth bone-white volcanic rocks are a result of northern winds and swell. This beach was also a fave hiding spot for Greek pirates back in the day... We couldn't resist - jumping off the rocks into the caves is a must!
Tsigrado~ another mesmerizing, unique beach situated on the southern side. Unfortunately we couldn't shoot here due to the only access being by rope down a steep cliff... Would have been interesting with all of our equipment and bags full of bikinis! Didn't stop me when I returned...
Klima~ not really a beach but rather a traditional fishing village with colourful ‘Srymata’ fishermans houses carved into rock. We loved shooting here due to the weather-worn paint textures and colourful doors.
Make sure you also check out Firopotamos, Firiplaka and Pollonia for a swim!
...where to stay...
Pollonia~ the perfect spot for couples and foodies to stay. For singles, I would personally recommend Adamas or Plaka for a bit more of a nightlife. Stay at Tania Milos in Pollonia, featuring gorgeous little sunset suites owned by Tania and run along with Tina on the northeastern point of the island. A gorgeous part of the world, so quiet and calming, situated on a point that gives both incredible sunrises and golden sunsets over naturally formed rock pools that we swam in daily, just meters from our terrace. The traditional Cycladic-style architecture mas a modern vibe with clean finishes and Greek artifacts. Tania's mum is in the kitchen making the most delicious homemade breakfasts, consisting of traditional 'Milos' dishes and Greek classics.
...where to eat...
Apanemia~ (in Pollonia), we ate here a few times. One of my all-time most memorable tavernas, where all of the locals hang out. A bit back from the beach, this open-air tavern served the best Moussaka, fresh fish, cheese pies (a specialty made with the local cheese) and chocolate pie for dessert that we still dream of to this day for its smooth and moist consistency like none other. The live music on Saturday and Sunday nights was amazing and as there are no full-time musicians on the island, the locals perform Greek classics as a proud part of their heritage and culture. Make sure you eat a Gyros(yeeros)! They are all great no matter where from on the island - the Greeks sure know how to season and cook meat to perfection! Placed into a warm pitta with tzatziki and some hot chips - delicious!
...where to shop...
There is not much time to shop when you have over 40 beaches to explore on Milos, but I did manage to find some convenience stores/corber shops in the port of Adamas that sell Greek fisherman hats and locally knitted crochet dresses, tops and Milos bath mats. The main town, Plaka, has cute little jewellery shops and local crafts on offer too.
Amelia Xx
A special thanks to our Greek Islands partners...