Blinding white rock formations, hidden caves and breathtaking beaches set against a deep blue sea make Milos one of the most spectacular islands in Greece.
This rugged volcanic island in the Aegean Sea is the most south-westerly of the Cyclades group, and it was here that the Venus de Milo, the most exquisite marble statue of antiquity, was discovered.
With its countless snug little coves carved by wind and water, and striking rock formations scattered all along the coastline, Milos is a magical place to spend a summer.
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"We Greeks understand, and anyone who has travelled widely here knows, that every Greek island is a small, one-of-a-kind world. Milos, though, is special," says Milos local Leonidas Fotinos.
"On Milos the power and magnetism of nature really are strong; they fill the landscape and sink deep into us. That's why we love this place, and why the people who discover Milos come to love it too."
Fotinos, whose father was born on Milos, felt drawn to return after so many happy memories of childhood holidays, and 25 years ago he did just that.
Since then he has watched Milos be "discovered" as the perfect backdrop for Bollywood shoots, fashion campaigns and video productions in need of surreal scenery.
"The variety of beaches here is genuinely unreal. In a small area of just 150 square kilometres you hop from one world into another," says Fotinos, who runs the travel agency Small Islands, which specialises in holidays on the smaller Cycladic islands.
Here's a look at the loveliest of the 77 beaches and swimming spots on Milos:
Sarakiniko
If there were ever a lunar beach, Sarakiniko would be it.
Its bone-white curves of sculpted rock, shaped and smoothed by time, form a striking contrast with the sapphire and turquoise of the Aegean. A true moonscape on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Papafragas
At Papafragas, two enormous rock formations meet above a sandy beach, where the dancing sunlight paints an ever-shifting palette of sea colours.
The scene, named after a French monk who once lived here, is framed by a fantastical cave hewn into the side of the cliff.
In the ancient city of Phylakopi, the ruins of walls, buildings and tombs bear witness to a civilisation that flourished back in the Neolithic era.
Firiplaka
A short walk brings you to a beautiful crescent of pebbly beach carved out of steep, coffee-coloured cliffs.
Sparkling water laps the shore, while huge rocks dotted with tiny caves rise up out of the shallows just off the beach.
Firopotamos
The charming whitewashed fishermen's houses with their blue doors are Milos's signature sight, and nowhere are they shown off better than at Firopotamos beach.
This 100-metre stretch of sand is framed by little white cubic houses, while tamarisk trees cling to the rocky shoreline. Above the bay stands the church of St Nicholas.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko can only be reached by boat, and it's one of the most popular day trips from the port of Adamantas, and for good reason. It's a wonderful sight.
Tall white cliffs rise up from the sea, with natural arches to swim through and caves to explore.
The name comes from the Greek word kleftes, meaning pirates, who used to hide their plunder in the secluded spots around here.
Sykia Cave
The extraordinary coastline of Milos becomes even more breathtaking at Sykia. This beach inside a cave was created when the roof collapsed, leaving a round opening through which sunbeams pour in, lighting up the dazzling waters below.
It's sometimes called the "Emerald Cave". You can get here on inflatable boats small enough to slip through the gap at the heart of this natural wonder.
Paliorema
Paliorema beach is home to the abandoned mining town of Thiorychio.
The strange backdrop of old mining carts and tools gives the impression that the beach sits inside an open-air museum.
Golden sand, clear water and multicoloured pebbles complete the one-of-a-kind picture. It's best reached by the country road from Zefyria or by boat.
Achivadolimni
Achivadolimni means "clam lake". Look into the crystal-clear water and you'll see exactly that: thousands of clams and conchs living on the seabed.
A favourite with kitesurfers and windsurfers, the waves here can build to a fair height when the summer meltemi winds blow.
Alogomandra
At Alogomandra beach, a vault-like rock formation hangs over a perfect strip of sand. This peaceful beach on the island's northern coast is rounded off by the blue-green waters that wash the shore.
