Milos: Kleftiko Boat Tour with Caves Swim & Homemade Snacks

Summary

Traditional boat ride to Kleftiko caves with swimming stops and local snacks

You’ll board a classic wooden boat from Agia Kiriaki, cruise along Milos’ southern coast with stops for swimming at Gerontas beach and inside Kleftiko’s white caves, then relax with homemade snacks and local drinks on deck. Feel salt on your skin, taste raki, hear laughter—this is Milos at its most honest.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the old wooden boat at Agia Kiriaki beach—paint peeling a bit but somehow that made it feel more real. The sea was already that impossible blue, and I could smell sunscreen and coffee mixing in the air. Our captain, Nikos, grinned and told us to find a spot wherever we liked. I ended up half in the shade, half in the sun, feet dangling off the side as we glided past Gerakas and Tsigrado. The cliffs looked soft from far away but up close you see all these sharp edges. There was this little moment when someone’s hat flew off and everyone laughed—Nikos just shrugged like, “It happens every day.”

The first swim stop was at Gerontas beach. I hesitated before jumping in (it’s always colder than you think), but once underwater it was just quiet except for muffled voices above. We didn’t stay long—maybe half an hour?—but enough time to float on my back and watch the clouds slide by. Then we headed for Kleftiko, which is what I’d really come for. When we got there, the water turned almost milky turquoise near the rocks. Our guide handed out masks so we could poke around the caves; I tried to say “thank you” in Greek but probably butchered it because she smiled politely.

I still think about how salty my skin felt after swimming through those arches at Kleftiko. There were a few other boats around but somehow it didn’t feel crowded—maybe because everyone was busy exploring or just staring at the cliffs like me. Afterward, back on deck, they brought out homemade treats (some kind of cheese pie?) and poured little shots of raki for anyone who wanted them. The iced coffee tasted sweet and strong at the same time—perfect after swimming. Someone asked Nikos how many times he’d done this route; he just laughed and said he lost count years ago.

On our way back toward Milos, the sun started dipping lower but nobody seemed in any hurry to get off the boat yet. The breeze picked up a bit—I wrapped my towel tighter—and there was this quiet feeling between everyone like we’d all shared something small but good together. Not sure if it was just being out on that old boat or if it was Kleftiko itself… maybe both.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day boat tour to Kleftiko

• Start from Agia Kiriaki beach
• Swim at Gerontas beach for 30 minutes
• Stop at Kleftiko for 1 hour
• Swim and explore caves at Kleftiko
• Enjoy drinks and homemade treats onboard

Top questions

How long does the Kleftiko boat tour from Milos last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours from departure to return.

Where does the boat depart for the Kleftiko tour?

The trip starts from Agia Kiriaki beach on the southern part of Milos island.

Are drinks or food included during the tour?

Yes, iced tea, iced coffee (frappé), local raki, and homemade appetizers are included.

Is hotel pickup available for this day trip?

Shared transfer service is available from several areas for an extra fee paid directly to the driver.

What are the main stops during this boat tour?

The main stops are Gerontas beach for swimming and Kleftiko caves for swimming and exploring.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during the cruise.

Is this private or group tour?

This is a group tour on a traditional wooden boat with other travelers.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this tour.

What’s included

Your half-day includes all fees and taxes, two swim stops at Gerontas beach and Kleftiko caves, use of snorkeling masks if needed, plus iced tea, frappé coffee, local raki and fresh homemade appetizers served onboard before returning to Agia Kiriaki beach. Shared transfer from nearby villages can be arranged for an extra fee if you need pickup.