Finding cheap hotels in Milos, Greece can seem daunting on this wildly popular Cycladic island.
Finding cheap hotels in Milos, Greece can seem daunting on this wildly popular Cycladic island. Milos isn’t known for rock-bottom prices, but careful planning and local know-how can uncover surprisingly affordable stays. In this guide we’ll show you how to find budget accommodation Milos is proud to offer - from room rates under €50 to mid-range gems. You’ll learn current price ranges, the best areas (Adamantas, Plaka, Pollonia, beach villages) for budget travelers, top hotel picks by price category, and money-saving booking tips. We’ll also cover what to expect in a budget hotel and share secrets for cutting costs (even on transport, food, and activities).
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Seasonal pricing: How rates swing from winter lows to summer highs
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Top areas: Why Adamantas, Plaka, and Pollonia make sense on a budget
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Cheap hotels by price: Top picks under €75, €75-125, and €125-175
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Booking tips: When and how to book for the lowest rates
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Money-saving advice: Beyond hotels - cheap eats, transport, and tours
Understanding Milos Hotel Pricing
Price Ranges & Expectations: As a rule of thumb, most budget hotels in Milos fall in the €50-€100 per night range. Very basic “1-star” rooms can start around $40-$47 per night (roughly €35-€45), especially off-season. A longer-term budget (2-3 star) room is often €50-€70 nightly. Expect steep seasonal swings: winter and late fall see rock-bottom deals, while summer peaks can cost 3 - 4× more. In fact, Kayak reports Milos hotel rates average only about $51 in January (cheapest month) but shoot up to about $480 by April (highest). Prices also vary by weekday: mid-week stays (e.g. Friday check-in) are typically cheaper, whereas weekends (especially Saturday nights) are most expensive. In practice, budget travelers often find cheapest nights mid-week and best deals in shoulder seasons (April/May or late Sept/Oct).
Why Milos Can Be Expensive: Milos is a small island with limited lodging. There simply aren’t endless hotels, and demand is high - especially in summer. As one travel blogger notes, Milos has become “no longer a secret,” and development is slow, so “places to stay in Milos [are] limited”; the advice is to book early and don’t miss out. In short, Milos’ popularity (growing every year) + limited supply means rooms can sell out or skyrocket in price if you wait.
When to Book: Advance planning pays. Industry data suggest booking about 2-3 weeks ahead of your dates for the lowest rates. For peak summer travel, consider reserving 3-6 months in advance; if you have flexibility, target the cheapest periods (late October-early April). Booking well in advance is especially true for budget places, which fill quickly. By contrast, if you travel in shoulder seasons (say, November or April), you’ll find both lower prices and better selection. One rule of thumb: avoid peak July-August unless your budget is large - summer rates can easily double compared to spring/fall.
Best Areas to Stay for Budget Travelers
Adamantas (Main Port Town)
Adamantas (sometimes called Adamas) is the main harbor and service hub of Milos. It has the largest concentration of hotels, guesthouses and apartments. Staying here is budget-friendly because competition keeps prices lower and you can walk everywhere. The town has markets, cafes, tavernas, and is the ferry port, so transport and dining are convenient. As one guide notes, “Adamas is the main town of Milos and the port where the ferries dock… You will find everything here that most port towns have”. In short, you’re never far from shops or sites, so you can skip costly transfers.
Recommended budget stays in Adamantas include:
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Tzoka’s Apartments (Adamantas): Affordable studio/1BR units (€35-€50, about $40-$55). Each is basic but clean, with air-conditioning, a kitchenette, private bathroom and patio. Notable perk: direct beach access, sea views, and even an open-air bath. Papikinou Beach is only a 3-minute walk away and the port is 0.6 mi from the property (about 10–15 min on foot). Tzoka’s also offers free Wi-Fi and on-site parking.
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Semiramis Guesthouse (Adamantas): A simple guesthouse in town center (within easy walk of restaurants and the ferry). Expedia highlights its “Popular amenities” including breakfast service, free parking, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guest ratings average around 8.6/10 (very good). Rooms here are no-frills but well-maintained, and the included breakfast can save you money on mornings.
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Anita Rooms & Suites (Adamantas): A family-run pension perched on a hill above town. It scores 9.2/10 on Booking.com with 264 reviews, and guests rave that “it is close to [the] center and to the beach, but quiet”. Anita (the owner) is known for being very helpful, and this spot offers clean, apartment-style rooms (some with kitchens) a short walk from Adamantas. Prices here are still budget-friendly (often under €75 in off-season).
Plaka Area
Plaka is the picturesque hilltop village above Adamantas. It’s quieter and more traditional – think narrow cobblestone alleys and whitewashed houses. Plaka is hilltop so there’s less night-time noise and some lovely tavernas with sunset views. Accommodations here lean small and authentic. Plaka’s winding lanes offer “amazing views to be had from several vantage points”, making it great for scenery and sunsets. However, lodging is more limited (and often slightly pricier) than Adamantas, so deals are rarer.
For budget travelers, consider simple stays around Plaka or nearby Trypiti:
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Studio Vipera (Trypiti village, near Plaka): Basic studio apartments with kitchenette and A/C.
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Frankie’s Traditional House (Plaka): A rustic guesthouse with classic Cycladic charm.
Both are modest, walkable to Plaka’s cafes and overlooks. (Another advantage: if you stay on a hillside, you’re never far from a view of Milos’ famous lunar coastline.)
Pollonia
Pollonia is a small fishing village on the northeast shore of Milos. It’s an upscale-feeling yet laid-back town, known for its seafood tavernas along the water. Many visitors love Pollonia’s calm, sandy bay and resort-like atmosphere. Accommodation options are mostly family-run suites, guesthouses and a few boutique hotels. Pollonia is a bit farther from central Milos attractions, but it’s a great base if you don’t mind driving or biking - plus a ferry to Kimolos island runs from here.
Pollonia area is pricier on average, but one standout budget-friendly spot is:
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Pagona Studios (Pollonia): Simple self-catering apartments right by the beach. Modern and airy, each studio has a kitchenette (so you can eat in to save money) and A/C. Pagona and similar places often include breakfast or at least espresso and snacks. Pollonia’s calm bay is perfect for families, so the price-per-comfort is good.
According to travel guides, Pollonia “is full of small family-run hotels… It has a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere”. Staying here means beach access and great dining on fish and Greek dishes - useful if you want cheap meals at the tavernas instead of fancy tourist restaurants.
Beach Areas (Paleochori, Agia Kyriaki, Provatas)
If a beach getaway is your priority, consider the southern villages like Paleochori, Agia Kyriaki or Provatas. They each have a long pebble beach and a handful of hotels/rooms. The appeal here is direct beach access and mountain views. For example, Paleochori has thermal springs and several budget-friendly pensions and studios right above the sand. Provatas is quieter with a small bay.
The trade-off: these are remote, so you’ll need a rental car or rely on infrequent buses. But you save by avoiding tourist-town premiums. In Paleochori you might find self-catering studios or rooms under €100 with sea views. Nearby beaches (e.g. Gerakas, Fyriplaka) are free to enjoy.
A note: the wind (meltemi) can be strong on south coasts in July-August. Staying off-peak (May-June or September) not only cuts costs but gives calmer conditions.
Top 15 Cheap Hotels in Milos Greece
Here are our top budget picks, organized by price category. We include nightly ranges (in EUR, USD), key amenities and highlights, and what makes each one a good value. (Booking availability and rates change constantly, so treat prices as approximate.)
Under €75 per night
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Tzoka’s Apartments – Adamantas (€35-50, $38-55): Basic apartments just above Papikinou Beach. Each unit has A/C, private bath, a small kitchen and patio. Standout features: direct beachfront access, open-air outdoor bath, and sea views. Guests rate it 9.1/10 for cleanliness and location. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk into town (2,950 ft) and only 3 minutes from the beach, making it an excellent cheap beach pad.
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Semiramis Guesthouse – Adamantas (€45-70): A simple 2-star guesthouse in the heart of Adamantas. Amenities include breakfast available, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Rooms are small but clean and the staff is friendly. It’s right in town (minutes to port and restaurants), so you save on transfers. Reviewers highlight the convenience of included breakfast and parking.
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Hotel Rigas – Adamantas (€50-70): A family-run hotel just a few blocks from the main harbor. It often scores high on value; one travel site notes it as a popular choice ($166/night). Rooms are bright with modern décor, balconies and A/C. Included perks: free Wi-Fi and free parking (rare for Milos), plus breakfast is typically offered. Reviewers praise the comfortable beds and cleanliness. Location is central - just 0.4 miles (about 8 minutes) to the port and walking distance to the Mining Museum.
€75–125 per night
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Tania Milos – Pollonia (€75-100): A charming boutique hotel perched on the bay of Pollonia. Each room/suite is newly renovated with bright blue accents and some have private balconies overlooking the water. Included: a rich buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. With over 900 reviews on Tripadvisor, Tania is often cited for its excellent location and service (TripAdvisor ranks it high for value).
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Delmar Apartments & Suites – Pollonia (€80-120): Modern apartments right on Pollonia’s waterfront road. Units are spacious with full kitchens or kitchenettes, so great for self-catering. Guests love the comfortable beds and large terraces. One travel guide notes Delmar as a “lovely hotel in a perfect, central location” for Pollonia. Free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities make it easy for longer stays. (Booking.com often rates it 9.3/10).
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Santa Maria Village Resort & Spa – Adamantas (€90-125): A resort-style hotel on a hillside above Adamantas (not to be confused with Santorini’s Santa Maria). It offers a pool, garden, and spa facilities – luxuries rare in this price range. Value: includes a full Greek breakfast buffet. Expect traditional Cycladic architecture and a calm ambiance. On Kayak, Santa Maria appears as a top “best value” find at about $175/night (around €165), which is excellent given the amenities. The walk to town takes 10–15 minutes downhill, or use their shuttle bus.
€125–175 per night
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Psaravolada Milos Resort – Paleochori (€130-160): A newer small resort on Paleochori Beach. Suites and rooms all have sea or pool views. It boasts an on-site restaurant serving Greek cuisine, and a relaxed pool area. What you get: beachside location with amenities of a larger hotel, at relatively moderate rates. Travelers note it has “great value given its amenities”. It’s about a 5-minute walk to paleochori village tavernas (or free parking for your car).
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Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa – Pollonia (€140-170): A stylish boutique hotel with just a few suites. Highlights are the adults-only pool and in-room Jacuzzi options in some units. The spa offers massages and sauna. Each room is elegantly furnished, and the hotel is perched overlooking Pollonia Bay, with sunset views. (Note: this is a newer high-end property, so the service is top-notch even if the size is small.)
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Nefeli Sunset Studios – Pollonia (€120-150): Scoring 9.8/10 on reviews, Nefeli is a beachfront property beloved for its garden and relaxed vibe. As one guest raves, the location is “on the most idyllic plot… Quiet, with private access to the beach”. Studios are simple but clean and some open directly onto a little beach area. The price includes a homemade breakfast on the garden patio. Perfect for couples who want beach access plus breakfast without breaking the bank.
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Portiani Hotel – Pollonia (€130-160): A whitewashed hotel just above the water in Pollonia. Rooms have balconies with bay views. Portiani features a cozy lounge and terrace. It’s known for friendly service and a good included breakfast. While simple, it often undercuts many pricier seaside hotels; in fact, TripAdvisor lists it as the #2 cheap hotel in Adamas (with hundreds of reviews) thanks to its quiet charm.
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White Pebble Suites – Pollonia (€150-175): (Bonus mid-range pick) Opened in 2021, these modern seafront suites have a hot tub and pool. While at the top end of this budget list, their luxury-feel design (and a buzz on social media) make them worth watching for occasional discounts or off-season deals.
For each hotel above, key amenities (Air-conditioning, breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, pool, etc.) are noted. Booking links can be found on major sites (Booking.com, Expedia, etc.) to see exact current rates and availability. Remember: these rates can jump in peak summer and drop in shoulder season, so always compare dates.
Money-Saving Tips for Milos Accommodation
Booking Strategies: The single best way to save is to book early. As noted, aim for about 3–6 months before travel, or at least 19 days before your stay. Use price comparison tools (Booking.com, Expedia, Kayak) to scout the best deals. Look for refundable rates – many budget properties offer free cancellation, letting you lock in a price and still change plans if something cheaper comes up. Consider package deals too; sometimes bundled flight+hotel in shoulder season can be cheaper.
Alternative Lodging: Don’t limit yourself to traditional hotels. Milos has many self-catering apartments, studios and traditional “syrmata” fishing huts (especially in Klima/Mandrakia) that can save money for families or longer stays. According to travel cost guides, Milos hotels on average cost less than equivalent vacation rentals. Staying in a studio with a kitchen lets you cook breakfasts or picnic lunches, trimming dining expenses. Guesthouses or pensions (like Anita’s or many in Plaka) often include breakfast and local tips at modest rates. Even tents or camping are legal in some parts, if you’re really on a shoestring.
Seasonal Timing: Travel in shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to maximize savings. May–June and September–October have great weather with much lower hotel prices. Avoid July-August if you can, not only because of high rates, but also strong meltemi winds on the Cyclades. Note that winter (Nov-Mar) is off-peak: many hotels close then, but those open offer rock-bottom off-season rates (November is often the cheapest month of all). Flight prices also drop outside summer (November flights were 47% cheaper than August according to one analysis, though the island has fewer ferries then).
What to Expect from Budget Hotels in Milos
Standard Amenities: Don’t expect luxury - but do expect a clean, air-conditioned room with private bath and basic comforts. Most budget Milos properties include free Wi-Fi and some even breakfast. For example, Semiramis Guesthouse lists amenities like breakfast served on-site, bar area, air conditioning, free parking and Wi-Fi. If there’s no pool, chances are you’re a few steps from the sea or a communal patio for lounging. Breakfast (often coffee and pastries or a simple buffet) is commonly included in the rate, which can save you about €5-€10 per person each morning.
Location Benefits: Even cheaper hotels tend to be conveniently located. Many are walking distance to a beach, tavernas or town center. For instance, Tzoka’s Apartments is literally beachfront - Papikinou Beach is only a 3-minute walk away. Semiramis and Anita are both in Adamantas, so you’re a short stroll from the port, restaurants and shops. Such locations mean you spend less on taxis. And being in town or near a port means easy access to ferries and tours. Even Plaka hotels, though up a hill, are often near bus stops or rental shops, giving you beach and village access without the price premium of bigger resorts.
Service Level: Expect a family-run, personal touch. Many Milos budget hotels are small operations where the owners greet you and offer insider advice. Travelers often praise hosts by name and highlight a “warm and friendly” atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if your host helps book car rentals, gives restaurant recommendations or even adjusts check-in times to accommodate your ferry. Room service is usually minimal (many places have no on-site dining), but staff will eagerly point you to local tavernas. In short, budget Milos stays are often warm and chatty rather than formal.
Beyond Accommodation: Complete Budget Guide
To fully enjoy Milos on the cheap, factor in the rest of your trip too:
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Transportation Savings: Renting a small ATV or scooter to zip around can be much cheaper than taxis. Advance-book ferries and flights to Milos early for best rates (and consider flying to neighboring islands and ferrying over if flights are priciest). Watch airport transfer costs: a pre-arranged shuttle or local bus is far cheaper than a private taxi from Milos airport.
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Dining on a Budget: Eat where the locals eat. Village tavernas serve hearty Greek meals (like souvlaki, grilled fish or moussaka) at lower prices than touristy spots. Grab a gyro or shopping-market bread and cheese for picnics. If you have a kitchenette, cooking even a few meals cuts costs. Lunch menus often cost 20-30% less than dinner in tavernas.
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Activity Costs: Most beaches on Milos are free! Spend days at Sarakiniko, Firiplaka or Tsigrado at no charge. Hiking to Kleftiko or the Venetian castle is free (just wear good shoes). When booking boat tours, shop around: a shared tour can be half the price of a private charter. Look for combo deals (e.g. a sunset cruise and snorkeling tour together). Finally, take advantage of Milos’ natural attractions - the beaches, villages and hikes - which are all virtually free entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Milos hotels under €100 common? Yes - many family-run guesthouses and studios list well under €100 in shoulder or low season. By booking early and aiming outside July-August, travelers often find double rooms for €50-€90. (Just beware that July-Aug prices can be 2-3× higher.) Use filters on Booking.com or Kayak for “<€100” to see current deals.
Q: Which area is best for a budget stay? Adamantas is usually best for budget travelers because it’s central with the most choices. You’ll pay less in Adamantas than the chic villages of Pollonia or Plaka. Plaka offers charm and views if you can handle the hill, but room supply is smaller. Beachside villages (Paleochori, Provatas) can have low rates in September-June if you want sand at your doorstep.
Q: When should I book for the lowest rate? As early as possible - ideally at least a month or two ahead. On average, booking 19 days out yields lower average prices. Also, travel in off-peak times (Nov-Apr) to find bargain rates. If your dates are fixed, set alerts on booking sites to catch sales.
Q: Can I trust cheap listings to be clean and safe? Generally yes. Greek hospitality standards ensure even budget rooms are cleaned daily, have functioning A/C (essential in summer) and a private bathroom. Look for recent guest reviews (many emphasize cleanliness and comfort even at low cost). If something goes wrong, most small places will fix it quickly.
Conclusion
Milos doesn’t have to bust your budget. With planning, you can enjoy this “magnificent Cycladic island” on the cheap. The keys are to book early, travel in shoulder months, and be flexible on location. Combine a modest hotel in Adamantas or Pollonia with self-catered meals and free beaches, and you’ll see Milos without the high price tag. Remember, everyone talks about Santorini - beat the crowds and prices by discovering Milos first. By locking in one of the above cheap hotels and following our tips, you’ll save money for experiences (sailing around Kleftiko, sampling the local cuisine) instead. Pack light, embrace the simple charm of your lodging, and enjoy Milos as the hidden gem it is before it gets too popular.
Sources: Data on seasonal rates and booking tips are from Kayak and travel cost research. Hotel details are compiled from booking sites and traveler reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change - always double-check current rates when booking.
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