This might be the most photogenic island in Greece

Athens: With its winning trifecta of sandy beaches, boutique hotels, and unpretentious tavernas, Milos, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, seduces couples, water lovers, and gastronomes alike.

There’s no denying the Cycladic isle, where the famed Venus de Milo marble statue was unearthed by a farmer in 1820, is breathlessly romantic. Otherworldly landscapes sculpted by wind and sea shot to fame via Instagram in recent years, transforming the once low-profile island into a sought-after hot spot.

Rich in minerals and precious metals, Milos has been mined since the Neolithic era, starting with obsidian. Its volcanic origins explain the kaleidoscope of colours gracing the rugged cliffs and coastlines. But tourism wasn’t taken seriously here until recently.

Today, Milos features prominently among Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award-winning destinations. Travellers are drawn to natural phenomena like the bone-white cliffs of former pirate lair Kleftiko and Sikia sea cave with azure waters ideal for snorkelling. Top of the list for travellers are two beaches: Papafragas and the lunar-like Sarakiniko. And let’s not forget the traditional technicolour boathouses.

“Milos offers the cultural connection many of today’s travellers are seeking,” Mina Agnos, a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Travelive, said. It’s ideal for those looking for a “laid-back vacation focused on culture, beaches, food, yachting, and relaxation,” she added. Foodie experiences, island tours, and boat charters are especially popular, but with limited hotel inventory, early booking is key, notes Agnos.