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TRIP OVERVIEW

7 days
Classic
8km/day
Challenging

Trip Dates

2024
01 Jun - 07 Jun
5 Spaces
13 Jul - 19 Jul
Available
24 Aug - 30 Aug
4 Spaces
2025
31 May - 06 Jun
Available
12 Jul - 18 Jul
Available
23 Aug - 29 Aug
Available
2026

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Tour Highlights

  • Choose between two accommodations in Pollonia, either En Milo or Kymata Studios

  • Challenge yourself with longer daily swim distances on an unforgettable swimming holiday in the clear, turquoise waters of the Greek Islands

  • Explore a breathtaking variety of caves, tunnels, arches and underwater topography

  • Complete a range of longer stunning coastal swims and adventurous crossings between both inhabited and uninhabited islands

  • Discover the charm and beauty of the laid-back Greek culture and spectacular landscapes of Milos and its surrounding islands

Featuring longer swim distances than other trips, this stunning Greek Island swimming holiday gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful volcanic coastline of Milos. With spectacular sea caves, tunnels and breathtaking arches, Milos and its surrounding islands are an open geological museum just waiting to be explored.

The beautiful views and incredible geology that you will experience on this trip, both above and below the water, are some of the most spectacular that exist anywhere in the Mediterranean. From the deep, clear waters of the Aegean Sea to the white sand beaches and imposing rock formations that define the islands in this corner of the world, Milos is an idyllic location for open water swimmers.

Accompanied by our very own SwimTrek yacht throughout the week, this trip features a combination of stunning coastal swims and adventurous crossings to both inhabited and uninhabited islands. Combined with the spectacular island landscapes and the laid-back Greek culture, this SwimTrek adventure embraces the sense of exploration and discovery that we live by every day.

Ready to travel to Milos, but unsure about these longer swimming distances? Please check out our more leisurely Milos Short Swims and Milos Explorer options!


Who is this trip for?

This trip is for those who enjoy a combination of coastal swims and island-hopping and want to extend their daily swim distances a little further than on our other trips.

Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.

The average swim distance is around 4km. The average daily swim distance is around 8km.

We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.


What's included?

  • Fully guided swimming holiday (swimmers only)
  • Professional swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
  • Six nights' accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • All lunches (swimmers only)
  • Full ABTOT Financial Protection

What's not included?

  • Travel to and from the start of the trip
  • Evening meals
  • Drinks and additional activities
  • Overnight Stay Tax

Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: En Milo Restaurant, Pollonia, Milos

Start Time: 17:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: En Milo, or Kymata Studios Pollonia, Milos

Finish Time: 10:00 on Day 7

Day 1

We meet at the restaurant attached to En Milo, where we hold a welcome meeting featuring a description of the days ahead, followed by a safety briefing. Following this, we go to the beach situated in front of our accommodation for a short acclimatisation swim, before taking a short walk into Pollonia for dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2

Our first swim starts from the beach located near our hotel. This swim is a mix of coastal and a crossing. We commence our trip at Kalogeros, which means ‘The Monk’. It is a 60m tall rock stack composed entirely of columnar jointed basalt and is an impressive start point for our first swim of the week. From here, we swim along the coast passing Papafragas and Pachena which are homes to the island’s most impressive collections of caves and tunnels, before we finish at Kofto Islet, home to a colony of Capsian gulls. The caves along this route all have multiple chambers and entrances.

Following a chance to relax and have lunch on the boat, we head out on our first crossing of the week to the volcanic phenomenon of Glaronissia Island with its imposing geology. After swimming through one of the island’s tunnels, we carry on by crossing to two other small islands before carrying out the return leg back to Milos.

Day 3

Today we start swimming from the peninsula of Goupa-Kara on Kimolos before heading across to Polyaigos and then coastal swimming along its remote northern coast, made up of headlands and sheer drop offs. We finish the morning’s swim at Asketis cave situated underneath the peak of the same name.

In the afternoon, we head to the village of Prassa on Kimolos’ northeast coast, where the island’s chalk production is based. The beaches here more closely resemble the tropics due to their white sands and clear blue waters. From here we head south along the coast past thermal baths and jagged cliff sides before we arrive at the uninhabited Klimatonissia islets which lie in the Pyrgi Channel.

Day 4

The morning sees us head back to the northern coast of Milos with a swim along the coastline between Kofto islet and Mandrakia which has undergone large scale erosion over the years. This has led to the formation of about 20 sea caves and arches which are simply spectacular to swim through. The finish of the swim is breathtaking, as we reach the resting place of the Princess of Dubai, one of Greece’s best preserved shipwrecks.

In the afternoon, we swim west from Mandrakia towards the fishing village of Firopotamos. The depth of the water fluctuates here, which also varies the colour of the water during our swim. Our finish point at Firopotamos sees us arrive at the village’s colourful fishing huts and a local church, before heading back to Pollonia.

Day 5

This morning, we travel by boat around Milos’ mountainous east coast. The morning swim starts at the old sulphur mines near Thiafes. From here we journey around the coast under the imposing peak of Mt Soleta before arriving at Fyrligkos Bay. On the way, be sure to look out for the stunning coastline colours and sulphur bubbles rising from the sea floor, which is a result of volcanic activity.

After stopping for lunch and a rest, we head slightly further west along the coast to the beach at Aghios Georgios. From here we aim towards the beach of Tsigrado for a real swim adventure as we swim through caves, hop across bays and travel underneath sheer rock formations and cliff faces.

Day 6

This morning we set off early to head to the remote south-west tip of Milos. We board the boat at Provatas and motor towards the iconic Kleftico region. This area is renowned for its truly spectacular rock formations, caves and tunnels, as well as its history, which is rich with tales of pirates and stolen treasures. The coastline features an impressive array of stacks, caverns and tunnels.

In the afternoon we travel up the island’s west coast and into Milos Bay where we arrive at the picturesque fishing village of Fourkovouni, which has traditionally been sheltered from the north winds. From here, we swim south past the ancient fishing community of Klima with its historic catacombs dating from the 1st-5th Century, before finally arriving into the small hamlet of Schinopi.

Day 7

After the exertions of the week, we have time for breakfast and a relaxing swim on the beach just outside our accommodation before the trip finishes at 10:00.

Accommodation

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En Milo or Kymata

There is a choice between two accommodations on this trip, En Milo & Kymata Studios, in the quiet fishing village of Pollonia - both are just 30 metres from the sea!

Location Summary

Milos

According to mythology, the island was named after its first inhabitant, Milos, who was the son of a Cyprian royal family, sent by the goddess Aphrodite to inhabit the island after his parents’ death. Milos is the most south-western island in the Greek Cyclades.

Pollonia

Pollonia is a picturesque fishing village on the northeast tip of Milos directly opposite the island of Kimolos. It’s built around a sheltered harbour with traditional whitewashed, cubic houses.

Kimolos

Separated from Milos by the Kimolos Strait, Kimolos is a volcanic island full of natural caves.

Polyaigos

At a distance of 1½km to the northeast of Kimolos lies the island of Polyaigos, which translates to “island with a lot of goats.” With an area of approximately 18 km2, it is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the Mediterranean.

Kleftico

A spectacular complex of cliffs, sea passages, tunnels and arches. The name comes from the Greek word “kleftes”, meaning thief, as legend says it was a popular haven for pirates in the middle ages.

Trip Grading

We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Swimming Distances

Swim Distance Swim Distance
Kalogeros - Kofto Islet 4km Papafragas - Glaronissia 3½km
Kimolos - Asketis, Polyaigos 4km Prassa - Klimatonissia Islets 3½km
Kofto Islet - Mandrakia 4½km Mandrakia - Firopotamos 3½km
Thiafes - Fyrligkos Bay 3½km Aghios Georgios -Tsigrado 3½km
Kleftico - Katergo 5km Fourkovouni - Schinopi 3½km

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

There are small walks on this trip which are mainly to get us to and from the start and finish of a swim. Most walks take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

If you are staying in the Kymata Studios, there is a 230 metre (3 minute) walk to En Milos for breakfast every morning.

Temperatures

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
June 21-25°C / 70-77°F 21-27°C / 70-81°F
July 24-28°C / 75-82°F 22-29°C / 72-84°F
September 24-26°C / 75-79°F 21-26°C / 70-79°F
October 21-24°C / 70-75°F 17-21°C / 63-70°F

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Trip Information

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes one main yacht and two support boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel, or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Getting There

There are many options for travelling to Milos, however, the easiest routes are to fly into either Athens or Santorini and then catch a connecting flight or a ferry to Milos. Once you have arrived in Milos, a transfer is the easiest way to reach the hotel.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

IMPORTANT: While it is recommended that you purchase your ferry tickets online in advance, it is worth mentioning that ferry operators and third party websites may issue an ‘e-ticket’ at the time of booking (i.e. you will not be able to print your ticket prior to travel). You will have the option to either have your ticket sent to you via courier (upon payment of a postage fee) or to pick up your ticket when you arrive in Greece. Pick-up locations can vary from one ferry operator to the next and often include locations in central Athens, as well as offices which are located at your selected departure port. For any enquiries about ticket collections, please contact the ferry operator or booking agent directly.

Option 1 - Getting There - Athens to Milos

Overnight Accommodation in Athens

If you need to stay overnight in Athens prior to or after your SwimTrek trip and would like to be close to the port, the Hotel Phidias is a great option. Guests arriving to or departing from the port can also get a free transfer to and from the hotel. For further information, please visit: www.hotelphidias.gr.

Flights from Athens to Milos

From Athens airport, there are direct flights to Milos available every day operated by two companies: Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. Once released, you can find flight schedules and availability in many on-line travel agencies.

Ferries from Athens to Milos

The journey from Athens (Piraeus Port) to Milos takes 3-4 hours and costs approximately €150 return. Please note that ferry ticket rates in Greece are fixed and should not vary between online agents.

Option 2 - Getting There - Santorini to Milos

Travel from Santorini Airport to Milos Port

From Santorini airport, you will need to get a transfer to the ferry port as there is no local bus service available.

Ferries from Santorini to Milos

The journey from Santorini to Milos takes 2-3 hours and costs approximately €190 return.

Please note that ferry ticket rates in Greece are fixed and should not vary between online agents.

Transfer from Milos Port/Airport to En Milo/ Kymata Studios

Once you have arrived in Milos, Travel Me To Milos offers a shared transfer service from Milos port or airport to to your accommodation in Pollonia which coincides with all scheduled flight and ferry arrivals on the island from 08:00 until 22:00. For scheduled arrivals and departure pickups outside this time frame, private transfers are available.

The shared transfer service must be booked in advance, at the latest by 14:00 the day before the transfer.

Transfer price per number of guests

ROUTE 1 GUEST 2 GUESTS 3 GUESTS 4 GUESTS 5 GUESTS 6 GUESTS 7 GUESTS 8 GUESTS
Milos Port to your accommodation €23 €23 €25 €26 €39 €43 €48 €53
Milos Airport to your accommodation €28 €29 €32 €36 €48 €53 €55 €60

To book your transfer, please contact info@travelmilos.com or +30 22870 41008.

Accommodation

There is a choice between two accommodations on this trip, En Milo & Kymata Studios, both in the quiet fishing village of Pollonia. The accommodations are both 30 metres from the Sea, En Milo boasts a private swimming pool and private studios with sea view balconies and veranda’s, it is also the location of all our breakfasts throughout the trip. Kymata Studio’s is 150 metres from the centre of the village where all the restaurants and shops are, both are in prime location for us to set out for our swims.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the trip, this can be arranged directly via Travel Me To Milos: www.travelmetomilos.com who can be reached by email at info@travelmilos.com or by telephone at +30 2287 041008.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price. Lunches include picnics on our yacht and quiet beaches, as well as traditional Greek lunches in local tavernas. Dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. The average price of a two course dinner in a local restaurant in Pollonia is between €30-€35.

Please note that all breakfasts are held at the restaurant in En Milo which is 3 minute (230 metre) walk from Kymata studios.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

Travel Advice

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

The local currency is the Euro (€). Please note that there are ATMs available on the island, however, there are only two in Pollonia so suggest that you bring some money with you. Please also note that the Greek Ministry of Tourism has introduced an Overnight Stay Tax. This is payable upon arrival at the accommodation.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in the hotel.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.


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  • A beautiful trip. So many amazing spots. I think I’ll return one day.

    Jana H, Germany - 2023
  • The joy is in the challenge of the swim and the wonderful people you meet.

    Gráinne C, Ireland - 2023
  • This was an experience of a lifetime. It was challenging, discovering as much about myself as I did about the island of Milos! Highly recommend the explorer distance!

    Laurie M, Canada - 2023
  • Another exceptional open water experience with Swimtrek. Fabulous swimming location and routes, beautiful clear waters, inspiring and informed guides and boat crew.

    Julian W, UK - 2022
  • I felt invigorated, athletically challenged, and excited about every day of this Milos Explore Long Swims adventure with Swim Trek!

    Mavourneen H, USA - 2022