Catacombs of Milos

Introduction

Hidden beneath the surface of the idyllic Greek island of Milos lies a fascinating secret: the Catacombs of Milos. These ancient burial chambers, carved into the volcanic rock, offer a captivating glimpse into the early Christian history of the island. Stepping into the catacombs is like entering a different world, where dimly lit passages and intricate stone carvings tell stories of faith, reverence, and a way of life that has long since passed. Visiting the Catacombs of Milos is not just a journey through time but an exploration of the mysterious and sacred heart of the island, making it an unmissable experience for history buffs and curious travellers alike.

Getting to the Catacombs

I visited the Catacombs during a short trip to Milos in May 2024. My hotel was in the port town of Adamantas, and I’d rented an e-bike from Safari to explore the island. The Catacombs are located on the hillside southwest of Trypiti, about five kilometres from the port. The journey took about 20 minutes by bike but would have been around 10 in a car.

The site entrance is down a short stepped pathway from a reasonably sized car park. Straight ahead, you’ll find a small ticket office and the entrance to the Catacombs on the left.

Seeing the Catacombs

The only way to see the inside of the catacombs is by paying for a short guided tour. When I visited, this cost €4 and lasted roughly 15 minutes. The tour guide was easy to understand and gave an interesting and detailed explanation of the catacombs as she guided us around.

As you might expect, the headroom inside the chambers is limited, and it was also quite hot and airless due to the limited ventilation. Given that it was early May and not excessively warm outside, it could be much worse during the peak summer months, so it might be best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon.

The tour is quite short because you can only see inside two chambers connected by a short tunnel walkway. There’s not a huge amount of ground to cover, and I believe there’s at least one additional chamber, but it isn’t accessible to the public.

Summary

Despite the tour’s short duration, I was glad to have visited the Catacombs, having missed them on my first visit to Milos in 2020. The site’s historical significance and extraordinary insight into early Christian history (from the 1st to 5th centuries AD) make it a unique attraction.

Given its convenient location just outside Trypiti and only a short drive from Adamantas, I highly recommend visiting the Catacombs if you have time during your trip to Milos and are curious about the island’s history.