Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors annually, which continues to grow yearly. However, if you want to experience similarly stunning whitewashed buildings and tranquil blue waters, why not hop on a ferry 52 nautical miles south of Santorini to the island of Milos?

Visit Greece describes Milos as “the island with heavenly beaches” and a unique rocky landscape – a reflection of its volcanic past.

While Milos is by no means a tourist-free haven, it sees far fewer visitors than Santorini, even in the busy summer months.

According to Go Ask a Local: “The best time to visit Milos is in late spring (May and early June) or mid-Autumn (the second half of September through October).

During both periods you’ll have good weather warm enough for swimming, everything on the island is open, and you’ll get much better prices for everything from ferry tickets to hotels than during the peak summer season. You also won’t encounter any of the summer crowds.”

July and August are the peak season, and therefore you will experience more crowds. However, Go Ask a Local added: “Milos doesn’t get as busy as island like Mykonos or Santorini, it can still get very crowded and prices tend to skyrocket.”

The destination is also highly recommended by those who have previously visited. In the Reddit forum r/GreeceTravel, one anonymous poster said: “I highly recommend Milos and Antiparos. Such beautiful places that haven’t been overly commercialised.”

Milos has more than 70 beaches dotted around its circumference, blessed with pristine shores and stunning aquamarine waters. Some of its most well-known beaches are Kleftiko, Provatas, Palaiochori and Tsigkrado.

Kleftiko is sometimes referred to as the Meteora of the Sea, known for the incredible grey rock formations which rise from its clear waters. This is a stunning spot for swimming.

Provatas is fantastic for families, with golden-red sands and shallow waters ideal for paddling.

Plaka, the capital of Milos, is home to the white-washed architecture you typically see in photographs of Greece. The area is made up of quaint winding alleyways and charming Charles.