Adamas

Adamas (diamond) is the main port of Milos, located at the north end of the inner part of the big gulf of Milos, one of the biggest naturally formed gulfs across the Mediterranean.
 
Evidence of human activity, dating since the Neolithic period, was found at the hill of Nychia, in just a small distance from the modern town. Nychia used to be one of the main quarries of obsidian, a stone that during the prehistoric period was a surrogate of the metals that were not yet known. This was the area of excavation and processing of the precious sub-mineral and a key trade post, shipping obsidian all over Greece and the coast of Asia Minor.

Throughout the centuries, locals and foreigners, seamen, tradesmen and pirates arbitrarily used the port of Adamas. It mainly had big activity in wartime, when big fleet used the port as their naval outpost for long periods of time.
 
We do not however know whether there existed a settlement at that time.
 
Refugees from Crete, who fled the island to escape the Ottoman rule, established the village of Adamas, between 1824 and 1830. Some inhabitants of the Old Chora also settled Adamas during that period, after the destruction of their hometown. The name, that was previously Alamanto, was then changed to Adamas.
 
The 19th c. (and beginnings of 20th c.) architecture has been preserved in very good condition on the hill of the initial settlement, above the harbour. On this oldest hill, lie some of the most significant churches of the island, the oldest being the church of Holy Trinity. The church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary dominates the top of the hill while on the east side lays the catholic church of Saint Nicolas, converted by Louis Brest.

The church of Holy Trinity now functions as a “Museum of Ecclesiastical Art”. The church of the Virgin is adorned with modern works of art as well as invaluable heirlooms from various churches of the Old Chora that were salvaged and moved here after the destruction and abandonment of the town, at the end of the 17th c.
 
The centre of the modern town lies at the hill foot, with shops, restaurants, cafés and bars with a wonderful view, all around the port. To the left of the harbour in approximately 50 m. from the town, are the nearest beach Lagada and a little further the Catholic cemetery.
 
Adamas is the centre of the road network of the island. It functions as the main transportation station connecting all major parts of the island, towns and beaches.

Beautiful sandy beaches, covered with “almyrikia” (Tamarix tree), extend for many kilometres as the central route advances as a snake on the seaside, from the centre of the town towards the airport, to the south.
 
Many hotels, restaurants and coffee shops offering a wonderful view are located on this side of the port. Milos “Mining Museum”, a worth visiting place, is also located on this part of Adamas.
 
Milos, a volcanic island, demonstrates an abundance of mineral wealth and a variety of thermal springs both in Adamas and other vicinities.