Milos, Nisos Melos, Greece

In prehistory, Milos was a source for precious obsidian, the volcanic glass that yielded razor-sharp blades in the Neolithic age. Its volcanic origins still produce minerals which comprise a substantial portion of its revenues. Although less well-known by travelers, it shares the signature attractions of its Cycladic neighbors Santorini and Mykonos. If they do know anything about Milos, it’s that the famous marble statue of Aphrodite known as the Venus de Milo was discovered here.  Beaches and white-washed villages, combined with a dramatically carved coastline, make Milos a good choice. Plaka, the de facto capital, is on a hilltop some distance from the port of Adamas. Its Archaeological Museum has artifacts from the Neolithic to the Byzantine periods. There are mineral springs on the island which have been recommended by physicians since the time of Herodotus.