Most people who visit Greece head to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos as a point of priority. Meanwhile, the magical island of Milos is close by and yet world’s apart in terms of cost, crowds, and authenticity. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get to Milos.
Further reading:
Where to stay on Milos ( what are the different towns and villages and best hotels/Airbnb’s)
Things to do on Milos – a quite extraordinary list!
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?
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Are you planning a last-minute trip to Milos?
Milos is certainly no longer a secret but luckily development is slow, making places to stay in Milos limited. Book early and don’t miss out, which many people do!
Top Tours in Milos
- Full daily sailing tour to Kleftiko with Lunch and Snorkeling (best-rated!)
- Geology and Volcano Half-Day tour
- Kayaking Tour to Tsigardo and Gerakas Beaches
- Half-Day Morning cruise to Kleftiko
Top Places to Stay in Milos
- Heliotropio Studios and Apartments – Pollonia
- Ostria Vento – Pollonia
- Captain Zeppos – Pollonia
- Delmar Suites – Pollonia
- Hotel Dionysis – Adamas
- Medousa – Adamas
- Arethousa – Plaka
- Psaravolada Hotel – Southern beaches
- Artemis Deluxe Rooms – Southern Beaches
How to get to Milos
1. Fly Athens to Milos
There is a small domestic airport on Milos that is serviced by Olympic Airlines/Aegean, and Sky Express. Like many of the islands all flights are to and from Athens.
If you book early enough flights can often be cheaper than the Ferries and it is certainly quicker. Be warned however that the airport is very small with just one gate so don’t overestimate the time you need to spend there.
The scenery as you fly over the Greek island is quite wonderful so make sure to book a window seat!
2. Private transfer – Athens to Milos by private jet or helicopter
If it’s a special occasion and you are keen to get to Milos quickly then a private helicopter transfer is the way to do it.
Flying in over the Greek Islands in your private helicopter or jet will be an experience you will never forget and if its a special occasion this is one experience you will not regret investing in.
We are proud to work with Air Business International to bring you more choice.
Click here for a quote.
3. Ferry – Athens to Milos ferry
Athens to Milos by ferry
You can travel by ferry to Milos from mainland Greece through the port of Piraeus in Athens. The main port of Milos is Adamas which is located in the center of the island.
The ferry route from Piraeus to Milos runs regularly with weekly trips and the ferry journey between the two ports lasts from 3 to 7 hrs.
Minoan Lines operate their crossing up to 2 times per week, Anek Lines 1 times per week, Aegean Speed Lines 12 times per week, Zante Ferries 8 times per week, SeaJets 14 times per week & the Golden Star Ferries service is available up to 7 times per week.
You can book online at Ferryhopper or you can buy a ticket in Athens at either the port or one of the many ticketing agents you will see around the city.
If you are traveling in July, August or during one of the many religious festivals or public holidays it pays to book ahead.
Milos to Santorini Ferry
The Milos to Santorini ferry route is currently operated by 4 ferry companies. Anek Lines operate their crossing up to 1 times per week, Zante Ferries 1 times per week, SeaJets 14 times per week & the Golden Star Ferries service is available up to 7 times per week.
There are a combined 23 sailings available per week on the Thira Milos crossing.
Again, check times and prices and book with Ferryhopper.
4. Cruise to Milos
Luckily Milos receives little cruise ship traffic and does not have the facilities to accommodate many. There is one ship a week , Celystal, that moors in the bay near Adamas and does a Greek Island-only itinerary, and a few random visits from small luxury carriers from time to time.
Some of the best cruise offerings visiting Milos are;
10 day small group (11) island hopping including Santorini, Paros and Naxos
5. Sail to Milos
Visitors to Greece have been enjoying the magical experience of sailing around the islands for decades, either under their own steam in a bareboat charter or by hiring a skippered yacht.
The ability to explore uncharted waters, empty beaches and coves, ancient caves and ruins and largely design your own itinerary remains a popular and iconic way to enjoy Greece.
It is possible to sail from Athens to Milos in a reasonable time frame that can include other destinations and islands in the Cyclades as well such as Santorini, Ios, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and the Small Cyclades to the East or, Sifnos, Syros and Kea to the West.
These are our pick of some of the best ways to sail the Greek islands;
Sail the Cyclades in a superior Catamaran from Athens
Explore the Cyclades islands sailing with Intrepid Travel
Sail the Aegean from Athens on a hiking tour of the western Cyclades
Getting around Milos
It’s a good idea to hire a car on Milos, even just for a day or two. The main attractions and best beaches and villages are quite far apart and the local bus service is slow and infrequent ( although improving!).
Driving is pretty easy. There are no traffic lights, little traffic and only a couple of high narrow streets to tackle, which you can avoid if you want. Much of the island is off-limits to cars, especially hire cars as the land is leased for Mining and insurance will not cover those spots. Your car rental place will let you know where you can and cant go.
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