How to Get To Milos Greece – Ferry And Flight Info

You can get to Milos Greece either by ferry, or plane. This guide gives you all the information you need to book your trip to one of the most up-and-coming Greek islands.

The Greek island of Milos

In recent years, many people ask how to get to Milos. The photogenic Milos beaches and the wild, otherworldly landscapes attract visitors who like nature.

Sailing trips to the picturesque Kleftiko beach are among the most highly rated experiences in the whole of Greece! 

But, how can you get to Milos? Well, I am an Athenian and I’ve been to Milos a few times over the years. So I wrote this comprehensive guide for people planning a visit to this amazing island. 

There are two ways to get to Milos island. You can either take a ferry to Adamas, the main port town, or a domestic flight from the Athens International Airport.

And now, let’s break down everything you need to know to get to Milos, including ferry and flight information.

Ferry routes to Milos

Milos belongs to the Cyclades group of islands, and it’s located in the Aegean sea, to the east of mainland Greece. Other islands in the same group include Mykonos, Santorini, Andros and Tinos. 

A number of ferries depart daily from Piraeus, the main port in Athens, to Milos. There are also ferry connections with Mykonos and Santorini islands, which both have international airports.

Ferries from Piraeus port to Milos

In 2023, there are three companies operating the ferry route from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Milos port. During the summer, there are normally multiple departures per day. Most of these ferries stop at other Cycladic islands first, and there are also a few direct Piraeus – Milos ferries.

SeaJets, one of the best known ferry companies operating in Greece, run a few high speed ferries which take 2.5-3.5 hours to get to Milos. Prices start at 74.70 euro one way.

A slow boat called Prevelis goes to Milos a few times a week. Run by ANEK / Aegeon Pelagos, this ferry is the best budget option. Prices start at 40 euro one way, and the ferry ride takes about 5.5 hours.

Finally, Zante Ferries operates a slow ferry called Dionisios Solomos to Milos on some days per week. This ferry takes around 7 hours to reach the island, and costs 48 euro one way. 

You can check all available ferry routes and book your ferry tickets here: Ferryscanner.

Ferries from Santorini and Mykonos to Milos

Another way to get to Milos is to fly to either Santorini or Mykonos, and then take an onward ferry to Milos. 

For 2023, the fastest SeaJet ferry from Santorini to Milos takes 2 hours, and ticket prices start from 93.70 euro one way. There’s also the slow ferry run by Zante Ferries, which takes 5 hours 20 minutes, but only costs 16 euro.  

The fastest Mykonos – Milos route takes about 3 and a half hours, and tickets start from 108.70 euro one way.

Which Milos ferry is better?

While there is a wide choice of daily ferries going to Milos, not all of them are made equal! Read carefully, especially if you haven’t taken a ferry in Greece before!

Some of the high-speed SeaJet ferries, like the Super Jet, and the Sea Jet 2, are smaller ferries and don’t carry vehicles. While these ferries might run a direct route to Milos, and are faster as a result, they can be pretty bad to travel on when it’s windy. And yes – the meltemi summer winds can get very strong!

Even if you don’t get seasick easily, it’s best to choose one of the large ferries which can carry vehicles, and are generally more comfortable to travel on. Choose between the Champion Jet 2, or the Speedrunner Jet, both departing from Piraeus.

If you are going to Milos from either Mykonos or Santorini, you will have no choice but to travel on the smaller SeaJets. Consider taking some seasickness pills before you travel. This is me speaking from several decades of experience!

While the ports at Mykonos and Santorini are small, Piraeus port is very big and chaotic. Before you travel, check exactly which gate your ferry is departing from. Make sure you are at the port about an hour in advance of your ferry journey, especially if you are travelling in peak season.

As for the slow Zante ferry, I’ve taken this a number of times myself. It’s not very luxurious, but it’s fine if you don’t mind spending a longer time on board. 

Piraeus to Milos ferry timetables

Ferry timetables from Piraeus to Milos vary a lot throughout the year. Ferry schedules change between seasons, and often change from year to year.

In summer, there will generally be a few ferries per day. During the off-season, there are one or two ferries per day on the Athens-Milos route, on most days.

I use Ferryscanner to compare ferry routes and book ferry tickets to the Greek islands. You can also check ticket prices and book your tickets through this link.

Generally speaking, summer ferry routes may not be published until March or April. Zante Ferries, in particular, tend to be very bad with putting their ferry timetables up!

If you are trying to plan your summer trip in January, you won’t be able to see all itineraries, as the companies haven’t released them yet. Check again in spring, and you will discover most ferry schedules.

Ferries to Milos from other Greek islands

Milos has frequent ferry connections with many other popular islands in the Cyclades. Apart from Mykonos and Santorini, there are direct ferries to Milos from Paros, Naxos, Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros. 

On some years, the slow Preveli ferry connects Milos with Crete and some of the Dodecanese islands, including Rhodes, a few times per week.

Again, Ferryscanner is a great place to compare routes and fares for the Cycladic islands. If you are island-hopping in Greece, it will be an invaluable tool.

Ferry from Milos to Kimolos

Kimolos is a small, relatively unknown wild island close to Milos. It is ideal for a day trip from Milos, or a longer stay. It’s one of my favourite islands in the Cyclades!

There are a few ferries per week stopping at Adamas port in Milos and continuing to Kimolos. 

The two islands are also connected via a small local ferry, Osia Methodia, departing from the quaint Pollonia port in Milos. There are several daily routes, taking just under 30 minutes.

If you are planning to visit both Kimolos and Milos, this boat is a better option. Ferry tickets are available at the port, or on the ferry itself, and you don’t need to pre-book.

Fun fact – Greeks call this ferry “pantofla”, literally meaning “slipper”! You can find more information and up-to-date timetables here.

Tips for Using the Ferries in Greece

If you haven’t used the Greek ferries before, here are a few final tips to make your journey more pleasant.

The highspeed ferries, like all the SeaJets, only offer designated indoors seats. There are different seat categories. As a rule, the more expensive the ticket, the more personal space you will have.

The slower ferries include a “deck” category, which means that you won’t have an allocated seat. You can either sit at the common areas inside the ferry, or sit outside and gaze towards the Aegean sea.

If you don’t have your own designated seat, you should get to your ferry early and find a seat in the public areas as fast as you can.

Whilst food and drink are available on board, you can bring your own if you want. Some ferries only have snack bars, while some others may also offer hot dishes. However, if it’s a windy day, it’s best to avoid eating if you can!

One last tip – ferries can often be delayed. Allow for at least an hour or two of delays, just in case something goes wrong.

Also, NEVER book your flight back home a few hours after your expected arrival time from Milos to Piraeus. It’s better to spend an extra night in Athens, or at least allow for several hours in between.

Here are some more tips on Greek ferries, including a complete list of ferries in Greece.

How crowded do Greek ferries get?

At busy times of the year, ferries sometimes get sold out and are fairly crowded. Take that into account when you are getting ready to disembark. You will then get a taste of the Real Greece as everyone tries to get out as soon as possible!

Outside peak season, however, you may have the whole ferry to yourself. I took the photo below on 29 September 2020, on our return ferry from Milos to Piraeus. There were only a handful of people on board!

Ferry tickets can often be booked a day or two before you travel. However, it’s always best to book early, especially if you are travelling in peak season.

After all, you don’t want to be stuck on Milos without a return ticket home… oh, wait… what?!!! 🙂

Travelling to Milos with your own vehicle

Many of the ferries from Athens to Milos can take vehicles on board. So, if you are planning a road trip in Europe or Greece, you’ll find it easy to take your own car or campervan.

Most people visit the Greek islands and opt for a rental vehicle. If you are island-hopping in the Cyclades, it’s cheaper to hire a car / quad on each island you are visiting, to avoid paying the extra ferry ticket for the vehicle. Moreover, certain rental companies don’t allow transportation of their vehicles by ferry.

If you’re driving a vehicle on board, be prepared for lots of shouting and arm gestures as the staff try to get everyone loaded on board super-quickly. For me, this is the most challenging part of a Greek island-hopping adventure!

Flying from Athens to Milos Greece

Apart from Adamas port, Milos has a small domestic airport. It is located about 5 kms south of Adamas, and 8 kms from Plaka, the capital.

There are currently no international flights arriving directly at Milos airport from abroad. Instead, you would first need to get to the Athens International airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, and then catch a 40-minute connecting flight from Athens to Milos.

At the time of writing, two carriers operate the Athens to Milos route. These are the well-known Olympic Airways / Aegean Airlines, and a smaller company called Sky Express. Ticket prices start from 60-65 euro one way, and can go up to well over 100 euro.

In peak season there are several direct flights per day, but it’s best to reserve your spot as early as you can. Last-minute prices tend to be quite high.

Athens to Milos airfares and luggage allowance

Luggage allowance on your Athens to Milos flight will depend on the airfare you choose. Make sure you pick the one that is suitable for you.

With that said, it’s absolutely possible to travel to the Greek islands with hand-luggage only. All in all, you won’t need to bring many clothes with you. Here is my guide to packing for Greece, to get you in the mood!

If you decide to fly to Milos, it’s best to arrange transportation to your Milos hotel in advance of your trip.

Usually, there are public buses running to / from Milos airport a few times per day. If the times don’t suit you, you can arrange a private transfer, or perhaps pre-book a taxi through your hotel.

Best way to travel to Milos island Greece

From all the above, you will have gathered that there is no single best way to get to Milos island in Greece.

The good thing is that there is plenty of choice, from short domestic flights to low-budget ferries that will stop on many islands before they reach Milos.

Most people travelling to Greece often combine flights and ferries. I personally prefer the ferry whenever I can, as it sets the mood for an island vacation!

FAQ – How to get to the island of Milos in Greece

Here are some questions often asked by people visiting the Greek island of Milos:

What is Milos known for?

Milos island is best known for its volcanic landscapes and picturesque beaches, like Kleftiko or Sarakiniko beach. The island also has an interesting mining history.

How do you get to Milos in Greece?

You can get to Milos in Greece by flight, or ferry. If you have time, you should get a ferry from either Athens or Santorini, as it’s a lovely experience.

Can you fly to Milos Greece?

Yes, Milos Greece has a small national airport. There are currently no direct international flights, so you would have to catch a short domestic flight to Milos from Athens.

How long is the ferry ride from Athens to Milos?

There are many different ferries on the Athens to Milos route. They can take anywhere from 2.5 hours to about 8 hours. You can check ferry schedules and book your tickets on Ferryscanner.

How do I get around Milos?

You can get around Milos by car / ATV / scooter, bus or taxi. Cars are the fastest way to go from place to place on the island. Buses will take you to the main towns and a few of the incredible beaches.

More Milos travel guides

I hope this article has been useful! Here are some more Milos travel guides:

• Reasons to visit Milos island in Greece 
• Best time to visit Milos and Kimolos in Greece 
• Where to stay in Milos
• How to hike to Kleftiko Bay 
• How to get around Milos – A complete guide on how to discover Milos island
• Ten best beaches in Milos – Includes the best beaches, and also some of the lesser known beaches

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Hi! I’m Vanessa, a travel writer from Athens. I love sharing my local knowledge about Greece and helping visitors fall in love with my country 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog post on how to get to Milos! You can get in touch through the Real Greek Experiences FB page and FB group.