How To Get to Milos, Greece: The Ultimate Guide 2025
Are you curious about how to get to Milos for your Greece vacation?
Then you’ve landed on the right page! After visiting Milos multiple times, I can help you find your way to the island.
It’s no wonder Milos is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Its volcanic landscape has given it some of the most unique beaches in Greece.
In addition to the natural attractions, Milos has incredibly kind locals, a calm atmosphere, and charming villages to explore. You won’t regret including this on your Greece itinerary!
But one of the first things you need to figure out is how you’ll get there. Luckily, there are a few options you can use.
In my complete guide below, I will dive into:
Going On A Trip To Milos? Check Out These Resources!
🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
🚘 Car Rentals: To find the best prices, I use Discover Cars!
✈️ Flights: To find great flight prices, I check on Skyscanner.
📍Tours: I use Viator to find memorable experiences.
Where is Milos?
Milos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea that is part of the Cyclades group. Other islands in this region include Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, and more.
The Cyclades are Greece’s most visited island group, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Milos Map
Milos is the furthest southwestern island in the region. It is located southwest of Kimolos and Sifnos and slightly northwest of Folegandros.
In addition, the island covers an area of 151 square kilometers (58 square miles) and is the fifth largest in the Cyclades.
Milos has grown in popularity thanks to its natural attractions, beaches, villages, and stunning views. Despite this, you can enjoy the island without congestion like Mykonos and Santorini.
You’ll surely want to add this island when planning your Greece trip.
What’s the Best Way To Get to Milos?
You can use two transportation methods to get to Milos: flight or ferry.
The best option will ultimately depend on your preferences and where you depart from.
Flying to Milos
Milos has an airport in its center, Milos Island National Airport (code: MLO). The airport is only 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from its busy and main port town, Adamas (also known as Adamantas).
While having an airport is convenient, the only available flights are to and from Athens, limiting your options. This also means you must first connect in Athens if coming from another part of Greece.
Despite that, flying is a fast way to reach Milos, with flights from Athens taking only around 40 minutes. Prices typically range from $50-$150 for a one-way, with numerous daily flights available during the tourist season.
I’ll discuss flight options in more detail later in this post to help you decide if flying is your best choice.
Ferries to Milos
In addition to flying, you may also reach Milos by ferry.
Ferries arrive at the island’s main port town, Adamas. This is one of the busiest areas on the island, full of restaurants, shops, bars, and accommodation options.
The duration of the ferry depends on several factors:
During the primary tourist season (May through October), multiple routes to Milos from Athens and other Cycladic islands are available.
If you’re coming from a neighboring island, you’ll likely take the ferry. This especially applies to islands without an airport, like Folegandros and Koufonisia.
Though ferries have longer journeys than flights, they have several benefits. Among them are no airport hassle and bringing vehicles aboard select vessels.
🛥️Book your ferry from Milos with Ferryhopper.
Getting to Milos From Athens
If you’re asking how to get to Milos from Athens, you can book a direct route by flight or ferry.
While either option is acceptable, taking a flight will save you considerable travel time. This is especially true if you must arrive in Athens from your originating location.
Next, I’ll explain the two options to help you decide which one to go with.
Flights to Milos From Athens
Flights from Athens to Milos leave from Athens International Airport (code: ATH). This is also the only airport in the country where you can fly to the island.
You can book with either Sky Express or Olympic Air (a subsidiary of Aegean Airlines). Due to the short distance, both airlines use small twin turboprop planes (ATR 42/72).
During the shoulder and peak seasons, there are around 5-10 daily flights to Milos. However, if you visit during the off-season, this decreases to two or fewer and aren’t available daily.
How Long Is the Flight From Athens to Milos?
Flights to Milos are relatively short and take around 40 minutes from Athens. Thus, flying is the fastest and most direct option.
How Much Does the Flight from Athens to Milos Cost?
A flight to Milos from Athens costs $50- $150. The lowest rates are in the off-season, and prices notably increase during the main tourist season.
Ferries to Milos From Athens
In addition to flights, you can reach Milos by ferry from Athens.
Like flights, there are ferries to Milos year-round, with multiple daily journeys. The frequency of journeys is highest during the tourist season, with a few available during the off-season.
Most ferries depart from the Port of Piraeus and arrive at Adamas Port in Milos. A few also leave from Lavrio Port, but this route isn’t available year-round.
While flights are shorter, you can bring vehicles aboard select vessels and even book cabins on some. Booking in advance is advisable, but you shouldn’t have much to worry about the ferry being sold out.
How Long Is the Ferry From Athens to Milos?
Most ferries will take 3 to 4 hours, but some are lengthy, around 7 hours. As mentioned, ferry durations are influenced by the vessel type, specific route, and more.
For example, Aegean Sea Lines operates the same ship, Anemos, but it does not follow the same daily itinerary. Additionally, Seajets has multiple high-speed ferries in its fleet, but they have different speeds and routes.
Below are the durations from the leading operators to Milos:
|
Ferry Operator |
Duration |
|---|---|
|
2 hours, 35 minutes-4 hours, 10 minutes | |
|
4 hours | |
|
6 hours, 40 minutes-7 hours, 20 minutes | |
|
7 hours |
How Much Does the Ferry from Athens to Milos Cost?
Like the durations, ferry costs will differ based on similar factors.
Prices can range from €43-€85.70. High-speed ferries, like those operated by Seajets, will typically cost more than conventional ones. Still, you are likely to pay less for a ferry than booking a flight.
Below is what you can expect to pay between the operators:
|
Ferry Operator |
Cost |
|---|---|
|
Seajets |
€77.70-€85.70 |
|
Minoan Lines |
€44-€59 |
|
Aegean Sea Lines |
€48 |
|
Zante Ferries |
€43 |
Getting to Milos From Other Greek Islands
If you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, you can reach Milos by flight or ferry. However, the most common way is by ferry.
This is because there are no direct flights between the islands. You will always have to connect in Athens when traveling by air in the Cyclades. Depending on your layover length, flying might also use up much of your day.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Only six Cycladic islands have airports: Santorini, Mykonos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, and Milos. So, if you’re coming from an island like Koufonisia, you must first go to Naxos or another island to fly.
On average, flights for island hopping are more expensive than booking a ferry. To give you an idea, a flight from Paros to Milos can cost around $100-$210.
Regarding using ferries, the duration and price will depend on which island you come from and type of boat.
You can expect to pay between €34.70 and €108.70 for a one-way.
Travel times, again, will differ. For example, rides from Sifnos are shorter at 45 minutes, but lengthier from Naxos at over 4 hours.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Not all Cycladic islands have a direct ferry route to Milos. You may have to switch your itinerary around for an island that does or book a connection.
How to Get From Santorini to Milos
A ferry from Santorini to Milos takes about 2 hours, making it one of the most convenient routes. I first traveled to the island from Santorini using the ferry and found it to be an easy process.
Prices for this route usually run at €93.70.
As previously mentioned, although Santorini has an airport, you’ll still need an Athens connection to fly to Milos.
On average, a one-way ticket from Athens to Milos costs between $100 and $250. Due to layovers, the travel time is also longer than the ferry’s.
How to Get From Mykonos to Milos
Another popular starting point is Mykonos, which offers the same transportation options as Santorini. Ferries from Mykonos are around 3 hours and typically cost €108.70.
👉TRAVEL TIP: “Direct” ferries often include stops at other islands. Ensure you’re paying attention to the announcements to get off the right stop!
Like Santorini, you will need a connection in Athens to fly, even though Mykonos has an airport. Flights are usually priced at $140-$240 and take about 4 hours total travel time for the most convenient routes.
Getting to Milos From Outside of Greece
Now that you know how to get to Milos from within Greece, I’ll explain how to reach the island from other countries.
You cannot get a direct flight to Milos if your starting point is outside Greece. First, you must stop in Athens and then take a flight or ferry.
Once you land in Athens, the fastest way to Milos is to take a domestic flight.
Commonly, booking a direct itinerary to Milos can be more expensive than booking your flight from Athens separately. If this applies to you, I recommend reserving separate flights.
So, if you’re coming from New York, book an outbound itinerary to Athens. This also provides you with the flexibility to stay overnight in Athens, which is especially great if it’s your first Greece trip.
Of course, you are not limited to taking a flight from Athens to Milos. Booking a ferry is an additional option that may suit your preferences more.
How to Get to Milos: FAQs
I hope you now have a clear understanding of the available travel options to Milos. Next I’ll answer some commonly asked questions.
What Airport Do You Fly Into for Milos?
When flying to Milos, you arrive at Milos Island National Airport, the island’s only airport. It is a small regional airport about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Adamas, the main port town of Milos.
Should I Fly or Ferry From Athens to Milos?
Whether you fly or take the ferry from Athens to Milos depends on your preferences. However, flying is the most convenient option.
Flights to Milos are relatively short, at 40 minutes. In contrast, the shortest ferry to Milos is 2 hours and 35 minutes, and they are often delayed.
How Long Is the Ferry From Athens to Milos?
Ferries from Athens to Milos differ due to vessel types, paths, etc.
The fastest ferry to Milos is a high-speed catamaran that takes 2 hours and 35 minutes. However, there are longer ferries that take around 4 to 7 hours.
How Many Days in Milos Is Enough?
Milos is an incredible island and there is not a single answer for how long to stay—it all depends on what you want to experience.
For a first visit, I recommend spending at least three to four days on the island, which is a good guideline for many Greek islands. This provides time to explore the beautiful villages, witness Sarakiniko beach, and do activities like a catamaran tour.
If you prefer a slower pace or want a more in-depth experience, staying a week or longer is ideal. With extra time, you can uncover hidden gems and further immerse yourself in local culture.
To Sum Up: How to Get to Milos
There you have it; a complete guide on how to get to Milos.
Since Milos only has routes to and from Athens, you will always need to connect there to fly. Flights from Athens are quick, only taking around 40 minutes.
If you’re island hopping in the Cyclades, taking a ferry is the best option. This is due to the need to connect in Athens in addition to every island not having an airport.
Of course, which transportation option to use is up to you. I hope you have a great time in Milos!
