How to Get to Milos, Greece: A Complete Breakdown

Are you planning a trip to the Greek Islands and wondering how to get to Milos, Greece?

Milos is slowly becoming one of the more popular Greek Islands in the Cycladic island chain, and for good reason! Its incredibly unique beaches and adorable seaside towns are enough to make anyone swoon.

However, getting to Milos might not be as straightforward as you think! In this guide, I break down everything you need to know about how to get to Milos, Greece.

I’ll cover how to get to Milos from other areas of Europe and the USA, as well as getting to Milos from other Greek islands. I’ll also touch on costs of flights versus ferry tickets and more!

So, keep reading if you are planning a trip to the island of Milos and wondering the different ways to get there!

Before we get into this guide on how to get to Milos, Greece, I wanted to touch on where the heck Milos is in relation to other islands! This is important to understand before discussing how to get there!

Milos is part of the Cyclades island chain in the Aegean Sea, which also includes Ios, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Mykonos, and many others! This is definitely the most famous out of all the Greek island chains.

Below is a graphic of the Cyclades to show you where Milos is among the islands and in relation to Athens, the capital of Greece on the mainland.

The island of Milos is around 60 square miles (160 square km), which makes it slightly larger than other islands like Santorini and Mykonos.

Milos is famous for its incredible landscapes, like the cliffs of Kleftiko and the lunar landscapes of Sarkiniko Beach! It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever traveled to, and it definitely deserves a spot on your Greek Islands itinerary.

For more information on the island of Milos, make sure to check out my Ultimate Milos Itinerary and my breakdown of Where to Stay in Milos!

Flying into Milos, Greece vs Taking the Ferry

The two primary options for getting to the island of Milos are by flying or taking a ferry.

I will analyze both of these options later in this post depending on where you are traveling from; however, here is a quick overview!

Flying to Milos, Greece

Milos has a small airport on the island: Milos Island National Airport (MLO). The airport is located in the center of the island, less than 10 minutes away from the port of Adamantas.

Unfortunately, the only place you can fly to from the Milos airport is Athens International Airport (ATH). During the summer months, there are multiple flights a day between Milos and Athens. In the off-season, the options become fewer (1 or 2 per day, or fewer).

Two airlines offer flights to and from Milos: Olympic Air (owned by Aegean Airlines) and Sky Express. The travel time is approximately 40 minutes, and the average cost ranges from $50-$150! (Some flights in off season drop all the way to $19!).

Taking the Ferry to Milos, Greece

The other primary option for traveling to Milos, Greece is taking a ferry!

Milos is served by its main ferry port in the town of Adamas (also called Adamantas). This town is one of the most popular places to stay on Milos, thanks to the large amount of restaurants and shops near the port.

Ferry schedules vary year to year; however, during the summer months, there are typically multiple ferries per day to Milos from Athens and other neighboring islands. This is the most popular way to travel to Milos during the summer!

Note: You can use Omio to check ferry options and costs across different companies! ⛴️

I will dive into the exact routes and time tables later in this post, depending on where you are traveling from. However, as you can see on the map below, there are several different options for ferry routes leaving Milos!

How to Get to Milos from Outside Greece

Now that we’ve covered the top two ways to get to Milos, let’s dive into the details based on various starting locations.

If you’re traveling from outside of Greece, whether that be from the USA or from Europe, you will not be able to fly straight to Milos.

As mentioned above, the only way to fly to Milos is by connecting in Athens first. However, I highly recommend booking separate flights, which will save you time and money.

For example, if you are flying from Paris, you should book a one-way flight from Paris to Athens, then another flight from Athens to Milos. Your options for flights from Paris to Athens will be much better if you are not booked all the way through to Milos.

Just make sure to give yourself enough time during your layover! Or, even better, spend a night or two in Athens before heading onto Milos!

Note: While you cannot fly from other countries in Europe straight to Milos, you can do this for other islands in the Cyclades. For example, I took a direct flight from Paris to Santorini and did not have to stop in Athens. Then, we took the ferry from Santorini to Milos later in the trip. If your trip to Greece includes other islands, this might be a good option for you!

How to Get to Milos Once in Greece

Now that you understand how to get to Milos from other countries, I am going to provide a few options for getting to Milos from specific areas in Greece!

How to Get to Milos from Athens

Flying from Athens to Milos

Now, we’ve already covered that the two main options for getting to Milos from Athens are to take the ferry or fly. Which you choose will depend on your preferences, allotted time, and budget. However, I highly recommend flying.

Here is a look at the average costs of flying one way from Athens to Milos in July and August, which is peak season (this screenshot was taken in May).

As seen in the above, you can get a one-way flight from Athens to Milos for as cheap as $62, even during peak summer months.

Plus, a flight from Athens to Milos takes less than an hour! So, this is definitely the preferred method, especially if you are already going to be in the Athens airport flying from your home location.

Taking the Ferry from Athens to Milos

Now, let’s look at the ferry options between Athens and Milos! Most ferries will leave from the port city of Piraeus; however, some leave from Lavrio.

Again, I highly recommend using Omio to compare costs and departure times across the different ferry companies and ports!

Now let’s look at pricing! The below screenshot is for a Friday in mid-July (again, taken in May).Note that exact schedules, availability, and costs will vary month to month and season to season, but this is a good example.

How to Get to Milos from Santorini

Now let’s discuss how to get from Santorini to Milos! If you are planning a Greece Island Hopping Itinerary, you will probably be visiting multiple islands, which I highly recommend!

And although both Santorini and Milos have their own airports, there are no direct flights between the two of them. So silly, right?!

If you would like to fly between Santorini and Milos, you have to connect in Athens.

As you can see on the image below, one way flights from Santorini to Milos range between $130 to $200 and up. The fastest travel time for this particular option is just 2 hours and 15 minutes, which includes a 50-minute layover in Athens (quite short).

If you don’t mind connecting in Athens, this is not a bad option for getting to Milos.

Your other option, however, is to take the ferry! During the summer months, there are usually 1-3 ferries traveling between Santorini and Milos.

Below is an example from a Friday in June (screenshot taken in May). In the winter, routes may drop to only a few times per week.

This ferry route usually costs between 50 and 100 euros, depending on time of year and when you book!

Note: While the ferries say direct, they are not always direct. We booked what we thought was a direct ferry from Santorini to Milos, and it ended up stopping at a few other islands (not sure why!).

Between that and the delayed departure, it would’ve been faster for us to fly! So, it really is up to you and what your preferences are.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my guide on How Many Days to Spend in Santorini if you are visiting other Greek islands besides Milos!

Last but not least, let’s talk about how to get to Milos from Mykonos. As you probably know, Mykonos is another very popular Greek island and the perfect addition to any Greece itinerary.

Mykonos is a bit further from Milos than Santorini, but not by much! Your options for getting from Mykonos to Milos are almost identical as Santorini: fly or take the ferry.

And just like between Milos and Santorini, there are no direct flights between Milos Airport (MLO) and Mykonos Airport (JMK). All flights connect in Athens.

Prices are similar to the Santorini flights, between $130 and $250. The times are similar as well and vary depending on how long your layover in Athens is!

On the other hand, your options are slightly limited if you want to take the ferry from Mykonos to Milos. In the summer months, there is typically one ferry per day going from Mykonos to Milos.

In the winter months, the frequency drops down to a few times per week (instead of one per day).

Typical costs of the ferry hover around 100 euros. So, it really is up to you on whether or not you want to take the ferry or fly between Mykonos and Milos!

How to Get to Milos from Other Islands

It would take forever to list out the options for getting to Milos from every Cyclades island! However, the theme is the same.

If the island has an airport (like Santorini, Paros, Naxos, or Mykonos), you can fly between islands, but you will have a connection in Athens.

The other option is to take the ferry between islands. This might be your only option if the island does not have its own airport, like Ios or Antiparos.

Things to Do in Milos, Greece

While figuring out how to get to Milos is key, knowing what to do once you arrive is just as important!

Milos is an absolute gem in the Cyclades, famous for its lunar landscapes, turquoise waters, and charming seaside villages. I recommend spending 3 days on Milos to be able to do and see it all!

Here is a quick summary of my must-dos, or you can check out my full blog post for 16 Incredible Things to Do in Milos!

Explore the Unique Beaches

Milos is home to some of the most diverse and jaw-dropping beaches in Greece. Thanks to its volcanic history, each beach has its own unique landscape and color palette, making beach-hopping one of the best things to do here!

Below are the top 3 beaches I recommend checking out. Note: You’ll want to have a rental car or ATV to be able explore around Milos properly!

• Sarakiniko Beach – This is the most iconic beach on the island, known for its moon-like white rock formations that contrast beautifully with the deep blue Aegean. The smooth volcanic rocks are perfect for sunbathing, and there are plenty of flat ledges for cliff jumping if you’re feeling adventurous and the sea is calm.
• Firiplaka Beach – One of the larger beaches on the island, Firiplaka is framed by multi-colored cliffs that add a pop of color to the soft sandy shoreline. The shallow, turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, and there’s a small beach bar for snacks and drinks.
• Tsigrado Beach – This one’s for the adventurers. To access this tiny cove, you’ll need to climb down a wooden ladder through a narrow rock crevice. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful, tucked-away beach.

For more details on these beaches and more, make sure to check out my blog post on the Best Beaches in Milos, Greece! 🏖️

Take a Boat Tour to Kleftiko

One of the most iconic sights in Milos is Kleftiko, a series of towering white cliffs and sea caves that can only be reached by boat.

Once a pirate hideout, Kleftiko is now a must-visit spot for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. The striking rock formations, crystal-clear water, and hidden caves make it one of the most photogenic places on the island.

To get to Kleftiko, you will either need to rent a boat or book a tour. Several local companies offer full-day sailing trips to Kleftiko that also stop at places like Sykia Cave and Gerakas Beach.

Many tours include snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear, making it an easy and fun day out. This is the tour we booked, and we had a blast!

They even have smaller boats on the sailboat so you can cruise through the caves at Kleftiko and swim in the cave lagoons. Definitely my favorite thing we did in Milos!

Read more about the top boat tours in Milos, Greece here! ⚓

Wander Through the Island’s Adorable Towns

Just like other Greek islands, Milos is dotted with charming villages, each offering its own unique vibe. Wandering through these towns is one of the best ways to soak in the island’s laid-back charm. Here are the top ones you need to visit!

• Plaka – The island’s hilltop capital is a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and bougainvillea-covered walls. It’s the perfect place for a lazy afternoon stroll, popping into boutique shops and grabbing a coffee at a local café. Don’t miss climbing up to the Venetian Castle for panoramic views over the island.
• Pollonia – This seaside village is known for its relaxed vibe, sandy beach, and waterfront tavernas. It’s a great spot for a sunset dinner or as a base if you prefer a more peaceful stay.
• Klima – Famous for its colorful syrmata (traditional fishermen’s houses), Klima is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. The houses, painted in bright blues, reds, and greens, line the waterfront and make for the perfect postcard photo.

Visit the Ancient Catacombs and Roman Theater

Milos isn’t just about beaches and boat tours—it’s also home to some fascinating historical sites. Near the village of Tripiti, you’ll find the Catacombs of Milos, one of the most significant early Christian burial sites in Greece. Dating back to the 1st century AD, these underground tunnels once served as both a cemetery and a place of worship.

Just a short walk from the catacombs is the Ancient Roman Theater, partially restored and offering stunning views over the Aegean Sea. And nearby is where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered in the 19th century, now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

You can book this cultural tour which includes a visit to all three sites while on Milos! 🏛️

Sample Local Milos Cuisine

Greek food is legendary, and Milos brings its own delicious spin to classic island dishes. Thanks to its volcanic soil and rich fishing grounds, the island offers a mix of fresh seafood, local cheeses, and unique pastries.

• Pitarakia – These small, fried cheese pies are a Milos specialty, stuffed with local soft cheese and often sprinkled with sesame seeds.
• Karpouzopita – A sweet watermelon pie made with watermelon, honey, and sesame seeds. It’s the ultimate summer treat.
• Fresh Seafood – With fishing villages like Pollonia and Klima, there’s no shortage of seaside tavernas serving up grilled octopus, calamari, and catch-of-the-day dishes. I had the best ceviche of my life here!

For an authentic dining experience, head to a waterfront taverna like Astakas in Klima or Gialos in Pollonia. Pair your meal with a glass of crisp local wine and enjoy the sea views!

Watch the Sunset from Plaka and Klima Beach

Milos has some of the best sunsets in the Cyclades, and two of the top spots to watch it are Plaka and Klima Beach.

In Plaka, head up to the Venetian Castle (Kastro) for sweeping views over the Aegean. The short uphill walk through narrow alleys leads you to one of the highest points on the island, where you can watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange as the sun dips below the horizon.

For a more relaxed sunset, make your way down to Klima Beach, a colorful fishing village just below Plaka. Known for its iconic syrmata—brightly painted fishermen’s houses lining the waterfront—Klima offers a peaceful seaside setting to watch the sun reflect off the water.

I highly recommending reserving a table at Astakas, the village’s only waterfront taverna. Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes right by the sea as you watch the sun sink into the sea!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are several options to consider when figuring out how to get to Milos, Greece!

If you are coming from Europe or the USA, you’ll first need to fly into Athens to start your journey. From there, you can either fly or take a ferry!

For those coming from another Greek Island, the most common method is to take a ferry, since all flights must connect through Athens. However, flying should still be considered as it may be cheaper and faster!

Whichever option you choose, I promise Milos is worth it! This island felt so untouched compared to places like Santorini. And now that you know how to get there, check out my 3 Day Milos itinerary for all the details you need plan your stay on the island!

Or, read more blog posts about the Greek Islands below! ⬇️🇬🇷
The ULTIMATE One Week Greece Island Hopping Itinerary
A Perfect Santorini Itinerary: 3 Days in Santorini, Greece!
How Many Days In Santorini? 1, 2, And 3-Day Itineraries
Where to Stay in Santorini for First Time Visitors
17 Things To Do In Oia, Santorini’s Most Beautiful Town!
How To Get To Milos, Greece: A Complete Breakdown
A PERFECT Milos Itinerary: 3 Days On Milos, Greece!
Where To Stay In Milos, Greece: Best Hotels, Areas, & More
16 INCREDIBLE Things to Do in Milos, Greece
Top 10 Beaches In Milos, Greece: A Complete Guide
BEST Boat Tours in Milos, Greece (To Kleftiko and Beyond!)
What To Pack For The Greek Islands (Downloadable Guide)!

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