How to Get to Milos Island: Your Complete Guide

How to Get to Milos: The Ultimate Transportation Guide to Greece's Volcanic Gem

Milos, the jewel of the Cyclades, is fast becoming a must-visit destination for travelers chasing unique beaches, rugged landscapes, and volcanic charm. With its surreal rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and colorful fishing villages, it’s no wonder Milos attracts thousands of visitors every year. And luckily—it’s quite easy to get there!

Whether you’re coming from Athens, island-hopping from Santorini or Mykonos, or seeking a luxury helicopter ride over the Aegean, this guide covers every possible way to get to Milos.

🚢 Ferry to Milos: The Most Popular Option

If you're dreaming of watching the Aegean waves roll by as you cruise toward Milos, the ferry is the way to go.

🛳️ From Athens to Milos by Ferry

The main departure point for ferries to Milos is the Port of Piraeus, just outside Athens. During summer, there are multiple sailings per day, including both conventional and high-speed ferries.

• High-speed ferry: 3.5 to 4 hours (more expensive)
• Conventional ferry: 6 to 7 hours (cheaper, larger ships with more deck space)

Another option is the Port of Lavrio, which offers a budget-friendly conventional ferry year-round. Be warned—it takes about 15 hours to reach Milos from Lavrio, so it's best for travelers not in a rush.

🏝️ Inter-island Ferries to Milos

Milos is well-connected to many other Cycladic and Greek islands, including:

• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Paros
• Naxos
• Serifos
• Sifnos
• Folegandros
• Crete (Heraklion)

Ferry routes vary seasonally, with the summer months (May to October) offering the most connections and frequent sailings. Always check the latest schedules in advance.

💡 Tip: Book ferry tickets early in peak season (July–August), especially for high-speed vessels that sell out quickly.

✈️ Flights to Milos: Quick but Limited

Milos does have an airport—Milos Island National Airport (MLO)—but it’s a domestic-only airport, which means all flights arrive only from Athens.

🛫 Flight Details:

• Route: Athens International Airport (ATH) → Milos (MLO)
• Flight time: Approx. 40 minutes
• Airlines: Olympic Air, Sky Express

The airport is located just 5 km from Adamas, the main port town, and 10 km from the scenic capital, Plaka. From the airport, you can reach your accommodation via taxi, rental car, or the local bus network (though schedules may be limited, especially off-season).

📍 Note: There are no direct international flights to Milos, so travelers from abroad must connect through Athens.

🚁 Helicopter Transfer to Milos: Fast & Scenic

If you're craving a VIP arrival—or just want to skip the ferry crowds—a helicopter transfer is the most luxurious and fastest way to reach Milos. Especially popular for honeymooners and private groups, this option is gaining traction.

🚁 Popular Routes:

• Santorini → Milos (~30 minutes)
• Mykonos → Milos (~40 minutes)

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Aegean and land like a celebrity. Helicopter transfers can be arranged via private charter companies, and prices vary depending on group size and season.

🌊 Island-Hopping Packages That Include Milos

If you're planning a broader Cyclades itinerary, island-hopping packages that include Milos are a hassle-free and exciting way to explore.

These packages typically include:

• Accommodation in charming boutique hotels
• Transportation (ferries or flights)
• Transfers to and from ports or airports
• Optional tours, activities, or car rentals

They can be customized for popular routes like:

• Athens → Milos → Santorini
• Mykonos → Milos → Paros
• Crete → Milos → Naxos

You’ll save time, reduce travel stress, and have expert support to handle logistics. Perfect for first-time visitors to Greece or those seeking a curated experience.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓How do I get to Milos from abroad?

First, fly to Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, either take a domestic flight to Milos or a ferry from Piraeus or Lavrio. There are no direct international flights to Milos.

❓Can I fly to Milos from Santorini or Mykonos?

No. There are no direct flights between Milos and other Cycladic islands. You must travel via ferry or helicopter.

❓What's the fastest way to get to Milos?

• From Athens: A flight (40 mins) is the fastest.
• From other islands: A helicopter ride is the fastest (30–40 mins), followed by high-speed ferries.

❓Should I book ferry tickets in advance?

Yes, especially in high season (July & August). High-speed ferries and popular routes can sell out days in advance.

❓What's the cheapest way to get to Milos?

A conventional ferry from Lavrio is typically the cheapest, but it’s also the slowest (around 15 hours).

🏝️ Final Travel Tips for Milos

Before arriving, be sure to:

• Plan your local transport: Rent a car, scooter, or check bus routes to explore hidden gems like Sarakiniko and Kleftiko.
• Double-check ferry schedules, especially if you’re connecting islands or flights.
• Pack light if island-hopping by ferry—lugging heavy bags over cobbled streets and ports can be exhausting!

Ready to discover the moon-like beaches, colorful fishing villages, and volcanic beauty of Milos? With so many ways to reach this stunning island, your Aegean escape is just a flight, ferry, or helicopter ride away.