How to Travel from Santorini to Milos via Ferry

The best option to travel from Santorini to Milos Island is to take the ferry from Athinios (Thira) Port in Santorini to Adamas Port in Milos. The fastest ferry ride is about 2 hours long and there are daily schedules from Seajet ferry services. This was the route that we took when we had a 9-day trip to Greece.

We wanted to travel to another Cyclades island and because Milos was recommended to us, we decided to go there. Just to share as well, Milos was voted the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure magazine in 2021 so it was a good choice!

Also Read: 10 Things to Do in Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Greece

Where is Santorini?

Santorini is an island in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of Greece’s mainland. It is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago which bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. The Caldera’s centermost crater is still visible and it can be reached by boat from Athinios port. The main towns of Santorini are Fira and Oia.

Where is Milos?

Milos Island is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea, just north of the Sea of Crete. Milos is the southwesternmost island in the Cyclades group. The main towns on Milos are Adamas, Pollonia, and Plaka.

How to Buy Ferry Boat Tickets from Santorini to Milos

You can find ticketing agents and travel agencies in the city center of Fira or Oia, or you can buy a ferry boat ticket online through ferryhopper.com

The prices of the tickets are the same.

It is also good to buy tickets in advance rather than having to book at the last minute as there might not be any tickets left.

Cost of Ferry from Santorini to Milos

The cost of the ferry may vary depending on the season and the demand. We paid 84.70 EUROS for a single-ticket trip in economy class.

Schedule of Santorini to Milos Ferry

The schedule of the ferry changes depending on the season but there are usually 1-3 ferries per day. The first ferry from Santorini to Milos leaves at 7:30 am and the last one leaves at 5:00 pm.

Please be advised that there is a daily schedule of the ferry trip from Santorini to Milos and you can check it on the website at ferryhopper.com.

However, the schedule may change depending on the time the ferry boat arrives in the port. There may be a delay in the schedule depending on the weather conditions. In our situation, there was a delay of about 3 hours (yes, 3 hours) in the arrival of the ferry boat in Milos due to bad weather conditions.

Is Athinios and Thira Port the Same?

Yes they are the same. It is more commonly known by locals as Thira port and when you book through travel agencies or online, you will notice it being labelled as “Thira” Port.

Bus to Athinios (Thira) Port

There is the main bus station in the town of Fira in Santorini that will take you to Athinios (Thira) Port. The fare is only less than 2 EURO per person.

Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi that may cost you 25 EURO. If you don’t have many luggage, the bus is the most economical way to travel to the port.

During peak summer seasons, it is also advisable that you be at least 1 hour early before your boat departure just to be on the safe side as the bus might get delayed in traffic.

Athinios (Thira) Port

This is where all the ferry boats depart from to the other Cyclades islands. When you arrive at Athinios (Thira) port, there will be a big waiting area with a few cafes and restaurants. This is where you will wait for your boarding time.

There are usually announcements being made in Greek and English over the speakers to inform passengers of their boarding times so do listen out for them.

Boarding the Ferry Boat

Once it’s time to board, you will need to line up and you will need to show your tickets and passports before boarding.

Please make sure that you stay alert on your schedule because you don’t want the boat to leave without you.

Ferry Ride from Santorini to Milos

The journey will take about 2 hours and it is a direct ferry ride. During the ferry ride, there are food and drinks being sold on board so you don’t have to worry about being hungry during the trip.

There are toilets and the seats are comfortable enough for the journey.

Arriving at Adamas Port in Milos

Once you arrive at Adamas Port in Milos, there will be a few taxis waiting to take passengers to their accommodation. Alternatively, if you are staying near the port area, you can just walk to your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please check out these FAQs about the trip from Santorini to Milos:

1. Is there are direct flight via plane from Santorini to Milos?

No, there are no direct flights. The only way to travel from Santorini to Milos is by boat. There is a flight from Athens to Milos. You may also check other major towns/cities in Greece if there are direct flights available. But in terms of these two islands, it’s only a boat ride away.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Milos?

The best time to visit Milos is during the shoulder season months of April to June and September to October. The weather is milder and there are fewer crowds.

3. Do I need a visa to enter Greece?

If you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Greece. For citizens of other countries, please check with the Greek embassy or consulate in your country for visa requirements.

4. What is the schedule of the ferries?

The schedule of the ferries changes depending on the time of year. For summer months, there are usually 1-3 ferries per day. The first ferry from Santorini to Milos leaves at 7:30 am and the last one leaves at 5:00 pm.

5. What is the currency in Greece?

The currency in Greece is the Euro. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard.

6. Is Athinios (Thira) Port the same as Thira port?

Yes, Athinios (Thira) Port is the same as Thira port. They are both located in Santorini and they are the main port where all the ferry boats depart from to the other Cyclades islands.

7. Where is the bus station in Fira?

The bus station in Fira is located near the central square. When you arrive at the bus station, there will be a few cafes and restaurants. This is where you will wait for your boarding time.

8. What should I do if I miss my ferry boat from Santorini to Milos?

If you miss your ferry boat from Santorini to Milos, you will need to reschedule or buy a new ticket. You can do this at the port office or at one of the travel agencies in town.

9. Where to Buy Ferry Tickets from Santorini to Milos Island?

You can buy ferry tickets from Santorini to Milos at the port office or at one of the travel agencies in town. You can also buy your tickets online via ferryhopper.com. In our case, we bought tickets a day before our trip to Milos in one of the travel agencies in Fira town. Better to buy in advance than lose out on seats!

Also Read: What to Expect: Kleftiko Boat Tour in Milos, Greece

Summary

The journey from Santorini to Milos is a direct ferry ride that takes about 2 hours. The ferry ride has comfortable seats and food and drinks are being sold on board. Once you arrive at Adamas Port in Milos, there will be taxis waiting to take passengers to their accommodation. If you are staying near the port area, you can just walk to your accommodation.

I hope that this guide on how to travel from Santorini to Milos was helpful in planning your trip!

Check out these teaser photos of our experience in the beautiful Milos island! Will blog about our travel experiences more very soon!