Getting from Santorini to Milos

Milos is the island that people who love Greece talk about when they want to describe somewhere that has not yet been overwhelmed. It is volcanic like Santorini but completely different in character, with a jagged coastline of white and ochre rock formations, sea caves and beaches of coloured minerals that look like nowhere else in the Aegean. Sarakiniko, the white lunar landscape in the north of the island, is one of the most photographed places in Greece. Kleftiko, a sea cave complex accessible only by boat, is extraordinary. The Venus de Milo was found here in 1820. The old village of Plaka above the port is beautiful in the evening. Milos rewards a longer stay than most visitors give it.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Santorini to Milos year-round, operated by Seajets and Fast Ferries with up to 8 weekly crossings in summer and 1 to 2 per week in the low season. The fastest Seajets catamaran covers the distance in around 1 hour 50 minutes. Fast Ferries conventional vessels take around 3 to 5 hours but are more stable and comfortable in rough weather. Most sailings stop at Folegandros or Sifnos along the way, which adds some time but makes for a good crossing. Book ahead in July and August.

What about flying?

Both Santorini and Milos have airports. There are no direct flights between the two islands. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. For this route the ferry is almost always the better option as the direct crossing is shorter than the total time involved in flying via Athens.

Your best option

Take the ferry. At under 2 hours on the Seajets fast service it is one of the better island hops in the western Cyclades and you arrive without having passed through Athens. Check Ferryhopper for the day's schedule.