Milos Airport (MLO): What to Know Before You Land

Milos Airport is a small domestic airport about 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Adamas, the main port town. Nearly all flights arrive from Athens, a hop of about 40 minutes. Taxis are limited on Milos and the airport has no big bus link of its own, so it helps to plan your ride into town before you land.

Where is Milos Airport and what is it like?

The airport sits near the village of Zefyria, close to the center of the island and a short drive from Adamas, where the ferries dock. It's a single small terminal beside a short runway, with a cafe-canteen and two car rental desks inside. The parking area holds 28 cars and 5 small tourist buses.

Two sights are right next door if you want to start exploring the moment you land. The thermal springs of Alykes are about 0.6 miles (1 km) away, and Achivadolimni beach is about 1.2 miles (2 km) away.

Who flies to Milos, and from where?

Olympic Air, which operates for Aegean, and Sky Express fly to Milos from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) on small turboprop aircraft. There are no international flights into MLO. From Thessaloniki, the trip runs through Athens and takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes in total.

Flights operate year-round, and summer brings the most. Flights become more frequent from the end of March, and the summer timetable continues through the end of October. The planes are small and seats are limited, so book a month or more ahead.

Build a cushion into your Athens connection. If your arrival into Athens doesn't leave enough time to make the Milos flight, spend the night nearby. The Sofitel and Holiday Inn are at the Athens airport, and hotels near Syntagma Square in the city are well served by bus and metro.

Should you fly or take the ferry to Milos?

Ferries from Piraeus, Athens' main port, take roughly 2.5 to 7 hours depending on the vessel and the weather, and they dock in Adamas. The crossing is cheaper and more scenic than the flight and easier with luggage. It's also the way to go if you want to bring your own vehicle along. With Minoan Lines, you must deliver the vehicle to the port with its key at least 2 hours before departure.

If you're flying into Athens and heading straight to the boat, allow at least 3 hours between landing and sailing. Piraeus is about 28 miles (45 km) from the airport.

In July and August, several ferries sail each day, but by October service thins out fast. If you're traveling in shoulder season on fixed dates, keep a flight in mind as a fallback.

How do you get from Milos Airport to Adamas?

In summer, a public KTEL bus stops about 328 feet (100 m) from the terminal and runs to Adamas several times a day. The ride takes 15 to 20 minutes at most, against about 10 by car. You buy your ticket on board once you're seated, and luggage rides free in the bus's storage space.

From October to May, buses generally don't serve the airport, so line up a taxi, a transfer or a rental car. In summer, check the printed timetable posted at the main square stop in Adamas before you count on the bus.

Adamas is also the hub of the island's bus network. Buses start and end in its main square, a minute from the ferry quay, so Adamas is where you'll usually catch them. Two lines run year-round: one to Plaka and Trypiti by way of Triovasalos, and one to Pollonia. The beach routes to Sarakiniko, Paleochori, Achivadolimni and Provatas run in summer.

Are there taxis at Milos Airport?

A small number of taxis meet each arriving flight, and they are usually taken within minutes. There's no taxi rank outside the terminal, and the handful of cabs that meet arriving flights are taken within minutes. The whole island has barely more than a dozen licensed taxis, based at the main rank in the center of Adamas. Uber and Bolt don't operate on Milos.

Pre-book instead. Call a local driver or Taxi Milos (+30 22871-10100) ahead of time, and expect that a pre-arranged pickup may carry an extra fee. Before you arrive, also ask your hotel whether it offers a shuttle.

Should you rent a car at Milos Airport?

For most visitors, yes. Car hire is close to essential if you want to see the island properly. The buses don't go anywhere that needs a dirt road, and a large share of the island's loveliest spots lie at the end of one. The western half of Milos is best explored with a 4WD.

Many visitors rent an ATV or a motorcycle instead, either at the airport or the port. You can also ask your accommodation to set one up for you before you arrive.

The rental offices are right in the terminal, but booking ahead still pays off. You can drive away as soon as you land, in the vehicle that suits you. Without wheels of your own, a taxi or transfer covers the main towns, but you'll reach far fewer of the remote beaches.

How long does it take to reach the main areas?

Adamas is the closest, about 10 minutes by road. Plaka and Trypiti take about 15 to 25 minutes. Pollonia and the south coast are about 25 to 30 minutes from the airport, while Plaka and Trypiti are closer, at 15 to 25 minutes.

Pollonia, a seaside village with good restaurants, is a popular base, and Adamas is the most central. The year-round bus between the two crosses the island and is slower than it looks on a map.

What should you know about arriving and leaving?

On arrival, a pre-booked driver will be waiting in the arrivals area, a single room, holding a sign with your name. Customs services are available through prior consultation with the airport and the Milos Customs Office.

On departure, give yourself extra time if you're staying at the far end of the island.