Adamas, also written Adamantas, is the port of Milos and the first place you will see if you arrive by sea. Ferries sail deep into the great bay of Milos, a flooded volcanic crater and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, before tying up at the quay in the middle of the village. From the ferry you can walk straight to the bus station, the tavernas and the boats that leave for Kleftiko and the island’s famous coastline. This guide covers Adamas port, how to get to Plaka, Pollonia and the beaches, the ferries from Milos, the boats to Kimolos and practical tips for your arrival.
Milos port at a glance
Milos port is Adamas, on the north east side of Milos Bay, with the bus terminal about 100 metres from the ferry quay and every bus fare at 2 euros.
- Location: Adamas village, about 3 km from Plaka and 5 km from the airport
- Bus: 2 euros on every route, paid in cash to the driver
- Taxi: about 15 to 20 euros to Plaka and 25 to 30 euros to Pollonia, but only around 15 taxis on the island
- Ferries: Piraeus, Sifnos, Serifos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Crete and more
- Boat trips: day cruises to Kleftiko and around the island leave from Adamas
Where Is Milos Port?
The port is in Adamas, on the north east side of Milos Bay. The village was founded in 1835 by refugees from Crete and has grown into the island’s main port and one of its largest settlements. The ferry quay sits right in the centre, so the harbourfront cafés, tavernas, shops, car hire offices and travel agencies are all a short walk away. The hilltop capital, Plaka, is about 3 km up the hill, and Milos Airport is about 5 km to the south east.
Arriving by sea is one of the highlights of a trip to Milos. The ferry passes between the rocky headlands at the mouth of the bay and sails for several kilometres across the sheltered water inside the old volcano before reaching Adamas.
Getting From Adamas Port Around Milos
Bus
- Terminal 100 metres from the quay
- Cash to the driver
- Plaka, Pollonia, Sarakiniko
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- Only about 15 on Milos
- Rank at the port
- Always book ahead
- Best if pre booked
Hire car or quad
- Collect as you arrive
- Book early for summer
- Dirt roads to some beaches
- Best for Milos
Walk
- Hotels in Adamas
- Papikinou Beach nearby
- Flat harbourfront
- Best for Adamas stays
Bus From Adamas Port
Buses on Milos are run by Milos Buses, and every route has the same fare of 2 euros, paid in cash to the driver as you board. The main terminal is in Adamas, about 100 metres from the ferry quay. From there, buses run to Triovasalos, Plaka, Trypiti, Pollonia, Paliochori, Achivadolimni, Sarakiniko and Provatas. Timetables change through the year, with the most buses in summer. See our Milos bus timetable for the current times.
Taxis at Milos Port
This is the one thing to plan before you arrive. Milos has only around 15 taxis for the whole island, and when a ferry comes in they are gone within minutes. There is a rank at the port, but it is far safer to book ahead. See our Milos taxi guide for phone numbers and fares. Most visitors end up hiring a car or quad, as many of the best beaches are hard to reach by bus.
| From Adamas port to | Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Plaka | 2 euros | About 15 to 20 euros |
| Pollonia | 2 euros | About 25 to 30 euros |
| Sarakiniko | 2 euros | Ask the driver |
| Klima | Change or walk from Plaka and Trypiti | Ask the driver |
| Milos Airport | Summer buses, 2 euros | About 15 to 20 euros |
Ferries From Milos Port
Milos has good links with Athens and the other western Cyclades all year, and in summer high speed ferries connect it with Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. The main companies are Seajets, Fast Ferries, Aegean Sea Lines and Zante Ferries.
| Milos to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Serifos | About 35 minutes | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Sifnos | About 40 minutes | About 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Kimolos | 45 minutes to 1 hour from Adamas | Shorter crossings from Pollonia |
| Folegandros | About 55 minutes | About 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Ios | About 55 minutes | About 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Kythnos | About 1 hour 15 minutes | About 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Paros | About 1 hour 45 minutes | 5 to 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Naxos | About 1 hour 45 minutes | About 6 hours 20 minutes |
| Santorini | About 1 hour 55 minutes | Varies |
| Mykonos | About 2 hours 40 minutes | About 5 hours 15 minutes |
| Heraklion, Crete | About 5 hours 10 minutes | Conventional ferry |
| Piraeus (Athens) | About 2 hours 35 minutes | Longer, with island stops |
| Lavrio (Athens) | Weekly slow ferry | 14 hours 50 minutes to 16 hours 30 minutes |
See our guide to the Milos and Piraeus ferry and how to get to Milos for more.
Milos to Kimolos
Kimolos, the small island just north east of Milos, is an easy day trip. Ferries from Adamas reach Psathi, the port of Kimolos, in 45 minutes to 1 hour. There is also a small local ferry from Pollonia, in the north of Milos, which makes a much shorter crossing several times a day and is the usual choice for day trips.
Boat Trips From Adamas
Many of the most beautiful places on Milos can only be reached by sea, and Adamas is where most boat trips begin. Day cruises sail around the island to Kleftiko, with its white rock arches and sea caves, stopping to swim in coves that are impossible to reach by road. In summer, book a day or two ahead, and choose a calm day, as the south coast can be rough in strong wind.
Facilities at Milos Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry company and travel agency offices on the harbourfront |
| Bus terminal | About 100 metres from the ferry quay |
| Food and drink | Cafés and tavernas all along the Adamas waterfront |
| Money | ATMs in Adamas village |
| Car and quad hire | Several offices near the port, many delivering to the ferry |
| Nearby | The Milos Mining Museum and Papikinou Beach, both a short walk away |
Tips for Using Milos Port
- Book your taxi or hire car before you land. With only about 15 taxis, this is the single most important tip for Milos.
- Carry cash for the bus. Every fare is 2 euros, paid to the driver.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry. Adamas is small and easy to find your way around.
- Watch the weather for boat trips. Kleftiko cruises can be cancelled or rerouted in strong wind.
- Use Pollonia for Kimolos day trips. The local ferry from Pollonia is quicker than the boats from Adamas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milos Port
What is the port of Milos called?
The port of Milos is Adamas, also written Adamantas, on the north east side of Milos Bay. All ferries to and from the island use it.
How far is Adamas port from Plaka?
Plaka, the capital of Milos, is about 3 km up the hill from Adamas port. The bus costs 2 euros and a taxi about 15 to 20 euros.
Is there a bus from Milos port?
Yes. The main bus terminal is about 100 metres from the ferry quay in Adamas, with buses to Plaka, Trypiti, Pollonia, Sarakiniko, Paliochori, Provatas and other places. Every fare is 2 euros, paid in cash.
How easy is it to get a taxi at Milos port?
Not easy. Milos has only around 15 taxis, and they go quickly when a ferry arrives. Book a taxi or transfer before you travel, or hire a car.
How much is a taxi from Adamas to Pollonia?
A taxi from Adamas port to Pollonia costs about 25 to 30 euros.
How far is Milos port from the airport?
Milos Airport is about 5 km from Adamas port, around 10 minutes by car. A taxi costs about 15 to 20 euros.
Which islands can I reach by ferry from Milos?
Milos has ferries to Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Ios, Kythnos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, as well as to Piraeus and, less often, Lavrio.
How long is the ferry from Milos to Athens?
The fastest ferries to Piraeus take about 2 hours 35 minutes. Slower ferries take longer because they stop at other islands on the way.
How do I get from Milos to Kimolos?
Ferries from Adamas reach Kimolos in 45 minutes to 1 hour. A small local ferry from Pollonia makes a much shorter crossing several times a day.
Where do boat trips to Kleftiko leave from?
Most boat trips to Kleftiko and around Milos leave from Adamas port. Book a day or two ahead in summer.
How early should I arrive at Milos port?
Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry leaves. Adamas is a small, easy port.
Final Thoughts
Sailing into Milos Bay and stepping off at Adamas is a lovely way to arrive on the island. The port is small and friendly, the buses leave from just up the road for 2 euros, and the boats to Kleftiko are waiting on the quay. The one thing to sort out before you arrive is transport, as taxis are very scarce, so book a car, quad or transfer in advance. Before you go, check our guide to the Milos weather, and if you are flying, see our Milos Airport guide.
