Traveling from Milos to Kimolos is one of the easiest island crossings in the Cyclades. Most visitors take the local Milos to Kimolos ferry from Pollonia in northeastern Milos to Psathi, the main port of Kimolos. The crossing is short, fares are low, and the ferry carries foot passengers, motorbikes and cars. Larger ferries may also connect Adamas with Kimolos on selected days, although they usually take longer and are less convenient for a simple island transfer.
This guide covers ferry options, timetables, ticket prices, bringing a car, reaching Pollonia port, and whether Kimolos works better as a day trip or an overnight stay.
Table of Contents
Milos to Kimolos Ferry
The easiest route is the local Pollonia to Psathi ferry. It is faster and usually simpler than taking a larger ferry from Adamas.
Pollonia to Psathi
Main local ferry between Milos and Kimolos.
About 25 minutes
The local Osia Methodia ferry is the quickest option.
Buy at the port
Local tickets are normally sold in Pollonia and Psathi.
Cars and motorbikes
Allowed, but check your rental agreement first.
No vehicle needed
Psathi and Chorio are manageable without a car.
Ferries from Adamas
Useful only when the schedule fits your wider route.
Checking Adamas or onward Cyclades ferries?
Compare bookable routes and prices below.
Best choice: use Pollonia–Psathi for a simple transfer or day trip. Use Adamas only when it fits an onward itinerary.
Last checked: July 2026. Confirm the local route with the official Osia Methodia timetable .
Which Ferry Should You Take From Milos to Kimolos?
For most visitors, the local Pollonia-to-Psathi ferry is the obvious choice. Pollonia is the closest port on Milos to Kimolos, and the route exists primarily to connect the two neighboring islands. It is short, practical and used by both residents and travelers.
The larger ferries from Adamas can still be useful in certain situations, particularly when connecting directly from another Cycladic island. However, they are not normally the simplest option if you are already staying on Milos.
Pollonia to Psathi: The Local Osia Methodia Ferry
The local ferry between Pollonia and Psathi is operated by the Osia Methodia. It is a small car ferry rather than a conventional high-speed passenger ferry. Vehicles board through the loading ramp, while foot passengers walk aboard separately.
The crossing generally takes around 25 minutes. Because the route is so short, the experience feels more like a local transfer than a full island-hopping journey. Tickets are usually sold at the ports in Pollonia and Psathi. Advance reservations are generally not available for this local service.
Adamas to Kimolos: Larger Inter-Island Ferries
Larger ferries traveling through the western Cyclades may also connect Adamas, the main port of Milos, with Kimolos. These services usually take around an hour, depending on the vessel and route. They operate less frequently than the Pollonia ferry and may only appear on certain days of the week.
The Adamas route can be useful when arriving in Milos by ferry and continuing directly to Kimolos, or when its schedule fits an onward island-hopping itinerary. For a straightforward trip from Milos to Kimolos, however, Pollonia is usually faster and more convenient.
Milos to Kimolos Ferry Timetable
The Pollonia-to-Kimolos timetable changes through the year. During summer, several ferries may operate in each direction throughout the day. This can make both day trips and overnight stays easy to arrange. Outside the busiest months, departures are less frequent.
The route normally continues because it is important for local transport and supplies, but travelers should not assume that the summer timetable applies year-round. Check the official timetable for your travel dates, then confirm it again shortly before departure.
Small local ferry schedules can change because of weather, operational requirements or seasonal demand. Larger ferries from Adamas use separate schedules and normally appear on ferry-booking websites.
Tickets and Current Ferry Prices
Tickets for the local Osia Methodia ferry are normally purchased at Pollonia or Psathi port. The process is informal compared with major Greek ferry routes. You arrive at the port, buy the ticket and board when instructed. Passenger fares are low, while cars and motorbikes are charged separately. Certain departures may have different prices, particularly at weekends or during busy periods.
Treat any fare published online as a guide rather than a permanent price. Local ferry fares can be adjusted, so check the latest information before traveling. For larger ferries departing from Adamas, tickets can normally be booked online in advance.
Looking for a bookable ferry from Adamas or an onward Cyclades connection? Direct Ferries is a trustworthy platform I use often for this purpose.
Can You Take a Car From Milos to Kimolos?
Yes, the local ferry accepts cars and motorbikes. Bringing a vehicle can be useful if you want to explore beaches or quieter areas of Kimolos independently. The island is small, but some places are easier to reach with your own transport. A car is not essential for every visitor. Psathi and Chorio can be visited without one, particularly on a short trip.
The more important issue is your rental agreement. Some Milos rental companies do not allow their vehicles to be taken on ferries, or their insurance may stop being valid outside Milos. Ask the rental company for written permission before taking a rental car to Kimolos. When this is not allowed, travel as a foot passenger and arrange separate transport after arriving.
How to Get to Pollonia Port
Pollonia lies on the northeastern side of Milos, directly opposite Kimolos. From Adamas or the Plaka area, the drive usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your starting point and traffic.
You can reach Pollonia by rental car, taxi or seasonal bus. Bus timetables change throughout the year, so check that the service connects sensibly with your ferry departure.
If you have an early crossing, staying in Pollonia the previous night makes the journey especially easy. The port sits beside the village waterfront, within walking distance of cafés, restaurants and accommodation. Arrive earlier if traveling with a vehicle, as loading takes place before foot passengers board.
What the Pollonia–Kimolos Crossing Is Like
The ferry ride is short but scenic. As the ferry leaves Pollonia, the northeastern coast of Milos quickly recedes behind you. Kimolos is visible across the channel, so there is very little time when you feel surrounded by open sea.
The local ferry is practical rather than luxurious. Expect a loading deck for vehicles, basic passenger areas and an informal atmosphere. The channel can become choppy when the wind strengthens, but the crossing is usually over within about 25 minutes.
Arriving at Psathi Port in Kimolos
Psathi is Kimolos’ main port and the first place most visitors see. The port is compact, with tavernas, cafés, accommodation and a small beach close to the ferry landing. If you are staying in Psathi, you may be able to walk directly to your accommodation.
Chorio, the island’s main village, is uphill from Psathi and can be reached on foot, by local transport or through a prearranged transfer. Arrival is much simpler than on larger islands. There is little traffic, no large port complex and no lengthy orientation process.
Is a Kimolos Day Trip From Milos Worth It?
Yes, Kimolos can work well as a day trip from Milos. The short crossing means you can spend several hours on the island if the timetable provides an early outward ferry and a convenient evening return.
A day trip is enough to explore Psathi and Chorio, have lunch and experience the island’s quieter atmosphere. It can be a good option when your accommodation and rental arrangements are based entirely on Milos.
The main limitation is time. Kimolos rewards slow exploration, and trying to combine several beaches, villages and longer walks in one day can feel rushed. Avoid relying on the final return ferry when you have a flight or another important connection from Milos.
Staying Overnight in Kimolos
An overnight stay allows you to experience Kimolos after many day visitors have returned to Milos. One night gives you time to walk through Chorio in the evening, enjoy dinner without watching the ferry schedule and start the following day at a slower pace. Two nights provide more flexibility for beaches and exploring beyond the port and main village.
Psathi is the easiest base for ferry access, while Chorio offers a more atmospheric village setting. My guide to where to stay in Kimolos explains the island’s different areas in more detail.
What Happens When It Is Windy?
Strong winds can affect the local ferry between Pollonia and Psathi. Departures may be delayed, adjusted or cancelled when conditions are unsuitable. This is more important when traveling during periods of strong northern winds. Check the timetable again the day before departure and, in unsettled weather, on the morning of travel.
Build extra flexibility into your plans if you have an international flight, a long-distance ferry or a non-refundable booking afterward.
Larger ferries from Adamas may sometimes provide an alternative, but they do not operate frequently enough to be considered a guaranteed backup.
Why Milos and Kimolos Work Well Together
Milos and Kimolos are close geographically but quite different in character. Milos is larger and more varied, with dramatic geology, famous beaches, multiple villages and longer driving distances. Kimolos is smaller, quieter and easier to experience without constantly moving.
This contrast makes Kimolos a natural follow-up after several active days on Milos. You do not lose much time traveling, but the change in atmosphere is immediate. Kimolos is not simply a smaller version of Milos. It offers a slower and more contained experience that complements Milos rather than repeating it.
Continuing From Kimolos to Other Islands
Kimolos has ferry connections to other islands in the western Cyclades, but they are less frequent than the local link with Milos. Direct onward travel may be possible toward islands such as Sifnos or Folegandros, depending on the day and season.
Do not assume these routes operate daily. Check the full ferry sequence before booking accommodation or creating a one-way itinerary.
For many travelers, the simplest plan is Milos to Kimolos and then back to Milos. Continuing onward can work well, but it requires more careful schedule planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Milos to Kimolos Ferry
These answers cover the practical Pollonia–Psathi crossing, including ports, tickets, journey time, vehicles and weather-related changes.
How long is the ferry from Milos to Kimolos?
The local Osia Methodia ferry from Pollonia in Milos to Psathi in Kimolos normally takes about 25 minutes. Larger inter-island ferries departing from Adamas generally take longer, and their journey times vary by vessel and route.
Which port in Milos has the ferry to Kimolos?
The main local ferry leaves from Pollonia on the northeastern coast of Milos and arrives at Psathi, the port of Kimolos. Selected larger ferries may also connect Adamas with Kimolos on certain dates, but they follow separate schedules.
Can I book the Pollonia to Kimolos ferry online?
No advance ticket reservations are normally made for the local Osia Methodia ferry. The operator states that tickets are sold at the ticket offices in Pollonia and Psathi. Larger ferries from Adamas may be bookable online.
How much does the Milos to Kimolos ferry cost?
As checked in July 2026, the official Osia Methodia fare was €2.30 for an adult on standard sailings and €4.50 on designated Saturday and Sunday sailings. A car up to 4.25 metres cost €9.60. Fares can change, so verify the current price before travelling.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Milos to Kimolos?
Yes. The local ferry carries cars and motorbikes as well as foot passengers. However, some Milos rental companies prohibit taking their vehicles on ferries or limit insurance coverage away from the island, so obtain written permission first.
How early should I arrive for the Pollonia to Kimolos ferry?
The operator’s formal boarding conditions ask passengers and vehicles to be at the port at least one hour before departure. Arriving early is particularly important with a vehicle because loading space and boarding order are managed at the port.
Is Kimolos possible as a day trip from Milos?
Yes. The 25-minute local crossing makes a Kimolos day trip practical when the seasonal timetable provides a useful outbound ferry and a comfortable return. Avoid depending on the final sailing if you have an important onward connection from Milos.
Can the Milos to Kimolos ferry be cancelled because of wind?
Yes. Strong winds and operational conditions can cause delays, timetable changes or cancellations. The operator states that itineraries may change without notice, so recheck the official schedule the day before travelling and again in poor weather.
Where does the ferry arrive in Kimolos?
The local ferry arrives at Psathi, the main port of Kimolos. The waterfront, tavernas, a small beach and some accommodation are close to the landing point, while Chorio is uphill from the port.
Information checked: July 2026. Timetable, ticket and boarding details were verified against the official Osia Methodia ferry timetable, fare list, and boarding conditions. Schedules and prices can change, so confirm them before travelling.
Final Thoughts
The local ferry from Pollonia to Psathi makes traveling between Milos and Kimolos remarkably easy. The crossing takes around 25 minutes, tickets are normally bought at the port, and both passengers and vehicles can travel. The main things to check are the current timetable, wind conditions and whether your rental agreement allows a car to leave Milos.
The route works especially well because the two islands feel different despite being so close. Milos offers variety and dramatic landscapes, while Kimolos provides a quieter and more compact experience.
For more planning help, continue with my Milos travel guide, Kimolos travel guide, and guide to where to stay in Kimolos.
Last Updated on 13/07/2026 by Panos
