Ferry from Milos to Paros (Parikia).

The ferry from Milos to Paros is a key Cyclades connection. The crossing takes about 1h 45m on the fastest vessels, with tickets from €12. Sailings run all year, thinning out in winter, operated by Blue Star Ferries and Seajets.

Milos and Paros sit on opposite sides of the Cyclades, roughly 40 nautical miles apart, and this crossing is how travellers stitch the volcanic western islands to the busy central group. Milos is all about the coastline: the white rock of Sarakiniko, the coloured cliffs of Kleftiko and fishing hamlets with brightly painted boat garages. Paros brings you back to classic Cycladic villages, lively Naoussa and fast connections to Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini.

There are really two very different ways to make this trip. The Seajets high-speed boat is quick but expensive, and it does not carry cars. The conventional ferry costs a fraction of the price, carries vehicles and has open decks, but it calls at several islands on the way and can take most of the day. Which one suits you depends on whether you value your time or your budget more.

Because departures are not daily on every operator, it pays to check the calendar before fixing your Milos nights. In July and August the Seajets boat fills quickly, and the conventional ferry only sails a few days a week, so book as soon as your plans are set.

This is an open-sea crossing across the middle of the Cyclades, so it is exposed to the meltemi, the north wind that peaks in July and August. The Seajets boat is the more likely of the two to be delayed or cancelled in strong wind, while the conventional ferry usually keeps sailing, if more slowly. The port authority can hold any departure in severe conditions. A cancelled sailing is rebooked or refunded by the operator, but on a route with few boats a week the next seat may be days away, so leave a spare day in your plans.