Milos to Serifos links two of the western Cyclades that feel very different on arrival. Milos is the busier island, known for its coastline of pale volcanic rock and boat trips to hidden coves. Serifos is rougher and quieter, with a hilltop Chora above the harbour, bare hilly country and quiet beaches.
The islands are about 25 nautical miles apart, and the route is well served for such a small pair. In summer the Seajets high-speed boats cover it in around an hour and a quarter, while three conventional companies offer a slower but much cheaper crossing across the year. On the day we sampled, the fast boats also called at Sifnos on the way, which is typical of how this corner of the Cyclades works: the ships string the islands together.
That makes the crossing a natural part of a western Cyclades hop: Milos, then Sifnos or straight on to Serifos, then Kythnos or back to Piraeus, which is only a couple of hours from Serifos on the fast boats. Because the conventional ships carry cars cheaply, it also suits travellers driving their own vehicle around the islands.
The decision is mostly about price against time. A Seajets seat costs several times the conventional fare but saves an hour or two. In winter the high-speed boats stop, and you rely on Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries and Aegean Sea Lines, each sailing only a day or two a week, so check your date before building a plan around it.
