This crossing links the busy centre of the Cyclades with its volcanic west. Paros is where many island-hopping trips begin, thanks to its big port and frequent links to Athens, while Milos is the island people travel to for its volcanic coastline and beaches. Sailing directly between the two saves you a return trip to Piraeus.
The two ends are both main harbours. You leave from Parikia, the capital and ferry port of Paros, with the old town right behind the quay. You arrive in Adamas (Adamantas) on the north side of Milos, a small port village with cafés, restaurants and hotels a couple of minutes' walk from the quay.
The route suits travellers who want to combine the classic central islands with the quieter western Cyclades. One way to use it: a few days on Paros, then Milos, then Sifnos or Kimolos before heading back to Athens from the west. At about 41 nautical miles, it is a manageable hop on a fast boat.
The key thing to understand before booking is how different the two options are. The high-speed boat is quick but costs several times more and does not take cars. The conventional ship is dramatically cheaper and carries vehicles, but it runs only a few days a week and often calls at other islands on the way, so its journey can stretch to five hours or more.
