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Thanks to a delayed flight, a broken aircraft, and a fair bit of last-minute improvisation, getting there was far more complicated than expected. We eventually landed in Athens at 02:30 before catching Magic Sea Ferries’ CAT 1 to Kimolos later that morning. It wasn’t the start we’d planned, but looking back, it was absolutely worth the effort.

We spent three nights on Kimolos before taking the short ferry across to Milos for another three nights, and together they made a fantastic combination.
Kimolos feels completely different from many of the better-known Greek islands. There are no large resorts, beach clubs or crowds. Instead, you’ll find whitewashed streets, tiny fishing boats, crystal-clear water and some of the quietest beaches I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe.

Most evenings we wandered around Chorio, had dinner in the main square and slowly made our way back towards the harbour. During the day we explored beaches around the island, and it was surprisingly easy to find places where we were almost completely alone, even at the beginning of July.

After Kimolos, Milos offered a completely different
experience. I’d heard plenty about Sarakiniko, but I hadn’t realised just how varied the island actually is.
One day you’re swimming beneath brilliant white volcanic cliffs that genuinely look like another planet. The next you’re driving through colourful fishing villages like Klima, exploring abandoned sulphur mines, watching the sunset from the walls of Plaka, or finding another secluded beach hidden at the end of a dirt track.

Every beach seemed to have its own character. Some required a short hike or rough road to reach, while others were easily accessible, but almost all had incredibly clear water. Even in peak season it never felt impossible to escape the busiest spots.
One thing that surprised me was how much bigger Milos feels than it looks on a map. Hiring a car made a huge difference and allowed us to explore at our own pace instead of rushing between the headline attractions.

If I were planning another trip to the Cyclades, I’d absolutely pair these two islands again. Kimolos provided total peace and relaxation, while Milos offered enough variety to keep us busy for several days without feeling overwhelmingly touristy.
If you’re deciding between the two, I’d honestly recommend visiting both. They’re only a short ferry ride apart and complement each other perfectly.
Happy to answer any questions about ferries, hiring a car, accommodation, or planning an itinerary between the islands.

Thanks again, Greece, for another unforgettable trip. 🇬🇷

After three nights on Kimolos, we took the brief ferry to Milos. I had often heard discussions about Sarakiniko, yet I hadn’t expected how diverse the island proves to be.

One day includes swimming beneath white volcanic cliffs that truly look like the moon; another involves driving through lively fishing villages such as Klima, visiting deserted sulphur mines, or observing the sunset from Plaka’s walls.

Each beach varies—some are accessible only by dirt tracks or a short walk, while others sit within striking volcanic settings with remarkably clear water. Even during peak season, calmer places away from the busiest shores remained straightforward to locate.

The island is also noticeably bigger than it looks. Having a car made a real difference, letting us discover areas at our own rhythm instead of hurrying between key attractions.

If I were organising another Cyclades journey, I’d probably link Kimolos and Milos just as we did. Kimolos delivered total peace and quiet, while Milos offered sufficient variety to keep us busy for several days without feeling excessively touristy.

If anyone has questions about travelling between the islands, renting a car, or designing an itinerary, I’m glad to reply in the comments.

Z8 with the 24-200 f/4-6.3 Nikkor. SOOC JEPG

Mudi 7 holding up well in the Greek Summer while keeping circa 12 devices connected

iPhone 17 Pro screenshot for reference