French
DeutschKimolos is a small island in the Cyclades.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Get in
[edit | edit source]The best way to get there is to go to Milos and take the "Pantoffla", a small ferry going from Pollonia (Milos) To Kimolos 3-5 Times a day (20min, €2/person, €2.60/motorbike). Some of the big ferries going to Milos also stop in Kimolos. Ferry schedules can be found at [1]
Get around
[edit | edit source]There is no car or bike rental on Kimolos. Go to Milos, rent one there and bring it with the ferry. Be sure to ask the rental if it is OK to take it. Cars are usually not a problem, but with bikes a lot of the rentals don't allow so. At least Easy Moto and Niki's don't make a fuzz of it, but be aware that if the bike breaks down on Kimolos it is your responsibility to get it back on the ferry to Milos.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Archaeological Museum of Kimolos. In Chorio, opposite the Cathedral of Panagia Odigitria, the Archaeological Museum gives a concise introduction to the island’s long history. Its finds come chiefly from the ancient cemetery at Ellinika, with material ranging from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity. Highlights include an in-situ-style reconstruction of an ancient burial beneath a transparent floor, making this a worthwhile short stop before visiting Ellinika itself.
- 2 Chorio and the Medieval Kastro. Kimolos’ main village, Chorio, is a compact Cycladic settlement of whitewashed houses, flower-filled courtyards, narrow lanes and covered passageways. At its heart is the Medieval Kastro, the island’s historic fortified centre, where homes were built closely together for protection from pirates. Wander without a plan, look for the distinctive roofed passages of the Karkanis quarter, and pause in the small squares and churchyards.
- 3 Folklore and Maritime Museum. Set in a traditional two-storey house inside the Kastro, this small museum preserves the domestic and seafaring life of old Kimolos. Displays include household objects, textiles, weaving tools and original furnishings, while a maritime section recalls the island’s connection with the sea. It is particularly rewarding for visitors who want to understand the everyday world behind Chorio’s traditional architecture.
- 4 Skiadi Geological Monument. Skiadi is Kimolos’ most distinctive natural landmark: a large mushroom-shaped rock formed by wind erosion over thousands of years. It stands on an open, barren plateau in the island’s interior, with wide views across the surrounding landscape. Reach it on a marked walking route from the Chorio area; allow roughly 70–90 minutes on foot in total, or drive part of the way and complete the final section on the signed path.
- 5 Goupa and the Sirmata. East of Chorio, the tiny fishing settlement of Goupa is known for its colourful sirmata—boat shelters carved into the soft coastal rock. Traditionally used to protect boats during winter, many now double as simple summer retreats. Combine a visit with nearby Rema and Karas for an easy coastal walk, sea views and a close look at one of Kimolos’ most characteristic local scenes.
- 6 Ellinika and the Ancient City. At Ellinika, on the southwest coast, traces of ancient Kimolos meet a striking shoreline of pale volcanic rock. Geological change has left parts of the ancient settlement submerged or on the nearby islet of Agios Andreas; burial grounds and visible remains connect the landscape with the museum collection in Chorio. Visit for the scenery as much as the archaeology, and combine it with a swim at the adjacent beaches.
Do
[edit | edit source]Swim-eat-drink-relax.
Beaches
[edit | edit source]1 Prassa (Agios Georgios). Prassa is Kimolos’ signature beach, known for its thick white sand and striking turquoise water. It is accessible by road and has more amenities than most of the island’s beaches, making it a popular choice for a full-day swim.
2 Rema and Goupa. Near Chorio, Rema is a small, sheltered swimming spot framed by rocks, sirmata and the little islets known as Rematonisia. It is easy to combine with a visit to Goupa and is suitable for a quick, scenic dip.
3 Karras. Karras is a rocky coastal spot beyond Goupa, valued for its smooth pale rocks and clear water. It is better for swimming and diving from the rocks than for a conventional beach day.
4 Klima. Klima is a pebbly northern beach with natural shade from tamarisk trees. It is attractive and quiet, but exposed to north winds, so check conditions before travelling there.
5 Monastiria and Soufi. Monastiria is a wild northern beach that can be windy, while nearby Soufi offers a more sheltered alternative. These are good choices for visitors seeking a quieter, less developed stretch of coast.
6 Aliki. Aliki is a sandy-pebbly beach backed by tamarisk trees and close to a small salt pan that attracts birds in spring and autumn. It is an easygoing choice with shallow, clear water and a relaxed setting.
7 Bonatsa. Bonatsa—whose name suggests calm water—is a long golden-sand beach with shallow water and tamarisk shade. One of the island’s most family-friendly beaches, it is a good option for an unhurried swim and a picnic.
8 Kalamitsi. Kalamitsi consists of two neighbouring beaches, one sandy and one pebbly, with views across the channel towards Milos. Tamarisk trees provide shade, and the beach is a useful option for combining swimming with a meal nearby.
9 Dekas. Dekas is a sandy beach in Kimolos’ southwest, reached by road or bus in season. It forms part of a rewarding coastal outing with Ellinika and Mavrospilia, especially for visitors exploring the island by car.
10 Ellinika Beach. The beach at Ellinika combines sand, clear water and the unusual backdrop of the nearby ancient settlement. Come for a swim, but take time to look across to the islet of Agios Andreas and the archaeological remains.
11 Mavrospilia. Mavrospilia is a small, atmospheric beach near Ellinika, with a more secluded feel and memorable sunset views. It is an excellent late-afternoon stop after exploring the ancient site.
12 Psathi Beach. Psathi is Kimolos’ port and a small beach in the middle of the island’s everyday activity. It is not the island’s most dramatic swimming spot, but it is handy for a quick dip before or after a ferry crossing.
Buy
[edit | edit source]There are a few shops in Hora, even a shop with organic produce.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Tiropites are available at the bakery.
There are a number of restaurants, but outside of the peak season choices are very limited. Most restaurants on Kimolos use local produce.
- "Nikos' Balcony", Myzithrou, good Greek food.
- "Meltemi", Xhorio, good Greek food, open all year.
- "Kalamitsi", right at Poloni beach, fresh seafood.
- in Xhorio next to the bakery there is a cafe/ouzeri which is very frequented by locals.
All other restaurants are seasonal and cater basically to tourists only.
Drink
[edit | edit source]There are a few nice cafe's next to the Kastro in Xhorio
Sleep
[edit | edit source]Rooms in Kimolos are more expensive than on milos. Most ask €30-35 for a double off season and it is hard to negotiate.
- 1 Astravi Apartments, Rema Kimolos, ☏ +30 697 7215855, info@astravikimolos.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Astravi is a complex of six holiday apartments located at Rema beach in Kimolos. Situated at the slope of a hill, just 70 meters from the beach, all the apartments offer panoramic sea views.
- 2 Kimolos Houses, Chora Kimolos, elizabeth@kimoloshouses.com. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Kimolos Houses are two vacation rentals at the entrance of the picturesque village of Kimolos, with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Kimolos houses are located in an authentic island estate with vineyards, figs and lemon trees.
Connect
[edit | edit source]There is free WiFi in some cafe's and some domatia.
Go next
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