Kimolos

What we think; “genuinely authentic, a rugged jewel with beautiful beaches and stunning scenery
perfect for relaxing”

Kimolos, often overshadowed by its more popular near neighbour Milos (it is separated by a 1km strait) is located in the southwest
of the Archipelago with Sifnos to the north. It is a small island with an area of 36 kilometres and a small permanent population.
Like Milos, Kimolos and the surrounding small islands belong to the Aegean volcanic arc and consists of acidic rocks. The island
is rich in minerals such as silica and geothermal activity is evidenced by strange landforms and hot-springs.

Evidence suggests there has been human occupation on Kimolos since the late Neolithic period. Ancient relics have been found
mainly in the region of Ellinka where there are also traces of the ancient city of Kimolos lying barely submerged on the seabed.
Medieval sailors called Kimolos “Argentiere” meaning silver due to its silver, white stones and chalky white cliffs.

The main settlement of Kimolos is Chorio (as opposed to Chora, meaning village) which located in the south-eastern part of the
island at the foot of Mount Xaplovouni. A typical traditional Cycladean with whitewashed stone houses with blue windows and
doors, and narrow cobbled streets built around the centre of the ancient well-preserved Venetian Castro. Quiet and sleepy during
the day it comes alive at night with plenty of taverna’s and coffee shops.

The other main settlement is Psathi, the port of Kimolos (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimolos). Which has a couple of taverna’s
and shops within easy walking distance of some very beautiful beaches, mainly unfurnished with tamarisk trees for shade. It is
around a 1.5 km walk uphill from the port to Chorio, however you can go by bus or taxi if you are not feeling up to it in the heat!
Despite of its small size, it’s full of churches (around 80) located throughout the island, some in the most remote places. One of
the most beautiful is in Chorio, the Metropolitan Temple of Panagia Odigitria which was built between.

Kimolos affords numerous opportunities for hiking with many rural trails where you can breathe in various types of aromatic flora
such as wild honeysuckle, myrtle, cedar and thyme. Worth the hike is Skiadi (it takes its name from the Greek word for “shadow”)
it is a unique natural monument consisting of a piece of rock hewn by the Aegean winds. It is in the middle of the island, up on a
mountain, and it looks like a gigantic mushroom.

If you are looking for a less touristy island, with its crystalline turquoise and -emerald seas, white rocks, stand out sandy beaches,
picturesque whitewashed villages, untouched paths, and friendly locals makes for a peaceful, relaxing holiday. You can combine
Kimolos with a number of islands including Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos and Milos.

Getting here
From Athens and Milos – Daily Ferries conventional and Jets.
Getting around
The island has a bus service and there are taxis, we will provide you with more information before you stay.
There are a couple of places to hire cars on Kimolos if you are thinking of hiring a car please see the useful information section of
our website and UK government website regarding driving in Greece.

Things to do
There is a small archaeological museum in Chorio. Take boat trips to nearing deserted islands with beautiful beaches or pop over
to much livelier Milos for a day.

Activities
Kimolos is a great island for hiking. There are also opportunities for diving and various other water sports.

Nightlife
Kimolos is very laid back, most nightlife is centred around Chorio in lovely tavernas and bars.