Kimolos is a beautiful Cycladic island with a picturesque atmosphere. Preserving its traditional character, the island is located close to Milos, but it is significantly less touristy.
Although it's tiny, it is extremely beautiful and is found in the western part of the Cyclades, a stone’s throw away from Milos.
Kimolos is what many call the “real Greece” as it has volcanic rocks, a unique variety of minerals, famous beaches, rich flora and fauna, and is nowhere near as touristy as the other Cycladic islands.
To get to Kimolos, you can take a ferry from Piraeus (Athens), which takes three to six hours, depending on the boat's speed. OR a flight from Athens International Airport to Milos and take a short ferryboat ride from there OR a ferry from Paros, Santorini, Serifos and other Cycladic islands.
You can either take a day trip from Milos or stay on the island and explore the many things Kimolos offers.
Aliki Beach
Aliki is the longest beach on the island and one of the most beautiful in Kimolos. It's the perfect spot for swimming or relaxing near the blue crystalline water, pebbles and stunning golden sand. It is also ideal for windsurfing as Aliki beach is affected by northern summer winds. Not to mention the diving so one can see the unique underwater flora and fauna at the bottom of the sea.
Ellinika Beach
This is not usually occupied by many people, as getting there is a trek, only reachable through a rough and unpaved road. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful beach for couples and people who enjoy privacy. The calm and isolated beach also contains ancient ruins, which existed during the Mусenаеan periоd but were dеstrοyеd in а sеverе earthquake.
Psathi
The most popular beach on Kimolos, Psathi, is not only the port of the small island but also a beach. Psathi is a bit pebbled and shallow, but the crystal waters make it a favourite along with the location as there are many hotels, tavernas and activities nearby.
The Archeological Museum of Kimolos
This is housed in an old two-storey building of unique architectural value, dating back to the 19th century, and exhibits ancient remains found on the beach of Ellinika, the most known archaeological site on Kimolos.
People will be sure to learn a lot about the island’s history by visiting this museum. The crystal clear floor which you can walk on is also worth mentioning, as you will be able to see a representation of an ancient burial, just as it was found during excavation.
Folk and Maritime Museum
This is housed in a restored mansion inside the walls of the Venetian Castle. Visitors will see daily objects from the 18th and the 19th centuries like handmade embroideries, original furniture and “corners” for various professions of that time, such as the tailor, the shoe-maker, the carpenter, the maritime corner and the weaving room.
The windmills of Kimolos
To get to whitewashed windmills in Kimolos, you must trek up to Xaplovouni Hill. Don’t let the words trek and hill discourage you, though; once you are there, you will be mesmerised by the history they offer, as the windmills are a crumbling example of the island’s agricultural and cultural past.
Kastro
‘Kastro’ means castle, and this was the only inhabited area of Kimolos until the end of the 19th century, when houses started to be built outside the castle's walls. Kastro of Kimolos consists of two quarters, Mesa and Exo, communicating with special arched doors (portares). The external doors of the houses are united and create fortifying walls, used to protect the village in times of invasions and pirate attacks. Kastro is still inhabited today and is located in the centre of Chora, the capital village of Kimolos.
Panagia Odigitria (Blessed Virgin Mary)
The cathedral of “Panagia Odigitria” (Blessed Virgin Mary) is the island's patron saint and is celebrated on November 21st. The cathedral was built between 1867 and 1874 by all the island's inhabitants, who willingly offered their personal time for 7 years on this major project. Among the many old and significant icons, you will find the icon of Panagia Odigitria of the 15th century, which came from Constantinople or Thessaloniki.
Kali Kardia “Bohoris”
Ranked No1 on TripAdvisor Kali Kardia “Bohoris” is a traditional restaurant and coffee roaster located on the main street of Chora. The interior design, seating and atmosphere have a 1920’s feel to them, as Kali Kardia has retained the traditional, graphic identity of the café from that era with wooden chairs and marble tables, black and white floor tiles, the jukebox, as well as the local grandparents, who gather in the cafeteria each morning to comment on the news and to play cards. The owner’s wife is the chef, who not only prepares delicious food but takes traditional recipes to a higher level. It truly is what one would dream of when imagining a summer lunch or dinner on the Greek islands.
To Kyma
Next to the sea, “To Kyma” is one of the nicest places to eat on the island. It is one of the most popular tavernas in Kimolos, known for its seafood and pasta. Visitors can expect to enjoy their table set on the sandy beach of Psathi (maybe even a candle-lit dinner with your feet in the water) as they try delicious dishes such as sea urchin pasta and shrimp with orzo pasta, stuffed eggplant and fried octopus with vinegar and oregano.
Also, on the beach at Psathi, this patisserie displays delicious cakes and ice cream. Every day of the week, new and exciting treats for your eyes and stomach are also available! The staff and chef are dedicated to creating beautiful and delicious cakes and tarts. As the sun sets, visitors can also enjoy cocktails while enjoying the view and having sand in between their toes. It sounds like it will become one of our favourite places.
Tip: You must also try the local specialty ladenia, a slice of baked bread topped with fresh tomatoes, onions and delicious Greek olive oil.
