Kimolos

Map of Kimolos

Of the three islands off the coast of Milos, only rugged, scenic Kimolos is inhabited. It's the 17th bigger island of Cyclades with 37km² extension and 910 residents. Volcanic like Milos, it profits from its geology and used to export chalk ( kimolia in Greek ) until the supply was exhausted. Bentonite is still extracted locally, and the fine dust of this clay is a familiar sight on the Northeastern corner of the island, where mining still outstrips fishing and farming as an occupation. Apart from the inhabited Southeast, the rest of the island is a nature reserve, which explains the lack of surfaced roads.

Even in August Kimolos isn' swamped by visitors. There is only one bus, no car or motorbike rental (rent from Milos) and few restautants.

Dazzling white Hora, the capital of Kimolos, is perched on the ridge above Psathi behind a few old windmills overlooking the bay. The magnificent, two-gated, 16th century castle was built against marauding pirates. The perimeter houses are still intact and inhabited, though its heart is a jumble of ruins except for the small church of Christ and the chapel of the island's own saint Agia Methodia, beatified in 1991. Just outside the castle to the North stands the 17th century church of Chryssostomos, the most beautiful on the island. Near the church is the archaeological museum (July-Sept , Tues-Sun, 08:30am-15:00pm, free ), displaying pottery from the Geometric to the Roman period. In a restored house near the Eastern gateway is the privately run Folk and Maritime Museum (July-Sept, daily, 09:00am-13:30pm, 1€).

Beaches

Kimolos has small beaches but Aliki, Bonatsa, Prassa and Kalamitsi are the biggest and the most popular beaches of the island with golden sand, especially Prassa which has clear turquoise waters. Also, the Gerakia Cave, which is not exactly a beach, is an exotic place with turquoise waters. Access only by boat.

 

Prassa

Other Beaches

Agioklima, Psathi, Klima, Rema, Karas, Soufi and Dekas.

Transportation

By ferry: Ferries dock at the tiny port of Psathi. Ferry tickets for onward journeys are sold an hour or so before the arrival of the boat. Larger ferries call briefly on their way to and from Adhamas(Milos).

Destinations: Folegandros(2 weekly, 1hr), Kythnos(2-5 weekly, 3hr 30min), Milos-Adhamas(2-8 weekly, 1hr), Milos-Pollonia(7 daily, 20min), Santorini(2 weekly, 3hrs), Serifos(2-5 weekly, 2hrs 30min), Sifnos(2-5 weekly, 2hrs), Sikinos(2 weekly, 1hr 30min).

Kimolos

Getting Around

By bus: There is one regular bus in high season to Hora(8-10 daily, 10 min) from the port as well as connecting with ferries

On foot: The capital, Hora, can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes from the port. Other destination around the island are on paths that are 2-3 hours on foot from Hora.

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Kimolos: 22870 51218

Police Station: 22870 51205

Coast Guard: 22870 22360

Port Authority: 22870 51071

Pharmacy: 22870 51808

Post Office: 22870 51739