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| 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€).
