The island of Kimolos takes its name from the Greek word Kimolia, which means chalk
that represents the white rocks of the Island. The white/silver quality of perlite
is still being extracted today, along with cimolite, chalk. Kimolos is a small island
located North East of the island of Milos of volcanic origin, mountainous and full
of natural caves. It counts about 650 inhabitants, mostly concentrated in the "Chora"
and at the port "Psathi".
The populations of Kimolos is still dedicated to agriculture and farming. Few fish and
many work in the mining activity both in Kimolos and in Milos, and tourism is now
developing. In the whole, it is a place where simplicity, hospitable people and beaches,
along with the several restaurants and cafes allow unique moments of quietness. The
landscape of the island presents fairly dry hills and fields, even though there are
plains appearing green and where agriculture gives tasty products, thanks to its volcanic
land. Typical Mediterranean flowers and trees, including large areas covered with prickly pears.
The "Chorio", Kimolos town, less than 1 km from the port, offers a full
dive into the past: paved narrow streets, abandoned houses being now recovered, typical
Cycladic stone- built houses, and a sense of bygone days, when the island was certainly
enjoying better local economic conditions. The old buildings are now being restored and
new ones built, while the roads are sufficiently wide and paved to visit the most
important beaches and zones. The island is full of churches, dating back to the 16th
century, the most important being Panagia Odigitria (1592), Agios Ioannis Chrisostomos,
Metamorfosi Sotiros, Panagia Ikonomou, etc.
Smaller settlements that are inhabited mainly in the summer, while in the winter few of
them have residents: Psathi (port), Goupa, Kara,
Prasa, Aliki, Bonatsa and Dekas.
Several of the permanent residents who after their retirement returned to their island,
get a new lease of life in their little paradise, spending time with farming, stockbreeding
or fishing.
Kimolos is an ideal destination for peace lovers, philosophers, observers, and all fond of simple but tasty local cuisine, away from traffic and modernity.
The beaches of Kimolos
Clean, leeward beaches easily accessible to everyone, with sand, pebbles, shallow or deep
water, rocks ideal for diving or beaches next to water spas, with shade from thrifts and
lentisks or even sunbeds, and most importantly, clean, crystal blue waters. Kimolos beaches
are mostly on the South coast, covered from the Northern winds, and show their sandy reddish
or white colors, according to their location. They can easily be reached by car/motorbike
from Psathi.
The beaches of Aliki, Bonatsa and Kalamitsi are large beaches with golden sand and are not affected by weather, facing South. The beach of Prassa, just under the Perlite's mine, ressembles a Carebbean beach. The beaches of Agios Georgios, also with white sand, and those of Livadaki, Klima, Rema and Psathi, the port area, complete the Southern side of the island.
Kimolos offers the opportunity to visit the nearby islands of Milos, Agios Giorgos and Poliegos, opposite to Psathi, reachable by small local boat.
Some of the highlights in Kimolos:
- The Castle of Kimolos in the Chora. Once a refugee for the population escaping pirates, now the castle is abandoned and a tourist attraction, recalling the old medieval times. Here you can also visit the Folklore museum
- The cave of Vromolimni is situated North-East of Chora. It can be reached on foot, by sea or on a mule. It is a series of caves carved out of the rocks, some still unexplored.
- The Cathedral of Panagia Odighitria in Chora from the 17th century, and Evangelistria, from 1608. Here you can also visit the new Archaeological Museum.
-
On the northwestern part of Kimolos, west of the “Sklavos” height, there is a huge stone
mushroom called “Skiadi”. A natural monument that lies in the middle of a barren plateau
with excellent view.
- The picturesque fishing settlements with the “sirmata” (caves where boats are kept) as well as water spas.
- Local products and flavors: Ladenia, tirenia, elenia and kolokithenia are some delicacies of Kimolos Island. You can try local honey, nougat, xino (sour fresh skim-milk cheese), manoura (dry cheese wrapped with grapes must), caper and tomato paste.
- Events: Odighitria is a cultural organization which during the months of July and August organizes shows and musical events. Some dancing events are to attend, together with the locals.