Kimolos is a small island in the Cyclades, just a stone’s throw from its big sister Milos. There are few foreign tourists here, as the island has remained very “Greek”. Even in the middle of August, it’s quick and easy to find a table for dinner or an ouzo.
Kimolos, a volcanic island
It’s not hard to guess that Kimolos is a volcanic island. Together with Milos and Poliegos, the three islands were one before the volcano exploded. So it’s hardly surprising to find Kimolos’ red earth and pristine white rocks contrasting harmoniously with the blue of the sea. The coastline is superb, alternating sandbanks, pebbles and caves to the delight of sailors and divers alike.
The island is still very agricultural, although in midsummer vegetation is scarce. Many locals still work in the mine to the south of the island. All the island’s liveliness is concentrated around the village of Chorio, less than 2km from the port. Only a few summer houses and fishermen’s cottages are scattered around the rest of the island.
What to do in Kimolos
The island is small and has few roads. So it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it. You’ll have more than enough time to discover it if you stay for 3-5 days.
First, visit the island and the magnificent beaches of Kimolos
- Rema and Karas: tiny beaches, a few pebbles and flat rocks just downstream of the village. Both beaches are picturesque, with colorful boathouses carved into the rock. A great place for diving.
- Prassa: our favorite. Despite its northerly location, it is relatively sheltered even in high winds, as it is situated in a cove. Close to the stone mines, it features this beautiful white rock, fine sand and turquoise water… magnificent. Beach bar on site and tavern nearby. Access is via a dirt track but passable.
- Monastiria: also in the north. It’s a beautiful golden sand beach.
- To the south, more sheltered from the wind, the large beaches of Aliki, Bonatsa and Kalimitsi follow one another. These sandy beaches are bordered by a few tamarisk trees and beach bars. They are ideal for children, as the water is very shallow. Nearby, you’ll find a number of tavernas offering a variety of eateries.
- The sandy beaches of Mavrospilia and Ellinika, located to the west at the end of dirt roads, are also very charming. First of all, they enjoy a beautiful sunset. What’s more, the rock formations that line them are majestic and highly “photogenic”. In Ellinika, many people go wild camping. However, there is no on-site catering.
- And many other small coves in Kimolos and Poliagos. They are accessible by boat (hire from the port) or on organized tours. Read all about it in the following article.
Visit Chorio
Chorio, the village of Kimolos, is located on a hill. It is the center of the island’s activities. This is the place to come for a bite to eat in the evening, and to rediscover the freshness of its small white streets.
Around the corner, you may find :
- a Byzantine church, white or natural, but as charming as ever
- of course, cats, blue doors and shutters, white floor markings
- and lively little squares with plenty of good tavernas (see our addresses in the following article).
- and even books hanging from a branch for you to borrow or swap.
We recommend you enter the grounds of the old Kastro, now abandoned. Several little houses, a bar, the folklore museum and even an open-air cinema have taken over the premises. As you climb to the top, you can see the sea.
Taste the local gastronomy
Although Kimolos is a very small island, it has its own local specialities.
- The first of its specialties is Ladenia, a kind of pizza with tomatoes, onions and olive oil, sprinkled with a few herbs.
- There are also Tirenia (a cheese turnover) and Elenia (a bread filled with olives).
- Many dishes based on lentils and peas (e.g. in salads).
- Xino, the local cheese. It’s fresh and a little bittersweet. It looks like the bush.
Kimolos: practical information and good addresses
=> on the following article
- Where to stay in Kimolos?
- Good places to eat and drink in Kimolos
- How to get to Kimolos
- How do I get around the island by boat?
Sophie B.
Updated February 29, 2024
