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Fondly nicknamed ‘The Chalk Island’, Kimolos is a tiny island in the western part of the Cyclades. There’s just 14 km between the island and neighbouring Milos, but unlike the latter Kimolos never gets too busy. Lauded for its sustainable tourism, it encapsulates the laidback charm of the Cyclades while offering plenty for visitors to see and do. From spectacular beaches and wildlife-packed trails to showstopping tavernas and the charming Chora, it’s the perfect destination for couples, friends and families looking for an authentic Greek getaway.
To help make the most of your island break, you can book your car in advance with Enjoy Travel!
Guide of Kimolos
Geography
Kimilos is fairly mountainous, which means you’re never far from an excellent viewing point. Paleokastro is the highest peak, reaching an altitude of 358 metres. The volcanic soil is rich in minerals and the island boasts a long history of chalk mining.
Beyond the mountains, the island is beloved for its fantastic sandy and pebbly beaches, as well as its coves. Most of the southeastern coastline is covered in gold sandy beaches, while the north and west coast is rocky and less developed. The caves of Gerakia, Vromolimnos, Kakos Potamos and Consolina are worthy trips in their own right.
For sea buffs, the waters between Kimolos and the islet of Polyegos have been designated a nature reserve due to the presence of rare Mediterranean seals.
Climate in Kimolos
Kimilos has a typically Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. The warmest months on Kimolos are June, July and August, when temperatures average 27(°C). The wettest months on the island are November and December.
Summer is the most popular season to visit Kimolos but if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds and some of the highest temperatures, late spring and early autumn are just as pleasant.
Culture
One of the lesser-known Cyclades islands, Kimolos was once part of Milos Island but was separated by an earthquake. Its name comes from the Greek word Kimolia, meaning chalk, which has been mined here for hundreds of years.
Humans have lived here since the Mycenaean period. During medieval times, the caves of Kimolos were used as shelters for pirates. It became part of the Venetian Duchy of the Cyclades between the 13th-16th centuries and still features distinctive Cycladic architecture. Most of the whitewashed houses here have been built with narrow wooden windows and flat roofs, connected by narrow paths, small arcades and tiny churches.
Things To Do in Kimolos
Beach hop
Given that Kimolos is still fairly off the radar, its beaches are never packed. The most popular beaches are located close to Chorio and Psathi, though for a more secluded swim, you might want to travel further. Rema, Elephant and Karras Beaches are protected by rocky coves that are excellent for snorkelling, while Paralia Dekas and Lakos boast the best sunsets. Agios Georgios beach offers endless white sands and calm turquoise waters.
Explore the capital
Chorio, the capital, is split into two sections. Messa Kastro was built around the original 13th-century castle stronghold, while Exo Kastro was built around Messa Kastro in the 17th century. Both are lovely. Two of the island’s best museums are based in Chorio too: the Archaeological Museum and The Folk and Maritime Museum.
Rent a boat and take to the sea
Floating off the coast of Kimolos, Polyegos is the largest uninhabited islet in the Mediterranean. It’s home to a large colony of sea turtles and monk seals and is an excellent spot for bird-watching. You can also explore several of the islet’s spectacular caves.
Take a hike
Kimilos is really a walker’s island. Trails connect every nook and cranny of the island and offer an excellent opportunity to explore the island’s unique ecosystem. On any route, you’ll pass by fig trees, vines, wall lizards and myrtle plants. The trails are particularly pretty in the spring when they’re carpeted with wildflowers.
Eating Out in Kimolos
Kimolos is a small island and word gets around quickly, so there’s no room for bad food. Islanders are proud of their products and traditions, so you’ll find local flavours on most menus.
At Meltemi in Chorio, Chef Augustos Galanos creates imaginative dishes from local ingredients like wild herbs, local cheeses and fresh seafood. Postali, in Psathi, is another popular local restaurant, bar and coffee roaster offering sweeping sea views. Over at Kyma, also in Psathi, diners can enjoy an intimate meal right on the beach with the sand between their toes.
Transport
Airport
There is no airport on the island of Kimolos. The nearest airport is Milos Airport (MLO), though the airport only offers domestic flights from other major Greek cities. From here, it’s a short ferry ride to neighbouring Kimolos. The ferry trip takes around one hour, with sailings six times per week.
Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH). As the country’s busiest and biggest airport, most major international airlines fly here. From Athens, you can either fly to Milos or take the ferry directly to Kimolos. You can either depart from Piraeus or Lavrion ports, though the latter is much slower. There are daily crossing from Piraeus all year round and the journey takes between 4-6.5 hours.
Getting Around Kimolos
Kimolos is a compact island and you could easily visit most of its most notable sights on foot. However, if you’re looking to explore the whole island, we recommend hiring a car. While you might be tempted to opt for a large car, we recommend choosing a smaller vehicle to make it easier to drive down narrow roads and find parking spaces.
There is no island-wide bus service on Kimolos, though sea buses connect some of the beaches around the island during summertime.