The 10 things to do in Kimolos

Are you going to visit Kimolos in the Greek islands? Here are the 10 places not to be missed on this island of the Cyclades.

After visiting the most famous islands of the Cyclades as Santorini or Mykonos , don’t hesitate to look for disbursement and tranquility. Kimolos is one of the Greek islands of the Cyclades, unexplored from the Aegean. The island is also close to that of Milos.

The holidaymakers love Kimolos for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and its small coves of charm. Despite a tourism developed in the rest of the Cyclades , Kimolos is a local island, which has kept a rich local heritage.

Are you wondering what to do in Kimolos during your vacation? Here is a small selection of the must-see sites to visit on the island of Kimolos!

1. The city of Chorio

The city of Chorio is the only city on the island and tourists spend much of their time here. It is located on the southwest side of Kimolos. Very quiet, Chorio is slightly smaller than other cities in the Cyclades Islands. Completely traditional, she kept her soul from old. It is a pleasure to walk in its narrow streets, before being on its central squares.

Unlike the other villages typical of these islands, Kimolos does not have a single main square but several. Chorio's houses are very pretty and typical. They all have a typical lime cover. This unique feature reveals beautiful dome-shaped roofs. The doors of the houses are always colored with a pretty bright blue. You can take very beautiful pictures with the contrast of white and blue, typical of the Greek islands. Don’t miss visiting Kimolos without bringing one of these shots.

2. The churches of Chorio

If the village of Chorio doesn't look great, its secret is fascinating. No less than eighty small churches are to be discovered! If this figure is impressive, most of these religious places are small family chapels. Most date from the 16th e century and are dedicated to a specific Saint. The largest is the church of Panagia Odigitria. It is in the city centre of Chorio and unveils a beautiful collection of icons. Don't miss visiting this town between 1867 and 1874. The Ministry of Local Culture protects about ten churches on Kimolos Island.

In Chorio or on the beach of Prassa, but also on the four corners of the island, free libraries are present. They have books of all languages. The books borrow for free. They go when you wish.

3. The archaeological museum

Kimolos Island has two museums. The archaeological museum is in the heart of downtown. He learns to discover the history of the island of Kimolos. The archaeological museum is located opposite the church of Panagio Odigitria. He unveils the exciting story of Kimolos. The many clichés and explanations illustrate the words and objects displayed. We find beautiful statues to go back to the prehistory. At the level of the visit, a transparent glass floor gives a view of an old reconstituted tomb. The museum is organized on two floors, with objects and relics on the history of Kimolos.

4. The Museum of Folklore and Maritime

After the archaeological museum, head to the castle. A small house in the building has a museum place on folklore and marine. This second museum exhibits artifacts of culture on heritage and life in Kimolos. The place highlights the evolution of lifestyle. It preserves the traditions of the inhabitants. To immerse yourself perfectly in everyday life, objects such as weave or tools are discovered. The museum also opens up to crafts, portery and customs of the inhabitants. Upstairs, place at the navy and naval instruments.

5. The castle

Yes, Chorio has its medieval castle, like many small Greek cities. It is called Kastro and is located at the foothills of the mountain. Today reduced to the state of ruin, he always visits. The inner area is the oldest. It dates from XV e century and gives to see an inner courtyard, small houses and the church of the birth of Christ.

The Ministry protects this church. The outside part is in better condition. It dates from the XVII e century and reveals narrow streets and houses. In this maze, you will see that the castle was a defense place. After an attack and a fire of pirates in 1638, other constructions strengthened the building. The most amazing: people still live in these walls!

6. The ports of Psathi and Goupa

What to see in Kimolos? After Chorio, the other iconic site of Kimolos is Psathi. The ferries from Milos or Pirée are coming here. It is for this reason that the small beach of the site is quickly stormed. It is not unpleasant to bathe, to stroll around and to shop. A real atmosphere of small seaside town! Then it is possible to eat in one of the taverns. They're open at noon and at night. They offer very good dishes based on fresh fish of the day.

Just next to the port of Psathi, below more exactly, is the fishing port of Goupa. Fishing practice is easy, just like diving. To discover the seabed, it is interesting to go to Rema and its marine caves.

7. The beaches

Are you still wondering what to do in Kimolos? Farniente of course. Kimolos has beautiful beaches. Besides that of Psathi that is very busy, you can go to Bonatsa. This golden sandy beach has little background. It is well-appointed, with sunbeds and parasols available for rent. Right next door is Aliki. It is a pebble beach, with a shallow water. In the spring, many birds are to be observed. For swimming, Prassa is a very good choice. The beaches are arranged and it is possible to observe corals, sea urchins or fish.

Other beaches exist like Monastiria and Soufi that is worth the detour. They are located on the other side of the island and are more difficult to reach by car. On foot from Chorio, it is the easiest. Even more than an hour to access it. By sailing or by sea taxi, it is also possible.

To swim in an original way, the sandy beach of Ellinika is an old town engulfed. It is located west of the island of Kimolos. It is accessible by car. This unappointed beach lets see the ruins of the engulfed city. Also intimate, the beach of Mavrospilia is next to you. These two beaches are isolated. They explore and admire themselves away from tourists.

8. Shopping on the island of Kimolos

It is easy to shop in Kimolos to bring back a nice Greek holiday souvenir. The island of Kimolos offers to buy handmade or traditional products. To make its shopping, the few souvenir shops are concentrated in Chorio or near the Psathi port.

Unique creations of the inhabitants are discovered Chorio’s Arzantiera Boutique . Here, the sea is honoured with achievements of small toy boats. The children of the island like to have fun with these replicas of great sailboats. These products have even become a trademark of the island of Kimolos. You can't visit Kimolos without bringing a...

Another product to report from this island of the Cyclades is a small bag, named dourvades . With its beautiful designs, these bags allow to store objects and secrets. They are made from generation to generation. This is a useful and easy gift to bring back.

Also discover the specialties of Kimolos like Manoura cheese. More difficult to bring back, this dry cheese is enjoyed on site. It is realized on the basis of sheep's milk. It is aged wrapped in grape must. After aging, its black layer is well recognizable.

9. Hiking in Kimolos and walking in Skiadi

If you visit Kimolos, go to Skiadi. In the northeast of Kimolos Island, Skiadi is a rather rare geological formation. It has the appearance of a large stone mushroom following the erosion. It consists of more or less friable rocks. The Skiadi site is part of the Atlas of Geological Monuments at the Aegean Sea. To discover the place, a 30-minute hike is possible at the start of the car park on the main road. To extend the hike, the departure can be from the village of Chorio. In this case, count ninety minutes. Many other hikes are possible on the island of Kimolos, with well-equipped trails.

10. Navigation around the island

A private trip to Polyegos

To take the air, an original excursion is possible from Kimolos to Polyegos, a nearby islet. The departure takes place in the morning at 9:30 a.m. to return at the end of the afternoon. After a swim stop on a beach of Kimolos, Polyegos is drawing.

It is a preserved geological island on the Aegean Sea. It integrated the famous Natura 2000 programme. You can enjoy the beach and stroll around. In addition, the island is an abandoned colony with a ruined church. Lunch is often included in the ticket price to fully enjoy the day.

The boat rental

Would you prefer to leave on your side without a mass of tourists? It is quite possible. rent a boat to an individual and sail alone, together or with friends. With or without a skipper, you can also discover Polyegos. Unless you are looking for another route?

No panic, beautiful islands are all around. Among them, we find Sifnos , Milos Andimilos. And if you are not afraid to do miles, Antiparos and Folégandros are also reachable.

How do I get to Kimolos?

From Athens

It is possible to go to Kimolos from Athens, taking the ferry . Boat connections to Kimolos are carried out every day. In the summer, they are at least doubled. You have to count 5 to 7 hours of classic boat crossing. In Highspeed ferries, the duration is 3h30 to 4h30, depending on the number of stopovers.

Know that it is possible to get to Kimolos by boat from other nearby islands of the Cyclades like Santorini or Anafi.

From the island of Milos

If in addition to visiting Kimolos, you want to stop on the island of Milos, you can fly or ferry to this island. Then take the ferry from Pollonia to Kimolos.

To prepare your trip to Athens or Milos from France, you will find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses . The pure Athens offers from France are relatively numerous.

Where to stay in Kimolos?

With its local charm, Kimolos is full of good housing addresses. To find a hotel with a good value for money, search this Compare hotels . The offers are few but it is hard to bet that you will find a hotel that could suit you.

To taste the picturesque setting, prefer a typical accommodation by booking Airbnb ! Choose accommodation in a cycladic house with sea view. The must: accommodation with roof terrace to prolong the sweet summer evenings...

There is now only one way to visit Kimolos!