Kimolos: what to see, beaches, and how to get there

Kimolos is a small and unspoiled Greek island belonging to the Cyclades archipelago.

Located in the Aegean Sea, just a kilometer from the more famous island of Milos, Kimolos is renowned for its white sandy beaches, hidden bays, sparkling turquoise waters, picturesque villages, volcanic rocks, a happy and hospitable population, delicious food, a castle, many churches, and a much lower tourist traffic compared to other Cycladic islands.

Its more reserved soul keeps it more authentic and protected from large crowds; in its few accommodations, it attracts a different type of traveler who is less interested in nightlife and more willing to stroll, relax, meet locals, communicate, and closely learn about local customs.

The island, named for its gypsum quarries, despite being relatively small with an area of just 50 km², boasts various attractions to visit in a beautiful natural setting, such as exploring its villages characterized by winding alleys, white houses contrasting with blooming bougainvillea, like in the main town of Horio, breathing in the medieval atmosphere of the Kastro (castle) on the slopes of Mount Xaplovouni, reaching Goupa, the small fishing village with its colorful 'sirmata', exploring sea caves and boat shelters in winter, or discovering the tiny coastal settlements of Karras, Agios Nikolaos, and Prassa with their charming beaches.

Between long swims in its turquoise waters, scenic hikes on paths traversing its territory, and relaxing moments in its ancient hot springs, the island of Kimolos knows how to captivate the hearts of visitors with the strength of its simplicity and the beauty of its landscapes.

This small but charming island of the Cyclades offers the best experience for visitors during the summer season from July to early September, with temperatures between 75°F and 82°F, warm sea, blue skies, and little crowding.

The month of May and the end of September provide an even more intimate and relaxed experience with average temperatures that are less scorching yet still very enjoyable. Due to its less touristy nature, visiting Kimolos from October to April poses the risk of finding most places closed or inaccessible.

To reach the shores of Kimolos, the first suggested way is to board a ferry departing from the port of Piraeus in Athens. The journey typically takes between six to eight hours, but there are also faster connections that take about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Kimolos is also well connected with other Cycladic islands like Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, and particularly the nearby island of Milos. From its port of Apollonia, one can also take a car to reach the port of Psathi in just 30 minutes, with multiple sailings throughout the day.

Milos, unlike Kimolos, is also served by an airport, making it even easier and quicker to arrive from Athens in just 45 minutes before boarding.

Like all Greek islands, the first images that naturally come to mind are those of paradise beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. Kimolos is no exception, and its beaches are the first destination to reach upon arriving on the island for long, relaxing days.

The beaches of Kimolos have turquoise waters, golden sand, white pebbles, and impressive rock formations. The most famous beaches on the island are found on the southern coast, while some can only be reached by sea on a small boat.

From the port of Psathi, for example, there is a connection to the three small uninhabited islands in front of the bay. The most beautiful and largest of these islands is Poliegos, which features pristine beaches, rare animal and plant species, and an ancient monastery.

This white sandy beach with turquoise waters is located in the northeastern part of the island and features some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of Kimolos, such as natural hot springs with therapeutic properties and the famous submerged caves of Vromolini.

This beach is located in the southern part of the island and features both sand and pebbles with shallow blue waters and tamarisk trees providing natural shade from the sun. Visitors appreciate its tranquility and the taverns where they can rejuvenate.

In the southern part of the island, right next to Aliki, we find Bonatsa beach with its golden sand, shallow waters, and vegetation that provides shade, making it an ideal destination for families with small children. Protected from the wind and served by bars and taverns, it can also be reached by bus. Continuing on foot beyond Bonatsa leads to the small and often crowded Kalamitsi beach for a typical meal at its tavern.

Ellinika beach is a beautiful and wide beach of sand and pebbles on the northwestern coast of the island. Its interesting rock formations include spectacular underwater caves accessible through scuba diving. Close by is Mavrospilia beach, one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Kimolos.

This beach is located near the fishing village of Goupa, a 15-minute walk from Chorio. It is a pebbly beach with turquoise waters, as well as impressive caves and rock formations.

The open sea, fresh air, white sandy beaches, and rich history make Kimolos an excellent destination for nature and culture lovers, with many interesting sites and monuments to visit on the island. With a pair of comfortable shoes, one can walk along relatively easy paths that start from the town and lead to pristine beaches or scenic corners.

This is the case for Skiadi, a unique natural site characterized by a giant rock carved by the wind shaped like a mushroom. The trail to get there varies from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the chosen starting point and in either case provides breathtaking views of the nearby island of Milos and rare specimens of monk seals and raptors.

Also spectacular to discover are the rock formations of Goupa, caves carved into the rock used to store fishing boats during winter, with famous rocks like the Sirmata or Elefantas, transformed over the years by strong waves and winds into a structure resembling an elephant.

The island's capital, known as Horio or Chorio, represents the only sizeable settlement, located at the foot of Xaplovouni hill, above the port of Psathi, overlooking the small island of Polyaigos. Visiting it means wandering through its cobbled alleys, visiting the Archaeological Museum located opposite the church of Panagia Odigitria, exploring the area of the old abandoned castle, discovering the flowering gardens in the courtyards of traditional white and blue houses, and not hesitating to exchange greetings with locals.

In the evening, Horio offers a simple, relaxed atmosphere to experience at the tables of restaurants serving the island's delicious traditional dishes or participating in the characteristic cultural events organized by the locals, such as outdoor film screenings, dances, and local festivals.