A Local’s Guide to Visiting Kimolos, Greece
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Of the inhabited western Cyclades islands, Kimolos is the smallest, and while it has certainly experienced a considerable increase in visitors in recent years, it is never overwhelmed by them, unlike some of its more famous neighbors.
Squeezed between neighboring Milos and Sifnos, two islands with an ancient and renowned history, Kimolos has never been dependent on them and has always retained its proud and austere independence to this day.
The island has a small year-round population, and you will likely notice a strong sense of community among the residents. They are proud of their little island and its history and culture.
Formed by volcanic activity, the island is rich in minerals, among them Kaolin, a material necessary for the production of porcelain. The extraction of this material has been a major economic driver here since ancient times, and it still gives much work to the local inhabitants today.
Life here is clustered around the island’s lone village, Chorio, a small town but one with a long history and a strong character. It’s also a splendid example of a Cycladic village that grew up and expanded around its medieval citadel.
Outside of lovely Chorio, Kimolos offers up a long series of pleasant beaches that dot the entire southern side of the island, from east to west.
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Where is Kimolos
Photo: User: Bgabel at wikivoyage shared, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kimolos is an island in the western Cyclades, about 89 nautical miles southeast of Athens. It is separated from neighboring Milos by a thin strip of sea not even a mile wide, and Sifnos sits just a few miles to the northeast.
The uninhabited island of Poliegos, just a mile away, also technically belongs to Kimolos.
Covering only 14 square miles of land and with a year-round population of around 900 residents, Kimolos is the smallest inhabited island in the Cyclades.
How to get to Kimolos
Kimolos has no airport, so the most common way to get here is via ferry, either from Athens or other islands in the Cyclades. Here’s a quick overview of your transportation options.
Where to book ferry tickets
To check schedules and prices, I recommend using Ferry Scanner which is an aggregator that shows options from a bunch of different ferry companies. Their schedules are always up to date, it’s easy to use, and the price difference between using them and booking direct is negligible.
By ferry from Athens
For those arriving from the mainland (Athens), the easiest solution is to take the ferry from Piraeus. The line that serves Kimolos is operated by Zante Ferries, and it follows the following route: Piraeus-Kythnos-Serifos-Sifnos-Kimolos-Milos-Folegandros-Sikinos-Ios-Santorini.
The ferry operates year-round and frequency of departures varies between 3 and 4 times per week depending on the season. The price starts at about 40 euros for a one-way economy tier ticket, and the trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the route.
By plane and ferry from Milos
While there’s no airport in Kimolos, the neighboring island of Milos, less than a mile away, has a small airport with regular connections with Athens. Once you arrive into Milos, there are regular ferries that run the quick trip over to Kimolos.
Just be aware that the aircraft flying between Athens and Milos have very few seats (about 50 usually), are often full, and can be rather expensive.
From Milos airport, you’ll have to take a bus or cab to the port of Pollonia, and can then catch a ferry on to Kimolos.
From Milos, you can easily reach Kimolos every day of the year, thanks to the connection from the Pollonia (Milos’ secondary port), which operates several runs daily (most frequent in summer, of course).
The ferry linking Kimolos to Milos, often called "Pantofla" (slipper) by the locals, covers the distance between the two ports in about 25 minutes and carries both people and vehicles (cars, vans, motorcycles, etc.).
The price is modest and tickets are purchased just before boarding. Information on the schedule, frequency, and cost can be found here: https://www.kimolos-link.gr.
Ferry connections with other islands
Kimolos is connected with several other Cyclades islands all year-round, thanks to the two major lines that connect a large number of islands to one another.
One line serves Syros-Paros-Serifos-Sifnos-Kimolos-Milos, and the other serves Lavrio (Athens)-Kea-Kythnos-Syros-Paros-Naxos-Ios-Sikinos-Folegandros-Kimolos-Milos. Both lines run twice per week.
Why visit
Prasa Beach. Photo: Elena Alexiou, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kimolos is an island best for travelers seeking to truly relax. Chorio, with its squares and alleys that open up to sudden glimpses of the small harbor below the village, is a microcosm of life here that conveys serenity and reminds you to slow down and relax.
Even in high season, the town’s shops maintain the tradition and healthy habit of shutting down for a long afternoon break during the day’s hottest hours. Shopkeepers head home for a long lunch and rest, and almost all activity in town stops. Even if you wanted to “go go go”, Kimolos is not somewhere that lets you.
The island’s calm beaches invite you to relax and unwind, lulled by the gentle lapping of the sea while stretched out in the shade of the tamarisk and lentisk trees that line their shores. None are more inviting than the triptych of beaches at Aliki, Bonatsa and Kalamitsi, which offer fine sand or pebbles and a clear, calm sea.
Much of the island is uninhabited and there are few miles of paved roads, which means that nature is largely still intact here. Kimolos is an excellent destination for hiking, and along its many trails you’ll get to know its volcanic soul and will see ample evidence that there are still places in the world where nature takes precedence over human activities.
So, what does all of this mean for visitors? Well, Kimolos is certainly not an island for those who are constantly in search of adrenaline activities, party nightlife, or anyone who thinks being idle is equivalent to being bored: in fact, here, idleness is precious and above all, sought after.
What is Kimolos like
Kimolos is the smallest of the inhabited Cyclades islands, and it covers an area of only 14 square miles. With about 900 year-round residents, mostly living in Chorio, this is a sparsely populated little island where nature reigns supreme.
Kimolos is rich in beaches, many famous for their crystal-clear waters often protected from the strong northern winds. Some are wide, open beaches with sandy or pebbly shores, while others are tucked away in small natural harbors, situated among scenic rock formations and traditional syrmata (hollows, carved out of soft tufa, used as boathouses during the winter).
In addition to the many beaches easily accessed by land, Kimolos is also a great base from which to explore beaches and bays in Poliegos, the large uninhabited island only a few miles to the southeast, which are reachable only by boat.
But Kimolos is also renowned for its Chorio, the island´s only village dating back to ancient times. Walk slowly through its alleys and small squares and look up often to admire the enchanting seaside views.
Be sure to try some of the village’s traditional bakeries, where you can sample local delicacies like Ladenia (a flatbread served with fresh tomatoes, onions, and lots of olive oil), Tirenia (a cheesy flatbread), Elenia (a delicious olive bread), and many other specialties whose simplicity is the key to their deliciousness.
Kimolos is an ideal island for travelers looking for a place that embraces the charm of nature and simplicity, where creative leisure is prized, and the little things in life and the joy of sharing them with others (locals or visitors alike) are celebrated.
Visitors here are typically families with children, students, and small groups of friends who seek (and find!) a place to spend quality time in a setting of rare and soothing beauty.
And in this oasis of slowness and tranquility, it is also nice to be surprised by the events organized by a very active local group of volunteers, the Kimolistes.
Among their many initiatives to enhance and safeguard their island (such as regular beach cleaning and taking care of public spaces), the group has for years organized a summer program that includes a unique travelling outdoor cinema, Cine Kalisperitis, with screenings of selected films in various fascinating locations.
For the past few years, moreover, the Kimolistes, have put on the Kimolos Experience Festival, which is a wide-ranging program throughout the summer with readings, theatre performances, workshops, music, Panigiroi, and other interesting initiatives.
Best time to visit
Photo: Muriel Pécastaing-Boissière, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
June and September are the best months to visit Kimolos as the weather during both periods allows you to go for swims at the beautiful beaches and go hiking in the hinterland, and all services and hotels are open for the summer season.
You will also be visiting either before or after the height of high season, so will avoid the full summer crowds while still enjoying the best of what Kimolos has to offer.
Visiting in spring
This is definitely a nice time to visit Kimolos as the weather becomes quite pleasant and the island is tranquil and green. A spring visit requires good planning though, as ferry service is not yet in full swing, and the connections with Athens and other islands will be less frequent than during the summer.
If you have a few days to spare and can make your schedule work with the ferries, this is a really nice time to be here. Without question, Spring is the ideal season for hiking.
Visiting in summer
July and August are the busiest months on Kimolos and although the island doesn’t get overwhelmed by visitors, the biggest challenges are getting around on the little roads that become choked with traffic, and finding parking amongst the extremely limited options.
Visiting in fall
Between mid-September and mid-October you can still enjoy generally warm weather and nice long days at the beach, and can do so without the hassle of the summer crowds. Normal daily life resumes during this period and the island begins to feels far more local and Greek again.
Connect with Luca in Sifnos for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
How many days to spend
While Kimolos has few marquee sights, it is an incredibly pleasant and rather unique place, and it takes some time to settle in and to begin to soak up the atmosphere.
If you can spare the time, 3 days is just about perfect to enjoy several beaches without running hurriedly from one to the next, to do some of the island’s hikes, to relax in Chorio’s squares just watching the world go by, and to attend a film screening inside the medieval citadel or any of the other events organized by the Kimolistes.
Transportation and getting around
If you want to get around, renting a car in Kimolos is generally a good option, except for during the high season, when the island’s few roads are overwhelmed by the increase in visitors and traffic. Local car rental services, like Allways Car Rental, or RAC can be found at the port of Psathi.
If you’re planning on renting a car, I also always recommend checking prices on DiscoverCars. It’s an online aggregator that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing.
AutoEurope is another aggregator that I really like. It tends to be more expensive, but they only list options from large, well-reviewed companies and their customer service is excellent. Their deals often include “zero deductible” rental insurance and they’re the best option if you want the easiest experience and are ok paying a little more for it.
The few roads on the island are clustered around Chorio and the surrounding coastal areas, and the only asphalt road on Kimolos runs between the small villages of Fikiada and Agios Minas. All the rest of the roads on the island are dirt tracks, some easily accessible, others requiring a 4x4.
For public transportation, there is a mini bus service that covers a few routes from Chorio, mainly going to the port and the more popular beaches.
In Kimolos, there is only one taxi, which can be reached at the following numbers: +30 69454 64093/ +30 22870 51552.
Where to stay in Kimolos
Little streets in Chorio. Photo: Kritzolina , CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kimolos has a much more limited range of facilities than other islands, and most are B&Bs run by local families or small hotels with just a few rooms. If you want to experience island life in addition to visiting the beaches and hiking, the best place to base yourself is definitely Chorio or right nearby.
If island life is less of interest to you and you really just want to get away and be by the beach, the tiny villages of Aliki or Kalamitsi are excellent options. In both, you can still find good budget stays in family settings, often with an attached tavern.
In/around Chorio:
Toffee Apartments and Milaki Kimolos Hotel, both located conveniently within easy walking distance of Psathi harbour and Chorio. Summer rates at both are around $150 per night.
Aliki/Kalamitsi:
Bonatsa Beach House/Studios (about $120 per night) would be my recommendation, but there are other nice places that can be found online as well.
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What to see and do in Kimolos
The unique Skiadi rock formation. Photo: Elena Alexiou, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1. Explore the charming town of Chorio
Chorio, Kimolos’ lovely capital, is a picturesque village with narrow alleys, traditional Cycladic architecture, and white-washed houses adorned with colorful doors and shutters. Stroll through its winding streets, discover hidden squares, and soak in the authentic island atmosphere.
2. Hike the trails
Kimolos has lots of excellent hiking and there are some very nice signposted trails. Trail #2 is one of my favorites, and it will take you on the following route: Chorio – Skiadi - Mavrospilia Beach – Chorio.
This trail traverses the northwestern interior of the island and leads to a remarkable natural phenomenon, the rock of Skiádi, which sits in a beautiful location.
From there, the hike continues to the coast, and although the first 20 minutes or so beyond Skiádi can be a little unclear where exactly the path leads, it becomes clear and easy after that.
You’ll have a few fantastic viewpoints along the way, and will eventually reach the beaches of Elleniká and Mavrospília. Finally, return back to Chorio.
3. Attend local festivals or a film screening by Cine Kalisperitis
If your visit coincides with a local festival or celebration, seize the opportunity to participate in the festivities. Find out what the Kimolistes have in store during your visit and be sure to attend!
4. Relax at Prassa Beach
Enjoy the tranquillity of Prassa Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. The secluded atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for unwinding and taking in the natural beauty.
5. Take a full-day cruise to/around Polyaigos
For a day on the sea, there are few better options than a full-day boat trip to and around Polyaigos, Kimolos’ uninhabited neighboring island. Explore its pristine beaches, sea caves, and rugged landscapes.
The boat tours often include stops for swimming, lunch on board, and snorkeling in the turquoise waters. Check at the port of Kimolos for the cruises of Captain Augustis on a traditional wooden boat.
6. Go on a day trip over to Milos
Milos is one of the most beautiful and popular islands of the Cyclades, and it sits less than a mile away from Kimolos. Boats regularly cross between the two islands and the trip takes less than 30 minutes.
Best beaches in Kimolos
1. Goupa
Very close to Chorio, this isn’texactly a beach in the traditional sense. Goupa offers a small beach in a unique setting framed by "Sirmata" (carved rocks used for storing fishing boats in winter) and natural rock formations with intriguing features (don't miss the 'elephant' rock!).
2. Prassa Beach
Enjoy the tranquility of Prassa Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. The secluded atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for unwinding and taking in the natural beauty.
Also, on the way from Chorio to Prassa, you'll encounter numerous small beaches and bays; feel free to stop and enjoy a swim if you feel inspired!
3. Aliki
A fantastic, long, sandy beach with typical tamarisks providing shade. Popular and featuring shallow water, Aliki is a great choice for close to Chorio and Psathi
4. Bonatsa
A spacious sandy beach, ideal for families, especially those with children. Locals and visitors alike love Bonatsa, and its name, meaning "calm sea," reflects its rarity of waves, even during the Meltemi winds.
5. Kalamitsi
Just beyond Bonatsa Beach, Kalamitsi is slightly more exposed to the wind and waves. It boasts a beautiful setting with sandy shores, tamarisk trees providing ample shade, and a seaside taverna. Truly magical.
6. Dekas
A beautiful sandy beach offering views of the islet of Agios Andreas in the southwest of Kimolos. Perfect for afternoons and just before sunset.
7. Mavrospilia
Located near Dekas beach, Mavrospilia is one of Kimolos' most beloved beaches, known for its sandy shores and one of the best sunsets on the island. Despite its popularity, it's not necessarily crowded.
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