Κιμώλος

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Kimolos

The silvery charm of slowness and Cycladic hospitality

  • Psathi
  • 4–8h from Piraeus
  • Paliokastro 364m
  • Tranquility
  • Beaches
  • Geology
Culture

History & heritage

Kimolos has been inhabited since prehistoric times and gave its name to kimolia (chalk) — the white, absorbent rock (Kimolos earth) mined here since antiquity and exported throughout the Mediterranean, used in cleaning, dyeing and medicine. The island was one of the first outposts of the Cycladic Civilization at the southwestern edge of the archipelago.

In antiquity, the city of Kimolos stood at what is now Ellinika, on the western coast, where the sunken ruins and extensive necropolises can be seen today. The island minted its own coinage and was closely linked with neighboring Milos. Geological changes gradually submerged a large part of the ancient city into the sea.

In medieval times, Kimolos passed, along with the rest of the Cyclades, to the Venetian Duchy of the Aegean. Relentless pirate raids forced the inhabitants to fortify themselves: first at Paliokastro inland, and later at the Kastro of today's Chora, with the wall-houses forming a defensive ring. Ottoman rule followed, with the island maintaining a maritime and agricultural life.

After incorporation into the Greek state in the 19th century, Kimolos's economy relied on fishing, livestock farming and, above all, mineral mining — kimolia (chalk), bentonite and perlite. In recent decades, the island has deliberately kept its quiet, authentic character unchanged, promoting soft tourism as an alternative to the mass development of larger destinations.

Explore

Sights & Trails

Monasteries, castles, ancient towns and hiking routes.

Kastro

The medieval fortified settlement of Chora, divided into Mesa and Exo Kastro. The outer houses form a continuous wall for protection against pirates, while inside, old churches and the Church of Christ from 1592 survive.

Skiadi

The striking geological formation shaped like a mushroom or umbrella, in the island's western part. It was created by the differential erosion of volcanic rocks — white and dark — and is Kimolos's most recognizable symbol.

Paliokastro

The ruins of the medieval capital, atop a hill in the island's interior. The fortified settlement was destroyed by a pirate raid, leading the inhabitants to build today's Chora.

Ellinika

On the western coast, on the isthmus opposite the islet of Agios Andreas, lie the sunken ruins of the ancient city of Kimolos — walls, tombs and building remains lost to the sea through geological changes.

Polyaigos

The largest uninhabited island in the Aegean, facing Kimolos. A protected Natura 2000 area, with wild goats, imposing rocks and turquoise coves — accessible only by boat.

Archaeological Museum

In Chora, it houses geometric, archaic and classical vessels, figurines and finds from Ellinika and the island's necropolises, illuminating Kimolos's long history.

Folklore & Maritime Museum

Housed in Chora, it presents traditional daily life, maritime tradition and the trades of the people of Kimolos through objects, tools and photographs.

Monastery of Panagia Odigitria

A historic church in Chora, one of the island's most important religious monuments, safeguarding old icons and ecclesiastical treasures.

Hot Springs (Prassa)

Near Prassa beach, hot mineral waters bubble up — evidence of the island's volcanic nature, known since antiquity for their therapeutic properties.

Klima & Goupa

The two fishing villages with the "syrmata", colorful boat garages carved into the rock for storing boats — among the most picturesque spots on the Kimolos coastline.

Church of Christ

The historic Church of Christ inside the Kastro of Chora, built in 1592 — one of the oldest and most important monuments on Kimolos.

Church of Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos

The parish church of Chora, dedicated to Saint John Chrysostom, with a remarkable carved wooden iconostasis and old icons.

Local flavour

Kimolos cuisine is simple, authentic and deeply connected to the land and the sea — local cheeses, fresh fish and traditional doughs found in only a few corners of the Cyclades.

Businesses

Find what you need

Accommodation, restaurants, activities and local products of the island.

Locations come live from the official Cyclades business directory.

MONACHOFOLITSES Accommodation

ΜΟΝΑΧΟΦΩΛΙΤΣΕΣ - MONACHOFOLITSES

Kimolos
Οι monacho-folitses, οι οποίες οφείλουν το όνομα τους στο μεγάλο πληθυσμό της φώκιας monachus-monachus που ζει και αναπαράγεται στο νησί,…
KIMOLIS Accommodation

ΚΙΜΩΛΙΣ

Kimolos
Χτισμένο αμφιθεατρικά, ανάμεσα στο λιμάνι της Κιμώλου και στο χωριό, με θέα το γραφικό όρμο της Ψάθης, το Kimolis ξεχωρίζει…
KIMOLOS HOUSES Accommodation

KIMOLOS HOUSES

Kimolos
Το Kimolos Houses είναι ένα συγκρότημα ενοικιαζόμενων κατοικιών κυκλαδικής αρχιτεκτονικής, στην είσοδο του γραφικού χωριού της Κιμώλου, που προσφέρει διαμονή…
THE HOUSE IN THE CASTLE Accommodation

ΤΟ ΣΠΙΤΙ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΣΤΡΟ

Kimolos
Στο Χωριό, τα λευκά κυκλαδίτικα σπίτια σε περιμετρική διάταξη σχηματίζουν με τους τοίχους τους το Κάστρο (Ιστορικό Διατηρητέο Μνημείο) του 16ου…
FAROS Accommodation

FAROS STUDIOS KIMOLOS

Kimolos
Το συγκρότημα "Faros Studios" βρίσκεται στη Χώρα της Κιμώλου, 880m από την Ψάθη το γραφικό λιμάνι του νησιού. Η απόσταση…
LITTLE PARIS Accommodation

ΜΙΚΡΟ ΠΑΡΙΣΙ

Kimolos
Στα μάτια των κατοίκων της Κιμώλου, αλλά και βαθιά στην καρδιά τους, το νησί απαντιέται με την ονομασία Μικρό Παρίσι.…
TO RANTEVOU TIS ALYKIS Accommodation

ΤΟ ΡΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΤΗΣ ΑΛΥΚΗΣ

Kimolos
Στο Ραντεβού της Αλυκής "Rooms & Apartments" θα βρείτε στο ισόγειο και στον πρώτο όροφο του συγκροτήματος μας δωμάτια και…
MY KIMOLOS MY PARADISE Accommodation

ΚΙΜΩΛΟ ΜΟΥ ΠΑΡΑΔΕΙΣΟ ΜΟΥ

Kimolos
Τα δωμάτια βρίσκονται στη θέση Παναγία η Οδηγήτρια στις αρχές του Χωριού της Κιμώλου και απέχουν μόλις 350 μέτρα από…
See all 24
Getting here

Access & transport

How to get there

Kimolos has no airport. The port of Psathi is connected by ferry to Piraeus (about 4–8 hours, depending on the route) and to the other islands on the line, while a small daily ferry/boat connects it with neighboring Milos — the easiest way to get there.

Getting around the island

The island is small: a local bus connects Psathi with Chora and the main southern beaches, while for the more remote beaches, Skiadi and the dirt roads, renting a scooter or car is the most convenient option. Many wild spots and Polyaigos are reached by boat.

Ferry tickets

Useful phone numbers

Island hopping

Nearby islands

Combine Kimolos with the neighbouring Cyclades.

Cyclades aiTripPlanner

Ready for Kimolos?

Plan your own trip to Kimolos, day by day, tailored to you — with the help of the aiTripPlanner.