Discover Kimolos

The Capital of Kimolos

The Settlement of Horio is the capital of Kimolos located on the southeast side of the island. The charming settlement has a traditional character. Whitewashed houses and blue windows, stone windmills and light blue domes, labyrinthine alleys and flowery courtyards spread amphitheatrically on the slope of the hillside. Horio consists from the region of Mesa (Inner) Kastro, a simple Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses that forms the external wall of the castle. The older residential part of the Exo (Outer) Kastro is the medieval castle of the island. Exo Kastro consists from from two house complexes and a series of houses in the center around the church of the Birth of Christ. The houses of the medieval area were built with the hard rock stone of the area name sideropetra and the decorative details of the houses were built from limestone. Mesa Kastro hosts one of the finest defensive architectures of the Aegean.

The Beach of Prassa

The Beach of Prassa is the most beautiful beach of Kimolos. It is a long sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the northeast side of the island. The carefree environment is blessed from unique sceneries of natural beauty.

The Castle of Kimolos

The Castle of Kimolos consists from two sections. The older residential part of the Exo (Outer) Kastro is the medieval castle of the island. Exo Kastro consists from from two house complexes and a series of houses in the center around the church of the Birth of Christ. The houses of the medieval area were built with the hard rock stone of the area name sideropetra and the decorative details of the houses were built from limestone. There were a hundred twenty three two-storey houses that hosted one family on the upper floor, known as anogarides, and another family on the ground floor, known as katogarides. Nowadays, Mesa (Inner) Kastro hosts the remains of the area while the Exo (Outer) Castle consists from a series of houses whose walls were part of the walls of the defensive castle.

The Church of Pantokratoras

The Church of Pantokratoras is one of the most beautiful churches of Kimolos located on the top of the hill of Xaplovouni. The two aisled basilica hosts a collection of exceptional icons made from the Cretan School of Hagiography. However, the most intriguing part of the church is the magnificent view from the courtyard! As as the locals say it is like standing on the balcony of the Gods.

The Island of Polyaigos

The Island of Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island of the Aegean located just off the island of Kimolos. The rich fauna of Polyaigos rendered its land as an Area of Outstanding Beauty from the State of Greece with the intention of preserving the natural environment and the architectural heritage of the island. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Psathi.

The Natural Monument of Skiadi 

The Skiadi is a natural sculpture that resembles a gigantic mushroom located in the northwestern part of the island. It is an impressive volcanic rock formation surrendered to erosion by the wind and the waves of the sea. The rare monument is part of the Atlas of Geological Monuments of the Aegean. Skiadi is accessible through a traditional pathway that starts from the area of Prophet Elias.

The Syrmata

The Syrmata are constructions with colorful doors carved into the rocks. The constructions were built from the fishermen in order to house their boats and protect them from the gusty winds of the Aegean. Syrmata are located at the village of Goupa.

The Archaeological Site of Hellinika is the sunken ancient town of Kimolos located on the seabed of the southeast side of the island. Underwater archaeological explorations have brought to light a series of findings from the Archaic, Classical, Geometrical and Hellenistic years. According to historians, the people of Kimolos used to live here until the early Christian years.

The Castle of Kimolos consists from two sections. The older residential part of the Exo (Outer) Kastro is the medieval castle of the island. Exo Kastro consists from from two house complexes and a series of houses in the center around the church of the Birth of Christ. The houses of the medieval area were built with the hard rock stone of the area name sideropetra and the decorative details of the houses were built from limestone. There were a hundred twenty three two-storey houses that hosted one family on the upper floor, known as anogarides, and another family on the ground floor, known as katogarides. Nowadays, Mesa (Inner) Kastro hosts the remains of the area while the Exo (Outer) Castle consists from a series of houses whose walls were part of the walls of the defensive castle.

The Cathedral of Panagia Odigitria is an imposing church located in the village of Horio. The church has an impressive architecture while the interior of the church hosts interesting ecclesiastical icons. Following the destruction of the church, it was rebuilt from the islanders diligent and unpaid labor contribution.

The Chapel of Agios Athanasios is a whitewashed chapel with a beautiful entrance located on the northern age of Horio.

The Chapel of Agios Simeon is a white and blue chapel located in the area of Provarma. The chapel is accessible from an old footpath starting from the area of Mizithrou. The chapel offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

The Church of Agioi Anargiroi is a beautiful church standing in front of the southern gate of the Castle. The church is a one-aisled with a flat roof. The interior of the church is decorated with interesting ecclesiastical icons.

The Church of Agios Ioannis Chrisostomos is a beautiful church located on the north area Kastro. The church is a two aisled basilica with a special architectural style. Inside the church, one can admire a beautiful iconostasis made from carved wood, an outstanding sample of traditional craftsmanship.

The Church of Agios Mammas is a beautiful church standing on the top of the hill of Agios Mammas. The church offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

The Church of Gennisi Christou (Birth of the Christ) is the oldest church of the island located in the area of Mesa (Inner) Castle. Indicated from a marble inscription plaque located outside of the church, it was built in 1592. The church is a two aisled flat roofed basilica decorated with a painted iconostasis and beautiful icons. The church served as a shelter for the islanders during pirate invasions.

The Church of Pantokratoras is one of the most beautiful churches of Kimolos located on the top of the hill of Xaplovouni. The two aisled basilica hosts a collection of exceptional icons made from the Cretan School of Hagiography. However, the most intriguing part of the church is the magnificent view from the courtyard! As as the locals say it is like standing on the balcony of the Gods.

The Skiadi is a natural sculpture that resembles a gigantic mushroom located in the northwestern part of the island. It is an impressive volcanic rock formation surrendered to erosion by the wind and the waves of the sea. The rare monument is part of the Atlas of Geological Monuments of the Aegean. Skiadi is accessible through a traditional pathway that starts from the area of Prophet Elias.

The Windmills of Kimolos are the landmark of the island standing on the hill of Xaplovouni. In the old days, the windmills operated by wind as Kimolos is renowned for its gusty winds. Although the windmills are no longer operational, they continue to be a symbol of the long history of the island.

The Archeological Museum of Kimolos is housed in one of the oldest houses of Horio. Exhibits include archaeological findings from the ancient settlements of Kimolos.

The Folklore and Maritime Museum of Kimolos is located in the castle of the island. The museum showcases the culture and heritage of Kimolos through a variety of household artifacts and furniture.

Horio is the capital of Kimolos located on the southeast side of the island. The charming settlement has a traditional character. Whitewashed houses and blue windows, stone windmills and light blue domes, labyrinthine alleys and flowery courtyards spread amphitheatrically on the slope of the hillside. Horio consists from the region of Mesa (Inner) Kastro, a simple Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses that forms the external wall of the castle. The older residential part of the Exo (Outer) Kastro is the medieval castle of the island. Exo Kastro consists from from two house complexes and a series of houses in the center around the church of the Birth of Christ. The houses of the medieval area were built with the hard rock stone of the area name sideropetra and the decorative details of the houses were built from limestone. Mesa Kastro hosts one of the finest defensive architectures of the Aegean.

Spot: Beach of Mavrospilia, Southwest Kimolos

Spot: Church of Pantokratoras, Southeast Kimolos

Spot: Skiadi, Northwest Kimolos

Boat Tour: The circumnavigation of the island of Kimolos is a beautiful experience. The most beautiful sites of the excursion include the cave of Gerakia, the cave of Vromolimni and the island of Polyaigos. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Psathi.

Boat Trip: The Island of Folegandros  has built its own myth as the island of the measure as the residents have managed to maintain the authenticity of this mysterious island alive. While approaching the harbour of Folegandros, you will be fascinated from the barren beauty of the towering cliffs that resemble just a rocky mountain. The beautiful villages and the pristine beaches will definitely captivate the eyes of the travellers. Its just this wild beauty of the barren and rugged sceneries of Folegandros. As for Hora, it is one of the most beautiful villages of the Aegean, a true sample of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades. Scattered whitewashed houses with colourful windows, purple bougainvillea hanging amongst the successive charming squares and labyrinthine alleys perching on the edge of the vertical cliff. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful and oldest medieval villages of the Cyclades. Folegandros creates a bohemian atmosphere with the romanticism of Hora and its medieval colours, the charming scattered chapels and the magnificent sunset colours under the scents of the shrubs of thyme and oregano that decorate the dry slopes of the arid landscape. The puzzle of the island is completed with the breezy landscape of Karavostasis dominated from the reddish rocks, and the traditional cottages and stone windmills of Ano Meria. The tremendous beauty of Folegandros will make you forget everything.

Boat Trip: The Island of Milos is one of the jewels of the country that was created from the lava of a volcano millions of years ago. Although the volcano was extinguished, the soul of Milos continues to be alive. Heavenly turquoise beaches and spectacular volcanic rocks blemished from the mysterious colours of the sunset compose a distinctive landscape that cannot be found elsewhere in the Cyclades. An island that kept for so many years in its inner world the goddess of love can only be magical. Love creates fever and high fever inflames the bowels of the island rising in a thousand appearances trying to captivate your eyes from the impressive charismas and allures of her. Nature endowed the island with all the charms of her, and maybe Aphrodite was the one who bequeathed generously these divine beauties; splendors with an exclusive identity of lunar landscapes and heavenly seashores embellished from mysterious caves, steep cliffs and natural pools, once haunt of the pirates. And lets not forget that this is the island of Aphrodite; a divine paradise from endless beauties that endeavors to steal your heart! Excursion boats operate from the harbor of Psathi.

Boat Trip: The Island of Polyaigos is the largest uninhabited island of the Aegean located just off the island of Kimolos. The rich fauna of Polyaigos rendered its land as an Area of Outstanding Beauty from the State of Greece with the intention of preserving the natural environment and the architectural heritage of the island. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Psathi. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Psathi.

Boat Trip: The Island of Sifnos knows how to bring you here every time you sail for the Aegean. Sifnos definetely stands out as it is regarded as the most authentic island of the Cyclades. The lover of the Cyclades will find everything in Sifnos. Mountainous villages with the typical architecture of the Cyclades surrounded from the dry barren nature along with endless sandy beaches and isolated bays along with history that counts more than five thousands years that is reflected in both the architecture and monuments of Sifnos. If you look closely enough, you will might event discover the mysterious charm of Sifnos! Sifnos is an explosion of the five senses. You first smell the aroma of lavender, oregano and thyme from the ship, the fragrant aniseed buns in the alleys of Artemonas and the royal jasmine and the night flowers from the courtyards of the houses. Then, you eavesdrop her from the sounds of the bells and the violins in the churches, the concerts of the frogs in the stream of Artemonas and the breeze that whistles from the highest peaks of Prophet Elias. You also taste her from the delights of true ode of taste and worryingly addictive, as it is characterized one of the classiest cuisines of the Cyclades starred from Nikolas Tselementes. True eye catcher, the spotless white villages of Sifnos are spotted with the apollonian light and the endless blue of the Aegean. And the touch of Sifnos… this is the most outstanding feeling of Sifnos! Will you let yourself discover this feeling?

Bird Watching: Kimolos has the perfect environment for thousands native and migratory birds. The lake of Alyki is an important area of bird species during the spring.

Diving: The varied coastline of Kimolos offers numerous exciting explorations for diving enthusiasts. The cave of Poseidon, a wrecked airplane and a submerged church are some of the most interesting diving spots. Since the triangle of Milos, Kimolos and Polyaigos is a breeding place for the monk seal Monachus Monachus, one might have the opportunity to meet the seals during his dives. One will find a diving center at the beach of Hellinika.

Hiking: Kimolos hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. The extensive rural trails of the island give the opportunity to the travellers to discover the beauties of Kimolos. (1) One of the most beautiful routes includes the one that starts from the ring road of Horio heading towards mount Sklavos and the chapel of Agios Efstathios. Before getting there, one should turn left and follow the dirt road on the right. In thirty minutes, one will find a trail on the left that leads to the chapel of Exo Ai Lias with panoramic views of Horio. Following the dirt road, one will get in the alley in fifteen minutes. From the junction to Exo Ai Lias, one should start walking among the olive trees. Follow the signs towards Paleokastro, and you will reach the highest peak of Kimolos at an altitude of 364 meters. Discover the hiking routes of the island from the Official Website of Kimolos.

Off Road: Lovers of off road driving can follow the dirt roads leading to the mountains of Kimolos in order to explore the mysterious beauties of the island. One of the most beautiful routes includes the asphalt road that starts from the southern exit of Horio and leads towards the chapel of Agios Minas. There, you will find the dirt road that begins on the left side. From there, pass from the landfill and continue again on the dirt road until you reach a junction of three roads. Choose the right one that leads to the beautiful beach of Monastiria. Make sure you always check the maps of the destination before you get into your car!

Thermal Springs: The thermal springs of Kimolos have been known for their therapeutic properties since antiquity. They have healing properties for various diseases including rheumatism. Reaching a temperature of 46 degrees of Celsius. The thermal springs of the island are located at the entrance of the settlement of Prassa.

Agioklima is a secluded rocky beach with azure waters located on the west side of the island. It is one of the hidden treasures of Kimolos and it is accessed only by boat or water taxi.

Agios Georgios, else known as Prassa, is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the northeast side of the island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kimolos with landscapes of unspoiled natural beauty. The natural thermal springs providing therapeutic properties are located at the beach of Prassa and you can also visit the semi sunken cave of Vromolimni. There is the carved figure in the rock of the beach. The beach is accessed through a track road.
Aliki is a long sandy beach with azure waters and tamarisk trees located on the south side of the island. It is one of the most visited beaches of the island and an ideal location for windsurfing lovers.

Bonatsa is an endless sandy beach with turquoise waters and tamarisk trees located on the south side of the island. The beach is an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Hellinika is a narrow sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southwest side of the island. It is a secluded beach and it is ideal for diving explorations of the sunken traces of the ancient city of Kimolos.

Mavrospilia is a sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the southwest side of the island. The beach has an unparalleled beauty and it is ideal for diving into the archaeological underworld.

Klima is a long sandy beach with emerald waters, huge rocks and tamarisk trees located on the east side of the island. The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Kimolos and it is an ideal location of nature lovers.

Monastiria is a long golden sandy beach with emerald waters located on the north side of the island. It is an isolated beach surrounded from wild beauty. The beach is accessible by car and by boat.

Rema is a sandy beach with sapphire waters located on the southeast side of the island. It is a beautiful beach and various amenities can be found on the neighboring harbor of Psathi. The beach offers panoramic views towards the colorful doors carved in the rocks.
Prassa is a long sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the northeast side of the island. It is the most beautiful beach of Kimolos. The carefree environment is surrounded from unique sceneries of natural beauty.

Coffee Corners

En Plo: Coffee, Psathi

Kimolia Gi: Coffee, Prasa

Nikos Balcony: Coffee, Horio

Steki tis Melikasainas: Coffee, Square of Kambos at Horio

O Paradosiakos: Bakery, Horio

Stavento: Ice Cream, Horio

Ventouris: Bakery, Horio

Gastronomic Delights

Apostolis: Greek Cuisine, Psathi

Bohoris: Ouzo and Meze, Horio

Echinoussa: Greek Cuisine, Psathi

I Avli tou Samplou: Greek Cuisine, Kambos

Kalamitsi: Greek Cuisine, Kalamitsi beach

Meltemi: Greek Cuisine, Horio

Plagia Agora: Souvlaki, Horio

Prasonisi: Greek Cuisine, Prassa beach

Sardis: Greek Cuisine, Alyki beach

To Kyma: Greek Cuisine, Psathi

Cocktails Inspirations

Agora Cocktail Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Kastro

Lostromos: Cocktails and Drinks, Psathi

Stavento: Cocktails and Drinks, Horio

Prassa Kimolia Beach Bar: Cocktails and Drinks, Prassa Beach

The local products of the island include xino and manouri cheeses, caper, thyme honey, tomato paste and rusks.

The local specialties of the island include ladenia, a pie with oil, onions and tomato resembling a pizza, tirenia, a cheese pie, elenia, an olive pie, kolokithenia, a pumkin pie, choriatiki salad, octopus stew, fried calamari, grilled fish, and snails.

Every 20^th of July, the traditional celebration in honor of Prophet Elias takes place in Kimolos.

Every August, the Cultural Festival takes places in Kimolos. The festival hosts a series of cultural events organized by the Society of Kimolos.

Every 15^th of August, the religious celebration in honor of Panagia Konomou takes place in Kimolos.

Every 5^th of October, the religious celebration in honor of Agia Methodios takes place in Kimolos.

Mythology

The island of Kimolos was once part of Milos and got separated after a strong earthquake during the 1^st century AD. According to mythology, the new island was named after Kimolos who was the first inhabitant. Kimolos married Side, the daughter of God Poseidon. Side was associated with minerals and metals giving reason to the island that is filled with deposits of semi precious stones and minerals. Side derives from the word sideros meaning iron in the native language. The creation of the Cyclades is attributed to God Poseidon. It is said that the god of the sea transformed the Cyclades nymphs into islands, when they angered him.

History

The island of Kimolos was once part of Milos and got separated after a strong earthquake during the 1^st century AD. The remains of the ancient town of Kimolos can be found at the sea bottom of the beach of Kofto, a testimony that the island was inhabited from the Mycenaean period. In ancient times, the island was a field of battles between Athens, who ruled the island, and Sparta, who ruled the island of Milos. The island was known as Argentiera owing to the silver coloured rocky surfaces of the coast of Kimolos, making the island a major trade hub in the middle ages. During the medieval times, the caves of Kimolos served as a shelter for pirates while afterwards it was part of the Venetian Duchy of the islands of the Cyclades followed by the Ottoman Empire. After the Greek War of Revolution, Kimolos was deliberated from the Ottomans and it was reunited with Greece in 1829.

By Boat (19.3, 7.9 and 12 Nautical Miles): Kimolos is accessible by boat from the islands of  Folegandros, Milos and Sifnos. Folegandros, Milos and Sifnos are accessible by boat from the harbour of Pireaus. The journey usually lasts from four to seven hours. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !