Kimolos island

General info
Kimolos belongs to the Cyclades island cluster and it is located north eastern to the island of Milos. Covering 40 square km and having a population of 770 residents approximately, the island is an ideal destination for peaceful and relaxing holidays.
Its terrain is mountainous and barren in its most part shaping plenty of caves and white cliffs, while scarce vegetation, especially in its southern part, adds colour to its impressive wild beauty. Its coastline extends to 40 km approximately including rugged beaches and smooth sandy shores with amazing crystal clear waters.
Being a volcanic island, Kimolos has a subsoil remarkably rich in mineral reserves and it was known since antiquity for producing chalk (“kimolia” in Greek language), from which it is said Kimolos has taken its name.
 
The island is not considered to be a “hot”  summer destination and thus  choices concerning  tourist infrastructures are not provided in abundance, yet it is exactly this austere  beauty that attracts an increasing number of visitors, who  wish to spend their holidays, or part of them, in  a serene genuine Cycladic island of interesting ecosystem.

Neighbouring island to Kimolos is Milos.

Historical profile
The history of Kimolos is strongly connected with this of Milos. Initially, the two islands were united but an earthquake which took place in antiquity separated them.  According to excavation findings, Kimolos was first inhabited during Prehistoric Times and the first resident was a man called Kimolos from whom, according to another tradition, the islands took its name.

Throughout centuries, Kimolos was dominated by the Macedonians, the Prolemies of Egypt, and in the 2nd century BC by the Romans.  From 4th to 6th century AD approximately, Kimolos became part of the Byzantine Empire and in 1204 it was dominated by the Franks, followed by the Ottomans in 1537.  
The island gained its freedom after the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and it was integrated to the Greek State. During World War II it was subjugated by the Germans and regained its freedom   in 1943.

Villages
Chorio( Horio) of Kimolos, is  the capital of the island with a population of about  800 residents. Perched on a smooth hill and built around a 13th century medieval castle, Chorio consists a perfect example of Cycladic architecture, with its- brighter than snow-, white houses that most of them have delightful yards of flowers. The narrow paved streets lead the visitor to old fine churches where remarkable old icons are saved, or to picturesque squares where the hospitable residents are gathering in order to enjoy their “Greek coffee” or a glass of ouzo or wine.

Just 2 km southern eastern to Chora, is found Psathi, the port of Kimolos and also the second main settlement on the island.  Built amphitheatrically along a cove of a serene bay, with traditional houses it is ideal spot for starting your exploration to some of the best beaches of the island. 

Beaches
Kimolos has several beaches, sandy or pebbled ones with fine golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is rare to be overcrowded even during high season and this make them ideal for enjoying the pleasures of  the Greek sun and sea   in a magnificent setting.

On the southern eastern part  are found the most famous beaches of the island; the Aliki (Alyki), the Bonatsa and the Kalamitsi  beaches, the largest ones in  Kimolos with coarse sand, clear waters and  idyllic scenery.

On the eastern part, are distinguished the beaches of Livadaki, Klima and Psathi, all of which are sandy beaches with thick pebbles and amazing waters, while on the northeaster is found the beach of Prassa which is considered to be one of the best in Kimolos.

Access
There are scheduled trips from Piraeus Port. Kimolos is also connected with the islands of Milos, Kythnos (Kithnos), Sifnos, Serifos (Seriphos), Sikinos, Folegandros, Ios, Santotini, as well as with Crete and the islands of Dodecanese cluster. 

Alternatively, you can go by plane to the Milos National Airport and from there you can get the local boat to KImolos.