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Kimolos: Magic of simplicity

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Kimolos Magic of simplicity

The volcanic island of Kimolos has a wealth of minerals to which it owes not only its rich soil and its production, but also its impressive landscapes, the unique colours of its seas and its exotic beaches. “Kimolia Gi”, widely known as “chalk”, produced on the island since antiquity and used as a detergent, was exported from Kimolos allowing the island to launch its own currency. Its first settler was Kimolos, husband of Sidi, daughter of Taurus, from whom the island took its name, although the Venetians called it Arzantiera, from the Italian argento that means silver, the colour of the island’s rocks and cliffs.

The genuine and unpretentious beauty and hospitality of Kimolos with its whitewashed Chorio (village), its turquoise, crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and delicious food, will enchant every visitor! 

Routes & attractions

Discover the beautiful settlement of Psathi, the port of the island, with its well-kept houses and alleys and rest in one of its welcoming cafes. Heading to Chorio or the chora, you will see the impressive Retirement Home built by the island’s benefactor, Georgios Afentakis, uncle of 17-year-old Sophia Afentakis, also known as the "Sleeping Female Figure" of Chalepas.

Wander in the beautiful Chorio that feels like a movie set. The capital of the island consists of the settlements of Mesa and Exo Kastro, dating from the Middle Ages. In the small square inside the Castle you will find the church of the Nativity dating back to 1592, as well as the Folklore Museum.

Stroll around the small squares of Chorio, such as Theoskepasti, Giorgila's with the well or the square of Kampos with the old church of Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos and the playground. The largest square is that of the School, where you can enjoy beautiful vistas and the moonlight.

Visit the Archaeological Museum housed in a two-storey traditional residence opposite the Castle with findings from the ancient settlements and the impressive glass construction with one of the 22 burial ensembles that were revealed during excavations.

Discover the countless churches and chapels, including the imposing Metropolis of Panagia Odigitria with the beautiful icon of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the 15th century.

Hike to Xaplovouni, where Chorio is built and admire the characteristic windmills. From there you may enjoy a mesmerizing sunset and the view of the town. You can continue to the top of the hill, to the church of Pantokratoras, to enjoy the view and the sunset, and return to Chorio from the path in Myzithrou.

Leaving Chorio and heading to the north, you’ll find the old stone bridge in Pano Klima, from where you can better observe the hinterland with its particular geology. Southbound from Chorio, visit Goupa, a picturesque fishing village with boats kept in caves inside the cliffs, known as "syrmata" and the distinctive elephant-shaped rock. Shortly after you will see the beautiful fishing harbour of Saint Nikolas and the anchorage of Saint Minas, with the old loading dock for minerals. You will find old mines and loading docks in other parts of the island. The most impressive landscape one the island has formed near the cape of Agios Georgios in Prassa, with thermal spas and the caves of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus Monachus.

Heading inland, visit the ruins of the acropolis in Paliokastro and of course admire the landmark of the island, Skiadi, the huge mushroom-shaped rock consisting of dozens of different types of petrifications. On the way there, you will see the ampourdektis (rainwater cistern) in Xivri, just before the church of Agioi Anargyroi while if you continue your afternoon hike through the cobbled path and olive groves, you will reach Mavrospilia, where you shall enjoy the magnificent landscape and a stunning sunset. In the same area you will find Ellinika, where you will have the unique opportunity to see the ancient city of the island submerged in shallow waters. On the beach you will see the necropolis with ancient Mycenaean - Hellenistic tombs carved into the rock. Also impressive are the ash-gray volcanic rocks in the area of " Geronikola t’ Apsila", to the north of the island. 

Beaches & Activities

The special soil of the island offers the visitor unforgettable moments in unique landscapes and waters. Near Chorio you will be enchanted by the unique scenery, like swimming pools surrounded by bright rocks, in Goupa, Kara, Rema, Rematonisa and the syrmata.

Saint George (Prassa) will enchant you with its dazzling white sand (the reason it’s also called White Beach), its turquoise waters, hot springs and sea caves. In the south of the island are the popular beaches of Aliki and Kalamitsi. On the way to Aliki, you will notice small, shiny details of the "rose of the desert", a barite variety that looks like a blooming rose. The calm Bonatsa beach nearby has fine, golden sand and shallow waters.

You will also find hot springs at Agioklima beach as well as at Therma beach with the distinctive yellow rocks, while if you love exploring the sea, you should go to Ellinika with the buried ancient city, Deka and Mavrospilia with the popular yet bizarre Aspragremna, the turquoise waters of Gerakia Cave or the half-submerged cave of Vromolimnos with its yellow sulphurous waters.

To the north you will find the beaches of the Monasteries and right next, the sheltered Soufi with its abundant seabed.

Kimolos is a haven for hikers. Start from Chorio and take one of the various routes through the island's paths, enjoying the landscape with its dry-stone walls, vineyards, olive and fig trees, sea views, herbs and fauna. Among the easy paths is the one starting from Chorio and leading to Chimeli through a well-paved cobbled street that passes near the chapel of Panagia Chimeli, ending at Agioklima beach for a cooling yet curative swim! 

Tastes of Kimolos

The flavors of Kimolos are like the island itself: sincere, genuine, pure and full of love. The island’s specialty is ladenia, a type of local "pizza" with the only ingredients on the dough being the onion, fresh tomato and olive oil. Pies are a favourite dish, so you will find several variations whose name indicates their main ingredient, such as tyrenia with cheese, amarathenia with amaranth, kolokythenia with pumpkin or elenia with olives.

Try local delicious cheeses, such as xyno (fresh mizithra) or manoura (dry cheese wrapped in must), often savored with eggs. Try the local goat, hare stew or octopus stew and of course the fresh fish and seafood of the island. Enjoy tasty recipes with capers, such as pancakes, eggs or red mullet. To sweeten up, try the honey pie (cake with myzithra cheese and honey), the local pasteli or the xylangouro spoon sweet (armenian cucumber). 

 

Traditions & Events

The largest celebrations of the island are the Presentation of the Virgin Mary on November 21st, when the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the island is celebrated and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15th. The locals celebrate with a procession and festival with live music and dancing. The memory of Saint Methodia, also a patron saint of the island, is celebrated on October 5th.

Join the locals to celebrate Agios Panteleimonas on July 27th or on August 6th, on the occasion of the Transfiguration of the Savior, in Chorio and Klima, but also in many other feasts dedicated to saints and churches of the island. On the 15th of August do not miss the Ladenia Festival and the favourite local dish!

If you are on the island in September, don’t miss Kapsalos, on the eve of the feast of the Holy Cross (September 13th). Wreaths and bouquets made on the First of May (Protomagia) are then burned in the fire, and people jump over it in the sounds of satirical songs.

For the past few years, at the end of June, the Kimolos International Film Festival is held in various parts of the island. 

Don't miss...

Explore the nearby uninhabited island of Polyaigos, which is included in the Natura network. An ideal place to swim in its exotic beaches with turquoise waters and caves. Also perfect for birdwatching and wild landscape exploration. 

MAP OF KIMOLOS
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