Why Should I Visit Kimolos?

The Venetians called it “Argentiera”, meaning silvery, because of the grey-white colour of its rocks, while nowadays it is known as the island of porcelain, because one of the many valuable minerals with which the island’s volcanic history has endowed it is bentonite, which is used in the production of ceramic clay.  Kimolos also boasts epic lunar landscapes in astounding colours with strange geological formations sculpted by the elements, and exotic white beaches surrounded by enchanting crystal-clear turquoise seas with hot springs.

Tiny but beautiful Kimolos is not just a miniature version of neighbouring Milos, but is one of the most elegant and photogenic islands in the Cyclades. From the wonderful traditional architecture of Kimolos Town to its distinctive gastronomy, this attractive island in the western Cyclades is a little piece of heaven on earth, overflowing with authenticity and a genuine spirit of hospitality. You can visit it by choosing one of the ferry tickets to Kimolos.

1. To explore the simple Cycladic beauty of Kimolos Town, where the narrow streets, arches and passageways are filled with the scent of jasmine and basil from the balconies of the whitewashed houses. Nestling at the foot of Xaplovouni Hill, the town incorporates the remains of a medieval fortress settlement (14^th-15^th century).
2. To visit the Archaeological Museum, with its display of finds from ancient Kimolos. The most impressive exhibit is a grave beneath a transparent floor, displayed just as it was found during excavations.  
3. To go snorkelling near Ellinika and see the ancient underwater ruins where finds have come to light from the Archaic, Classical, Geometric and Hellenistic periods. The remains of some wells, walls and dwellings can still be seen at the bottom of the sea.
4. To stand in the courtyard of the Church of the Pantocrator at the top of Xaplovouni Hill and take in a unique view of the Aegean, especially at sunset. Inside are some superb examples of the Cretan School of icon painting.
5. To chill out in the small artsy bars below the domes and archways of Kimolos Town.
6. To see the sun set over the Aegean from Mavrospilia beach.
7. To discover the island’s fascinating geology by hiking some of its trails. On Sklavos Hill you will find the famous Skiadi, a large rock sculpted by the elements into a mushroom-like shape. Sit on the top and enjoy the view of the island’s western coastline.
8. To relax in the warm sea water of the thermal baths at Prassa beach. Below the small Church of Saint George are sea caves that are a breeding ground for the Mediterranean monk seal.
9. To swim at the idyllic Rema, a natural swimming pool of blue-green water set against the backdrop of an imposing white cliff, with a view of the colourful “sirmata” (boathouses carved out of the rock) in the fishing village of Goupa.
10. To go out in a boat to explore the grey-white volcanic rocks at "Geronikola t’Apsila", one of the most captivating landscapes in the Aegean on the north coast of Kimolos.

St George’s (Prassa): The most beautiful beach on the island, also known as White Beach, is an exotic setting of pristine natural beauty, with coarse white sand and turquoise waters. There are thermal baths nearby, while the sea caves below the church are great for exploring. The beach lies at the foot of an impressive cliff made of soft rock, which has a human figure carved into it.

Alyki: One of the island’s most popular beaches, with a long stretch of sand, coloured pebbles, and clear azure waters. It has unique views of the open sea and offers ideal conditions for windsurfing. It is well worth visiting if you choose a ferry ticket to Kimolos.

Bonatsa: This seemingly endless stretch of golden sand with tamarisk trees and shallow turquoise waters is ideal for families with young children. The beach has tourist amenities including umbrellas, sun loungers, and places to eat.  

Mavrospilia: A beautiful beach with dark sand, flat pebbles, and turquoise waters. There are submerged ruins of archaeological interest for divers here, while at the far end are the spectacular “white rocks”, one of the most-photographed sights on the island. The beach is also famous for its gorgeous sunsets.

Kalamitsi: One of the island’s most beautiful and popular beaches, with pale sand, fine shingle, tamarisk trees, and crystal-clear waters in every shade of blue. It looks out onto the strait between Kimolos and Milos.

• Seeing the unique white desert landscape around the exotic Saint George’s beach at Prassa, where bentonite, a raw material of porcelain, is mined.
• Exploring the sea cave at Gerakia, where the water is so shallow that you can walk around inside it. The volcanic rock formations, sculpted by the wind and the waves, are particularly impressive.
• Taking a boat trip around the neighbouring island of Polyaigos, to discover a natural spectacle of exotic beauty with sea caves, fantastic rocky coastlines in amazing colours, and turquoise waters perfect for scuba diving or snorkelling.
• Discovering some of the 300 or so tiny churches perched in breathtaking locations on the island’s rocks.
• Entering the semi-submerged Vromolimni Cave.

• If you choose one of the ferry tickets to Kimolos, it is worth trying some of the island’s delicious cheeses, such as xino (fresh mizithra) and manoura (a hard cheese matured in grape must).
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with melopita, a cake made with local honey and soft mizithra cheese.
• Be sure to try ladenia, a unique local snack with fresh tomatoes, onion, and olive oil on a dough base.
• Taste favourite local mezes such as eggs and capers, octopus stew, fried calamari, snails, and fritters of sun-dried tomatoes and capers.
• Drop into one of the traditional bakeries on the island and try some of the bread and pastry products for which Kimolos is famous: tirenia (an open cheese pie made with manoura), elenia (olive bread), courgette pie (known as kolokithenia or flaouna), and double-baked sourdough rolls with mastic tree seeds.
• Sample a sweet preserve made from xylangouro, a long thin species of melon that grows locally, known in English as an Armenian cucumber.
• Order exceptional fresh fish and seafood straight from the grill in the fish tavernas of Kimolos Town.
• Don’t miss the local dish of goat with koulouridi (handmade tagliatelle).

Kimolos and the neighbouring island of Polyaigos have the largest monk seal population in the Mediterranean.​