Kimolos
About Kimolos
Kimolos, is a nice, small unspoiled quiet island. It is believed that took its name after chalk (chalk=Kimolia in Greek), which it once produced. Kimolos was known in antiquity for the chalk, used as detergent and in medicinal baths (fuller's earth). But according to a legend it took its name after its first inhabitant, Kimolos husband of Side.
Kimolos is in a half an hour distance from the island of Milos, by sailboat. The capital of the island is Chorio at the end of an uphill road, one kilometer long. Picturesque windmills nad beautiful beaches.
Kimolos is situated very close to Milos. The island of Kimolos where the predominant color is the white. The necropolis found at Ellinika, in the south west of the island, and the remnants of the ancient city of Kimolos on the islet of Agios Andreas are testimony to habitation as far back as the Mycenean period.
This volcanic, mountainous island whith white cliffs and roads is a perfect getaway for those who want some peace and quiet. It is a popular island amongst the Greeks, but has not really been discovered by the foreign tourists yet. It is a genuine, picturesque island with friendly people and tiny villages, a few things to see and some nice beaches.
The name Kimolos comes from the word for chalk, and it suits, since the houses are whiter than white. Chalk is an export product for the island, and the rest of the islanders live off fishing and to some extent tourism.
Much later in the Middle Ages, pirates used the well concealed caves of Kimolos as places of refuge. In general terms the history of the island has been that of Milos.
From the quiet harbor of Psathi a road leads uphill to the capital of Kimolos or Chora, where
almost all the islanders live. The houses in authentic Cycladic style are clustered around the
nucleus of the castle, which is divided into two settlements, the Messa Kastro (inner castle) and
Exo Kastro (outer castle). In the former the outer walls of the houses form a defensive wall with loopholes for windows and four entrance gates.
The overall impression is of a painting in white against a blue background. Flowers are grown in
all the courtyards and the alleyways are cobbled.Prassa in the north of the island is where the chalk is mined.
In general the island has superb beaches and would be an ideal spot for those who are fond of quiet and solitude in an idyllic setting.
How to get there? By ferry from Piraeus or by caique from Milos (Apolonia)