Travel guide: Kimolos, Greece’s tiny island gem in the Cyclades

If you are looking for a precious island under the blazing Cycladic sun, Kimolos is for you, Antonia Komarkowski notes in the following travel guide published at greekcitytimes.com:

Even though it’s tiny, it is extremely beautiful and is located in the western part of the Cyclades, a stone’s throw away from Milos.

Kimolos is what many call the “real Greece” as it has volcanic rocks and a unique variety of minerals, famous beaches, rich flora and fauna and nowhere near as touristy as the other islands in the Cyclades.

To get to Kimolos, you can take a ferry from Piraeus Port (Athens) which takes three-six hours, depending on the speed of the boat or a flight from Athens International Airport to Milos and take a short ferryboat ride from there or a ferry from Paros, Santorini, Serifos and other Cycladic islands.

You can either do a day trip to Milos, or stay at the island and explore the many things Kimolos has to offer.

Aliki Beach

Aliki is the longest beach on the island and one of the most beautiful. It’s the ideal spot for swimming or relaxing near the blue crystalline water, pebbles and beautiful golden sand. It is also perfect for windsurfing as Aliki beach is affected by northern, summer winds. Not to mention the diving, so one can see the unique underwater flora and fauna at the bottom of the sea.

Ellinika Beach

Not usually occupied by a lot of people, as getting there is a trek, only reachable through a rough and unpaved road. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful beach for couples and people who enjoy privacy. The calm and isolated beach also contains ancient ruins, which existed during the Mусenаеan periоd but were dеstrοyеd in а sеverе earthquake. 

Psathi 

The most popular seaside front on Kimolos, Psathi is not only the port of the small island, but also a beach. Psathi is a bit pebbled and shallow, but the crystal waters make it a favourite along with the location as there are lots of hotels, tavernas and activities nearby. 

The Archeological Museum of Kimolos

The local archaeological museum is housed in an old two-storey building of unique architectural value, dating back to the 19th century and exhibits ancient remains that were found in the beach of Ellinika, which is the most known ancient site on Kimolos. Visiting this museum, people will be sure to learn a lot about the island’s history. The crystal clear floor which you can walk on is also worth mentioning, as you will be able to see a representation of an ancient burial, just as it was found during excavation.

Folk and Maritime Museum

This is housed in a restored mansion inside the walls of the Venetian Castle. Visitors will see daily objects from the 18th and the 19th centuries like handmade embroideries, original furniture and “corners” for various professions of that time, such as the tailor, the shoe-maker, the carpenter, the maritime corner and the weaving room. 

The windmills of Kimolos

To get to whitewashed windmills in Kimolos, you must trek up to Xaplovouni Hill. Don’t let the words trek and hill discourage you though, as once you are there, you will be mesmerised by the history they offer, as the windmills are a shining example of the island’s agricultural and cultural past. 

Kastro

‘Kastro’ means castle, and this was the only inhabited area of Kimolos till the end of the 19th century, when houses started to be constructed outside the walls of the castle. Kastro of Kimolos consists of two quarters, Mesa and Exo, that communicate with special arched doors (portares). The external doors of the houses are united and create fortifying walls, that used to protect the village in times of invasions and pirate attacks. Kastro is still inhabited today and is located in the centre of Chora, the capital village of Kimolos. 

Kimolos church

The cathedral of  “Panagia Odigitria” (Blessed Virgin Mary) is the patron saint of the island, and celebrated November 21st. The cathedral was built between 1867 and 1874 by all the inhabitants of the island, who offered their personal time for 7 years willingly on this major project. Among the many old and significant icons, you will find the icon of Panagia Odigitria of the 15th century, which came from Constantinople or Thessaloniki.

Tip: You must also try the local specialty ladenia, a slice of baked bread topped with fresh tomatoes, onions and delicious Greek olive oil.

Read more at greekcitytimes.com

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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Zde License: CC-BY-SA