The beautiful and pristine island of Kimolos was named after its first inhabitant Kimolos, while another theory has the island’s name deriving from the word kimolia (meaning chalk in the Greek language) but it is actually the other way around.
Kimolos has given its name to the Greek word, kimolia (chalk) since it was one of the major mineral deposits found in the island. Other recorded names are, Echinousa (island of the sea urchins), Echidnousa (island of the vipers), since there are many vipers on the island even today, and Argentiera (silver) by the Venetians during the Middle Ages because of its silver colored coastline and its many silver-barite mineral resources.

The island of Kimolos was part of the Athenian Alliance in 5th century BC and its government was organized according to the Athenian Democracy. In the 3rd century BC the island minted its own coins to help with the extensive exports of chalk and other minerals found in the island and later became the trade hub of the Cyclades. The Goddess Athena was the patron saint of the island and Hermes, Artemis and Poseidon were worshipped as well.

The island of Kimolos was part of the Athenian Alliance in 5th century BC and its government was organized according to the Athenian Democracy. In the 3rd century BC the island minted its own coins to help with the extensive exports of chalk and other minerals found in the island and later became the trade hub of the Cyclades. The Goddess Athena was the patron saint of the island and Hermes, Artemis and Poseidon were worshipped as well.

During the Middle Ages Argentiera (Kimolos) was ruled by the Venetians and was then part of the Venetian Duchy of the Cyclades up to 1537. In 1638 Kimolos was attacked and destroyed by pirates who conquered and inhabited the island. Kimolos was then ruled by the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century up until 1829 and later became part of the cluster of the Cyclades islands in Greece.

During the 1st century AD an earthquake separated the island of Milos in two smaller islands known today as Milos and Kimolos. According to mythology Kimolos was named after its first inhabitant Kimolos who married Side, the daughter of Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. Side (from the Greek work sideros meaning iron) was associated with metals and minerals, giving reason to why the island is filled with deposits of all kinds of minerals and semi-precious stones forming an astonishing silver like coastline.  The island of Kimolos is like a myth too: unequaled natural beauties and landscapes of pristine tranquility.

Horio is not only the main village in Kimolos, but also the island’s capital with inhabitants accounting for 90% of the island’s entire population which is nearly 800 residents. Situated in the southeastern part of Kimolos on the foot of mount Xaplovouni, the capital exudes a sense of old-world charm adorned with the brilliant architectural style of the Aegean.  The silver lined beaches, the white washed walls with the blue painted windows and the narrow pebbled streets surrounding them create an artistic landscape of tranquility. Filled with places of interest it is the principal spot of attractions and sightseeing on the island.

The Medieval Castle

Dating back to the 14th or the 16th century the Medieval Castle is located up town and comprises of the inner castle (in ruins) and the outer castle that still stands even after the pirate attack of 1638.  The castle is a characteristic example of the Aegean fortification architecture with houses side by side built from solid rock, white washed walls and steel doors.

 The Archeological Museum

Situated opposite to the Metropolitan church of Panagia Odigitria, the Archeological Museum hosts exhibits and archeological findings showing the history of the island including vessels and utensils from the early 7th century B.C.

The Folk & Maritime Museum

Situated in the traditional castle of Kimolos, the Folk and Maritime museum preserves and displays the heritage and culture of the island through a wide variety of household items including handmade ornate embroideries, weaving textiles and furniture showing the progression of life in Kimolos through time.

The Windmills of Xaplovouni

The picturesque windmills of Xaplovouni are definitely worth seeing. All together there are 8 windmills on Kimolos Island, none of which is still operational, but serving as a worth visiting monument of the past.

•    The Metropolitan Church of Panagia Odigitria (Blessed Virgin Mary)
•    The Church of the Birth of Christ (1592)
•    The Church of Pantokratoras
•    The Church of Saint Hrisostomos (17th century)
•    Panagia of Konomou (17th century)
•    Taxiarches (17th century)
•    Hrisopigi (17th century)
•    Sotira (Savor) (17th century)
•    Agioi Anargiroi (17th century)

Psathi

The picturesque settlement of Psathi is situated southeast only 1 km away from the capital. It is the main port of Kimolos and the second inhabited place right after Horio. In Psathi visitors can relax on the golden sandy beach or enjoy their coffee and local specialties at the few taverns and cafe bars found in the area.

Prassa

The quaint area of Prassa is known for the extraction of chalk, its pristine white sandy beach and the picturesque sea caves right beyond the church of Saint George were the Mediterranean monk seals breed during autumn.

Goupa Karra

Situated only 1.5 kilometers from Psathi the small settlement of Goupa Karra is a place of exceptional beauty. The few houses of the settlement are carved into the rocks were guests will also find the syrmata caves chiseled into the rock were local fishermen keep their boats.

The cave of Vromolimni is the largest cave of a series of caves carved into the rocks. It comprises of two caves, the outer cave and the inner cave which is not accessible due to the water overflow.

Situated approximately an hour from Horio the area of Ellinika is a place of great archeological and historical interest since it is where an ancient necropolis was found with tombs brilliantly chiseled into the rocks. Visitors can experience a unique diving adventure to the submerged ancient city of the island. While in the area, make sure to stay and enjoy the incredible sunset.

This natural monument lays on the Northwestern part of Kimolos. It is a geological marvel shaped as an exceptionally large mushroom formed by rocks and high winds which are common in the area. You can reach Skiadi either by car or by hiking.

At the northern coast of Kimolos there is a marvelous cliff formation of white and grey rocks that is worth visiting. The view of the sea by this cliff is just breathtaking!

Only 2 km from the island of Kimolos lays the island of Polyaigos, literally meaning many goats, which is the largest uninhabited island of Greece and the best preserved natural island in the Mediterranean. It is a barren island mostly owned by the Greek Orthodox Church. Its only inhabitants are a few goats, the rare Mediterranean monk seal as well as other endangered species such as some rare species of vipers and falcons. The only things you will find on this island are a church dedicated to Virgin Mary dating back to the early 16th century and an automated lighthouse. Because of its unspoiled and utterly immaculate natural beauty the island was part of the European program “Natura 2000”.

Other than Polyaigos, in the municipality of Kimolos the islands of Agios Georgios and Agios Efstathios are also included. These two small islets are owned by a local ship owner family, are uninhabited and gifted with extreme natural beauty.

•    Radio Taxi: +30 6945 464 093
•    Tourist Police: +30 22870 51205
•    Port Authority: +30 22870 22100
•    Hellenic National Meteorological service: +30-210-9699101-3
•    Elpa (Car breakdown tourist information service): 174

INTERNATIONAL PRESS                                           
International Press cannot be found on the island but you can always buy what you need from Piraeus or Milos Island.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
•    Police: 100
•    Fire Department: 199
•    Ambulance: 166

HEALTH
Infirmary at Horio:+30 22870 51222

PHARMACY
Pharmacy at Horio: +30 22870 51222

BANKS & ATMS
There are two ATM machines in the two major towns of Kimolos, one in the capital of Chora and one in the port town of Psathi.

•    ATM of the National Bank of Greece at the port of Psathi
•    ATM of the Agricultural Bank of Greece at Horio

MONEY EXCHANGE
Banks exchange all major currencies in cash, travelers’ checks or Eurocheks; the commission is lower for cash. Post offices exchange cash but not travelers’ checks and usually charge lower commissions than banks. Travel agencies change cash and travelers checks but usually charge higher commission by banks. ATM machines can be found in most tourist areas.

POST OFFICE
The Greek post office is called ELTA and you can find the main post offices of the island in the capital of Horio were there is also a branch of the Hellenic Post Bank. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW for normal post, usually with 2 slots for INTERNAL POST (meaning inside Greece) and post for ABROAD. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. You shouldn’t expect to find such boxes in the island. REGISTERED mail is always handled and given a receipt for at the POST OFFICE.

Post Office in Horio Tel.: +30 22870 51304

POLICE STATION
In the capital of Horio.
Tel.: +30 22870 51205

MUNICIPALITY OF KIMOLOS
In the picturesque capital of Horio.          
Tel.: +30 22870 51218                 
Fax.: +30 22870 51768
E-mail: [email protected]                                                                                                  
Website: www.kimolos.gr

Due to the limited transportation sources in Kimolos, where you cannot find car rentals or mopeds, you'll have to settle with walking. The distances are not very long though and if you're lucky you might be able to hitchhike. You may, also, rent a car or motorbike from nearby Milos Island. In the harbor there is usually a taxi boat, and sometimes you can get a fisherman to take you where you want to go for a small fee.

All vehicles are permitted in the island of Kimolos but during the summer months the lack of parking spaces can cause great difficulties especially in the most populated areas of Horio and Psathi. There is one fuel station, a bus that follows scheduled routes and a taxi.

LOCAL BUSES
Tel.: +30 6946 249 524
There is a bus in Kimolos that follows a scheduled route between Kimolos and the picturesque village of Psathi.

TAXI SERVICE
There is only one taxi in the island so if you wish for a ride you need to make an appointment. It is preferable to prearrange the cost of your journey.
Tel.: +30 6945 464 093

WATER TAXI
A sea taxi is available to take visitors to the magical and unspoiled beaches in the northern part of the island. Make sure to prearrange the cost of your journey with water taxis as well.
Tel.: + 30 22870 51150, 6972272111.

BOAT
You can charter a boat from the port of Psathi to reach all the beautifully secluded beaches of Kimolos.

FERRY-BOAT
Those wishing to visit the exceptional island of Milos can use the ferry-boat Panagia Faneromeni
Tel.: +30 6948308758
You could also hire Captain Kostas boat to reach the village of Apollonia
Tel.: +30 22870 51 061

RENT A CAR OR MOTORBIKE
Those who wish to explore the beautiful and pristine island of Kimolos at their own pace can rent a car or a motorbike through a travel agent in Kimolos or directly from the neighboring island of Milos.

BY AIR (via MILOS)
The beautiful island of Kimolos does not have its own airport. However, that does not exclude air travel. The closest airport to the island of Kimolos is the national airport of Milos which you can reach by plane from Athens International Airport Elefterios Venizelos and then with a small ship or an open boat which you will take from Apollonia port in Milos you can reach the port of Psathi in Kimolos.

The duration of the flight is approximately 30 minutes and the boat ride from Milos to Psathi, Kimolos, is approximately 20 min.

Milos National Airport Tel.: +30 22870 22090

Athens International Airport Elefterios Venizelos www.aia.gr

Olympic Air: For accurate timetables and tickets costs visit the Olympic Air website www.olympicair.com Tel.:801 801 0101/+30 210 3550500      
Office at Milos National Airport Tel.: +30 22870 22381       
     
                                                                                         
BY BOAT
Kimolos Island features one port, the port of Psathi.
The main port to take you to Kimolos from Athens is Piraeus from where you can travel with a conventional ferry boat, by High-speed.

To reach the island of Kimolos by sea there are two types of ferries, the high speed ferry which takes approximately 3 ½ -4 ½ hours and the regular ferry which is much slower and takes approximately 5-7 hours.

You can also travel to Kimolos by ferry from Kithnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos and other Cycladic islands.

In Kimolos you will arrive to Psathi, the island’s main port, which is only 1 km away from Horio, the capital of Kimolos.

Ventouris Sealines (regular ferry).  For accurate timetables and tickets costs visit the Ventouris Sealines website www.ventourissealines.gr

Aegean Speed Lines Kimolos (fast ferry). For accurate timetables and tickets costs visit the Aegean Speed Lines website www.aegeanspeedlines.gr

CLIMATE
The climate of Kimolos is the typical Mediterranean climate, dry and mild with sunshine most of the year. During the summer months between the end of July and the middle of August the island and its sandy beach are affected by the north winds Meltemia.

TELEPHONE
The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad. All numbers in the capital Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210-3227400).
The Area Code for Kimolos is: +30 22870 xxxxx. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.

CURRENCY
Euro €
Euro Coins:
1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color)
10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color)
1 euro = 100 cents/centimes
Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes.

Like all Greek regions and islands, Kimolos Island also offers a number of local specialties to its visitors. From traditional Kimolian recipes to local products, the island of Kimolos has nothing to envy from the larger islands of Cyclades.

Ladenia is a traditional pie with handmade dough in the form of a pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, onions and olive oil. Tyrenia also is a traditional bread pie stuffed with local cheese.
You should also not miss Elenia, a type of homemade bread filled with Coronian Olives, and Atherinopita, a fish pie made with small fishes and onions.

Xino, a sour fresh skim-milk cheese produced in Kimolos is a must when you visit the island. Try it in a Greek tomato salad and you will take some of it home with you. Manoura is a dry local cheese wrapped in grape must, for the ones with most exquisite tastes.

In Kimolos you should really try the delicious tomato paste, a local snack prepared with flavorsome tomato paste and maybe combine it with the local rusks with lentiscus aroma.
Other local delicacies are the courgette croquets prepared by locally produced courgettes and the tomato meatballs which are prepared in rich tomato sauce or prepared with sundried tomatoes.

During the Easter celebration guests can enjoy a variety of authentic local recipes and flavors. Marathopita is a traditional cheese pie sprinkled with fennel and Kolokythenia is a different version of zucchini pie. For the sweets lovers, honey-pie is a delicious choice of sweet pie made with exquisite quality local honey.

Guests attending Kimolian weddings will enjoy traditional locally produced delicacies, such as homemade ornamented bread rolls and the nutritious and delicious “Pasteli”(sesame & honey bar)

Due to the island’s mild climate and plenty rainfall the soil is quite fertile, ideal for growing vegetables and fruit. The island produces a special type of cucumbers, which are small and crispy round cucumbers with stripes that sweeten as they ripe. The prickly pears locally produced have an exquisite flavor and aroma. You should also try in your salad the capers the island produces.
Fresh pasta is among Kimolian traditional products and it can be found not only for buying but also for trying in most of the island’s restaurants and tavernas.
And like the majority of Greek countryside, do not forget to try the Kimolian honey. It is indeed of excellent quality nad exceptional flavor.
Kimolos is also known for the fresh local meat, used to prepare many traditional Greek dishes.

This is an extraordinary month long festival, part of the Isolario project, organized with the cooperation of the island’s community to give life to the quiet island of Kimolos all through August. During the festival guests can enjoy numerous art exhibitions, traditional dance courses, photograph exhibitions, workshops, theatrical performances, dance nights, live music and competitions.

Regardless of its size the island of Kimolos has more than 80 churches in total; as a result many religious celebrations take place throughout the year as well as other festivities.

•    July 20th: The Prophet Elias festival at Horio with traditional dances and a feast until early morning hours.
•    July 26th: Celebration of Saint Paraskevi at Xaplovouni
•    July 27th: The festival of Saint Panteleimon at Prassa
•    August 15th: The festival of Panagia of Konomo, celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with an icon procession followed by traditional music and dances as well as a traditional feast. Guests may experience an exceptional ritual on the eve of the celebration as well. Preparations for this festival start on the 1st of August with evening supplications at the church of Agios Spiridonas in Kampos.
•    October 5th: A celebration in the memory of Osia Methodia, a local nun who attained sainthood. Guests may attend the church service in the evening and follow the procession of her relics. The night ends with a succulent feast accompanied by live music.
•    November 21st: On this day the island celebrates the Presentation of the Virgin (Eisodia tis Theotokou), the patron saint of the island during which guests can follow the procession of the icon and enjoy a traditional feast accompanied by live traditional music.

The charming island of Kimolos is an island of pristine natural beauty ideal for travelers seeking serene tranquility and peacefulness.  Far from the cosmopolitan lifestyle of other Cycladic islands, Kimolos has developed a very limited tourist infrastructure so visitors should not expect to find luxury and modern conveniences.  There are not many hotels in the island, except for a few lodgings, and transportation is scarce.

Tourists should wear a hat during the day and pack their bags with bottled water, sun block and maybe some snacks every time they leave their room in order to avoid missing food or water due to the scarcity of small stores. Most beaches are utterly secluded and unorganized, so other than a bag filled with necessities, visitors should consider carrying a sun umbrella and folding beach chairs or loungers.

Getting around the island requires a lot of walking so women should avoid high heels and long dresses and men should avoid long pants. Guests should plan their excursions ahead since there is only one taxi and one bus serving the entire island and reserve their transportation in advance after setting the rate of the fare. Those who enjoy reading should bring along their own magazines or books because the island does not offer any foreign press.
The best time to visit the island is in August when the August festival is on and travelers can enjoy the exceptional holiday festivities.  

For nature lovers wishing to explore the island hiking is the best way to dive into its divine nature and unique landscapes. There are many routes to follow which can be found on the island’s municipality website at www.kimolos.gr.

ARZANTIERA
This charming little shop is a mystic world of art with exquisite pieces of handmade jewelry by the sculptor Christina Brati. Guests may also find theatrical creations, painted wooden objects, wooden boat models as well as works of art all made by local artists. The shop is situated near Kato Porta, the southern entrance of the Castle in the capital of Horio.                                                                                                 
Tel.: + 30 22870 51588
Mob.: +30 6974827583, +30 6945172977
E–mail: [email protected]

KANISKI
Carved into the rocks of Psathi in one of its numerous caves the charming little shop Kaniski (meaning wedding gift) offers a variety of souvenirs and a wide range of remarkable gifts such as embroidered purses, shirts, scarves, knickknacks, paintings, postcards, clay decorations, key chains, miniature boats and jewelry.
Tel.: +30 22870 51142
Mob.: +30 6970482326 (Andriani), +30 6977315893 (Eleni)

MILLENIUM SHOP
A beautiful shop in Horio offering clothes, souvenirs and novelties                                                                
Tel.: +30 22870 51775

KAMARA
Situated in the area of Kampos, in Horio, this jewelry shop offers handmade jewelry, paintings and other original creations.                                                                                                      
Mob.: +30 6973252518

TO ENTHIMIO
Amidst the picturesque cobbled-paved alleys of Horio this store offers a variety of charming gifts, jewels and pieces of folklore art.                               
Tel.: +30 22870 51630

•    Ap. Ventouris (Super Market), Horio, Tel. 22870 51219

•    Ipapanti (General Store-Novelties), Horio, Tel. 22870 51150

•    Antonis (General Commerce), Horio, Tel. 22870 51214

•    Moustakas (Mini Market), Horio, Tel. 22870 51068

•    Papadioulis (General Store-Greengrocer’s shop), Horio, Tel. 22870 51060

•    Logothetis (Green Grocer’s shop), Horio, Tel. 22870 51782

•    Ventouris Nikolaos (Bakery), Horio, Tel. 22870 51440

•    Paradosiakos (Bakery-Confectionery), Horio, Tel. 22870 51257

•    Samplo’s Farm (Butchers-Greengrocer-local products), Horio, Tel. 22870 51224

•    Palia Agora (Butchers), Horio, Tel. 22870 51498