Kímolos

Area of island: 35 sq. km/14 sq. mi

Chief place: Kímolos

Kímolos is an arid and inhospitable island of volcanic origin, covered with a low growth of vegetation, lying northeast of Melos. It was known in antiquity for its terra kimolia (cimolith), used both as a detergent and in medicinal baths. The inhabitants make a sparse living from agriculture.

The chief place on the island, Kímolos, lies near the sheltered anchorage of Psáthi (beach), around the remains of the late medieval settlement of Kástro.

On the highest point on the island is the ruined medieval castle of Palaiókastro (access difficult: rough track).

Regular boat services Piraeus-Kythnos-Sérifos-Melos-Santorin (passengers brought ashore in small boats). Local connection with Melos.

Related Attractions

Áyios Andréas

Off the southwest coast of Kímolos lies the little islet of Áyios Andréas, which in ancient times was connected with the main island by a narrow spit of land. On it was the oldest organized settlement on Kímolos, Ellenikon (100 B.C. onwards; remains of walls under water).

In the Middle Ages, pirates used the well-concealed caves as places of refuge.

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Kimolos Town (Khora), Greece

Most of the islanders live on Kimolos in the capital, Kimolos Khora. The houses of the town, in the authentic Cycladic style, are clustered around the castle, which is itself divided into two settlements, 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 alleyways are cobbled.

Polyaigos

Two km/1.25mi east of Kímolos is the uninhabited islet of Polyaigos.

The island's name means "many goats".

Prassa, Greece

At the north end of Kimolos island is the town of Prassa. In addition to the beach, this town is also of interest for the springs that attract visitors to its healing waters.