Kimolos

Kimolos is a small island in the Cycladic archipelago, famous for its laid-back atmosphere, heavenly beaches and impressive volcanic landscapes. 

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find all the information you need about your trip to Kimolos: holidays on the island, top beaches and attractions, as well as ferry schedules. Discover the top experiences in Kimolos and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees!

Dreamy waters and white rocks at Karas beach in Kimolos

Vacation in Kimolos

Kimolos is a peaceful destination in the Aegean Sea, distinguished by its beautiful scenery. During your vacation, you can enjoy relaxing moments by crystal-clear emerald waters and discover the volcanic origins of the island. Kimolos is named after the mineral chalk (kimolia in Greek), a variety of limestone that dominates the island’s landscape. 

In Kimolos, you can kick back and relax at the thermal springs or try outdoor activities. The capital of the island, Chorio or Chora, is a cute Cycladic village that charms visitors with its simplicity, serenity and picturesque alleys.

How to get to Kimolos

You can get to Kimolos by ferry from Athens throughout the year. 

Ferries from the port of Piraeus to Kimolos are in operation year-round, while ferries from the port of Lavrio to Kimolos are only available during the summer season. The ferry trip duration from Athens to Kimolos ranges from about 6 to 14.5 hours, depending on the type of vessel and ferry route.

Find more information about ferries to Kimolos below.

What to do in Kimolos

Kimolos is the ideal destination for travelers wishing to relax, explore amazing natural sites and enjoy the Greek sun at one of the beautiful beaches of the island. 

During your holidays in Kimolos, you can explore the volcanic coastline of the island and swim in paradisiacal waters. You can also discover the remote beaches of the neighboring island of Poliegos, visit some of the most unique natural sites in the world and try delicious dishes and drinks at the waterfront bars and tavernas. 

Moreover, Kimolos is a great starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades, serving ferry routes to numerous islands! Put on your hiking shoes, get your snorkeling gear, get plenty of sunscreen, and get ready to be taken aback by the refreshing vibe of Kimolos!

The uninhabited island of Poliegos opposite Kimolos

Beaches in Kimolos

The beaches of Kimolos have turquoise waters, golden sand, white pebbles, and impressive rock formations. The most popular beaches on the island are on the south coast. Here are our 7 favorite beaches in Kimolos:

1. Karas: Karas is a magical cove with emerald pool-like waters. It is not a typical beach, but the impressive white rocks are great for diving and sunbathing.
2. Rema: this beach is close to the small fish village of Goupa, 15 minutes from Chorio on foot. It is a pebble beach with turquoise waters, as well as impressive caves and rock formations.
3. Prassa: it’s one of the best beaches in Kimolos. Prassa has crystal-clear emerald waters, tamarisk trees and white sand. There are umbrellas and a beach bar, and it gets quite busy in August.
4. Aliki: it is a large sandy beach with pebbles and shallow blue waters. There are tamarisk trees for shade and you can get there by bus.
5. Bonatsa: Bonatsa is right next to Aliki and it’s a large wind-protected beach. It has thin sand, shallow clear waters and tamarisk trees. There is a beach bar for drinks and snacks, and you can get there by bus.
6. Ellinika: this is a sandy beach on the west coast of the island. Make sure you bring a mask, as the blue waters of the beach are home to a sunken necropolis!
7. Mavrospilia: the beach is close to Ellinika and it’s one of the best locations to watch the sunset in Kimolos.

Tip: we recommend that you get a book from the open lending library of Kimolos and enjoy a relaxing day reading on the beach!

Beautiful rock formations at Ellinika beach

Activities and sightseeing in Kimolos

Despite its small size, Kimolos is a great destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. There are many interesting sites and monuments to visit on the island from castles and museums to impressive churches. Ferryhopper suggests the following experiences in Kimolos:

• Hike to Skiadi, the landmark of Kimolos
• Visit the Archaeological Museum and Medieval Castle of Kimolos
• Stop by the Folklore and Maritime Museum of Kimolos
• Go on a boat trip to Poliegos
• See the Carved Cave (Pelekiti)
• Attend an event by the Kimolistes team, such as an open-air film screening
• Marvel at the rock formations in Goupa, as well as the traditional fishermen’s houses, called sirmata
• Pay a visit to the magnificent Metropolitan Church of Panagia Odigitria

Skiadi, a huge mushroom stone and one of the island's top attractions

Nightlife in Kimolos

Kimolos is an easy-going destination, great for families and travelers who are after calm nights by the sea. 

Most nightlife entertainment options are in Chorio, but there are tavernas all over the island. In Chorio and the nearby port of Psathi, you can find tavernas, restaurants, lounge bars, and all-day cafés.

We recommend that you stroll around Chorio and enjoy the peaceful summer night, before heading to a restaurant or bar to try delicious dishes and listen to ambient music with a glass of wine. Most bars and restaurants in Kimolos stay open until just after midnight.

Food in Kimolos

The cuisine of Kimolos is authentic and encompasses the tradition of the Cycladic islands. Dishes are prepared with local ingredients, fresh fish and seafood, as well as endemic vegetables.

The people of Kimolos love baking, which means there are lots of baked goods to try on the island. Here are more delicious local dishes to try in Kimolos:

• ladenia (flat bread with tomatoes, onions and olive oil)
• tirenia (pie with manoura cheese)
• amarathenia (cheese pie with fennel)
• kolokithenia (zucchini-based pie)
• lagos stifado (rabbit stew with cinnamon and clove)
• pasteli (honey and sesame bar)
• manouri cheese with eggs
• fried tomato patties with capers
• omelet with asparagus
• red mullet with capers
• fresh pasta
• fresh fish and seafood

Tip: don’t forget to dine at To Kyma and try homemade ice cream in Stavento in Chorio!

Villages in Kimolos

Chorio, the capital of Kimolos, is the only major village on the island. There are smaller neighborhoods and interesting areas to visit, but most visitor amenities are in the capital and the port area. Make sure you explore Chorio, Goupa, Psathi, as well as all major beaches of Kimolos.

Quaint alley in Chorio

Useful information about Kimolos

The center of Chorio is located just 1 km from the port of Psathi. These two areas are the most developed on the island. 

There are grocery stores, parking lots, car rentals, National Bank, and Eurobank ATM machines, a post office, a pharmacy, and a medical center. As for accommodation, you can find most hotels and rooms in Chorio.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Kimolos

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Kimolos:

• Municipality of Kimolos: +302287051218
• Kimolos police station: +302287051205
• Kimolos Medical Center: +302287051222
• Kimolos Port Authority: +302287051071
• Pharmacy: +302287051261
• Bus service: +306973700033
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Kimolos

You can get around Kimolos by bus or private vehicle. There is a small local bus connecting the port and the capital with the major beaches. For more flexibility, we recommend that you bring your car or motorcycle on board the ferry from Athens or rent a vehicle on the island.

Ports in Kimolos

The port of Kimolos is in Psathi. You can get from the small port of Psathi to Chorio in 3 minutes by car and approximately 15 minutes on foot. The port area is home to cafés, an ATM machine, hotels, tavernas, bars, shops, a car rental shop, and a small parking lot. 

Ferries from Athens arrive at the port of Psathi and you can also catch a ferry to more islands of the Cyclades and Poliegos from there.

Island hopping from Kimolos

The island of Kimolos is in the western Cyclades, close to Milos and Sifnos. It is the perfect starting point for island hopping in the Aegean Sea, as there are frequent ferry routes to many neighboring islands.

The Kimolos to Milos ferry is one of the fastest and most popular. You can travel directly by ferry from Kimolos to the following ports:

• Milos
• Sifnos
• Andros
• Syros
• Ios
• Kythnos
• Naxos
• Paros
• Santorini
• Serifos
• Sikinos
• Tinos
• Folegandros

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can find all available ferry routes and schedules from Kimolos. Plan your itinerary and book ferry tickets from Kimolos online on Ferryhopper.

Beautiful deserted beach with turquoise waters in Kimolos

Kimolos ferry: schedules and tickets

There are regular ferry routes from Athens to Kimolos year-round. Ferries to Kimolos depart from 2 ports in Athens: Piraeus and Lavrio. Both sailings are in operation throughout the year. Here are more details about the ferry routes:

• Ferry from Piraeus to Kimolos: the Piraeus to Kimolos ferry is normally available 3-4 times per week. The journey duration ranges from around 6 to 10 hours, depending on the type of vessel.
• Ferry from Lavrio to Kimolos: the ferry from Lavrio to Kimolos is available once a week. The journey duration is around 14.5 hours, as the ferry stops at several islands on the way to Kimolos.

Book ferry tickets to Kimolos online

Ready for a perfect weekend escape in Kimolos? Find all the information you need about ferry schedules and vacation in Kimolos, plan your trip with ease, and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees!