Kimolos Island Guide

Kimolos Island Overview

Although Kimolos is accessible directly by ferry from several nearby islands, it’s most commonly visited by day-trip tourists who stay on the larger and more popular neighbouring island of Milos. In fact, that’s exactly what we did when we saw Kimolos in May 2024.

The island itself is small, just one-third the size of Milos, and sparsely populated, with the majority of people based in the small Chora to the northwest of the port. Popular with those seeking a tranquil and authentic Greek experience, the island offers a selection of nice beaches and some inland hiking paths, but not an abundance of sightseeing opportunities.

To learn more about Kimolos, check out the rest of our island guide. It also features in our YouTube Milos guide video, available to watch below.

Getting to Kimolos

By Plane

Although Kimolos lacks an airport, its proximity to Milos means you can reach the island easily by first taking an internal flight to Milos. Ticket prices range from €50 to €150 depending on the time of year and availability, and the flight time is just 30 minutes. It’s a convenient option and our preferred way to arrive, but remember to check baggage size and weight restrictions when you book, as limits can be lower on internal flights. We recommend Skyscanner for flight bookings.

By Ferry

Kimolos sits close to Milos just off its northeastern tip. As such, the easiest way to reach the island is via the small ferry that runs daily in high season from the popular tourist resort of Pollonia. Alternatively, direct ferries between nearby Sifnos are available in high season, plus there is a less frequent service to Folegandros as well.

Use the FerryHopper search box below to compare ticket prices and plan your itinerary.

However, be aware that routes for each summer season tend to be confirmed between January and March at the start of each calendar year, so if you don’t see availability for your chosen dates, it may be too early. You’ll need to check back again later.

Where to Stay in Kimolos

If you want to stay in Kimolos, most accommodation can be found in the area between the port, Psathi, and the main village or Chora just northwest. Chora is a typical Cycladic village, with whitewashed cubed buildings and narrow, painted streets. A small selection of cafes and tavernas provide food and drink options.

Getting Around Kimolos

Given its small size, it is possible to explore the island on foot, though a bike or car will make the experience more efficient. Most of the roads are paved and reasonably smooth, though some are bumpy dirt tracks and benefit from a 4×4, particularly inland and on the western side.

We chose to bring our e-bike across from Milos and found it a good way of exploring the island: it only took 15 minutes from Chora to reach the stunning Prassa Beach, located in the northeastern corner of Kimolos.

Things to do in Kimolos

Sightseeing opportunities are quite limited in Kimolos, though the island has a rugged natural beauty that is worth exploring via the network of small roads and paths that spiral out from Chora.

Several beaches are dotted around the coastline, by far the best of which is Prassa Beach as mentioned and pictured above. Mavrospilia Beach, on the western coastline, is also worth a visit though it’s nowhere near as visually appealing and does require more effort to get to.

When to Visit Kimolos

Like most Greek islands, Kimolos is best visited during the warmer months between late spring and early autumn. From April to mid-June, the weather is mild, and tourist numbers are relatively low, offering a more relaxed experience ideal for sightseeing and walking. As the peak season approaches in late June, both temperatures and visitor numbers rise. By mid-July and through to early September, Milos is at its busiest, with hotels, ferries, and flights often close to capacity.

By mid-September, the island quietens down, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. This period is particularly appealing as the sea is at its warmest, which is great for swimming. Towards the end of October, many hotels and restaurants start closing as the weather becomes less predictable and tourist numbers dwindle. This end-of-season period allows for a more relaxed visit, perfect for those who prefer fewer crowds and a peaceful island experience.

Our Verdict on Kimolos

Despite our love of traditional and peaceful Greek Islands, Kimolos seems better suited as a day-trip destination than somewhere to spend an extended period of time. That is unless you really like escaping the crowds and enjoying a more self-contained, quiet holiday.

Although the Chora boasts a reasonable selection of tavernas, you won’t find the same variety as there is on Milos. Likewise, the selection of beaches is reasonable, but aside from Prassa and Mavrospilia, most of the ones we saw were coarse sand/shingle and not impressive by Greek standards.

If you’ve visited Kimolos and enjoyed it, a comparable option would be Sikinos, which is likewise very quiet and traditional. For slightly more vibrant alternatives, we’d recommend nearby Sifnos, Folegandros or, further afield, Amorgos and Astypalea are both great options.

Kimolos Blog Posts

Find out more about Kimolos by reading our recent blog posts:

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