Kimolos
Chorio and Prassa on Day 1, Skiadi and the south coast on Day 2.
800 metres across the strait from Milos but a different planet in pace, Kimolos is what the western Cyclades looked like before social media. The single Chora — locally called Chorio, not Chora — sits on a hill 1km from the port, walled by the remains of a 16th-century Venetian castle. The beach at Prassa on the north coast is the headline draw, with white sand from nearby chalk and bentonite mines and water that earns its Caribbean comparisons. Inland, a 30-minute hike across volcanic plateau leads to Skiadi, a 4-metre mushroom-shaped rock sculpted by millennia of wind erosion. The island's name comes from the Greek word for chalk.
2-day itinerary for Kimolos
Day 1: Chorio, the Castle & Prassa Lagoon
- · Psathi Port
The port and second settlement, 1km below Chorio. A few tavernas on the waterfront, the bus to Chorio meets every ferry. Most visitors transfer up immediately. - · Chorio (Chora)
The main village and home to 90% of the island's 800 residents. A medieval Venetian Kastro at its heart, with the 16th-century Church of the Nativity built into the castle walls. Whitewashed alleys, traditional kafeneia, two small museums (Archaeological + Folk Maritime). - · Archaeological Museum
Small but well-curated. Houses finds from the sunken ancient city of Ellinika on the west coast — Mycenaean, Classical and Roman pieces. Open mornings and evenings in summer. - · Prassa Beach
Drive 9km north on a road that turns to gravel near the perlite mines. White sand from the nearby chalk deposits, water shading from turquoise to deep blue. A small bar in summer; otherwise unspoiled. Natural thermal springs emerge directly through the sand. - · Lunch — Prasonisi
Restaurant just south of Prassa lagoon. More expensive than the average island taverna but considered the best food on Kimolos. Fantastic view of the turquoise bay below.
Day 2: Skiadi & the Southern Beaches
- · Skiadi Mushroom Rock
30-minute hike from a parking bay 3km north of Chorio along an old mule track. A 4-metre rock shaped like a mushroom by millennia of wind erosion — the soft base eroded faster than the hard volcanic top. One of the protected geological monuments of the Aegean. - · Ellinika & Mavrospilia Beaches
Continue on the same hiking trail past Skiadi to reach two southwestern beaches. Ellinika is above the submerged ruins of an ancient city — bring a snorkel to see the foundations underwater. Mavrospilia next door has white volcanic rock formations. - · Bonatsa Beach
South-coast sandy beach with tamarisk shade and a couple of tavernas. Family-friendly, very calm water, much easier to access than Prassa. The default afternoon swim if you don't want to drive. - · Polyaigos Boat Trip (Optional)
If you have a third day or skip Skiadi, take the boat trip to uninhabited Polyaigos — the largest uninhabited island in Greece, NATURA 2000-protected. Mediterranean monk seals breed in the sea caves. Departures from Psathi.
Top beaches of Kimolos
Prassa Beach (Agios Georgios)
The defining beach of Kimolos and one of the most photographed in the western Cyclades. White sand from the surrounding chalk and bentonite deposits, water that genuinely earns the 'Caribbean' comparison. Sheltered by the small island of Prasonisi. The thermal springs that bubble up through the sand are an unexpected bonus. In winter the beach is a refuge for monk seals.
- Type
- Fine white sand
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Shallow lagoon — gradual entry, swimming pool calm
- Facing
- Northeast-facing — sheltered by Prasonisi islet
- Facilities
- Light: a small summer beach bar, the Prasonisi restaurant nearby. Natural thermal springs through the sand. Reachable by car (gravel road last km) or boat tour.
Bonatsa Beach
The default family beach on the south coast — long, sandy, calm and shaded by tamarisk trees. Less spectacular than Prassa but vastly easier to reach and with proper food at the tavernas behind. The sweet spot for a relaxed beach day without the drive.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Shallow — very gradual
- Facing
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi
- Facilities
- Tamarisk shade, a couple of tavernas immediately behind. Easy car access.
Ellinika Beach
Quiet sandy beach on the west coast above the submerged ruins of an ancient city. Bring a snorkel — you can see the foundations of houses and tombs underwater just metres from shore. The tomb of a 1st-century child was excavated here in 2002. Almost always empty.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Shallow — visibility excellent for snorkelling
- Facing
- West-facing — sunset views
- Facilities
- None. Reached by hiking trail (1.5 hr from Chorio) or rough road.
Kalamitsi Beach
Small south-coast cove between Bonatsa and Aliki, near the road from Chorio to the southwest. Easy access, family-friendly, calmer than the western beaches. Goes well as a half-day stop combined with one of the more remote beaches.
- Type
- Fine sand and pebble
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Shallow
- Facing
- South-facing
- Facilities
- Light — a single seasonal taverna, tamarisk shade.