KIMOLOS
(Area 36sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 88 nautical miles).Very close to Milos lies Kimolos, he hilliest island in the Cyclades and one whose predominant colour is as white as blinding as the chalk it produces. The necropolis found at Elinika, in the south-west of the island, and the remnants of the ancient city of Kimolos on the islet of Agios Andreas (facing Elinika) are testimony to habitation as far back as the Mycaenean period. Much later, in the Middle Ages, pirates used the well-concealed caves of Kimolos as places of refuge. In general terms, the island's history has been that of Milos. From the quiet harbour of Psathi a road leads uphill to the capital of Kimolos or Hora, where almost all the islanders live.
The houses of Hora, in the authentic Cycladic style, are
clustered around the nucleus of 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 the alleyways are cobbled. Prassa in the north
of the island is where the chalk is mined. There are also
medicinal springs with sulphurous waters. The little tavernasof
food, and there are some rooms to rent. Apart from the beaches
at Psathi and Prassa, there is good swimming at Aliki, Limni,
Bonatsa, Klima and Monastiria. In general, Kimolos is a little
off the tourist track. Yet it has superb beaches and would be an
ideal spot for those who are fond of quiet and solitude in an
idyllic setting.
How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus, Information: Piraeus
Port Authority, tel.: 01/422.6000From Milos (Apolonia) There are daily caique sailings in the summer and regular ferry departures. Information: Milos Port Authority, tel.: 0287/22.100.
Useful telephone numbers Automatic dialling code: 0287. Police: 51205 Commune Office: 51218 Port Police Office: 51332.