Kimolos is one of those islands that instantly wins you over. The first time we visited Kimolos, we completely fell for its quiet charm, peaceful atmosphere, and authentic Cycladic feel. It is small, unspoiled, and wonderfully calm, and that is exactly why we love it so much.
Getting there is easy once you know the route, and that short ferry trip from Milos makes the whole experience feel even more special. When we came back to Milos with the ferry we had an amazing sunset that we will never forget.
If your main question is how to get to Kimolos, the simple answer is: by ferry. There is no airport on Kimolos, so travelers usually reach the island either from Milos or via a longer ferry route from Piraeus and other Cycladic islands like Paros and Syros. The Artemis ferry is one of the slower options to visit Kimolos and Milos.
Read more: Kimolos Island: a complete guide + one day itinerary
The easiest way from Milos
Kimolos has no airport, so the island is only reached by ferry or private boat. The closest and easiest connection is from Milos, while longer ferry routes also run from Piraeus and other Cycladic islands.
From Milos, the most convenient route is the local ferry (Osia Methodia) from Pollonia to Psathi. The crossing from Milos to Kimolos usually takes about 10 to 25 minutes depending on the vessel, and the journey is served daily. Check the timetable here.
There are also a few ferry discounts worth knowing about. Permanent residents of Kimolos and children up to 4 years old travel free, while children aged 5 to 10 get a 50% discount. Reduced fares are also available for disabled passengers with a disability rate above 80%, disabled person vehicles, NAT pensioners, and students with a valid student PASS. In most cases, a card or supporting document needs to be shown when the ticket is issued.
You can pay for your tickets at the dock or on the ferry, and they are very affordable. You can even bring your rental car. This is what we did, and it made it very easy to explore the island’s beaches and villages.
Read more: Car hire in Milos
The price for a one-way ticket from Milos to Kimolos for an adult is €2.30 but on Saturday en Sunday it is €4.50. Other prices for the ferrry from Milos to Kimolos:
- Child (5–10 years old): €1.15
- Child (5–10 years old) on Saturday & Sunday itineraries: €2.25
- Motorbike: €1.90
- Motorbike over 250 cc: €2.90
- Car: €9.60
- Car over 4.25 m: €15.00
If the wind is too strong, it might be best to double-check whether the ferry is actually running.
For travelers who fly to Milos, the transfer to Kimolos is still simple. From Milos Airport you travel to Pollonia, then continue by ferry to Kimolos.
Kimolos is also connected by boat taxi / water taxi options from Milos and, in some cases, other nearby islands, which can be useful if ferry schedules are limited or weather affects the regular service.
You can also depart from Adamantas on one of the larger ferries that stops at Kimolos. That way, you don’t have to go to Pollonia.
Coming from Athens
If you’re coming from Athens, you can also reach Kimolos by ferry from Piraeus. Seajets offers connections in summer that take only 3 hours, for around €80 per person. Another option is the Dionysos Solomos: this crossing to Kimolos takes 6 hours and costs €46.
When we visited Kimolos, we arrived by ferry from Syros, aboard the legendary Artemis ferry. It’s slow but affordable, running a couple of times a week (all year round) between Syros, Paros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, and Milos, making it the local go-to connection in the region.
What to do in Kimolos
Kimolos may be a small island, but that is exactly what makes it so lovely. There is no need to rush here, we really love Kimolos for its quiet charm, its authentic atmosphere, and the feeling that you are discovering a place that still feels genuine and relaxed.
One of the nicest things to do in Kimolos is simply to spend time in Chora, the main village. It is the kind of place where you can wander around without a plan, lose yourself in the little lanes, admire the traditional Cycladic houses, and stop for a coffee or a drink in a quiet square. Everything feels calm and unforced, and that is exactly what makes it so enjoyable.
The beaches are another big reason to visit Kimolos. If you like clear water and peaceful surroundings, you will probably love them. Kimolos does not have the beach scene of a larger, busier island like Paros of Mykonos, but that is part of its beauty. The beaches feel more natural, more open, and much less crowded, which makes them perfect for a relaxed swim or a lazy afternoon by the sea.
One of the most picturesque things to do on Kimolos is wandering through Goupa, a charming little fishing village, and the nearby Rema and Karras beaches, which are easily connected by a short walk along the coast.
The area is best known for its syrmata, traditional boathouses built directly into the rock, with brightly painted doors opening straight onto the water. Fishermen once used the lower level to store their boats through the winter months while living in the rooms above, a clever bit of design that’s as practical as it is beautiful. Many syrmata are still in use today, their vivid blues, reds, and other colors creating one of the most photogenic scenes on the island.
Read more: Kimolos Island: a complete guide + one day itinerary
How to get around Kimolos
Kimolos is a small island, and getting around feels like part of the adventure. You can comfortably cover most of it in a single day, unless you’re planning to hike out to some of the more remote beaches.
Renting a car, scooter, or ATV is by far the easiest way to explore, and you can arrange this in Psathi right where the ferry docks, or bring one over from Milos on the boat. Most of the main roads are paved, but several beaches and hidden spots are only reachable via dirt tracks where rental cars technically aren’t allowed, so a scooter or ATV gives you much more freedom to roam.
During summer, a small local bus links Psathi, Chorio, and a handful of popular beaches like Prassa and Bonatsa, though the schedule tends to be limited, so don’t rely on it too heavily. For the truly remote beaches, your best bet is either a good hike or hopping on a boat tour that circles the island.
Where to stay in Kimolos
If you are doing a day trip from Milos, you do not need to stay overnight. Like us, you can take the evening ferry back to Milos. But if you want to enjoy Kimolos at a slower pace, there are some unique places to stay around Chora and near the port area.
An overnight stay is a great idea if you want to experience the island after the day visitors leave. Kimolos becomes even more peaceful in the evening, and that is when its charm really stands out.
For a short stay, choose accommodation that is easy to reach from Psathi or Chora so you can make the most of your time without worrying too much about transport.
PS House Kimolos sits right in the heart of Chora, just steps from the village’s tavernas, cafés, and shops, with a peaceful courtyard. It has a excellent central location and quiet atmosphere despite being close to everything.
Archipelagos is another strong Chora pick, a traditional house tucked in a narrow village alley with a helpful host named Maria, just a 2-minute walk to the supermarket and restaurants.
Toffee, located between Chora and the port in Psathi is spotlessly clean, bright, and nicely decorated. The hosts Kostas and Katerina are excellent and professional. It’s walkable to the port, though there’s a steep incline either way.
The Windmill Kimolos is the standout choice here, a beautifully restored 19th-century windmill perched on a hillside between the port and Chorio, with sweeping views over Psathi Bay!
