When we visited Milos, everyone told us, “You have to visit Kimolos, it’s one of the best islands to visit in the Cyclades!” So one sunny morning, we hopped on a small ferry from Milos (with our rental car) and spent a full day exploring this tiny island. And wow, what a discovery it was!
Kimolos Island may be small, but it’s full of charm and authenticity. The kind of Greek island magic you dream about when you think of the Cyclades, such as whitewashed alleyways, sleepy cats, friendly locals, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It’s one of those places where time slows down, and you instantly feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. And although we weren’t here in high summer, locals told us that even then, the island stays a lot more relaxed and peaceful than some of the other popular Cycladic islands.
Whether you visit for a day (like we did) or decide to stay longer (which we will do next time), here’s our complete guide to discovering Kimolos. It includes everything you need to know, from how to get there, when to visit, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
How to get to Kimolos Island
Kimolos is located just a few hundred meters north of Milos in the Cyclades. Getting there is easy, whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Milos or arriving from Athens or nearby islands.
From Milos
If you are visiting Milos first, you can take the small local ferry Osia Methodia from Pollonia (Milos) to Psathi (Kimolos). The crossing takes only 10–15 minutes, and the ferries run several times a day (check the ferry timetable here).
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.
TIP: Looking for the perfect day trip from Milos? You can take the first morning ferry and return on the last one (just like we did). Be aware that the ferries run less frequently during the low season.
From Athens or other islands
You can reach Kimolos by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or some of the nearby islands.
From Syros, for example, you can take the slow but affordable Artemis ferry, going a couple of times a week (all year round) between Syros, Paros, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, and Milos. Or you can take one of the faster ferries between the nearby islands.
However, the most convenient way is still going through Milos, which has better ferry and flight connections.
Best time to visit Kimolos
The best time to visit the Cycladic islands and Kimolos is from May to October.
- May–June: Perfect for quiet escapes, blooming landscapes, and empty beaches.
- July–August: Expect warm weather, lively tavernas, and more visitors, though still far less crowded than Milos or Paros.
- September–October: Our personal favorite! The sea is warm, the crowds are gone, and the island vibe is just right.
- Winter (November – April): The island becomes very quiet, and a lot of things are closed. You can still visit Kimolos, but just be aware that almost all restaurants and lots of accommodations are closed (unlike, for example, Syros in winter, which is alive all year round).
We visited at the end of October, and a lot of places were closing up or already closed. If you’re after that true “hidden gem” feeling while still enjoying the lively vibe, aim for late spring or early autumn.
Read more: What to pack for the Greek islands
How to get around Kimolos
Getting around Kimolos Island is pretty easy and part of the adventure! Since the island is quite small, you can explore most of it in a single day (unless you want to hike to some of the remote beaches).
The best way to get around Kimolos is by rental car, scooter, or ATV, which you can arrange in Psathi (where the ferry arrives) or even bring over from Milos on the ferry.
Many of the roads are paved, but some beaches and remote spots are only accessible by dirt roads. Since you officially can’t take your rental car there, a scooter or ATV can give you extra freedom.
In summer, there’s a small local bus that connects Psathi, Chorio, and a few popular beaches like Prassa and Bonatsa, but be aware that schedules can be limited.
To reach the remote beaches, you can either hike there or take a boat tour around the island.
What to do in Kimolos
Even though Kimolos is tiny, there is enough to do on the island to keep you busy for a couple of days. We came at the end of the season, so some things were closed, but we created a full list for you with the best things to do in Kimolos.
1. Wander around Chorio
Chorio (the island’s main village) is absolutely charming. Whitewashed houses, blue doors, colorful bougainvilleas. It’s picture-perfect! We loved getting lost in its maze of alleys and stumbling upon old churches and quiet squares.
Take your time to discover hidden corners, sit at one of the many terraces, take a look at the local shops (for example, Arzantiera), and enjoy a delicious meal.
Don’t forget to go to Panagia Odigitria Church, the main church of Chorio, on top of the hill (which you can see from afar) with the typical blue dome.
2. Visit Kastro
Don’t miss the medieval Kastro, in the center of Chorio, where you can peek into the past. It contains the ruins of an old fortress with centuries-old homes still standing inside its square walls. It is nothing extremely special, but it is interesting to see and walk around for a bit.
TIP: If you want to learn more about the history of Kimolos and how life was in the castle 100 years ago, visit the Kimolos ethnographic museum within the walls of Kastro.
3. Discover the typical boat houses
One of the most picturesque spots and best things to do on Kimolos is visiting the charming fishing village area of Goupa and nearby Rema Beach and Karras Beach. You can walk from one beach to the other.
They are famous for their colorful boat houses, known locally as syrmata. These traditional dwellings are built right into the rock, with brightly painted doors that open directly onto the sea. In the past, fishermen used the lower level to store their boats during winter, while living upstairs. A clever design that’s both practical and beautiful.
Today, many of these syrmata are still in use, and their vibrant blues, reds, and yellows contrast perfectly with the white cliffs and turquoise water.
TIP: Check out the “Elephant” rock between Goupa and Rema Beach. From a certain angle, the rock looks like an elephant and has become somewhat famous on the island.
4. Explore the Kimolos beaches
Exploring the beaches of Kimolos is like discovering a series of secret coves, each more beautiful than the last. Despite its small size, the island has a surprising variety of beaches, from powdery white sands to dramatic rocky shores with crystal-clear water.
The beaches in the south you can reach by scooter, ATV, or car. Be aware that you will have to drive over dirt roads for some of them (the further away from Chorio, the more chance you have it’s a dirt road).
Prassa Beach is the island’s superstar, with turquoise water that looks almost unreal (more about that in the next paragraph), while Bonatsa and Aliki offer calm, family-friendly spots with shallow seas perfect for swimming.
For something wilder, head to Mavrospilia at sunset, where the golden light turns the rocks fiery orange, or to Ellinika, where ancient ruins lie beneath the waves.
TIP: If you want to explore the remote beaches in the north of Kimolos, you will have to either hike there or take a boat trip.
5. Swim at Prassa Beach
This is the beach to visit if you only have time for one. With turquoise water and fine white sand, Prassa feels like a postcard come to life.
The water is shallow and crystal clear, ideal for families or anyone craving a refreshing dip. It’s great for swimming and snorkeling, and there’s a relaxed beach bar for drinks and snacks during the summer months.
To get here, you need to drive over a dirt road, but it’s in pretty good shape. Just now that you are usually not allowed to take dirt roads with rental cars. In summer, there’s also a minibus that drives up to Prassa Beach.
6. Hike around the island
For such a small island, Kimolos is a true paradise for hiking lovers. The island is crisscrossed with hiking trails that lead you through stunning landscapes, from rocky hills and ancient paths to hidden beaches.
There are multiple hiking routes, each offering a different glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Most hikes leave from Chorio towards the remote beaches across the island.
A great loop is hiking up from Chorio to Mount Skiadi for breathtaking panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and neighboring Milos. Then hike down towards Mavrospilia beach and the Ellinika archaeological site, and go back to Chorio.
Hiking in Kimolos is peaceful and rewarding. It’s the best way to connect with the island’s quiet rhythm and discover its untouched corners far from the crowds.
Read more: Best hikes in Syros
7. Visit the Port of Psathi
Psathi is where you’ll arrive by ferry, and it’s a lovely little harbor to start or end your day. There are a few cafés and restaurants right by the sea, perfect for a morning coffee or a sunset meal.
Psathi is the charming little gateway to Kimolos. The first place you’ll see when you step off the ferry, and one that instantly sets the island’s relaxed tone.
This tiny harbor village is a picture-perfect mix of fishing boats bobbing in the water, whitewashed houses tucked into the hillside, and a handful of cafés and tavernas right by the sea.
It’s the ideal spot to begin or end your day on the island: grab a morning coffee at Kimolia Coffee Shop or enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at Afritis or Echinousa Tavern.
Psathi may be small, but it has everything you need, from car and scooter rentals to a few boutique stays and crystal-clear water for a quick swim at Psathi Beach. It’s the perfect introduction to the easygoing spirit of Kimolos.
8. Go to the summer cinema Cine Kalisperitis
One of the most unexpectedly charming experiences on Kimolos is its beloved summer cinema, an outdoor movie experience that feels straight out of a nostalgic Greek postcard.
On warm and windless evenings, locals and visitors gather under the stars to watch a movie surrounded by lanters and stars. The day and location are usually only revealed a couple of days before the event.
If you’re staying a couple of days in Kimolos, catching a movie here is a must (read more about it in this article and watch the video below). It’s not just about the film. It’s about soaking up the island’s relaxed summer rhythm and experiencing a sweet slice of Cycladic culture that you won’t forget.
9. Do a boat tour
Taking a boat tour around Kimolos is one of the best ways to experience the island’s raw beauty and hidden corners. While the island is small, its coastline is full of surprises with sea caves, rock arches, secret coves, and beaches you can only reach by water.
The boat captains are often locals who love sharing stories about the island, pointing out rock formations, and recommending their favorite swimming spots.
Some tours combine Kimolos with nearby Poliegos, an uninhabited paradise with some of the clearest, bluest waters in all of Greece. As you cruise along the coast, you’ll stop for swims in remote bays, snorkel over vibrant underwater landscapes, and enjoy the kind of peaceful solitude you can only find on a tiny Cycladic island.
TIP: Would you love to learn more about the life of local fishermen and go out fishing with one of them? Go on a local fishing tour boat trip with Captain Nikolas (+30 694 504 0793).
10. Do a day trip to Milos
When you are staying in Kimolos, you could do a day trip to Milos (just like you can do the other way). It is very easy with the ferry and absolutely worth it if you want to experience one of the most famous islands in the Cyclades while staying somewhere quieter.
Spend your day exploring Sarakiniko’s moon-like cliffs, wandering through Plaka’s charming alleys, or visiting the postcard-perfect village of Klima with its vibrant syrmata. You can even squeeze in a boat tour to Kleftiko if you start early.
The best part is returning to peaceful Kimolos in the evening and swapping Milos’ energy for Kimolos’ calm. However, if you have more time, we really advise you to stay in Milos for a couple of days, as there is so much to do!
One-day itinerary for Kimolos
If you’re visiting Kimolos as a day trip from Milos, like we did, here’s how to make the most of your day:
Morning:
- Catch the first ferry from Pollonia to Kimolos.
- Explore Chorio, wander through the alleys, visit the Kastro, and the ethnographic museum.
- Grab a coffee at one of the small cafés.
- Enjoy lunch in Chorio or by the sea, either in Psathi or at a beachside taverna.
Afternoon:
- Follow the coast up north and explore the area around Goupa.
- Head further north to Prassa Beach for swimming and relaxation (it’s a dirt road, but in good shape).
- If you still have time left, drive south to Aliki and Bonatsa Beach
Evening:
- Return to Psathi for a sunset stroll.
- Have dinner before catching the evening ferry back to Milos.
- Watch the island slowly disappear behind you as the sun dips below the horizon, a perfect end to a perfect day.
Best restaurants in Kimolos
Even though it’s a small island, Kimolos has some amazing food spots! Don’t forget to try ladenia, the island’s version of Greek pizza made with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. Simple but delicious!
Here are a few of our favorite places to eat and have a drink:
- Afritis (Psathi): A nice (slightly higher-priced) restaurant in the harbor, where you need to come to try the pasta!
- Echinousa (Psathi): A cute little cafe right by the water, run by the loveliest family. They have great coffee, homemade treats, local products, and delicious sweets.
- Paradossiakos Bakery (Chorio): The best bakery in Kimolos, perfect for breakfast or affordable snacks and sweets during the day!
- Stou Fragouli (Chorio): Great place for a coffee in the morning, delicious lunch (with local and international dishes), and a pizza and cocktail in the evening.
- Agora Cocktail Bar (Chorio): Lovely cocktail bar (one of the few on the island) with a great vibe and atmosphere, and delicious drinks.
- Meltemi (Chorio): Great views, great food, and great vibes. You can’t go wrong here!
- Prasonisi (Prassa): If you spend your day at the beach, this is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner. Try their incredibly tasty seafood while you are looking at the turquoise water.
Where to stay in Kimolos
We came to Kimolos as a day trip, but next time we will stay here for a couple of nights, for sure! So, if you think you will fall in love with the relaxed vibe of Kimolos (and trust me, it’s easy!), book a stay in one of its lovely accommodations.
Staying overnight lets you experience the island’s calm evenings, when the day-trippers leave, and the real magic of Kimolos begins.
Here are our favorites:
- The Windmill Kimolos: One of the most epic stays on the island. You sleep in a beautifully restored windmill with stunning sea views. They also offer a fantastic breakfast!
- Afroessa Cave Kimolos (Psathi): Lovely two-bedroom apartment in Psathi, close to the beach. Very comfortable and helpful host.
- Okeanis Kimolos: Absolutely stunning and private stay right by the water!
Our final thoughts on visiting Kimolos Island in the Cyclades
Our day in Kimolos left a big impression. There’s something special about this island. It feels authentic, untouched, and deeply peaceful.
If you’re already visiting Milos, don’t miss the chance to hop over for a day (or more). You’ll get a glimpse of what the Greek islands used to be like, before the crowds, before the rush, just pure, simple beauty. Kimolos might not be as famous as its big sister, Milos, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.