Friday, August 26, 2011

Kimolos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Kimolos, is a nice, small unspoiled quiet island. It is believed that took its name after chalk (chalk=kimolia in Greek), which it once produced. Kimolos was known in antiquity for the chalk, used as detergent and in medicinal baths (fuller's earth). But according to a legend it took its name after its first inhabitant, Kimolos husband of Side.

General Information
Very close to Milos lies Kimolos, the hilliest island in the Cyclades and one  whose predominant color 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 Mycenaean period.
Much later, in the Middle Ages, pirates used the well-concealed caves of Kimolos as places of refuge.
From the quiet harbour of Psathia 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.
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.

Sightseeing
Most of the people of Kimolos today live in the island's capital Hora. Because of the many pirate attacks the village has been built like a true labyrinth, in order to confuse the enemies. Here, you can visit the archaeological museum with objects mainly from the excavations at Ellinika, and there is also an impressive church with a blue dome, as well as an old castle.
At Ellinika there is a diving school, where they take you on dives around the sunken city. 
The fishing village Goupa is very pretty and definitely worth a visit.
The hot wells of Prassa are reputed for having healing powers.

Beaches
Apart from the beaches at Psathi and Prassa, there is good swimming at Aliki, Limni, Bonatsa, Klima and Monastiria.




Useful Information
(Area 36 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 88 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus & Milos
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Milos Port Authority: +30 2287022100

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22870
Municipal Office: 51218
Police: 51205
Port Authority: 51071
Health Center: 51222

http://www.kimolos.gr

0 comments:

Post a Comment