KIMOLOS FROM LAND
Some of the island’s most stunning beaches are reachable on foot, while others require a car, and they may be found by travelling northwest from the port of Kimolos.
More precisely, “Rema” is an alternate pool that is perfect for dive enthusiasts since it has a pebbly beach on one side and rocks on the other, just a 15minute walk from the village’s exit. Swimming in its crystal-clear blue waters and along its spotless sandy shore, one may take in the unique rock formations that surround this beautiful cove. There is a rock at one end of the beach that, if you observe it, you won’t have trouble noticing that it depicts a sitting elephant. Also, one can distinguish a flat rock (the well-known “plakoto”), where you can enjoy countless dives. One should not leave Rema without visiting the nearby picturesque village of “Goupa”. Although it is not suitable for swimming, it is worthwhile to visit this small haven as it is one of the few places on the island where the so-called “syrmata” have survived unscathed over time. “Syrmata” are essentially caves carved into the rocks that were once used by fishermen to shelter their boats during bad weather.
Continuing our walk, it takes less than five minutes to stroll from “Goupa” to Karras, another unique location on the island. This is a “beach” suitable for people who love diving because you have to dive to get into the water. All that lies there, are rocks, some higher and some closer to the sea’s surface. The waters are crystal clear and very, very deep. Karras hides something unique, since it offers an unobstructed view of “Rematonissa”, a group of irregularly shaped rocky islands, formed by the sea and wind. Experienced swimmers, can approach by swimming for 15minutes from the beach of Karra, but always procced with caution as it is a stretch of water where fishing boats and small speed boats pass through.
Our journey continues north to meet “Klima”, a somewhat remote destination for those willing to hike for half an hour from the village’s exit. It’s a pebbly beach with a few sandy areas a little further in. It has some tamarisk trees along it for those who don’t like sunbathing as well a round rock with easy access around the middle for those who choose to dive rather than simply swim. Although it is not recommended when there is a strong northerly wind, in any case it is a very good choice.
Leaving Klima and always travelling by car, we head to perhaps the most famous beach of the island, “Prasa”, that portrays a tropical and idyllic landscape. On the way to Prasa we pass by and see from above Agios Minas, the island’s fishing haven, with a plethora of fishing boats decorating the turquoise canvas. Following the dirt road, one arrives at Prasa, the beach with the distinctive white coarse sand. It has a small number of tamarisk trees considering its length, but it has the most turquoise and exotic waters! It is sandy and does not deepen abruptly, making it ideal for families with small children. At this point, it is worth noting that at the beginning of Prasa’s beach, in specially designed areas there are thermal baths where, with the touch of your hand, you can feel the heat of the thermal water that springs from the earth.
It is worth noting that there is the possibility of approaching two other beaches, but due to the difficult terrain, the dirt road requires a 4×4 vehicle. Alternatively, for hiking enthusiasts, one and half to two hours of walking allows them to enjoy the magnificent panoramic view from the steep mountains that surround them. These two beaches are none other than the Monasteries and “Soufi”, which you can reach if you follow the signs after Agios Minas. These two beaches are located in the northern part of Kimolos, but before visiting you should check the weather forecast, as the strong summer winds (meltemia) are constantly battering them. They both have sandy beaches. Especially in Soufi you can admire the unique colors of the rocks that surround the beautiful beach.
Changing direction and driving west from the island’s port we arrive at “Aliki”. A beach that combines sand with fine pebbles and doesn’t deepen abruptly. Continuing on, the extension of Aliki is basically Bonatsa. It is a long sandy beach with plenty of tamarisk trees along it for those looking for some shade. This beach stands out for its endless sand and for its lack of depth. No matter how much you swim, you will hardly find yourself in deep water. This of course makes it an ideal choice for families with young children who are learning to swim or want to play with their buckets. In the adjacent bay and just a five-minute walk from Bonatsa you will find Kalamitsi, a double beach with sand and shallow water. It has many tamarisk trees close to the shore and is another ideal proposition for families.
KIMOLOS BY BOAT
Using the sea taxi, one can visit some of Kimolos and Polyaigos hidden treasures, which are unfortunately inaccessible from land. This trip lets you see not only beaches but also impressive caves while at the same time you can also enjoy swimming.
Starting from the port of Psathi and heading east, the first landscape inaccessible from land that you encounter is that of “Geronikolas the heights”, the so-called caldera of Kimolos. What characterizes it are the sheer cliffs, crystal-clear blue waters and a nearby islet that creates a channel, through which the sea taxi captain skillfully maneuvers. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the nearby beaches of Monastiria and Soufi, before being captivated by the magic of Kimolos’ north side. Gerakia’s cave is the next stop on the tour. A cape that is quite exposed to the open sea, and at the bottom of which, weather permitting, you can admire the beautiful colors created by the coral organisms that live there. Furthermore, close to the cave is one of the nests of the Monachus Monachus seals, that lives and reproduces on the island. If you’re lucky, you might run into one at this point!
The sea taxi ride continues to a magical cove, although small in size, this cove has three small separate beaches: the sandy Agioklima, the pebbly Kastro and the also sandy Therma. It is worth noting that they can also be reached by a three-hour hike from the village for those who love a challenging walk in nature. A distinctive feature of Therma is a spring that spouts hot water right on the spot where the waves break. Leaving this small but significant cove, you will stop at the Pelekiti cave. A catacomb-like cave that was carved out and possibly due to a landslide is now mostly submerged. It is possible to enter it and see one of the cave’s two areas, as the second one is completely submerged. Finally, during your boat from Pelekiti to Ellinika (which, as previously mentioned, can also be reached by car from the inland), you can admire small irregulary shaped coves and small impressive beaches. In Ellinika, you will have the opportunity to see the ruins of the sunken city from above, as the captain will take you over the sunken houses and a well, that remain unscathed by time.
The sea taxi, besides taking you on a tour of Kimolos, also offers to take you to Polyaigo, the largest uninhabited island in the Cyclades, with its characteristic wild beauty, located directly opposite it. So, as you continue sailing, you come across the beaches of Mersinia, Madras and Lower Madras, that stand out for their sandy beaches and transparent waters. Next stop is at Galazia Nera, a true turquoise pool amidst the deep blue of the sea. The scenery is very special and unique compared to the other beaches of the island. At this point in the trip, it is worthwhile to pay a visit to the cave of Galakteri, where the kaolin mine used to be. There are two beaches within it, and there is another seals nest nearby, so it is possible to see one again. We emphasize that there are many caves along this route on the south side of Polyaigos, particulary towards Fanari, while you will most likely see a seal pass.
The lighthouse of Polyaigos is located on “Fanari” beach, with its fine pebbles and crystal-clear blue waters. Visitors have described it as a Western-style landscape due to the boulders that surround it. After visiting this beautiful beach, its time to visit the islet Arkouda (bear). As the name implies, it is essentially a boulder that looking at it from a certain angle on the boat, resembles a real standing bear. Then we arrive at the Trypiti cave, where a little to the left is the ascetic’s solitary residence, a cave built into a vertical rock about 30 meters up. Finally, the sea taxi travels to the beach of Panagia, where the old quarry of Varytinis was located, as well to the beach of Voreinos.