Kimolos is a quiet Cycladic Island, ideal for a laid-back vacation, away from the fuss and the crowds of other popular islands. For virgin landscapes and stunning beaches, you should choose Kimolos, swim in turquoise waters, discover hidden coves, and taste the original local cuisine.
Kimolos is situated very close to the stunning volcanic island of Milos and is almost 50 km away from Sifnos. It offers countless opportunities for exploration in the nearby islets of Polyaigos, Agios Efstathios, and Agios Georgios.
Whether directly from Athens or island-hopping from Milos, here’s all you need to know about how to get to Kimolos.
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How to get from Athens to Kimolos
Take the ferry to Kimolos from Athens
From Piraeus
The distance between the port of Piraeus in Athens and Kimolos is 80 nautical miles, so the ferry trip lasts between 4 and 6.5 hours.
You can find daily crossings from Piraeus to Kimolos all year round. It is mainly operated by Seajets and Zante Ferries.
From Lavrion
During peak season, from the end of June to the end of August, you can also find crossings from the port of Lavrion to Kimolos. The distance between the two ports is 60 nautical miles. The route is operated by Blue Star Ferries.
The crossing typically lasts about 13 hours and 40 minutes because the ferry stops at many islands (so it’s a great option for island-hopping but not for direct crossing.)
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
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Private transfer from ATH airport to the port
If you have just arrived in Athens by plane, you should note that the airport is approximately 43 km from the Port of Piraeus, where the ferries for Kimolos and the rest of the islands depart.
To avoid the fuss of public transport and to arrive at the port on time, you can book your private transfer. Welcome Pickups can offer safe, fixed-price rides with quality services such as English-speaking drivers and flight monitoring to arrive on time and avoid delays.
Find more information here and book your private transfer.
How to get from Milos to Kimolos
Since the two islands are located next to each other, only 1.5 km apart, you can also get to Kimolos from volcanic Milos.
Fly from Athens to Milos
There is no airport in Kimolos, but since it is very close to Milos, you can fly to Milos from Athens and then hop on a ferry to cross to Kimolos.
There are about 39 weekly flights from Athens International Airport (ATH) to Milos Airport (MLO). The route is mostly covered by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express.
The flight lasts 40 minutes, and the cheapest return ticket price is 74 Euros, but you can avoid overpriced flights and crowds if you book early.
Take the ferry from Adamas (Milos) to Kimolos
Once you reach beautiful Milos, you can cross to Kimolos very easily. The distance between the two islands is only 14 nautical miles! The ferry trip lasts about 1 hour.
You can find crossings from Milos to Kimolos 6 times per week, during summertime, with Blue Star Ferries, Golden Star Ferries, Seajets, and Zante Ferries.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
Take the ferry from Pollonia (Milos) to Kimolos
Many daily crossings are operating between the town of Pollonia (Apollonia) in Milos to Psathi in Kimolos. The trip lasts between 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of vessel. You can buy your ferry tickets directly at the port. Click here for the ferry schedule.
How to get around Kimolos
Kimolos is a small island, so there is no huge need for public transportation. However, you should consider these options if you wish to explore the whole island:
Rent a Car/Motorcycle/ATV
The most common option is renting a car to have freedom of movement. You can also rent a motorcycle if you have a license for ease, economy, and flexibility.
Once you reach Kimolos, you can hire your private vehicle either by renting from local contractors or travel agencies. Here are some options for organizing your transportation beforehand: Kimolos Moto, Rent a Car Kimolos, Tourlakis Milos Rent a Car.
Grab a taxi
There are not many taxis in Kimolos. You can find them in the town center, or better yet, book your transfer early on by calling 0030 694 5464 093 or 0030 22870 51552.
Rent a bicycle
All distances between places on the island are short, so it is possible to cycle around Kimolos. You can always rent a bike and ride around, but remember that this might be exhausting during the hot summer months. Generally, most routes are flat with no elevation.
Take the public bus
There is a small bus that operates some routes, not the whole of the island, usually to and from Chorio and the port, the most central spots of the island. For more information, you can contact the island’s bus driver Manolis by calling him at +30 6973-700033.
FAQ About your Trip from Athens to Kimolos
For sunny days at the beach, you’d better choose the summer months. Beware of the meltemia, the northern winds, usually around August. Early autumn (mid-end of September) is ideal for swimming, avoiding the crowds and the extreme heat. Springtime is nice, but the seawater is still cold for most swimmers.
Kimolos is known for its crystal-clear waters. You can swim at Monastiria Beach, Soufi, Rema, Mavrospilia, Prassa, Kalamitsi, and Aliki Beach.