Kimolos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Cyclades and is near the island of Milos. The island has a land area of 36 square km, while the municipality area is 53.251 square km. During the 2011 census 910 inhabitants lived on the island.
Kimolos lies northwest of Milos Island and is separated by a 1km wide channel. The island has a radius of 7km and is round shaped in form. The highest point on the island is mount Paleokastro, at 364m.
Chorio is the only town on the island, situated on the west side of the island on a hill. There are smaller settlements on the island called, Psathi, Goupa, Kara, Prasa, Aliki, Bonatsa and Dekas. East of the island you will find Polyaigos, the largest unhinhabited island in the Aegean, which also forms part of Kimolos municipality.
Kimolos and the surrounding islands belong to the Aegean volcanic arc and consist mainly of acidic volcanic rocks. Pre-volcanic bedrock and be observed as well as hot springs. The island is rich in minerals of the silica group.
An important formation can be found in the middle of Kimolos, called Skiadi. It is a mushroom-shaped stone that has been created through the process of ablation. Over the years the wind has carved out all the softer layers at the bottom more that the harder layers at the top.
It is known that the population is decreasing on the island and in the winter only around 600 inhabitants are found on the island. Most of the working population, are connected to the tourism industry on the island and the rest work in agriculture.
The island has a bus and taxi service, and your own vehicles are also permitted on the island. Kimolos is also connected to Piraeus port of Athens and other islands by ferry or Catamaran.
History
Kimolos name comes from the first resident that lived on the island. During ancient times the island was also known as Echinousa, called after a type of viper snake that lives on the island called Echidna.
The island was a battlefield during the Middle Ages and served as a major trade hub between the islands due to its location. Kimolos was ruled by the Ottoman Emoire until 1829, when it was annexed by the Greek state along with the rest of the Cyclades.
Interesting Facts
Coordinates: 36°48’31”N 24°33’47”E
Amorgos Island Area: 53.3 sq. kms
Coast Length: 38km
Population: 910 inhabitants
Telephone code: +22870
Postal Code: 84004
Time Zone: GMT +2:00, Summer GMT +3:00
Capital: Chorio
Highest Mountain: Mount Paleokastro 364m
