Getting from Santorini to Kimolos

Kimolos is one of the quietest and most authentic islands in the Cyclades, sitting just off the northwestern tip of Milos and largely ignored by the international tourism circuit. It is small, hilly and white, with a Chora of closely packed houses built around a Venetian castle and a coastline of beaches that see a fraction of the crowds you find anywhere nearby. The island produces a white clay called kimolia, from which chalk gets its name, and that geological quirk shapes the colour and texture of the landscape. People who find Kimolos tend to keep very quiet about it, which is the highest form of compliment an island can receive.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry from Santorini to Kimolos year-round, running 1 to 4 days per week. The crossing takes around 3 hours 50 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes depending on the vessel and the stops. The frequency is limited so check the schedule on Ferryhopper before you plan your trip and build your dates around the available departures. Kimolos is also connected to Milos by a very short crossing of around 25 minutes, which is worth knowing if the direct Santorini timing does not align.

What about flying?

Kimolos has no airport. The ferry from Santorini is the only realistic option for this route.

Your best option

Take the direct ferry from Santorini when the schedule works. If the days do not align, take the ferry from Santorini to Milos and cross to Kimolos from there on the 25-minute local connection. Check Ferryhopper for both options.