INFORMATION ABOUT KIMOLOS ISLAND
The island of Kimolos is located at the South East Aegean Sea. It belongs to the sterile line of West Cyclades. It has an area of 37 square kilometers, located between Milos and Sifnos and the distance from Piraeus port is only 87 nautical miles.
You can travel by boat from Piraeus port with 6 to 8 hours travel time. The island is connected with Milos Island by sea almost every day. You can also choose to travel by plane through Milos airport.
Kimolos is a small rocky island with volcanic activity and a huge variety of chalk-colored soil layers with the most characteristic kimoliti or kimolia (Greek names for chalk) as most people call it.
It is worth to mention the rich fauna of the island. The Mediterranean monk seal Monachous – Monachous that lives on the island is one of the most dangerous species. In the mountainous part of the island you can find rare endemic viper species (known locally as lebetina), the blue lizard, the shag, the golden owl, rare hawk species, and many migratory birds.
KIMOLOS ISLAND HISTORY
According to tradition, the island was named by Kimolos who was the first resident of the island as mentioned in Greek mythology.
During the Middle Ages, the island was called «Echinousa», because of the chalk, which still thrives in the island. The Venetians, called it «Artzentiera» most likely from the silver-hued soil that was found on the rocks of the island.
On the west side of Kimolos, in Hellenica, the ancient city used to exist, shortly before it sunk. On the island, and more specifically in the area of St. Andrews, there are visible ruins of houses and graves and pieces from the tombs of the ancient city. From the discoveries of vessels that have been found on the island it is proved that the residents lived until the Byzantine times.
Kimolos was pillaged by pirates who managed to conquer the island. Most of the inhabitants left the island during that time. In 1207 Kimolos was united with the Duchy of Naxos after the intervention of Mark Sanoudos. The island passed in the Turkish hands and during the Russian – Turkish, Russians conqueredthe island.
After the period of the Ottoman rule, Kimolos was recognized as an independent state and thereby annexed by the fledgling Greek state and integrated with the rest of Cyclades.
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Kimolos
