A Midsummer Dream in Seven Corners of the Mediterranean
Kimolos and Milos: bays and footpaths in the less-visited Cyclades
Anyone looking for a secluded, unhurried Mediterranean experience that doesn’t compromise on its geological and rural character should probably set their sights on two islands in the Cyclades that are less well-known than the more famous Greek islands, such as neighbouring Santorini. Just a few kilometres apart by sea, Kimolos and Milos offer two complementary perspectives on this part of the Aegean. The first, much smaller and less well-known, consists of a few roads, traditional villages, bays within walking distance and a barren landscape alternating between volcanic rocks, chapels and ancient footpaths (the municipality’s official website highlights a network of hiking trails and encourages visitors to explore the large uninhabited island of Polyaigos as well). The ‘Walk the Hidden Paths’ experience, offered this summer by Espera Suites (the island’s five-star resort), takes guests on guided walks along little-travelled routes, past hidden chapels, panoramic views and traces of local history. Speaking of traditions, the local cuisine also plays a part in the story of Kimolos, where religious celebrations and traditional festivals remain very much alive, with a particularly significant event on 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption. Milos, on the other hand, offers a more spectacular landscape shaped by the island’s volcanic origins, featuring sea caves (once a hideout for pirates), rock formations and beaches with unusual colours, interspersed with fishing villages and archaeological sites. A day at the seaside on its splendid sandy and fine pebble beaches (such as the unspoilt Palaiochiori) is interspersed with boat trips along the coast to discover picture-postcard spots like Kleftiko, one of the island’s most spectacular spots, where the cliffs and white rock stacks that tower over and surround the crystal-clear sea take centre stage.
