SENTIERS DE RANDONNEE A KIMOLOS

The paths of Kimolos are generally very well marked.

Path 1: Chorio-Haplovouni-Karras - duration: 2 hours, difficulty: easy.

From the central square of Chorio, take the direction of Psathi. At the bakery, turn left and, after passing the building of the farmers' association, turn left again. The paved path, usually marked with orange arrows, is one of the most beautiful walks on the island. At the top, take a look at the small chapel of Pantokratoras. The view of the east coast and the uninhabited island of Polyaigos is spectacular. Continue walking along the abandoned mills. You are in the area of Haplovouni, once called the "valley of tears" since it is the place from where the wives of sailors saw their husbands leave. The descent alternates between dirt roads and paved roads: it will lead you to the coves of Karras or Goupa where you can swim. For the return trip, you can go to Psathi and take the bus or climb the asphalt road.

Path 2: Chorio-Skiadi-Mavrospilia - duration: 3 hours, difficulty: easy to moderate.

The start of the hike is in front of the OTE building in the center of Chorio. Take the dirt road out of the village towards the north and the church of Agios Efstathios and turn left following the blue markers. For the first hour of the walk, you will also follow red markers that indicate the path to Paleokastro. After about 45 minutes, the trail starts to narrow, leave Mount Sklavos and the radio antenna behind you on your right and continue straight ahead where the trail branches off to Paleokastro. You then descend to Skiadi which can be seen in the distance. This rock formation sculpted by the winds is a unique erosion phenomenon: the Skiadi rock looks like a gigantic stone mushroom! Beyond, continue towards the sea by descending a rather steep slope. The path is rather badly indicated at this level of the hike: you will sometimes have to cut through the scrub (prefer long pants). Once in the valley, you will find a wide and well marked path that will lead you to the beautiful beach of Mavrospilia. For those who don't want to take the same path in the opposite direction for the return trip, go to the asphalt road that serves the southern beaches and return by bus or cab to Chorio.