Skiadi Kimolos

Skiadi is a natural monument symbol of the island of Kimolos and is part of the Atlas of the geological monuments of the Aegean (which include, for example, the petrified forest of Lesbos and the one at Agios Nikoloas in Laconia Peloponnese).

It is located right in the middle of a wild and unspoiled plateau on the south west coast of the island of Kimolos at 250 meters above sea level and offers a perfect view of the nearby island of Milos and the surrounding territory. Its name means "parasol" due to its curious shape that resembles a mushroom.

The Skiadi four meters high and so large that it can give shade to a small group of people, is made up of rocks of various consistencies. In the lower part there is a very soft type with a light color that is eroded more easily with the wind, thinning the circumference. This phenomenon is called ablation and specifically it is a process caused by the dust carried by the winds that continuously scratches the rock, eroding it in its softer parts in this case the lower part, becoming grains of sand that are dispersed on the ground and in the air. The upper part, on the other hand, with a dark color, is made up of a type of hard rock that even the constant wind cannot scratch, remaining almost in its natural compactness. Here is revealed the reason for its bizarre shape.

Admiring it at sunset is something unique and indescribable!A little curiosity, the inhabitants say that occasionally but rarely, a few snowflakes fall during the winter making the Skiadi almost magical.

You can only get there on foot through a path that will allow you to learn more about the island of Kimolos consisting mainly of acidic volcanic rocks and tuffs. There are two possibilities, the first is to follow the road by car that indicates Chorio Lebounia Xevri Profiti Ilias. You arrive where there are two churches and right here you have to leave the vehicle and walk along a marked path for about an hour.A second alternative is to take the road to Chorio - Agios Minas, after the church keep left and pass the Profiti Ilias and you will arrive at the marked path that in an hour depends on what step you take, it will lead you to the Skiadi.

Let's say that to get a total overview of the island of Kimolos and see the island of Milos you have to get to the rock through a narrow path that winds continuously on terraced slopes, easy to do anyway but which in the end stretches over the sea and beyond. the valley. During your walk, you will cross agricultural areas but it will be difficult to meet many humans (unless you go in the high season when all hikers can not help but visit it), but some nice mule who lives in the plateau.There is only one path to get to the Skiadi and this peculiarity gives a sense of tranquility that will make you come into direct contact with nature in its natural state.

For those more accustomed to trekking, continuing from the Skiadi going downwards you arrive at the church of Aghios Panteleimon above the bay where there is the beach of Mavrospilia.

And still on the way back another path leads to the church of Profiti Elia where there is an abandoned rural settlement. Particularly the boulders of cyclopean dimensions are found on the sides of the path. To the south, the church of Aghia Kyriaki where a large cistern dug into the rock collects water from one of the island's natural springs.

As always, we recommend that you are dressed as comfortably and safely as possible when you venture out on excursions like this, so long trousers and suitable shoes as well as bring with you enough water, something to eat, a hat to shelter you from the sun and good cream. solar.Here also in a small island, an interesting trekking route and a unique and rare phenomenon to visit and include in the list of things to see in Kimolos to enrich your knowledge of magical Greece more and more.