Kimolos - Skiadi
On the northwestern part of Kimolos, west of the “Sklavos” height, there is a huge stone mushroom, which the people of the island call “Skiadi”. A natural monument that lies in the middle of a barren plateau with excellent view: overlooking the southwestern and western coasts of the island (Ellinika, Mavrospilia, Athinia) and a large part of Milos.
“Skiadi” owes its creation to the various rocks that is composed of and the very strong winds that blow in that area. The softer rock that lies at its basis is corroded by the wind, which transfers dust or grains of sand. The result of this process is that the basis slowly becomes narrower and narrower while the top, which is harder, remains almost intact.
A rare monument, not only for Greece but for the whole world, impressive due to its size and shape, which is part of the Atlas of Geological Monuments of the Aegean.
To reach Skiadi, there is a cyclic road that starts and ends at Chorio. You can follow with car the course: Chorio – Lebounia – Xevri – Profitis Ilias (outer) - Profitis Ilias (inner). Between the two churches, you leave the car and walk for 30 – 35 minutes on the traditional path which is signed with arrows. If you walk the whole distance you will cover it in 70 – 90 minutes.
Another route you can take with a cat is Chorio – Agios Minas (the only part of the cyclic route that is asphalted), after the church left towards the area of landfill waste, then you continue along the road, pass Profitis Ilias (inner) until you encounter the path that is referred to at the other route.
You should have with you water, a cap and sun lotion if it is summer and to wear long trousers and shoes suitable for long walks.
Text: George A. Ventouris, Despoina Athanasiadou-Ventouri