Kimolos island

Kimolos island lies at the heart of the Middle Cyclades archipelago and is the third largest of the four islands that host the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). The name “Kimolos” derives from the Greek word κιμωλία (“chalk”), reflecting the island’s rich mineral deposits. According to mythology, the island was named after Kimolos, its first inhabitant, who was said to have married one of Poseidon’s daughters, Side. In antiquity, the island was also known as Ophidousa or Echidnousa, both meaning “snake island,” likely in reference to its abundance of snakes. The Roman naturalist Gaius Plinius Secundus the Elder (AD 23–79) was the first to report that Kimolos was - at the time - overrun with venomous snakes. Nowadays the island has about 300 permanent residents and is part of the Milos regional unit. 

The Northern half of the island belongs to the Natura 2000 network under the Habitats Directive (GR4220006). Similar to the adjacent island of Polyaigos, Kimolos provides habitat for some of the most endangered species in Greece, such as the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata), and the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). Other notable species include the Eleonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae) Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), and even the Devil ray (Mobula mobular), which make use of the passage between Kimolos and Polyaigos. 

Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by the picturesque port of Psathi, with its warmer turquoise waters and hospitable locals. Kimolos is among the most sought-after destinations for relaxing holidays, during July and August accommodation is often fully booked. Despite the influx of tourists, encounters with the Milos viper are exceptionally rare, and snakebites are virtually non-existent. The few recorded cases that resulted in prolonged recovery or permanent sequelae were not due to the venom itself but rather due to harmful traditional treatments, such as cutting the bite site and the affected limb vertically open in an attempt to let the “bad blood” escape. Needless to say, this is terrible advice.

The Kimolos population of the viper appears to be in a healthier state compared to those on the other islands. Although persecution is constant, Kimolos has very few permanent inhabitants, and the vipers—perceptive as they are—seem to have learned to remain hidden and avoid human encounters while making good use of time windows when humans are not present. During spring, males have occasionally been observed moving through the village; however, such instances are rare and typically involve "hormonally" driven males that actively search for a mate, with no regard for danger. These individuals are not even particularly defensive, they will carry on their search, hence, they pose no real threat to locals.

The herpetofauna of Kimolos island is comprised by the following species: Balkan frog (Pelophylax kurtmuelleri), Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), Kotchy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi), European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii), Milos wall lizard (Podarcis milensis), Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata hansschweizeri), European cat snake (Telescopus fallax), Grass snake (Natrix natrix)