KalymnosDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Kalymnos

Kalymnos is situated between Kos and Leros and is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese group. Due to its amazing rock formations, the island has become a Mecca for rock climbers and it is such a popular destination that the International Climbing Festival is now held here every year. Kalymnos is also known worldwide for its sponge-diving traditions and although the custom doesn’t exist anymore, you can find many sponge sellers at the port of Pothia. Divers had practiced the trade for thousands of years, holding their breath without any equipment while reaching great depths. The activity ceased mainly due to a catastrophic disease in 1986 that devastated sponge colonies all over the Mediterranean. You can book your ferry tickets to Kalymnos easily. Simply visit our website and compare tickets, routes, ferry companies.

The rugged mountain landscape of Kalymnos is in sharp contrast to the verdant valleys where bees feast on wild thyme, sage, and oregano to produce exceptional honey. Simple village life and nature dominate here, with fjords and citrus groves offering wonderful walking routes. The azure seas are perfect for snorkeling or scuba-diving and you will also find some of the most pristine beaches in Greece. A short boat trip to the nearby island of Telendos is a must, where you can check out the incredible natural landscape of secluded coves and traditional settlements. It is a remote tiny island that boasts an enchanting ambiance.

Inhabited since pre-Minoan times, the first settlers on Kalymnos were said to have been Aeolians from Thessaly or Dorians descended from the mythical Herakles himself. According to ‘The Iliad’, some ships left from the island to take part in the Trojan War under the King of Kos and it came under Phoenician rule in about the 2nd millennium BCE. After seeing the Persians, Genoese, and Ottoman Turks come and go, Kalymnos was eventually incorporated into the Greek State in 1948. Ruins of its past can be found at Emborios in the north and Vathi in the east and you will also discover several Byzantine churches and Medieval fortresses.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kalymnos

Book your ferry with Ferryscanner and sail to Kalymnos from the port of Piraeus, in a 10 hour and 30-minute journey with Blue Star Ferries. The ferry stops off at Lipsi, and from there it is only 1 hour and 30 minutes to Kalymnos. You can also book your ferry tickets to Kalymnos and sail from the island of Ikaria in 2.40 hrs, Leros (1.20 hrs), and Patmos (1.40 hrs) with Dodekanisos Seaways, Saos Anes Ferries, and ANE Kalymnou. Book ferry tickets to Kalymnos and depart from Agathonisi (6 hrs), Arki (4.50 hrs), Astypalaia (3.25 hrs), Chalki (1 hr), Fourni (3.05 hrs), and Karpathos (9.45 hrs). Ferries also sail to Kalymnos from the islands of Kasos (11.20 hrs), Kastelorizo (11.20 hrs), Kos (30-50 minutes), Rhodes (3-4 hrs), Samos (7.30 hrs), Symi (2-5 hrs), Tilos (3.50 hrs) and Syros (6.20 hrs), so book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner to be assured of a seat.

You can fly to Kalymnos Island National Airport from Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ and the trip takes about an hour. There are daily flights throughout the summer and if you are coming from a European destination, you will find many flights to the island of Kos. From there, the ferry crossing to Kalymnos takes only 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the itinerary.
 

Ports of Kalymnos

The main port of Kalymnos can be found in the settlement named Pothia, which is on the south side of the island. The scenic harbor sits on the slope of two hills that trail back to a verdant valley. Most of the island’s population of 12,000 inhabitants reside here and are engaged in fishing and tourism. The port serves all marine traffic from the Aegean and is very busy in high season as visitors arrive on the island from multiple destinations.
 

Capital & Villages

Pothia Town

The island capital, Pothia, is a vibrant town filled with colorful houses and narrow alleyways. As you take a walk around, you will observe elegant mansions, well-preserved buildings, and several old churches set among lush greenery and hills. All amenities can be found here, including hotels and restaurants, and it is a good base from which to explore the nearby sights. Check out the Chryssoheria Castle and the churches of Christ in Jerusalem and Agia Sofia (or Hevangelistria), both of which were built with materials from the ruins of the ancient temple of Delian Apollo. The Archeological Museum, Folklore Museum, Maritime Museum, and Sponge Museum also offer an intriguing insight into the island’s history.

Myrties

Myrties village lies 8 km northwest of Pothia and owes its name to the many Myrtle trees in the area. Situated between imposing hills, the settlement is very picturesque and is perfect for a walk before you enjoy a traditional meal at one of its many taverns. You can take one of the ferries that leave here daily and cross to the wonderful island of Telendos, as well as catch a sea trip to Kefala Cave.

Vathy

Vathy is located in one of the most fertile areas on the island, just 13 km northeast of Pothia. Its picturesque houses are built on the slopes of two hills in a lush valley that runs down to the sea. The fishing hamlet has a busy little port for fishing boats, yachts, and tour boats that take visitors to some of the coastal sites. From here, you can visit the Monastery of the Virgin Mary and check out some sea caves, making it a lovely place to spend your day.

Massouri

Massouri is a popular tourist resort located 9 km northwest of Pothia, set amid rolling hills in a natural bay. The bleached houses lead upwards to some fabulous sea views and its traditional layout makes it a truly enchanting village to visit. There are plenty of bars, coffee houses, shops, and restaurants, where you can savor some local fare. Opposite sits the island of Telendos, which you can easily access via a small boat crossing.

Kantouni

Kantouni is another verdant settlement popular with visitors just 5 km northwest of Pothia. It has many beautiful beaches close by and the natural landscape creates an enchanting view whichever way you turn. While there, check out the nearby ancient volcano marked by a bank of volcanic tuff located in Vigles and enjoy the hospitable vibes of the local townsfolk.

Emborios

Travel 19.5 km to the distant village of Emborios and discover a quiet seaside town on the northwestern end of the island. Its few residents are still occupied with farming and fishing and it is a great place to enjoy the catch of the day in one of the waterfront taverns. The nearby mountains are home to the remains of Cyclopean walls and an ancient 4th century BCE fort called Kastri. An olive press was found within its walls, confirming that Emborios was the first commercial center of the island.
 

Best Beaches

For an island with some spectacular beaches, it is surprising that Kalymnos is not more widely known. Sunseekers will find both organized and more secluded beaches here, which you can reach by bus or car, while some are only accessible by boat.

Myrties Beach

Myrties is located 8 km northwest of Pothia and is a lovely pebbled beach in a picturesque settlement. Sunbathers and swimmers can enjoy the cool, clear, shallow waters and to take advantage of the authentic taverns and restaurants serving delicious home-cooked meals. A day trip to Telendos for a quick dip is worth adding to your wishlist while here.

Arginonta Beach

Arginonta (or Arginonda) is like a turquoise lake with its fine sand and pebbled bed and can be found 15 km north of Pothia. The bay offers a scenic location from which to bask in the summer sun after a refreshing swim and there are a few taverns and rooms to let in the small settlement if you are seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Kantouni Beach

This long sandy beach is located 5 km northwest of Pothia and is very popular with the young crowd as it offers vibrant nightlife. The crystalline waters and golden sand are backed by lush greenery to create a beautiful setting and you will also find some nice taverns and cafes serving refreshments and local cuisine. Spend your day there and enjoy the full moon views if you are lucky!

Kalamies Beach

The sheltered little cove at Kalamies beach has a wonderful atmosphere to it that bears no relation to the busy capital. Here, you will find simple taverns on the waterfront shaded by leafy palms serving their local delicacies with a smile. It is a lovely spot if you enjoy canoeing or kayaking and if you prefer to relax, you can simply sit back, stretch out on the beach and enjoy the sublime views.

Emborios Beach

Quite a distance from Pothia (around 24 km), Emborios beach is in a serene location overlooking a natural bay. It can get windy sometimes, which is why it attracts windsurfers, and you can also try your hand at water skiing or diving while there. The beach has smooth pebbles and crystalline waters with some interesting rock formations to either side, as well as trees to the rear for natural shade.

Megales Almyres

This is a remote beach only accessible by boat that sits on the eastern coast of the island. Organized tours stop off at this location for visitors to enjoy jumping into its crystalline waters. There are no facilities here so take some water with you if you intend to stay awhile. Next to it lies the smaller Mikres Almyres beach, which is equally enchanting and also totally open, without any facilities.
 

Transportation Around Kalymnos

 You can get around the entire ‘sponge-divers’ island by bus, which is affordable and convenient. The central bus stop is in Pothia and from there, you can get to most of the other settlements and beaches. Taxis, car-hire, and motorcycle rentals are also available if you wish to explore the island with ease. There are boat trips every day to the secluded coves and beaches, as well as to the islets of Pserimos, or Kapari, and Telendos.