Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a small island with a large population between Leros and Kos. Once there were many who travelled to Kalymnos by charter. A lot of them liked the island so much that they stayed and became residents. In fact, there are few Greek islands that have so many returners as Kalymnos. Once Kalymnos, always Kalymnos seems to be the device. It is not surprising. Kalymnos has a lot to offer fans of the untouristic Greece. Kalymnos also attracts mountain climbers. It started with a mountain climbing convention at the beginning of this century, and ever since then, climbers from all over the world come to climb the barren and thrilling mountains.

For me, Kalymnos is an island where people are the centre of attraction, an island with a bustling capital, a fascinating street life, and an island where, for once, you experience what many are looking for - the genuine Greece.

GETTING HERE
The easiest way is to go by air to Kos, directly or via Athens, and then continue by boat, either from Mastachari or from Kos town. The small ferryboat Nisos Kalymnos has its home port on Kalymnos and it operates on Astypalea, Arki, Agathonissi, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos and Samos.

Rena and the valley of Vathi.

Pothia seen from the convent of Agios Savass.

GETTING AROUND
Busses operate on almost the entire island. Boats to the neighbouring island Telendos departs from Myrties from early morning until late night. Car and moped rental services are available in Pothia and in the tourist resorts.

VILLAGES
Almost the entire population on Kalymnos lives in the capital Pothia, in addition there are some smaller villages and a number of nice tourist resorts. Below some of the villages on Kalymnos are described. Other villages are: Rena, Vathi, Kantouni, Emporios and Vlychadia.

Pothia, has over 11,000 inhabitants and it is the third largest town in the Dodecanese after Rhodes town and Kos town. Unlike Rhodes town and Kos town, which are very tourist friendly, Pothia is characterized by a rich Greek everyday life - day and night, all the year round. Much revolves around the lively waterfront (see picture on top of the page). There are tavernas, bars and ouzerias in one long row. As a tourist you disappear in the crowd, especially in the evenings when dressed up inhabitants steam out from the alleys for an evening walk or for a visit at one of the tavernas.

Myrties and Massouri are the two main tourist resorts on Kalymnos. The villages are so tight together that it is hardly noticeable that it in reality are two villages. Hotels, tavernas, bars, souvenir shops, travel agencies and car - and moped rental companies dominate in both Myrties and Massouri. In Myrties, a couple of tavernas lies on, or next to, the beach itself. In Massouri, most tavernas lies a short way above the beach. The view of Telendos is stunningly beautiful, especially when the sun is going down. Here are two beaches: Myrties beach have pebbles while in Massouri it consists of dark fine sand.

Vlychadia.

BEACHES
Fine beaches are not Kalymnos strong suit, at least not when compared to many other Greek islands. But several of the beaches are okay, and the water is clear and inviting. Below some are described. Other beaches are Arginonda, Akti, Gefyra and Therma.

The most popular beaches are those in Myrties and Massouri. My favourite beach is Platys Gialos. The beach is similar to the beaches on Santorini with its pretty black and warm sand. In the far corner is a quiet taverna with great views over the beach and the sea. The waves sweeping in and the mountains in the background are impressive. Beyond the beach you can see the small island Agios Kyriaki. Above the beach is the village with the same name. Here are several hotels, but also some private rooms to rent.

Vlychadia is another of my favourites. In reality there are two beaches. The beach on the left is quite rocky and not very good. But the taverna is very nice. The beach to the right, however, is really good, the sand is pleasant and the water is delightful. Also here there is one taverna. Above the beach lies a museum: Sea World of Valsamidis. The museum is private and contains a considerable amount of items from the marine history of Kalymnos. Sponges of course, but also stuffed fishes, sharks, turtles, starfishes, and urns, black and white photographs, old military and diving stuffs. Do not miss!

SIGHTS
Kalymnos was once one of Greece's five most important islands for sponge fishing; the other islands were Chalki, Lipsi, Symi and Hydra. Kalymnos has naturally made capital out of its history with sponges. There are several "sponge factories" (for example in Pothia), or sponge souvenir shops is perhaps a more accurate name. But Kalymnos are not just sponges; here are several caves, some beautiful monastery, a couple of old fortifications and some other nice little things.

One of the most interesting sights is the beautiful convent of Agios Savvas which sits on a hill above Pothia. The church is beautifully decorated from floor to ceiling. The monastery is named after the "healer" Agios Savvas who is buried in a coffin of silver inside the church. Savvas was a man who had the ability to cure people from all sorts of diseases. Even if you do not usually visit monasteries, I think you should go here. Not least for the breathtaking view of Pothia.

ACCOMODATION
First you should decide where on the island you want to stay. The letter of rooms that you meet in the port, usually offer rooms in Pothia. I personally prefer to stay in Pothia thanks to the glorious Greek evening life. Do you want to stay near a beach, like in Myrties or Massouri, take a taxi there and search for a room on your own; or make a reservation in advance.

Platys Gialos.

MORE ABOUT KALYMNOS
Geographical location »
Map of Kalymnos »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Telendos - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

PICTURESFROMGREECE.COM
No pictures yet.

Home » | About us » | Kalimera » | Picturesfromgreece »