Telendos

Opposite the seaside resorts, Myrties and Masouri, on Kalymnos lies the mysterious rocky island Telendos. From a distance the island looks like forgotten properties from the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind". Those of you who have seen the movie know what I mean. One side of the rocky island is known as "Princess on the mountain." According to one legend, a princess was transformed to stone when she tried to kill herself when she thought that her beloved prince was drowned. When the princess threw herself off the cliff a fairy "rescued" her and transformed her to a rock. Even today you can see her face in the mountain on the south side of the island. Take a boat from Kalymnos to Telendos in the morning, then she is most visible.

Telendos is mainly frequented by day tourists from Kalymnos. And if you are staying on Kalymnos, whose traffic is to say the least busy, it's a relief to get to Telendos. It does not matter what time of day it is, at Telendos it is always quiet. The island has several old church ruins, among other things it is said that the Agios Vasilios is one of Greece's oldest.

The evenings at Telendos are peaceful; quiet moments in the tavernas are the amusement that is offered. There are several tavernas and the difference between them is marginal. I like the fish taverna "To Kapsoli" very much. Here you can sit and eat right at the waterfront; and if you like, you can dip your toes in the water and chew a skewer at the same time. It's that close. "To Kapsoli" is to the left in the village if you stand with your nose pointing at Kalymnos. Here you can also buy fresh herbs and rent rooms for the night.

Telendos.

View of Kalymnos from Telendos.

My absolute favourite taverna is Barba Stahtis located on the waterfront at the right end of the village, if you have your nose towards Kalymnos. Barba Stahtis also has tables in the alley leading to Cholakas beach, the food is the same in both places, but the section that is on the waterfront is the most pleasant. Barba Stahtis mainly serves fish; and fresh fish is the only thing that counts here. During the day the owner is gutting fish at the quay edge, already then the stomach starts to rumbling. Do not miss Barba Stahtis; it is one of the best tavernas I have eaten at.

Getting here
There is only one way to get to Telendos, and it is with caiques from Myrties on Kalymnos. The voyage takes around 5 minutes and it's cheap, just around 1,50 Euro. The caiques starts to go around eight o'clock in the morning and the last boat back to Myrties leaves from Telendos around midnight. One can in theory swim between the islands, but the boat is still probably preferable. :-)

Getting around
There are no roads on Telendos, therefore there are no cars or mopeds, so to get around you have to walk. But who cares when the distance to the beaches, it to them you walk, is so short. In principle, there are only two directions to go, left or right.

Villages
On Telendos there is only one village and it is tiny. You see whole the village when you get of the boat, bigger than that, it is not. Here are a few tavernas (which also have rooms for rent), a mini market, a few houses and a beautiful light blue church. There are not any real streets; here are only some paths and a few alleys. In short, you get an overall picture of the village. Cosy it is. And calm, enjoyable and quiet. In fact, Telendos, along with Marathi outside Patmos, is the quietest island I've been visited.

Beaches
It is only right that I mention it at once: the beaches of Telendos are far from any paradise beaches, but the water is clear and clean, especially around Cholakas beach. The beaches generally consist of pebbles, and between the pebbles it's sometimes possible to catch a glimpse of some sand. There is no natural shade, but there are sun beds and umbrellas for rent.

If you go to the left of the port (if you have your nose towards Kalymnos) you will come to the beaches of Plaka and Potha. If you continue a little distance you reach the island's official nudist beach: Paradise beach. A paradise, it is certainly not, the beach is extremely small and it is crowded during high season. If you go to the left of the port instead, through the whole village and pass the church, you will come to the island's best beach: Cholakas with clear water, excellent snorkelling opportunities and nice surroundings.

Cholakas beach.

Sights
No temples. No monasteries. No excavations. No museums. Telendos is spared from the "you-just-have-to-see-things". The island is indeed an attraction itself, thanks to its charming smallness, but that attraction you get into the bargain. Do you have the opportunity, you should see the beautiful sunset from Telendos west coast.

Accommodation
Despite the limited selection, it is not so difficult to find a place to stay; several tavernas have rooms for rent. There are also opportunities for long term stay if you finally settle the matter and write that book...

Taverna Barba Stahtis.

MORE ABOUT TELENDOS
Geographical location »
Map of Telendos »

OTHER LINKS
Kalymnos - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

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