This is famous as the sponge-divers’ island, after what was until recently the chief occupation of the islanders.
The fourth largest of the Dodecanese islands, between Kos & Leros at the South Eastern part of Greece, bathed by the vivid blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The Kalymnian landscape is rocky and arid yet majestic, voted the best rock climbing destination in Europe, fragrant with thyme, sage and oregano, the ingredients which make the local honey world famous.
Kalymnos, is best known as home of the world’s finest sponge divers. The sea has always been a focal point of everyday life for both work & pleasure. Day trips to Leros, Patmos, Lipsi, Pserimos, Kos and Nisiros, Rhodes as well as Bodrum in Turkey, will give you the chance to visit an area blessed with history, since the ancient days, culture, monuments and the art of Religious Painting.
From the Ancient capital of Argos and the Prehistoric ruins on Telendos, to the many Byzantine Churches & Chapels, from the medieval castles of Hora, to the Museums which show the wealth of the old Sponge Trading Families, you will not find a dull moment during your stay.
Religious tourism is at its best here, the recently proclaimed Saint Savas and the Monastery, Saint Panteleimon known for his miracles even today, the Old Cathedral of the Virgin at Hora with its treasures and the New Cathedral of Christos at Pothia, Kalymnos Town, will show you another dimension of the art of religious painting!
During the day the white washed beaches of Myrties, Masouri, Melitsaha, Platis Gialos, Linaria & Kantouni, Vlyhadia, Potha & Hohlakas at Telendos, will rejuvenate you in their crystal clear waters. You may select sea sport activities like scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, fishing or island hopping to keep yourself busy or you may choose trekking to the interesting paths through the rocky formations and the many interesting trails. If you decide to stroll around Kalymnos Town, don’t forget to visit the Sponge processing Factories where they will show you some of the 280 different kinds of sponges.
At night enjoy yourself at the many restaurants, tavernas, ouzeri – the sea food tavernas serving ouzo- cafeterias and bars. Local gastronomy includes kritharo-kouloura (hard wheat bread), used to make mirmizeli the local salad with fresh tomatoes, onion, olives and olive oil sprinkled with thribi (the local oregano). Also try chtapodokeftedes – octopus deep fried meat balls – and the many sea food specialties. At the end try loukoumades (honey dumplings) sprinkled with cinnamon and the kalymnian thyme honey. Don’t forget to buy some honey to take home as well as some thribi, your greek salad will never be the same!
Sightseeing 
The castles of Kalymnos present considerable archaeological interest. The Castle of Hora dates back to the 11th century, although it acquired its present form in the 15th century. The walls of the castle housed up to 1000 people and the settlement was inhabited through the early 18th century; ruins of homes, water tanks, chapels and an olive press have survived. The Castle of Chrysocheria was built by the Order of the Knights of St. John in a prominent position between Hora and Pothia; in the area of the castle there is evidence of continuous human presence since the Neolithic era. Three stone-built windmills are nearby. Other important archaeological sites are scattered throughout the island, such as the foundations of the ancient acropolis of Pothia; the 4th-century temple of Apollo, over which Christian worship sites were built at a later date; ancient and Paleochristian ruins in Vathy; and ruins of a fortified Byzantine settlement and a Paleochristian necropolis on the island of Telendos, opposite.
Museums
• The Archaeological Museum in Pothia is new (2009), stylish and definitely worth a visit. It features prehistoric, classical and private collections as well as the preserved interior of a 19th-century Kalymnian mansion.
• The Museum of Marine Finds in Vlychadia features assorted items found underwater or salvaged from sunken ships. On an island relying on diving and the sea for so many centuries, you can imagine how fascinating this is!
• The Sponge Diving Museum in Pothia is the perfect (and poignant) introduction to the island’s centuries-old marine history and culture.
• The Kalymnian Home in Vothyni is a private folk art museum replicating a traditional local home. You will feel like you walked straight into a previous century, and talking with the friendly owner will give you a different perspective on what daily life on Kalymnos was like.
Beaches
The main beach at Masouri is long and sandy; in the summer it is rather packed with sunbeds, but there is still plenty of room and shade on the sand. There are two beach bars on opposite ends of the beach. There are large sandy beaches at Myrties and Melitsahas, as well, while several other small beaches dot the coast. A bit further south, nice beaches can be found at Platys Gialos, Linaria, Vlychadia (in the direction towards Pothia) and Arginonta, Kalamies and Emporios are in the opposite direction, to the north. The beaches of Telendos are quite beautiful as well; besides the main beach along the front, the coastline is adorned with tiny emerald coves accessible by path on either side of the village.
Caves
There are several caves with exceptional stalactite and stalagmite decorations in Kalymnos; prehistoric findings suggest that many of these caves were ancient ritual sites. Some of the caves worth special mention include Kefàla Cave near Pothia; Daskalio Cave at Vathy; Skalia Cave at the village of Skalia; and the Cave of the Seven Virgins, in which according to local lore seven maidens disappeared trying to flee from the pirates.
Useful info
Town Hall Tel: 0030 22430 59141
Municipal Tourist Organization Tel: 0030 22430 59056
Port Authority Tel: 0030 22430 29304 / 24444
Tourist Information Kiosk Tel: 0030 22430 50879
Police Station Tel: 0030 22430 22100
Hospital Tel: 0030 22430 23025
Taxis Tel: 0030 22430 50300
Kalymnos Airport Tel: 0030 22430 59370
Greek highlights 