Kalymnos island

General info:
Kalymnos lies between the islands of Kos and Leros, covering 100 square km approximately and having a population of some 1,300 residents.
The “island of the sponge divers” as Kalymnos is known for its long tradition to the daring ways of sponge –fishing, is a mainly mountainous and arid island,  sparsely interrupted by few green valleys, spectacular caves, thermal springs and areas where herbs diffuse their scents in the air.  Its coastline of some 100 km encompasses stunning pristine beaches of blue clear waters and secluded coves.
 The island has a rich cultural tradition and a long history that is revealed in the archeological sites, the castles, the Byzantine churches and the fine neoclassical buildings that stands like jewels in the unembellished landscape.
Traditional villages and picturesque resorts are inhabited by warm and friendly locals who are willing to initiate you to the hidden beauties of Kalymnos in a way that make you feel more than welcome.

The island offers several descent accommodation facilities, a satisfactory nightlife and also many choices for those who enjoy either mountainous or sea sports. Comparatively with the rest Dodecanese islands,  Kalymnos  does not become   packed with tourists, however  the last years it attracts   a growing  number  of visitors who seek an alternative way to spend their holidays (or part of it) and appreciate the simple way of living which is the prevailing feature of this authentic island.

Historical profile:

Kalymnos has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age, probably by the Carians and the Leleges while it was first mentioned by Homer in its “Iliad” with the name “Kalydna.” During the 7th century BC it came under Dorian authority and in later centuries it passed into the hands of the Persians until it was liberated by the Alexander the Great.
In the centuries followed, Kalymnos experienced the Roman and the Byzantine rule. It was also   frequently subjected to severe pirates raids, something that led its habitants to found fortified settlements. In 1306 the Knights of St. John took over the islands until 1523 when it was occupied by the Ottomans, who left   to Kalymnos the privilege  of self-autonomy. Despite this favourite status, Kalymnians participated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821. In 1912 it was occupied by the Italians and finally liberated and integrated to the Greek State in 1948. 

Villages:

The town of Kalymnos (Pothia) is the island’s capital and port.  It a rather large town of 10,000 residents spreading    on the slopes of a hill that is  separated by a verdant valley. The town of the sponge divers –and thus prosperous- distinguished for its charming  traditional  houses, the fine mansions painted in bold hues, the beautiful churches, its picturesque narrow alleys and the  busy streets adorn with trees. Since Pothia gathers most of the island’s population, it has shops of any kind, taverns,   coffee bars and night clubs and offers many accommodation amenities.
The imposing Castle of Crysoheria, erected by the Knights of St. John; the remarkable Church of Christ the Saviour with an admirable temple; the neoclassical building of the Town Hall; the 18-th  century Vouvalis Mansion and the workshops of the sponge-fishermen are only few of the things one should visit.
For those who wish to know more about the history of the island, the Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical mansion and that accommodates finds dating back to various historical eras; the Marine  and  Folklore Museum, both with interesting collections of the  Kalymnian marine tradition  and culture are worth-visiting.
In the surrounding area, the Cave of the Nymphs in which finds of the Neolithic Age have been uncovered and the Cave of kefala (Kephala) with extraordinaryi stalactites are also worth-visiting.

Chorio is situated some 3 km northwest to Pothia. Built inland and at the foot of the Castle of Chrysoherias , it was once the island’s capital. Today, Chorio is a beautiful village located in a lush valley and has   some 3,000 residents. The Church of Jesus of Jerusalem that is built upon the ruins of an ancient Temple of Apollo, the ruins of the ancient city of Damos, and the  9th- century Castle   are features of Chorio’s charm.

Emporios is an idyllic coastal fishing- village situated 25 km northwest to the capital. Its traditional houses, the narrow alleys, its splendid beach and the Kastri (Castle) that crowns a hillock and the surrounded caves combined with a laid-back way of life have made Emporios an attractive destination for people of the spirit and nature –lovers. Few accommodations are provided and entertainment options are adjacent to the serenity of the place.

Masouri  (Massouri) is one of the most popular  and scenic seaside resorts of Kalymnos, situated 10 km approximately northwest to the capital.  Known for its wonderful beach and for its proximity to the beautiful islet of Telendos, the resort gathers many tourists. Shops, taverns and coffee-bars, as well as several accommodation facilities and entertainment options are provided. The Cave of Agios Ioannis (St. John), the ruins of the Byzantine Castle at Kasteli site and the bay of Arginondas with its stunning beach give extra reasons for visiting Masouri.

The coastal resort of Panormos lies off some 5 km northwest to the capital. Surrounded by a verdant landscape of flowers and trees and gifted with a fine sandy beach, this charming village offers few accommodation amenities and equally few taverns and coffee-bars.

Vathi (Vathy) is a delightful settlement located at a distance of some 15 km northeast to the capital. The village has been built among a verdant scenery that is emerges unexpectedly from the surrounded arid landscape, creating thus an impressive contrast. Its traditional houses spreading among citrus trees reach at the mouth of   a wonderful fiord-like gulf. Vathi offers a few accommodation amenities since it is quite a serene settlement, yet it is worth-visiting both for its natural beauty and the its archaeological sites, such as the remnants of a Hellenistic Castle and the ruins of the ancient acropolis.  Other important sites are the Cave of Daskalio, situated at the entrance of the port and in which finds from ancient times have been discovered and the caves at the slopes of the hill, in which traces of prehistoric inhabitation have been found.

Beaches:
Kalymnos has several pristine beaches of fine clear waters, most of them accessible by road.

The most popular beaches are the ones of Myrties, a pebbly beach of crystal – clear waters, the Masouri (Massouri) beach, a sandy well-organized one, that frequently becomes crowded,   the beach of Arginontas, equally organized, with pebbles and sand and the one of Kantouni,a sandy and tree-shaded beach with splendid waters.
More peaceful beaches are the Akti beach, a sandy one with crystalline waters, the beach of Platis Gialos (Yialos), a wonderful sandy beach with blue-green waters and the Emporio beach with thick pebbles and amazing crystalline  waters.

Access:
Kalymnos is connected by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port, and also with the island of Rhodes, Astypalea, Patmos, Samos, Leros, Lipsi, Nisiros,  Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Chios, Lesvos, Limnos and Thessaloniki.

By air, the island is linked the International Airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos” and also with the Airports of Mykonos and Kos.