Kalymnos is a mountain climbing mecca due to its wild and barren mountains and steep rocks. The island is also famous for sponge diving history and as is one of the wealthiest islands in Greece.
Go round the capital town Pothia through its narrow alleys past old churches and traditional houses with colorful doors and wooden balconies.
Climb up alongside 3 stone windmills to the summit where the Castle of Chrisoheria stands. It protected the island from pirates in 14-16 centuries.
Cross to the nearby hill to reach the Monastery of Agios Savvas with a red dome. You can view the entire town from here.
Swim 800 meters by boat or even by yourself to a tiny island of Telendos, which is utterly peaceful, rocky, hides many caves and has just very few buildings.
Buy a sponge on the Sponge Factory. Natural sponge is not easy to get nowadays due to the outbreak of a disease which has decimated sponge crops. Sponge diving appeared in 19th century and dangerous at first with no equipment but a harpoon. But "Kalymnian gold” enriched locals.
Imagine yourself in Hellenistic age in the ancient town of Damos, which displays inscriptions, vessels, remnants of large bath complex, old stone houses, workshops and carved wells.
View the remnants of Apollo Delian temple which are now serving as a part of the old church of Christ in Jerusalem.
Discover some of the numerous caves:
- Daskalio cave hosts prehistoric findings.
- Or Kefalas cave with impressive stalactite formations.
- The cave of Nymphs or Seven Virgins hosts a lake with stone carved stairs. Legend says, seven virgins tried to hide here from the pirates, but never returned.
Get into the heart of Kalymnos – Horio, the old capital of the island.
Visit even older capital – Argos, named after people of Argos from Peloponnes who stayed here after the Trojan War.
Reach Emborios, a remote seaside village with just a few inhabitants.
Hike along traditional villages of Massouri, Myrties and Panormos to behold verdant landscapes with myrtle bushes and mountains, and try delicious fish in a local tavern.
Aim here for rock-climbing. Kalymnos is one of the world’s top climbing destinations due to wild topography and rocky terrain. There are more than 3000 climbing routes, made of Limestone of excellent quality for climbing, easily accessible, marked by difficulty level, fully equipped and totally safe. Join a yearly Climbing festival and a Climbing club.
Dive to discover underwater caves and walls, caverns, reefs, ancient shipwrecks and sleeping volcano.
Unwind on the beaches. Massouri is the most popular.
Savour local honey made purely of wild thyme, growing in mountains. Try local specialties: spinialo, a seafood specialty of the island, and kakavia, a type of fish soup.