Kalymnos – Amazing and Spectacular Rock Formations for All Climbers
Kalymnos is a beautiful rocky island, one of the Dodecanese, located not far from the coast of Turkey. The best way to travel to Kalymnos is to fly from Athens. Kalymnos is a top climbing destination due to the amazing rock formations on the island. Climbing is an extremely popular activity in Kalymnos and every year a climbing festival is taking place in the island.
10 best things to do in Kalymnos
Where is Kalymnos?
What is Kalymnos Famous for?
When to Climb in Kalymnos?
Perfect Sport Climbing Routes
Kalymnos – Where to Stay?
Kalymnos – What Things to Do?
Kalymnos Beach Guide
Kalymnos – What to See?
Weather and Climate in Kalymnos
Kalymnos – How to Get There?
Who Flies to Kalymnos?
How Big is Kalymnos Island?
The Kalymnos Landscape
The Sponge of Kalymnos
Pserimos Island
Telendos Islet
10 best things to do in Kalymnos
- Rock climbing some of the 3400 routes on the island of Kalymnos.
- Visit neighboring Telendos, an island with picturesque villages, secludes beaches and coves
- Visit the Sponge Factory in Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos
- Visit the Sea World Museum in Vlychadia village – private collection of items related to the marine world
- Climb to the hilltop of Agios Savvas, a beautiful church with amazing view of Pothia port and town
- Chryssocheria Castle situated on another hill above Pothia was built by the Knights of Saint John. Visit this Citadel of the Knights and see the little chapel of Panagia Chrysochera inside the castle
- Go scuba diving in Kalymnos – in Pothia Town you will find Kalymnos Diving Center
- Go on a painting trip: Try a workshop where you can be taught anything from watercolour to portraiture in Pothia, Kalymnos
- Go shopping in the souvenir shops in Pothia, Massouri or Panormos. Find local objects like natural sponges, leather goods, craft ceramics, sculptures, woven rugs, and wild herbs and spices
- Enjoy the evenings dining in the great taverns of Myrties, Massouri, and Vlychadia or have a drink in a bar or dance the night away in a night club in Pothia
Where is Kalymnos Greece?
Kalymnos Greece lies in a short distance from the Turkish coast in the south eastern Aegean Sea. The island belongs to the Dodecanese. Thanks to its proximity to the other Dodecanese islands it is perfect for island hopping, so on vacation do not miss the opportunity to go island hopping to nearby islands of Kos, Patmos, and Leros.
Dodecanese Tours
TICKETS & THINGS TO DO:
What is Kalymnos famous for?
Kalymnos is first famous for its landscape with the strange rock formations. Because of these spectacular rock formations Kalymnos has become famous worldwide as a top climbing destination and hosts many climbing clubs already. Read more about rock climbing in Greece
Kalymnos is also famous for its long sponge fishing tradition. The islanders used to fish sponges for a living, but you will still find many sponge sellers at Pothia beachfront.
When to climb in Kalymnos?
Courses, coaching and guiding in climbing the routes in Kalymnos take place from the start of the summer and in fall through September and October.
Each year Kalymnos Climbing Festival takes place in October. This is an international event attracting climbers from all over the world.
Perfect sport climbing routes
Around the world Kalymnos is considered a must-see climbing destination for every sport climber. On the island you will be surrounded by some of the finest limestone crags in the world with more than 3400 routes suitable for any level and style. It also has a great reputation according to safety with bolts. It is one of the best spots in the world to learn outdoor climbing, lead climbing or to improve your climbing technique!
Kalymnos – Where to stay?
Kalymnos is perfect for you who love relaxing at the beach. Moving away from Pothia you will find the best seaside villages on the western coast of Kalymnos. Both Kantouni, Myrties and Emporios have good hotels, apartments and studios and stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Kalymnos – What things to do?
On your visit to Kalymnos do not miss the chance to visit the neighbouring island of Telendos. Originally the two islands were one, but a major earthquake around 500 A.D. separated Telendos from Kalymnos. Telendos boasts an amazing natural landscape with naturist beaches, secluded coves, and traditional villages – really THE place for relaxing in tranquillity.
The beaches on Kalymnos are spectacular. There are many of them and they promise to cover all preferences and desires. They all have the deep blue crystal-clear waters. Many of them combine natural beauty and amenities that provide you with all the necessities for you to enjoy your favourite water sports.
Kalymnos is famous for its great and most spectacular rock-climbing routes, but it also has the most crystal-clear waters, perfect for diving in rocky underwater surroundings. Of course, in this kind of rocky environment hiking is an obvious choice as well, offering you the most breath-taking views.
Kalymnos Beach Guide
Partly organized
• Arginonta Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 15 km north of Pothia
• Myrties Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 8 km northwest of Pothia
• Kantouni Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 5 km northwest of Pothia
• Emporio Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 24 km northwest of Pothia
• Massouri Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 9 km northwest of Pothia
• Linaria Beach – Pebbled, located 6 km northwest of Pothia
• Town Beach – Pebbled, harbour, in walking distance from Pothia
• Kalamies Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 23 km northwest of Pothia
• Lagouna Beach Vlychadia Beach – Pebbled, family friendly, located 6 km southwest of Pothia
Unorganized beaches
• Platis Yialos Beach – Pebbled, located 7 km northwest of Pothia
• Melitsahas Beach – Pebbled, located 7 km northwest of Pothia
• Agios Nikolaos Beach – Pebbled, secluded, located 1 km east of Pothia
• Akti Beach – Pebbled, secluded, located 7 km east of Pothia
• Agios Soulas Beach – Pebbled, secluded, located 2 km east of Pothia
• Ton Toicho Beach – Pebbled, secluded, located 23 km northwest of Pothia
Kalymnos – What to see?
Monastery of Saint Savva, Pothia
An attractive monastery perched high on the hill above Pothia. The church has typically beautiful decoration, and the view is particularly good. Open 10AM to 2PM, 5PM to 7PM. Either take a bus from Pothia towards Vilhadia; take a taxi; or take the short but hilly walk from Pothia.
Sea World Museum, Vlychadia
This is a private museum, a work of the Valsamidi brothers born and living on Kalymnos. With their love of the sea and a willingness to share the joys and wealth with the world, they built this museum with a great deal of effort and zeal. They worked as architects, builders, collectors, decorators without ever stopping their favourite activity, diving.
Kos Tours
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Weather and climate in Kalymnos
| April | May | June | July | August | September | October | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 17° | 21° | 25° | 29° | 29° | 25° | 21° |
| Sea | 17° | 20° | 22° | 24° | 25° | 23° | 22° |
Just like in the rest of the Dodecanese the climate in Kalymnos is Mediterranean characterized by warm and dry summers with sunshine. The winters are mild, and during autumn and winter months heavy rains can occur. During the months of July and August the refreshing winds make the otherwise high temperatures bearable. Being an island humidity of course is quite high.
Kalymnos – How to get there?
Kalymnos is connected by ferry to Piraeus port in Athens, with approximately 3 routes per week. Beware though of the long trip which lasts about 10 hours. You can reach Kalymnos by ferry from some of the other Dodecanese islands, including Rhodes, Patmos, Kos, and Leros. From Mastihari port in Kos you will find very frequent departures for Kalymnos, about 2, 3 per day.
Who flies to Kalymnos?
Kalymnos Island National Airport receives only domestic flights from Athens where the flight duration is approx. 1 hour. From the airport in Kalymnos you need to arrange for transfer. The airport is seated almost 6 km from Pothia Town.
How big is Kalymnos island?
In 2011 the island had a population of 16,235, making it the third most populous island of the Dodecanese, after Kos and Rhodes.
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Pserimos island
Pserimos is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese chain, lying between Kalymnos and Kos in front of the coast of Turkey.
Read moreTelendos islet – blessed with tranquility
Telendos is a tiny island, at a short distance from Kalymnos. Up to 535 AD it was part of Kalymnos, but an earthquake separated the two. It is a lovely island without cars, blessed with tranquility.
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