Kalymnos

Island in South Aegean

Its terrain makes the island an internationally acclaimed climbing destination, and locals have a long tradition in natural-sponge fishing.

Two climbers by a steep cliff on the island of Kalymnos and the deep blue sea in the background.
photo: Mike Bean / CC BY 2.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Kalymnos Attractions

A picture showing the exterior walls of Chrysocheri Castle on the island of Kalymnos.
photo: achilleas / CC BY-SA 2.0

Chrysocheri Castle

Frankish castle of the 15th century that gets its name from the church of the Virgin Mary the Golden-handed (Chrysocheria).

The medieval castle town of Kalymnos just above the Chorio, the old capital of the island.
photo: Egmontaz / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kalymnos Chora Castle

The Franks restored the old Byzantine fortifications here and turned the sparsely-populated settlement into a Medieval castle town.

A picture of the relics of the Christian church built above the Sanctuary of Delian Apollo on the island of Kalymnos.
photo: Blog: Θέσπις

Sanctuary of Delian Apollo

Early Christians built the Basilicas of Christ of Jerusalem and St. Sophia on top of Apollo's Sanctuary. The site is closed to visitors.

Kalymnos Things to Do

Cruise ship by the coast of Pserimos island and a hige Greek flag drawn on the rocks.
photo: kallerna / CC BY-SA 3.0

Pserimos Island

One of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese with approximately 80 permanent inhabitants, no roads or cars. A place for meditation.

A panoramic photo of the Telendos island taken from the island of Kalymnos.
photo: Coronium / CC BY-SA 4.0

Telendos Island

A huge rock in the sea that hosts only one settlement with 20-30 permanent inhabitants and stands for the clear waters and the nice food.

A picture of a climber during the climbing process on the island of Kalymnos.
photo: Mike Bean / CC BY 2.0

Climbing in Kalymnos

Approximately 3400 routes spread on 66 crags and a climbers' community equipping new routes make Kalymnos a top destination for rock climbing.

Kalymnos Museums

A picture taken inside one of the rooms of the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos with exhibits and displays.
photo: Municipality of Kalymnos

Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos

The museum hosts many findings from the island but also the sea, like its famous "Lady of Kalymnos" bronze statue found by a fisherman.

The front side and the main entrance of the Navy & Folklore Museum of Kalymnos.
photo: Blog: kalymnosola

Navy - Folklore Museum of Kalymnos

It hosts a rich exhibition on the history of sponge-fishing, its contribution to the economy, and stories of sponge divers.

A picture of the interior of a room of the Traditional Kalymnian House (Folklore Museum).
photo: Municipality of Kalymnos

Kalymnian House - Folklore Museum

Private folklore museum including items and rooms of a typical Kalymnian house of the 19th and 20th centuries.

The main entrance and the front yard of the Sea World Museum Valsamidis at Vlichadia of Kalymnos.
photo: FB: ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ ΒΑΛΣΑΜΙΔΗ

Sea World Valsamidis Museum, Vlichadia

A private collection of 1700 exhibits on sponge fishing collected by the founder during his life. The museum is now taken care by his children.

Kalymnos Beaches

A picture of the Masouri beach on Kalymnos with the sea and the island of Telendos in the background.
photo: gertrudis2010 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Masouri Beach

The most famous and cosmopolitan beach of the island that offers an amazing view over Telendos island and its iconic mountain.

Kalymnos Settlements

A photo of the central narrow pedestrian road of the Póthia town in Kalymnos.
photo: Tomisti / CC BY-SA 4.0
Book stays »

Kalimnos Town «Pothia»

Pothia has a few narrow streets, many colorful houses, and it's surrounded by brown-rocked hills as it's built in a valley.

Kalymnos Island Hopping

A white house and palm trees at the area of Kardamena on the island of Kos.
photo: Anna & Michal / CC BY-SA 2.0

Kos

Birthplace of the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, this island's history starts in 3000 BC. Today, it's a famous nightlife and beach life getaway.

Questions & Answers about Kalymnos

Why Visit Kalymnos?
  • Alternative destination of climbing, diving, mountain biking, & wind or kite surfing.
  • Lovely beaches and traditional settlements with accommodation & food options.
  • Lifetime experience of joining a local fisherman on an organized fishing trip.
What is Kalymnos, Greece?

It is a Greek island is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, between Kos, Leros, and Asia Minor, while it is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese. Its surface area is 109.67 km2 and its coastline reaches 96 km. The population of Kalymnos is approximately 20,000 inhabitants and most live in the island's capital, named Chora. The terrain of the island includes numerous deep ravines, rocky hills, and mountains, while the original name of the island was Kalydna.

Who were the rulers of Kalymnos, Greece during history?

Kalymnos had many rulers during history. Those who left their mark on the island architecturally, culturally, and in many other ways. The Venetians occupied the island from 1257 to 1277 AD. The Genoese and the Knights of St. John ruled Kalymnos from 1306 to 1522. The Turkish presence on Kalymnos started in 1522 and lasted during the Ottoman period. In 1912, Kalymnos enters the era of the Italian occupation, which lasts until 1943. Then during the period 1943 - 1945, the island is occupied by the Germans. And finally, after the Second World War, along with the other islands of the Dodecanese, Kalymnos joins the Greek state on March 7, 1948.

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