Attractions, Sights & Things to Do on Kalymnos
Port of Pothia, Kalymnos
By the homonymous capital, it hosts routes to Piraeus (mainland) & other islands, daily connection to Kos (Mastichari), & summer day excursions.
Navy & Folklore Museum of Kalymnos
Founded in 1994, it hosts a rich exhibition of sponge fishing methods. It has limited opening hours.
Kalimnos Town «Pothia»
Administrative and commercial center as well as the port of the island. Its foundation started in 1850 with the diminishing pirate raids.
Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos
Since 2009 depicts the history of the island with exhibits like the "Lady of Kalymnos" a bronze statue found in a fisherman net in 1995.
Traditional Kalymnian House (Folklore Museum)
Private folklore museum including items and rooms of a typical house of the 19th and 20th century.
Chrysocheri Castle, Kalymnos
Frankish castle of the 15th century that gets its name from the church of the Virgin Mary of Chrysocherias hosted inside its walls.
Sea World Museum Valsamidis, Vlichadia
A private collection of 1700 exhibits related to the profession of sponge fishing and the seabed.
Town-Castle of Chorio (Chora), Kalymnos
Old capital & Byzantine fortification that after Frankish renovations bacame a Medieval castle town.
Sanctuary of Delian Apollo, Kalymnos
Destroyed and closed political and religious center dedicated to the ancient patron saint of the island.
Kalymnos National Airport
Small but well-functioning airport that connects the island of Kalymnos with Athens as well as with other islands of the Dodecanese.
Climbing in Kalymnos
One of the best climbing spots in the world and a huge amount of climbing rock, with approximately 3400 routes spread in 66 different crags.
Masouri Beach, Kalymnos
The most famous and cosmopolitan beach of the island that offers an amazing view over Telendos island and its iconic mountain.
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.
Kos
Birthplace of the "Father of Medicine" Hippocrates with rich history starting from 3000 BC while today attracts over 1 million visitors per year.
Pserimos Island
One of the smallest islands among the Dodecanese complex with approximately 80 permanent inhabitants, and no roads or cars in its settlement.
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.