Kalymnos

Kalymnos in Greece in the Dodecanese islands is most famous for its history of sponge fishing, and see here travel information about flights and ferries.

Known throughout Greece as the island of the sponge-fishers – although Symi also built up a good reputation for this – Kalymnos has had to diversify in order to survive. 

Many of the best sponge fields were wiped out by blight, others were simply overfished, some such as Libya’s went off-limits for political reasons, and then there was also the introduction of synthetic sponges. These aren't as good as the real thing but are much cheaper. Kalymnos did diversify, into shipping and also a modest amount of tourism, but there are still a few of the old sponge-fishing fleets around, which set sail for a few months in the late spring and early summer.

Kalymnos Town

There is no doubt when you are in Pothia, the main town and also known simply as Kalymnos Town, that you are in a sponge-fishing centre. Souvenir shops have sponges by the hundred, and many shopkeepers will offer to show you how to tell the best sponges… which of course they naturally all sell. Others go a little further and will demonstrate the entire process, showing how sponges are turned from black, odorous objects to clean and pleasant ones that you are happy to share your bathtub with.

Away from the very busy harbour, the back streets of Pothia remain truly Greek, and life goes on pretty much as it has for centuries. The main sights in town are the 19th-century cathedral of Agios Christos, with its distinctive silver dome, the Archaeological Museum and the Nautical and Folklore Museum, which you'll find on the waterfront.

Holiday Spots

The main holiday spots are on the west coast, at Myrties and Masouri, which have good beaches and where you can also catch boats across to the offshore island of Telendos, where there are quieter beaches and a few places to eat and to stay. East of Pothia is Vathi, often called the Fjord of Kalymnos, a deep inlet of the Aegean that leads into a lush valley with several beautiful old-fashioned villages. It is one of the loveliest places on the island.

Kalymnos Town

Pserimos
Little more than a speck in the sea, with one small town and less than 100 permanent inhabitants, Pserimos is swamped with visitors in midsummer, who come across on day trips from the nearby larger islands of Kos and Kalymnos. After they depart, the one village with its good beach returns to normal, with just a handful of visitors enjoying its peaceful charm and good, simple accommodation and tavernas.

Sponge Fishing
The Greeks have been sponge fishers for several thousand years, as ancient pots and painting show, with the islands of Kalymnos and Symi being the two best-known centres. On either you may still see men with twisted legs, the result of being brought to the surface too quickly. Local sponge fields no longer provide the rich harvests they once did, having been badly affected by a blight, and the few remaining sponge-fishers today must make their way to the North African coast. If you want to buy sponges, make sure you get good ones. The best sponges have the greatest concentration of holes, and you should also try pulling a little bit off the sponge (out of view of the shopkeeper) as poor sponges come apart very easily.

Getting to Kalymnos

Flights to Kalymnos
Kalymnos has its own small airport, which connects it to other parts of Greece although there are no international flights. Olympic Air flights link Kalymnos with Athens, Astypalaia, Kos, Leros and Rhodes. To get to Kalymnos by air from overseas, you need to fly to the neighbouring island of Kos and take a ferry from there, or get a connection in Athens.

Ferries to Kalymnos
Kalymnos is well-served by ferries with links to Piraeus, Samos, Tilos, Kos and most of the other Dodecanese islands.

Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides

Latest Posts

• 
• 
• 

1. The Lesser-Known Traditions of Greek Easter

   Step off the beaten path this spring and discover the enchanting — and often surprising — Easter traditions found across Greece.

   Read More

2. Easter in the Mystical Castle of Monemvasia

   In the castle town of Monemvasia, with its dramatic medieval backdrop and sea views, Easter is a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience.

   Read More

3. Sifnos: Greece’s Hidden Culinary Star on the Rise

   Sifnos, a Cycladic island, is gaining fame for its rich culinary heritage, especially the beloved melopita honey-cheese tart.

   Read More

4. Easter in Leonidio: A Tapestry of Light, Culture and Cliffs

   In Leonidio, Easter comes alive with handmade hot air balloons in the sky and lanterns made from bitter oranges in the streets.

   Read More

5. April 9 Strike in Greece to Impact Public Transport, Ferries and Air Travel

   Transportation and travel across Greece will face disruptions on Wednesday, April 9, as public transport, ferry and aviation workers join a nationwide strike called by Greek labor unions.

   Read More

6. Ancient Theater of Lefkada Brought Fully to Light Following Systematic Excavation

   The Greek Culture Ministry has announced that the first ancient theater ever identified in the Ionian Islands has recently been brought fully to light on Lefkada, revealing an impressive monument that…

   Read More

7. Seven Greek Traditions Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage

   From traditional barrel-making to age-old folk dances, seven new entries on Greece’s National Inventory preserve the country’s living heritage for future generations.

   Read More

8. Greek Air Traffic Controllers to Hold 24-hour Strike, Disrupting Flights on April 9

   The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union have announced a 24-hour strike for Wednesday, April 9, in response to the protest called by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY). The strike is being h…

   Read More

9. Ten Best Budget Hotels on Santorini

   
   Greece Travel Secrets picks the ten best budget hotels on Santorini, some with caldera views, some near beaches and some close to the heart of Fira.

   Read More

10. No Ferries in Greece on April 9 as Seamen Join Nationwide Strike

    The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE) on Wednesday, April 9. The strike, which will…

    Read More