Kalymnos Tourism

Kalymnos, known as the island of sponge divers, provides some unique attractions to visitors. Today Kalymnos tourism is developed with many facilities and is particularly enjoyable for families and nature lovers.

Kalymnos is blessed with stunning mountainous landscapes, green valleys, and lush forests. It is worth exploring the island on foot and following its natural hiking trails that offer unparalleled scenic views of its untamed beauty. Over time, the island has become a bustling rock climbing destination, with numerous climbing routes taking you through its impressive mountains, caves, and rock formations.

Pothia, the island's capital and port, is considered one of the most picturesque towns in the Dodecanese. Built amphitheatrically around the port, its houses are characterized by their Neoclassical and Italian architecture and lend the area a unique atmosphere. Here you will find many of the island’s most interesting sights, including the beautifully constructed Town Hall, the historic Chryssocheria Castle, and the Monastery of Agios Savvas. The small town features various accommodations with panoramic views of the port that put you in proximity to all of the region’s biggest points of interest. Many hotels have respected the traditional architecture of Kalymnos while offering all the modern amenities guests will need. The capital also hosts most of the island’s nightlife, with various restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that stay open till the early morning hours.

The lovely Vathy boasts beautiful greenery amidst a mountainous location and is one of the most fertile spots on the island. The area provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of busier settlements and invites visitors to get lost walking along its narrow paths while taking in its natural beauty. Myrties and Massouri boast equally gorgeous sceneries and allow easy access to the neighboring islet of Telendos. The rustic villages of Panormos and Emporio are also worth a visit for their traditional character and authentic Kalymnian charm.

While in Kalymnos, you should not miss out on visiting its enchanting beaches. Lying along the island’s rocky coast, most beaches feature a quiet ambiance thanks to their secluded location, perfect for a tranquil time of swimming and sunbathing. Arginonta Beach, Myrties Beach, and Kantouni Beach are among the most popular and boast various facilities, while Akti Beach and Platis Yialos Beach remain unorganized, providing an unadulterated natural environment.

Visitors can move around the island by public bus, with hourly bus routes passing through Pothia as well as every other significant settlement. You can also opt to call a taxi in most central spots and there is a taxi stand in proximity to the harbor in Pothia. Finally, renting a private vehicle is the easiest way of exploring the island at your own pace, with Pothia housing most car rental agencies.

Note that there is no tourist office on the island, therefore visitors can collect information from the travel agencies at the port.