[vc_row rt_row_background_width=”fullwidth” rt_row_content_width=”default” rt_row_style=”default-style” rt_row_height=”” rt_row_borders=”” rt_row_shadows=”” rt_column_gaps=”” rt_row_paddings=”true” rt_bg_effect=”classic” rt_transparent_bg=”” rt_bg_image_repeat=”repeat” rt_bg_size=”cover” rt_bg_position=”right top” rt_bg_attachment=”scroll” rt_bg_video_format=”self-hosted”][vc_column rt_col_paddings=”true” rt_wrp_col_paddings=”false” rt_column_shadow=”” rt_border_top=”” rt_border_bottom=”” rt_border_left=”” rt_border_right=”” rt_border_top_mobile=”” rt_border_bottom_mobile=”” rt_border_left_mobile=”” rt_border_right_mobile=”” rt_bg_image_repeat=”repeat” rt_bg_size=”auto auto” rt_bg_position=”right top” rt_bg_attachment=”scroll”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Welcome to Kalymnos, the world renowned island of traditional sponge harvesting. Following WW2 this was the only Greek sponge trade business that survived and thrived. The island\u2019s particular landscape makes it a favorable destination for alternative tourism.<\/p>\n
Climb giant vertical rocks; explore centuries – old ship wrecks that lie in the sea-bed; discover enchanting caves; and visit wonderful beaches and picturesque island villages. That\u2019s what Kalymnos is all about. A destination offering more than you can imagine!<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n The island of Kalymnos has an irregular coastline with beautiful beaches, crystal waters and numerous coves to explore. Don\u2019t miss Rina bay at Vathy; a safe haven for boats and sailors with crystal blue-green waters.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>[vc_single_image image=”1259″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Kalymnos or Pothia”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Pothia is the colourful capital of Kalymnos, built on the foot, the slopes and the valley between two hills. The remarkable architecture of the old stately houses belonging to captains and sporge merchants as well as the narrow alleys stand out in the village. See the Vouvalis House, home of a prominent sponge merchant and benefactor of the island. Seek each neighbourhood\u2019s charming church such as Sotiras Christos Church (Christ Saviour, 1861), with its silver dome and marble icon screen crafted by the Greek sculptor Giannoulis Chalepas and Agios Nikolaos Church. Outstanding buildings such as the Town Hall and the Prefecture Hall boasting beautiful architecture reveal the long presence of Italian conquerors on the island.<\/p>\n Learn more about the island\u2019s history with a visit to: the Archaeological Museum where you can see the impressive copper statue \u201cLady of Kalymnos\u201d; the Maritime Museum, dedicated to the life and customs of the sponge harvesters, and the Traditional House of Kalymnos, a small folk museum showcasing everyday life on the island in the late 19th and early 20th century. Stop by the 15th century castle of Chrysocheria, built by the Knights Hospitaller. Don\u2019t miss the three stone-built windmills on the east. Wander around the narrow alleys, enjoy the view from Agios Savvas Church, and head down to the waterfront where all the tavernas are. Savour delicious local treats such as \u201cspinialo\u201d (=it is a sponge-harvesters\u2019 titbit consisting of ray, sea urchins and sea-figs preserved in sea water) or \u201cmouri\u201d (=stuffed lamb or goat cooked in an oven casserole aka gastra).<\/p>\n Around Pothia you will find beautiful picturesque hamlets well worth discovering. Some of them are: Panormos, Chorio, Skalia, Myrties and last but not least Vathys.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Panormos”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The village of Panormos is a popular destination with beautiful beaches and a green landscape. At a short distance visit Tsoukalario where there\u2019s evidence of ancient pottery workshops.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Chorio”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Chorio is built at a safe distance from the sea to avoid pirate attacks and used to be the capital of the island. This charming small town and its 3,000 inhabitants keep the local traditions alive. Make a point of visiting Panagia Charitomeni church (1794) with its wood-carved icon screen and the 11th century Byzantine Megalo Kastro (Great Castle), which was expanded into the main 15th century residential area of the island. In the interior of the castle you will find nine churches where you can see muralls dating back to the 15th and 16th century, or you can admire a great view over Chorio and Pothia. Head up towards the highest grounds of the island at Profitis Ilias and Christou tis Ierousalim Church (Christ of Jerusalem), 500m from the village, built with rocks from the ancient temple of Apollo, which once stood at the same place. Statues from the Hellenistic Period (2nd c. BC) were found in its courtyard. Last but not least, north from Chorio, stop by the ruins of the ancient city at Damos.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Vathys”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n One of the island’s most picturesque hamlets is Vathys. A wild rocky landscape with a splash of green as its fertile valley is filled with citrus trees.The houses are spread sparsely in the plain and closer together as you approach the inlet. The village of Rina, which was located on the hillsides near the bay, was destroyed in the early 15th century by pirates.<\/p>\n Ellinika is by far one of the most well-preserved paleochristian villages within Greece. See six paleochristian churches in good condition. On the west there is the Byzantine church of Panagia Kyra-Chostis with amazing murals from the 11th to the 14th century. Visit the vaulted monastery of Panagia Kyra Psilis, 6 km N, built on a hillside of a mountain. Part of the church is built in a rock cavity. Every year for the celebrations of the 15th of August the cells here serve to accommodate the participants.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Myrties”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n The charming village of Myrties (=myrtle), whose name was given because of the abundance of myrtle plants in the area, is built in front of an impressive rocky hill. This is where you can take a small boat across to the island of Telendos. Pay a visit to see the best sunset at Melitsaha and it\u2019s small whitewashed church Ai-Giannis.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Masouri”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Go by the seaside hamlet of Masouri built next to imposing rocks and a sandy beach. Take a moment to see the ruins of the Byzantine Fort at Kastelli.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Emporeios”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Emporeios is the furthermost village from the capital of the island. Its port, protected from the strong winds thanks to the two islands of Telendos and Kalavros, made it a strong commercial centre during antiquity. The village\u2019s fort is well worth a visit, where parts of cyclopean walls still stand as well as the tower. Head towards Skalia (7km SE) to see beautiful views of Telendos and Kalavros, and Arginontas Bay (10km SE) with its wonderful waters.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Nearby islands”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to visit the nearby islands of Telendos and Pserimos, two tiny islands of unparalleled beauty, ideal for carefree holidays.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1266″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Rock climbing on Kalymnos” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Climb to Seventh Heaven!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Kalymnos, a small island located in southeastern Dodecanese archipelago, offers rock climbing and bouldering during the whole year. Especially in September, you can enjoy pleasant climbing temperatures in combination with warm water for swimming. Climbers began drifting to Kalymnos in the mid-1990s as word spread of giant cliffs and seaside ambience. In a matter of a few years, the island became a climber\u2019s paradise. Nowadays, there are approximately 200 walking distances in 77 climbing fields, including distinctive markings for the starting point of every trekking spot.<\/p>\n Kalymnos is one of the most important climbing destinations worldwide, an island that has everything a traveling climber looks for: abundance of challenging rock formations but also simplicity and authenticity. Here, the potential for new routes and new areas is enormous; less than 10% is explored, even though on Kalymnos the rock climbing experience can last for a month: surrounded by some of the finest limestone crags in the world (the Grande Grotta cave forms a giant limestone amphitheater), the island provides a huge range of climbing on slabs, big walls, overhangs, and tufas to suit every level and style.<\/p>\n Despite its popularity with visiting climbers, Kalymnos still remains an untouched and tranquil place. Its small towns and villages scattered along the island’s coast, the endless sunshine and the limitless climbing potential of the island convinced some climbers to settle here after their first visit, in order to offer guiding services or even work in small stores.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Activities” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Those who are less inclined to spend their holiday hanging from a cliff shouldn\u2019t miss the opportunity to enrich their island experiences: with several mountain trekking distances, they can explore walking trails used by locals in the past, enjoy mountain bike riding, or even go for a simple ride along the coastal route admiring the sea view.<\/p>\n Kalymnos also hosts world-famous festivals, such as the Climbing Festival, a non-competitive international meeting of athletes, which takes place every 2 years. Diving lovers can further attend the Diving Festival of Kalymnos which presents a full programme of various activities on free, autonomous and organized diving; they can also see the exhibits on the island’s diving history and sea life featured in the Naval Museum as well as the Archaeological Museum.<\/p>\n Combine rock-climbing activities with a wandering through the remains of the ancient city of Hora; hit hiking trails and discover isolated monasteries located throughout the island, or satisfy your wanderlust with a sailing around neighbouring islands and small, inaccessible bays.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1268″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded”][vc_custom_heading text=”Beaches of Kalymnos” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n It\u2019s said that Kalymnos owes its name to the “beauty of the waters that lap against its beaches”.<\/p>\n Taking this into consideration, it is only natural that on the island you will come across dreamy beaches, ideal for unforgettable fun dives!<\/p>\n One of the most popular beaches is the sandy beach of Masouri, 9km west of Pothia. Therma is the closest beach to Pothia, only 2km away, while Vlychadia (5 km away from Pothia) consists actually of two beaches, a sandy and a pebbly one.<\/p>\n Linaria is a family beach, while younger people opt for the cosmopolitan Kantouni beach. Platys Gialos is renowned for its black sand and is suitable for fishing. Emporeios is a favourite among wind and kite surfing lovers. If you want to escape the crowds choose the Bay of Arginontes or the beaches Almyres, Drasonta, Pezonta, Palionisos, Sikati and Petronta, which are accessible only by boat.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-ship” i_color=”mulled_wine” color=”mulled_wine” style=”dashed” add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Kalymnos is connected to Piraeus and other Aegean ports. The conventional ships make the route “”Piraeus – Kalymnos”” in about 10 hours.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_text_separator title=”” i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-plane” i_color=”mulled_wine” color=”mulled_wine” style=”dashed” add_icon=”true”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Kalymnos is connected to Athens International Airport, the flight lasts 1 hour but also to Macedonia International Airport (Thessaloniki), it is also connected to other airports in Greece.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n Originally published in visitgreece.gr<\/a><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Welcome to Kalymnos, the world renowned island of traditional sponge harvesting. 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