Destinations in Greece

Once being in the heart of sponge industry and known for its fearless divers today Kalymnos not only hosts international rock climbing festivals but also becomes a very popular destination among climbers and divers. Kalymnos gives you an excellent opportunity to mix physical activity with pleasure. It is worth mentioning that the island hosted the International Diving Festival in July 2006, and in October 2006 – the International Climbing Festival. One of the last climbing events was held here in May 2009.

Description of Kalymnos

Geography

Kalymnos is the fourth largest island of Dodecanese chain. It is located in the Aegean Sea between Leros and Kos. The island’s area is of 111 km² with coastline of about 96 km. Its landscape is mostly mountainous with small patches of plains.

One can get to the island either from the mainland ports of Piraeus or Rafina or from other Dodecanese islands. The island also has an airport that is located in Argos not far from the capital.

Pothia, the main settlement and port of the island, was built in XIX century in the shape of amphitheatre. Traditional for the region architecture of the colourful houses, unstoppable hum of voices and different sounds of the moving transport, of numerous tavernas and bars add to the charming atmosphere of the place.

Massouri beach is one of the most popular beaches of the island located not far from the settlement. It provides everything that is necessary for enjoyable holidays. And for sure it has warm and crystal clear sea. The beach of Platis Gialos with its dark sand sits not far from the village Panormos. Linaria is another beach that lies close to Panormos. It is popular for its peaceful and calm atmosphere. Young people perhaps will be more attracted by Kantouni beach with its coarse grey sand and a couple of bars and cafes that line the back of the beach. Terma, that is not far from Pothia, is famous for its thermal springs. Vathi is a small cove that to someone may remind a craggy fjord. A narrow passage here gave the inhabitants an excellent opportunity to protect the place rom pirates with the help of a solid chain. Vathi is also the only place on the island where oranges grow.

What to see

The Archeological museum of Kalymnos sits in the island’s capital. It hosts historical items beginning from the prehistorical times. The private Museum of Maritime Findings of Kalymnos located in the settlement of Vlychadia. All its numerous items are somehow related to sea and sponge diving. The ruined Castle of the Knights of St. John, or Kastro Chryssocherias (golden-handed), was built in XIV-XVI centuries. Once, the church of Panagia Chryssochera was on the territory of the castle. Today only some fragments of it survived. The castle Kastro Choras sits not far from the island’s former capital Chora. There are about 10 churches with well-kept frescos scattered all over the place. For those who prefer activity holidays Kalymnos can offer many caves to explore and crags to climb.

The island’s landscape is rich with rocks of different grades so that any athlete from beginner to professional can choose a suitable sector that meets his/her level of physical training. Massouri surrounded by many sectors is the most popular destination among the climbers. Beside Kalymnos climbers also do not miss chances to visit neighbouring islands, such as Telendos.

Mythology and history

Long ago the island was known as Kalydna, later on its name was changed to Kalymna and finally the present Kalymnos. There two versions about the origin of the island’s name. According to one of them here the giant Calydnos was defeated by Poseidon. The other tells about beautiful princess Kalydna. Besides, Homer mentioned that Kalydna together with the island of Kos sent 30 ships to fight against the city of Troy. The island’s history in its main points repeats the historical line of events common to Dodecanese group of islands. Once, Kalymnos was occupied by Romans, knight of St. John, Turks and Italians. It was able to regain its freedom and join Greece with other Dodecanese islands only in 1948.

Cuisine

First of all Kalymnos is famous for its honey. It owes its unique taste to different aromatic plants that grow on the island. Besides, do not miss the opportunity to try local cheese mirmitzeli (μυρμιτζέλι) and mizithra (μυζήθρα) and also local rusks with sesame (παξιμάδια).

Photos of Kalymnos

Locations

Type

Santorini

Thessaloniki

Halkidiki

Kastoria

Kalambaka

Athens

Attica

Corfu

Crete

Kos

Rhodes

Rodos

Halki

Zakynthos

Astypalea

Kalymnos

Karpathos

All resorts