Kalymnos Island, Greece

Description — Kalymnos Island, Greece

Kalymnos Island, part of the Dodecanese archipelago; its area is about 100 sq km, while the population is around 15,000. Even though the island is almost entirely solid mountain rock. The only explanation for such a population is the tradition-still preserved to this day-of having large families, along with a well-established business producing sponges.

Kalymnos has almost no greenery, but it has two impressive mountains: Kira Psili (700 meters) and Mount Prophet Elias (about 760 meters). In fact, the island welcomes thousands of tourists, and it’s clear that its mountainous landscape makes it extremely appealing. Kalymnos Island is considered one of the most popular places for climbing. It has become almost a cult destination for climbers. Every year, international competitions are held here in this sport, as well as a diving festival.

As for diving: near the town of Kalymnos there is the pebbly beach of Ferma with a diving center, and the state diving school is the only one in the country!

Tourism is concentrated in the south of the island-the small town of Vlihadya, with many small beaches, clear water, and silt; it’s an ideal place for a family holiday with children.

On the island, you’ll have the chance to catch the “most, most” best sunset.

Location on the map

Sights

There are 3 mandatory things that everyone who comes to this island must do:

the unique cave of Sikati.

To get there, you need to make quite a bit of effort, because the entrance is a vertical shaft in the ground, with several climbing routes laid out on it.

visit the Castle of Pera, in the town of Chora, whose grounds include as many as nine medieval chapels. Some are so well preserved that they feature paintings from the 15th-16th centuries. On the castle grounds there are two Byzantine churches, the older one dating back to the 4th century!
Buy a sponge as a souvenir. The island is the cradle of an ancient craft-sponge harvesting. At the moment, sponge harvesting from the seabed is prohibited, but production has been established at factories. By tradition, Ipogros is celebrated-the Sponge Week.

Recommended excursions

From Poti port, excursions to Pserimos and Nera to the Stavrou Monastery are conducted daily. There are also excursions to the secluded island of Telendos, rich in Roman ruins, pebble beaches, and unspoiled desert-like nature.