Epic Cliffs, Authentic Taverns—Is Kalymnos the Dodecanese’s Best-Kept Secret?
Some come to Kalymnos to climb its legendary cliffs, some to dive into the cobalt blue Aegean, some to waste time in the little ports watching the fishing boats returning with nets of sponges and stories to tell. Here the Dodecanese shows its most sincere soul: no noisy tourism, but a rough, lived-in island, where the mountain slopes straight down to the sea and every day smells of salt, sun and a freedom that still seems possible in Greece.
History, Identity and Soul of Sponges
Kalymnos is known as the island of sponge divers: here, for centuries, the sea and the will to survive have challenged each other, with generations of men who dived with bare hands or with ancient equipment, facing depths, currents and decompression. The collection of sponges, exported throughout the Mediterranean, has marked the culture, architecture and even the music of the island: even today, in the bars of the port, you can hear the legends of the great divers and see the traditional dance “Mihanikos”, which represents the fatigue of those who re-emerge from the depths.
But Kalymnos is also rock, medieval fortresses, Venetian and Ottoman dominations: a mix of history, resilience and seafaring spirit that can be seen in the pastel-colored houses of Pothia and in the villages perched inland.
What to See
Arriving in Pothia, the capital, the first thing that strikes you is the lively port: boats, taverns, sponge shops, fish markets and museums that tell the ancient and more recent history of the island. Don’t miss a visit to the Sponge Museum and the Archaeological Museum.
Not far away, going inland, there is the Byzantine fortress of Chora and the small church of Prophet Elias, from which the view embraces the Aegean. History buffs can explore the Hellenistic ruins of Emporios or climb up to Megalo Kastro, immersed in a countryside dotted with olive trees, almond trees and free-roaming goats.
But the real magic of the island is in the pebble bays, in the beaches that can be reached on foot or by boat: Massouri and Myrties are perfect for those looking for nightlife and sports, while Platys Gialos, Kantouni and Vlychadia are still wild corners, with taverns on the sand and always transparent water.
Sea, Snorkeling and Diving: The Island Seen from the Blue
Kalymnos is an underwater paradise for those who love the sea in all its shades. The waters are among the clearest of the Dodecanese, with seabeds that alternate rock, sand and meadows of posidonia: here you can meet schools of fish, octopuses, starfish, barracudas and, with a bit of luck, curious dolphins.
Those who just want to swim with mask and fins can explore the coasts between Myrties and Platys Gialos or dive into the natural pools of Vlychadia, where the black sand makes the colors of the sea stand out even more.
For those who dream of true diving, Kalymnos offers some of the most exciting experiences in all of Greece:
- Near Therma and Pithari there are underwater canyons, vertical walls, caves and wrecks that tell stories of storms and shipwrecks.
- The famous wreck of the Norwegian ship Fjellstrand, lying at 45 metres, is today populated by fish of all species.
- Also extraordinary are the dives in the caves of “Pirates” and “Shrimps Cave”, or in the “Sunken City” of Telendos, where submerged archaeological remains coexist with marine fauna.
- The diving centers of the island are well equipped for PADI courses, guided excursions and snorkeling, and offer services in various languages.
Climbing, Trekking and Wild Nature
If you love verticality, Kalymnos is your mecca. The limestone cliffs overlooking the sea are among the most famous in the world: hundreds of routes, from easy to more technical, excellently equipped, where every day enthusiasts from every continent meet.
But here you don’t just climb: you can also get lost on foot, along mule tracks that lead to hidden churches, small monasteries and incredible panoramic points. The paths between Chora, Emporios and the village of Panormos are perfect for those who love walking among rocks, Mediterranean scrub and the scent of oregano and wild thyme.
In the water you can go kayaking, SUP, go on excursions in a dinghy to coves that are unreachable by land, or simply let yourself go to the slow pace of the local fishermen.
Where to Eat
Avli Taverna – Pothia, Plateia Eleftherias, tel. +30 22430 51242
The heart of the local cuisine: fresh fish, seafood salads, traditional soups and hearty mezedes. Convivial atmosphere, attentive service, ideal for enjoying the best of Kalymnos without rushing.
Captain George’s – Myrties, seafront, tel. +30 22430 48314
Tables with a sunset view, catch of the day in all its forms and a welcome from true friends. Don’t miss the grilled calamari and flambéed prawns.
Alexandros Taverna – Massouri, Main Street, tel. +30 22430 47230
Perfect after a day of climbing: generous dishes, grilled meat and fish, local wines. You can feel the energy of the athletes, all just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Aegean Tavern – Emporios, seafront, tel. +30 22430 71484
Family-run, local ingredients, octopus specialties and island tomato and caper salads.
Grikos Taverna – Grikos, tel. +30 22430 47379
Fish specialties, fresh salads, homemade desserts, with tables practically on the sand. Perfect for a slow lunch between dips.
To Steki tou Dimitri – Vlychadia, tel. +30 22430 47700
Small tavern in front of the small port, simple but irresistible seafood dishes, perfect after a day of diving.
Where to Sleep
Porto Pothia Hotel – Pothia, tel. +30 22430 22152
Rooms with sea view, strategic position for the port and the places in the center. Breakfast with typical sweets and staff always available.
Carian Hotel – Massouri, tel. +30 22430 47336
Modern structure, panoramic swimming pool, large rooms, ideal for both couples and groups of climbers.
Panorama Studios & Apartments – Myrties, tel. +30 22430 47268
Self-catering studios, terrace overlooking the islands, relaxed atmosphere, just a few meters from the beach.
Kantouni Beach Boutique Hotel – Kantouni, tel. +30 22430 51600
Renovated boutique hotel, minimal design rooms, direct access to the sea, abundant breakfasts.
B&B Villa Melina – Pothia, tel. +30 22430 51445
Historic villa in the center, internal garden, relaxed atmosphere and typical Greek hospitality.
Hotel Elena Village – Myrties, tel. +30 22430 47181
Apartments and suites overlooking the blue Aegean, swimming pool, shuttle service and postcard sunsets.
Cuisine, Wines and Typical Products
Kalymnos cuisine is honest, straightforward and satisfying. The star is the freshest fish, grilled, fried or served in soups with tomatoes and onions from the garden. There is no shortage of calamari, octopus, shellfish, but also caper and olive salads, creamy cheeses, freshly baked bread and the famous aromatic honey from the hills.
The wines? Dry, mineral whites produced in the Dodecanese islands, light reds perfect for summer, often accompanied by ouzo or the local tsipouro. Desserts such as loukoumades (honey donuts) and almond cakes round off the meal.
How to Get There and Get Around
Kalymnos can be reached by ferry from Kos (Mastichari port) or, in high season, by direct flights from Athens. Getting around the island requires flexibility: renting a scooter or car is almost essential, given the mountainous geography and the distances between beaches and villages. Those who don’t drive can rely on taxis and minibuses, but the beauty of Kalymnos is also stopping wherever you happen to be and discovering the hidden corners.
