The 15 things to do in Kalymnos

The Dodecanese Archipelago is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Don't just stop in Rhodes and visit Kalymnos!

A mountainous island of the Aegean Sea, Kalymnos is one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese archipelago. Renowned for her climbing spots, she will delight travellers in search of sports challenges. But Kalymnos is not only a paradise for climbers and hikers. The island also houses a magnificent cultural and religious heritage.

You can visit its authentic villages, castle ruins, monasteries or preserved churches, sometimes overlooking the sea. Beautiful panoramas await you, as well as beautiful coves and beaches.

So to help you in your adventures, we have listed the 15 things to do in Kalymnos!

The villages of Kalymnos

1. Pothia

Entrance gate of the island, Pothia is the main city and the “capital”. Whether you stay there or not, take the time to visit it. We recommend you to lose yourself in its streets and admire on this occasion its beautiful multicolored houses, of Italian inspiration.

Also take a tour of the traditional Kalymnos house, the Maritime Museum, the sponge factory and some of the typical clusters. The island was once known for fishing with natural sponges and its trade. Finally, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the tavernas of the city and then join the square of the Christou church, where musical shows often take place.

2. Emporios

Another must-see village in Kalymnos is Emporios. This small port is located all northwest of the island. Much quieter than Pothia, this village is ideal to relax and especially to enjoy sublime views.

You can indeed contemplate the beautiful island of Telendos. Beautiful beaches, charming hikes and climbing spots are also nearby. To relax, don’t hesitate and stay there!

The beaches

One of the essential things to do in Kalymnos is obviously the discovery of its many beaches. Like any Greek island, it houses lots of small coves or stretches of sand perfect for a sunbath, swimming or even some water sports. All promise beautiful translucent waters and breathtaking views.

We recommend you especially the beaches of Emporios, Platis Yialos, Gefira and Therma, or Akti. You will find all around the island beautiful spots where you relax and enjoy the sun. In Massouri, a popular beach, you will enjoy a superb view of the island of Telendos.

Museums and cultural sites

4. The Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos

If you visit Kalymnos, don't miss its archaeological museum. Inside, you can discover collections on Prehistory, Ancient and Post-Byzantine.

You will admire sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and manuscripts dating from various epochs. The museum also houses two major pieces: a huge statue of Asclepius and the "Mother of Kalymnos" dressed in her bronze dress.

5. The Castle of Choras

The Château de Choras is one of the must-see monuments to visit in Kalymnos during your stay. This fortress is located on a hill above Pothia, the square was once the medieval capital of the island. Built in the 11th century by the Byzantines, the castle took its final form in 1495 under the reign of knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem established Rhodes .

To reach it, you will need to climb more than 200 steps. But your effort will be rewarded with an incredible view of the island and the city below. At the top you can admire the remains of towers, houses, as well as some well preserved churches.

6. The Monastery of Agios Savvas

Also overlooking the city of Pothia, the Monastery of Agios Savvas is dedicated to one of the most important saints on the island. The inhabitants come here frequently. Beautifully located above the sea, the place will delight you with its breathtaking views. Of course, you can also admire beautiful churches and buildings, frescoes and relics, which make the charm of this spiritual place.

7. Chrysocheira Castle

The other major fortified building on the island is Chrysoheria Castle, built by the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem of Rhodes. Kalymnos was then a strong place of these knights. She was regularly attacked by the Ottomans before being taken in 1522.

The castle stands on a promontory, overlooking the city of Pothia. A pleasant walk will take you there from this one. There you will enjoy a superb view of Kalymnos. Two churches with post-byzantine murals are also nearby and worth a visit.

8. The Church Panagia Kyra Psili

Built on the edge of a steep cliff, this church is worth a visit by its unusual location and the incredible views it offers. Nestled northeast of the island, after the village of Vathis, it will delight you with its authentic and unusual charm.

A beautiful hike will allow you to reach it, during which you will enjoy great views of the region.

9. Ancient Ruins

In Kalymnos, ancient sites and Christian churches are in full harmony. If you come to visit Kalymnos, don’t miss discovering its ruins dating before the Roman Empire.

We recommend that you discover the sites of Damos, the Apollo Temple and the Apollo Shrine.

10. The other monasteries of the island

Kalymnos Island houses many churches and monasteries. You will discover them in each of the villages and mountains that populate the island.

Among all these places, we especially recommend visiting the monastery Agios Panteleimon or the village of Vathis, scattered many small churches.

Sports and water activities

11. Escalade

One of the most important activities to do in Kalymnos is, of course, climbing! The island is now known for this sport, whose cliffs form famous spots around the world. A competition is organised every two years: the Kalymnos Climbing Festival.

In particular, you can climb on the cliffs near Massouri, but also at the Grande Grotta or the Sikati Cave. The island has more than 2,000 tracks, listed in a dedicated book, the Kalymnos Guidebook.

Novices, intermediates or advanced, we recommend that you get closer to local organizations and enthusiasts before you start to attack these spots. Also take a tour of the dedicated website: Climb Kalymnos .

12. Hiking

As mentioned above, hikes are not missing on the island of Kalymnos. If you come to visit it, take good shoes to discover its monasteries, churches and other fortresses, accessible after good walks. The island is covered by walking paths, or even by bicycle.

Enjoy it and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views, on the Aegean Sea, the nearby islands of the Dodecanese or the Turkish coasts. We recommend the ascent of Mount Prophet Ilias, which culminates in the center of the island.

13. Diving and snorkeling

With its cliffs, its wild coves and small beaches, Kalymnos is obviously a great place to practice snorkeling. This activity requires only a mask, tuba and a pair of palms to be practiced. Enjoy your own equipment or rent it to discover the charming seabed that border the island.

The most adventurers, or enthusiasts, can also practice scuba diving in Kalymnos. Many clubs offer you to discover the seabeds around the island and the amazing species that populate them.

The neighbouring islands

14. Telendos

To the west of Kalymnos is the small island of Telendos. To reach it, simply take a boat from Massouri to the charming little port of Myrtiès. Fully pedestrian, Telendos is ideally on foot. A few easy trails will allow you to reach beautiful beaches and coves, as well as historic sites, such as the Paleochreian cemetery and the fortification of Agios Konstantinos.

At nightfall, enjoy its unique atmosphere and dine in one of its many authentic taverns. Telendos is an ideal place to have fun or relax.

15. Pserimos

The island of Pserimos is on the other side of Kalymnos. It is accessible by boat from Pothia in about 30 minutes. On site you will discover beautiful beaches of fine sand, lined with turquoise water. This little paradise will delight travellers in search of farniente, sun and bathing.

How to get to Kalymnos?

By plane

Kalymnos has a small airport. The airport is located a few kilometres from Pothia and Massouri. There are fairly regular connections between Athens and the island.

To compare prices and book flights, we recommend using Ulysses .

By ferry

One of the best ways to reach Kalymnos is obviously the ferry, as everywhere in the Greek archipelagos. The island is connected to La Pirée via several ferry lines passing through Naxos , Patmos , Leros or even Mykonos . You can also easily reach it from Kos or even Rhodes. You will arrive in the main port of the island in Pothia.

Once you arrive in Kalymnos, you can travel and visit the island by bus, taxi or car. A few bus lines connect the main villages of the island. You can also opt for local taxis or rent a vehicle. Several rental agencies are located in Pothia.

Where to stay in Kalymnos?

Pothia, Emporios or even Massouri are excellent villages where to stay in Kalymnos. You can also stay in Vlichadia, Vathis or even Telendos. Each of its places has its own advantages and disadvantages. To calm down, avoid Pothia and Massouri. And if, on the other hand, you are looking for many activities, restaurants or bars, favor these two villages.

Know that the offer of accommodation is wide enough on the island of Kalymnos. You can opt for one Airbnb , or for a charming hotel. For the latter, we recommend you go through one Compare hotels . Anyway, don’t train to book your accommodation, Kalymnos can be a very popular destination, especially in the summer!