Like a huge bare boulder rises Kalymnos in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The island is located between Leros and Kos, with the latter usually being the starting point for a trip to Kalymnos. In contrast to the quite green island of Hippocrates, Kalymnos is a rocky and barren island with little vegetation.
Kalymnos is a true paradise for climbers, as there are numerous caves and steep walls where extreme athletes can let off steam. Also worth seeing is the island dwarf Telendos, just a stone’s throw away, which you can reach in a few minutes by taxi boat.
Kalymnos is still quite untouched and even in the summer months the tourist crowds are limited. The island doesn’t offer long dream beaches, but it does offer a variety of culinary delights. You can choose from fresh fish, octopus, mermizeli salad and moussaka, among others. On Kalymnos you will experience true culinary delights!
In this article, we will tell you our personal Kalymnos Highlights, which we discovered after more than five stays on the island and give you important travel tips for a visit to the island.
- #1 Pothia: Capital of Kalymnos
- #2 Agios Savvas Monastery Kalymnos
- #3 Castle of Chora (Kastro)
- #4 Vlichadia Beach
- #5 Kantouni: Monastery of the White Cross
- #6 Resorts of Massouri and Myrties
- #7 Telendos Day Trip
- #8 Emporios in the north
- #9 Vathy: Kalymnos’ green oasis
- #10 Hiking in Kalymnos
- #11 Island of the sponge divers
- More travel tips for your Kalymnos holiday
🗺️ Kalymnos Map: This card includes all Kalymnos Highlights, 35 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 11 Beaches & Bays, as well as personal recommendations for 28 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Kalymnos map
#1 Pothia: Capital of Kalymnos
Usually, the exploration of Kalymnos begins in the Capital Pothia. It was the Italians during their occupation at the beginning of the 20th century who left clear traces on Kalymnos. Especially in Pothia, the neo-colonial architectural style with its many Art Deco buildings is still clearly visible today.
When arriving by ferry, the striking architecture of the port city immediately catches the eye, especially the town hall of Kalymnos. Along the bustling waterfront, pastel-colored, two-story mansions and magnificent mansions line each other. Here, a touch of southern Italy definitely blows over the Dodecanese island.
Depending on the season, between 12,000 and 15,000 people live here. Even in winter, the third largest city in the Dodecanese is alive. Both on the inviting waterfront and in the winding streets of Pothia there are numerous restaurants and shops. However, keep in mind that some things are closed during siesta time (3–6 p.m.).
You should definitely see the promenade of Kalymnos, called Enoria Christou with its traditional taverns and original shops such as the delicatessen Enallaktiko Pantopoleio. Compared to other islands, many restaurants are already open in the low season – perfect for a stroll through the city without the crowds.
Those interested in history can take a look at the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos on the northern outskirts of the village. The small exhibition shows many exhibits from Kalymnos and Telendos. The Nautical Museum on the harbour promenade is also worth seeing. There you can learn about the history of sponge divers (see #11).
- Opening hours Kalymnos Archaeological Museum: Wed-Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., admission 5 €
#2 Agios Savvas Monastery Kalymnos
Above Pothia sits the magnificent Monastery of Agios Savvas. The most important monastery on the island is dedicated to Saint Savvas of Kalymnos. He preached on Kalymnos in the 20th century and is revered as the patron saint of the island.
A visit is especially atmospheric when the sun goes down and the city and the Aegean Sea shine in a beautiful light. The monastery of Agios Savvas is not only an important place of pilgrimage for Orthodox believers, but also a popular photo motif that has achieved a certain fame.
In numerous holiday portals, the iconic Kalymnos Church with the red roof the cover picture of others Greek Islands. The monastery of Agios Savvas has already been attributed to the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Symi, Kos or even Corfu.
Today’s convent includes a total of six churches. In the courtyard there is a tree that looks gnarled and almost enchanted. In the hermitage next to it, personal belongings and gifts from pilgrims are exhibited. Right next to it are the bones of Saint Savvas. It is a sacred place, please make sure to dress appropriately when visiting!
- Opening hours Agios Savvas Monastery Kalymnos: daily open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., free admission
#3 Castle of Chora (Kastro)
The village of Chorio is located above Pothia and has since merged with the city. Worth seeing here are the ruins of the old island capital, which are located above the village. On a rocky outcrop, the Chora Castle, which dates back to Byzantine times and was the center of the island until the late Middle Ages.
Steep steps take you to the mighty fortress walls and into the interior of the complex. There you can still visit some ruins, houses and small chapels with preserved wall paintings. From here, a wonderful panorama over Pothia and the interior of the island opens up to you.
- Opening hours Kastro Chora Kalymnos: accessible at any time at your own risk, free admission
Chrysocheria Castle
History buffs can take a look at the Chrysocheria Castle (from 14th century) which is only a few minutes on the other side of the valley. The grounds around the old castle and the windmills below were extensively restored in 2025 and are accessible to all. Here, too, it is very romantic in the evenings and most of the time you are all alone here.
#4 Vlichadia Beach
If you drive south in Pothia towards Vlichadia, two beautiful beaches await you. The rear one is a sandy beach and the front one is covered with gravel at the entrance to the village. Both have very shallow, clear water and are therefore also ideal for children to swim.
That Restaurant Paradisio on site convinced us with its tasteful ambience right away. There is delicious food and cool drinks that you can enjoy with a view of the turquoise blue bay. The owner Giannis and his team are all really nice and make you feel at home.
#5 Kantouni: Monastery of the White Cross
To the west of Kalymnos lies the village of Panormos with its white rock monastery. The Monastery of the Cross, Moni Stavrou, is very picturesquely and enthroned on a slope that you can zigzag up via a steep trail.
From up here, the view of the Aegean Sea and the west of the island of Kalymnos is gigantic. At the bottom of the Kantouni Beach you can refresh yourself or go to one of the numerous restaurants (tip: Kapadiko). Alternatively, a detour to Platis Yialos Beach north of Panormos is worthwhile.
#6 Resorts of Massouri and Myrties
The villages located in the west of Kalymnos Massouri and Myrties form the tourist center of the island. Here you will find numerous accommodations for all budgets, excellent restaurants, shops and shopping facilities as well as providers for diving and climbing tours.
The sandy beaches of the two villages are elongated and offer umbrellas and sunbeds for a long day at the beach. At the small harbour jetty of Myrties, taxi boats sail several times a day to the neighboring island of Telendos, that you should definitely visit during your stay.
Especially in the evening, a visit to one of the taverns of Massouri right on the coast is worthwhile. When the sun sets behind Telendos, the atmosphere here is particularly romantic and you can end the day in peace.
Grande Grotta
Kalymnos inspires not only climbers from all over the world with its many grottos, caves and bizarre rocky landscapes. The most spectacular Kalymnos Cave can even be hiked. Above the Philoxenia Hotels a steep goat path winds its way up. In less than 20 minutes you can reach the Grande Grotta, a huge rock cathedral with a view of Telendos.
With a bit of luck, you can watch climbers at sunset on the spectacular overhangs of the Grande Grotta climbing. Here you can feel the magic of Kalymnos. Be careful on the descent – it gets dark pretty quickly! Climbers can get all the information about the island and the routes here: climbkalymnos
#7 Telendos Day Trip
In many corners of Kalymnos you will still experience a very original Greece, especially on the offshore island of Telendos. From May to October, at least every half hour excursion boats from Myrties to Telendos off.
The island with its huge mountain ridge called Rachi is really an absolute gem. There is no traffic or asphalt roads here. Instead, you will find pretty blue and white houses, climbing Baugainvillea and many cats on the sidewalk. It is a place of peace that above all gives strength.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or try delicious traditional food in the local taverns. Hiking trails lead to idyllic bays, such as that of Hohlakas. The sea between Telendos and Kalymnos is also a popular diving area. This is where the earthquake sunk ancient city of Pothea.
In the evening, it is worth taking a detour to Telendos for the Chapel of Agios Georgios in the southwest of the island. In this lonely place, a beautiful sunset over the Aegean Sea awaits you. The perfect place for a marriage proposal or a romantic getaway for two.
#8 Emporios in the north
From Massouri we continue along the coast and pass the striking rocky spur Kasteli, at the foot of which there is a small chapel by the sea. A great photo spot! Afterwards, you will pass below the rocky cliffs of Kalymnos, where climbers eagerly exercise in the off-season.
Shortly afterwards you reach the small hamlet Arginontas, which impresses with its impressive turquoise bay. Here you can refresh yourself on the narrow pebble beach and eat in one of the local taverns (tip: Katerina Restaurant) come.
In the far north of Kalymnos you come to the secluded village of Emporios (also Emborio). Some taverns adorn the beach promenade and you can take a leisurely stroll along the harbour. At the top of the church of Agios Georgios you have a great panorama over the bay of Emporios.
On the way back, it is worth stopping at the Pirates of Kalymnos. Chilled music plays on the beach and waiters in pirate costumes serve cool drinks and even delicious snacks. The best thing about it: Everything is available at fair prices! At the two local beach bars you can relax wonderfully and enjoy the view of the sea.
Palionisos Beach
The Palionisos Beach was once an insider tip that only a few holidaymakers strayed to. The beach is only recommended in the low season. Sailors still like to use the wind-protected bay as a refuge and in summer some locals came to spread their beach towels under the tamarisk trees.
For a few years now, a large beach bar has conquered the entire beach section. Loud music, sumptuous club sandwiches and numerous beach loungers cater for Greeks in particular, who seem to like this concept. If you are looking for peace and deceleration, this is the wrong place for you.
Hiking tip: Shortly before Palionisos, a trail leads to the secluded Sikati Beach and its Sikati Cave, which is popular with climbers. On the pebble beach with its crystal clear water, you can swim undisturbed, even in the high season. You can find even more tips for Kalymnos in our Kos travel guide.
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🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#9 Vathy: Kalymnos’ green oasis
Unlike the rest of the island, the fertile Valley of Vathy Wonderfully green. Orange and lemon trees bloom everywhere, colorful bougainvilleas decorate the alleys. The beautiful monastery of Agia Triada in the middle of the valley is hard to miss due to its blue dome.
On the way to the port you will come to the fishing village of Rina, which is usually sleepy, unless hordes of tourists from the excursion boats from Kos stream ashore. Then there is hustle and bustle in the small town and the restaurants around the harbour basin fill up.
If you want to watch the hustle and bustle along the harbor pier, then it’s best to sit in the tavern Little Port of Vathy, run by two lovely sisters, and enjoy delicious comfort food or treat yourself to a freshly squeezed orange juice.
Above the harbour bay, it is worth a short climb to the white chapels of Agios Georgios. From up here you have a magnificent view of the Esperidon Bay of Kalymnos. The fjord stretches from the sea deep into the valley of Vathy. When all the excursionists are gone, the fjord-like bay invites you to cool off.
On a Day trip from Kos you can get to know this beautiful place Vathy on Kalymnos. You can find more information about the tours and booking options via GetYourGuide*: Day trip to 3 islands from Kos*
On the way back to Pothia, it is worth stopping at the Akti Beach. The small bay with a pebble beach offers crystal clear shallow water and is great for swimming and snorkeling.
🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Our best planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#10 Hiking in Kalymnos
Above all, the spring time on Kalymnos is wonderful for hiking. At this time, the temperatures are still moderate and even on the island, which has little vegetation, the few plants are in bloom.
One of the most famous hiking trails is the Italian Road, a paved path from the port city of Pothia into the green valley to Vathy. It was built by the Italians during the occupation and consists of loose stones that were stacked together to form a path.
For the four-kilometer route you need about three hours, sturdy shoes, sun protection and enough water. Avoid the midday heat, there is no shady tree on the whole way.
We did the challenging hike in July and completely underestimated the ascent to the plateau in particular. Fortunately, there are regular buses from Rina in Vathy back to Pothia.
#11 Island of the sponge divers
Incidentally, Kalymnos is known as the ‘Island of Sponge Divers’. The island has a long and tragic history in terms of the search for precious natural resources. In the past, many men risked their lives while free-diving for sponges.
Nowadays, natural sponges are hardly used for personal hygiene or cleaning. In addition to a few small stalls in Rina, the port of Vathy, you can find sponges for sale in almost every tourist place.
In the main town of Pothia, there are several shops selling natural sponges, some of which now come from the Far East. That Kalymnos Sponge Warehouse offers countless sales copies as well as an insight into the history of sponge diving. Alternatively, a visit to the Naval Museum of Kalymnos next to the town hall is worthwhile.
Click on the link from GetYourGuide* for more information about the Kalymnos tour:
More travel tips for your Kalymnos holiday
Kalymnos restaurants: Our recommendations
On Kalymnos you can indulge in culinary delights. Many taverns offer traditional Greek cuisine and typical island dishes. We tell you our restaurant favorites below:
Fountagio Fish Tavern – Melitsachas
In this ouzeri you can enjoy delicious fish from Kalymnos and other Greek dishes. The landlord Georgios is very polite, speaks perfect English and has numerous excursion tips for Kalymnos ready. The sunset at the small harbour of Melitsachas is one of the most beautiful on the island. In the kitchen, mom is still behind the stove and prepares all dishes fresh and with a lot of love.
Avra Aigaioy – Massouri
A treat and for us personally one of the best Greek taverns we have visited so far. Starting with the delicious moussaka, to eggplant with feta in tomato sauce, everything is a real treat for the palate. The staff is very friendly and attentive and the prices are top for the quality offered.
Aegean Tavern – Massouri
The Aegean Tavern restaurant is located right next to Avra Aigaiou and also offers top quality. The Greek dishes are very decorative and are simply delicious. The restaurant is always well attended, so it is advisable to reserve in advance in summer. Prices are slightly higher than the average on Kalymnos.
Mpakalogatos – Pothia
The modern mezedopoleio can be found in a quiet side street of Pothia. Georgios and his team serve Mediterranean cuisine and a wide selection of Greek meze. The ambience is really appealing both indoors and outdoors and perfect for a cosy evening.
Is it worth spending the night on Kalymnos?
Kalymnos is definitely worth a visit. In the case of a Day trip to Kalymnos from the Kos Island, you will get a first taste of what awaits you on this rugged island.
We recommend a rental car for Kalymnos and drive from Pothia via Chorio towards Massouri. From here you follow the road towards Arginontas. If there is enough time left, you can make a detour to the north to Emporios.
Then it goes over the mountains to the east towards Vathy. After passing the green oasis, you will take a break in the harbor hamlet of Rina with a snack before the return journey to Pothia.
If you have acquired a taste for it, we recommend that you plan a week on this quiet island. So you can get to know the great beach bars, excellent restaurants and secluded bays in peace. And of course you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sunset from Telendos live.
Hotel tips for Kalymnos
On Kalymnos, you can choose from a very good selection of apartments and smaller hotels. There is something for almost every taste and especially budget on the neighboring island of Kos. Particularly attractive are accommodations in Massouri and Myrties, which are located at high altitudes and offer a view of the offshore island of Telendos.
In contrast to Kos, the accommodation prices in Kalymnos still moderate even in summer. Bargain hunters are in good hands on Kalymnos anyway, studios for 50 to 60 euros are tempting in July and August. Via Booking.com* you can directly view and book suitable accommodations on Kalymnos:
➲ To beautiful accommodations on the island*
Ours hotel recommendations for Kalymnos (Links to Booking.com*):
➲ Kantouni Beach Boutique Hotel*
➲ Spongia Hotel Spa and Suites* ➲ Petra Boutique Homes*
➲ Chez Yaya Sea Lodges* – Glamping on Kalymnos
Here we spent the night on Kalymnos
Maria’s Studios– Melitsachas
We had a small, simple apartment at Maria in Melitsachas, quiet and away from the tourist hustle and bustle. The apartment was very cheap even in the high season in July. From the balcony we enjoyed a beautiful view of the sea and Telendos. Melitsachas is also a good starting point for exploring the whole island.
→ About Booking.com* you will find many more accommodation in Kalymnos and you can check prices here:
How to get to the island of Kalymnos
The island of Kalymnos is best served by the ferry from Mastichari to Kos . The crossing takes between 30 and 50 minutes and the ships depart several times a day during the season. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket offices at the port of Mastichari or online at Ferryhopper*. More information and timetables at:
From Kos Town and the neighboring island of Leros, the fast catamarans of the Dodekanisos Seaways head for the island several times a week. Furthermore, the large car ferries of Blue Star depart from Piraeus in the direction of Kalymnos. Current ferry connections can be found here:
➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*
Coming from Germany or Northern Europe, a direct flight to Kos is the best. A stopover at Athens airport is also possible. Afterwards, the airline SkyExpress continues to Kalymnos. You can find suitable flights via the Skyscanner* portal:
Kalymnos Youtube Video
Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :
→ Even more inspiration and travel tips for the neighbouring islands of Kalymnos and for island hopping along the archipelago you can find here:
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