Introduction

The first thing that comes to mind when one talks about Kalymnos is the sponges. The island has been known for these for about 500 years now, and is a must when it comes to buying souvenirs. Every spring, the fishermen leave the island after festivities, and after five months they return, which again is a reason for great celebrations. The sponges today are taken from the coast of North Africa.

The island itself is a popular holidayresort, and even though island with mostly pebble beaches, people often choose to return summer after summer. There are lots of things to do, you have many facilities and the settings are beautiful in a dramatic, mountainous way.

People here live off fishing and selling sponges, tourism and some farming: fruits, olives and vegetables are grown in the valleys. There are also beekeepers here and Kalymnos honey is known in all of Greece.

History

Mythology has it that Kalymnos got its name from the Titan Kalydnos, who was the son of Gaea ("Earth") and Uranus ("Heaven"). Supposedly, you can see his legs from above: the two plains by the mountains.

The first inhabitants probably came in the beginning of the 2nd Millennium BC. They were probably Carians. The Achaians made a settlement here after the Trojan War.

What followed is the common history for almost all the Aegean islands: In the 5th century it belonged to the Athenian League against the Persians, then the Macedons, and in the 2nd century BC the Romans came. In AD 535 the earthquake that separated Kalymnos and Telendos happened.

During Byzantine years the island suffered many pirate attacks. In the 13th century the Venetians took over, and in 1306 it belonged to the Knights of Rhodes, who taxed the island very heavily.

The Turks ruled from the 16th century (when the sponge fishing started) until 1912. The island then fell under Italian rule, and in 1943 Kalymnos was occupied by the Germans for two years until it finally was given back to Greece.

What to See

In the island's capital Pothia (Kalymnos) you'll find a nice museum about the island. There is also a beautiful church here dedicated to Christ. There is also a nunnery, Ag Savas, which is open to the public and is well worth a visit. Don't forget to wear a long skirt and to cover your shoulders if you are a woman, and to wear long trousers if you are a man. There are also several sponge factories you can visit.

Chorio is the old capital, and here you can visit the castle of Golden Hand (Kasto Chrysocheiras) where the Knights of St. John resided. There is also a citadel from the 9th cent. AD, Pera Kastro, and the remains of a church from the 5th century: "Jesus of Jerusalem".

Vathi is a very picturesque village worth a visit.

If you're here on July 27, the island's saint, Ag Pandeleimon, is celebrated with a great feast.

What to Do

There are watersports on the island, and the snorkelling is a must for fans. You should definitely go on an excursion to Telendos as well. It is a small island, sometimes called the Sleeping Princess, and was part of Kalymnos until a volcanoeruption separated the two islands in AD 535. You should also try the hot baths at Therma which are said to be healing.

Excursion boats offer daytrips to Kos and Turkey.

Beaches

The only sandy beaches on Kalymnos are on the west coast: Elies and Kantouni. Myrties and Masouri are popular beaches, and you'll also find nice pebble beaches at Arginontas. Paradise beach is for nudists.

Nightlife

The nightlife on Kalymnos is quite good and varied. Most bars are in Pothia, Myrties and Masouri.

Food

There are many, many taverns on the island. Mirmizeli is a local specialty worth a try!

Shopping

There are several shops on the island where you can get a famous Kalymnos sponge. You should also get a jar of the local honey.

Getting Around

The local buses connect Pothia with some of the beaches, as well as the villages Myrties, Masouri, Vathy and Emporio. There are also taxis and vehicles for rent.

Getting There

The local airport is not finished yet, so most people choose to go to Kos and take the boat from there. Kalymnos is also connected with Athens Pireus, as well as the islands Rhodes, Patmos, Samos, Limni, Leros and Crete.