Kalymnos Island is part of Greece's Dodecanese Islands, placed between Kos and Leros. This enthralling island is home to around 12,000 citizens, a maximum of whom live in the island's capital and foremost port, Pothia. Kalymnos is famend globally for its fishing and sponge alternative—after all, a maximum of the island's elders have been once sponge divers. Unfortunately, in 1986, the Mediterranean was struck with the aid of an ailment that decimated the sponge populace, inflicting a sharp decline in the industry. This had a profound effect on the island's financial system.
Tourism has helped the residents to a degree, but it stays in its early degrees. This approach that even during the peak of the summer season, the island’s lovely seashores remain largely uncrowded. Kalymnos has preserved its authentic appeal, with its citizens being distinctly pleasant and hospitable. This gives the island and its natural beauty a unique ecosystem that draws traffic in.
Map of Kalymnos Island
| Name | Kalymnos Island (Greek: Κάλυμνος) |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | South Aegean |
| Coordinates | 36°59′24″N 26°59′06″E |
| Area | 134.5 km2 (51.9 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC +2 |
| Population | 17,752 |
| Airport | Kalymnos Island National Airport (JKL) |
Kalymnos Island - History
Kalymnos shares comparable records with the alternative islands of the Dodecanese. It has been inhabited for the reason that Pre-Minoan technology. After the death of Alexander the Great, one of his successors, Ptolemy I of Egypt, took manage of the complete Dodecanese. The inhabitants of those islands had been some of the first Greeks to end up Christians, as the Apostles Paul and John passed through, spreading their religion.
During the Byzantine technology, up until around the seventh century AD, Kalymnos, just like the rest of the Dodecanese, turned into an effective island. At that point, they commenced to attract numerous conquerors due to their strategic location. In the 14th century, the Knights of St. John ruled over the Dodecanese, and as a consequence Kalymnos as properly. In 1522, the Ottomans took manipulate, last till the Italians occupied the island in 1912. After Italy's surrender, the British took over until Kalymnos was finally liberated in 1947 and, like the relaxation of the Dodecanese, joined the newly mounted Greek nation.
Kalymnos Island - Historical Sites and Monuments
Ακρόπολη Πόθιας (North of Pothia) – Only the foundations of the ancient Hellenistic fort built on rocky terrain stay seen. The square stones have been integrated into the new houses of Pothia.
Δάμος (North of Chora-Elies Road) – A rich historic settlement that flourished from the early Hellenistic to the past due Roman periods. Well-preserved ruins include the ones of a large bathtub complex, paved roads, houses, workshops, carved wells, remnants of structural partitions, tombs with chambers, and valuable offerings discovered.
Ιερό Δηλίου Απόλλωνα (Southeast of Damos, Pigadia area) – This site became the most authentic and sizeable location of worship for the historical humans of Kalymnos, serving as each the political and religious centre of the Kalyndia kingdom and its tribes. Rich archaeological reveals along with inscriptions, statue bases, statues, and broken pottery attest to religious use from the 1st millennium BC till early Christianity. The temple gained monumental architectural functions in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
Ναός Δηλίου Απόλλωνα (4th Century BC) – Built inside the Ionian style totally of marble. The columns had been preserved within the Panagia Kyraharitomeni Church in Chora, even as the base and different architectural additives have been used in the early Christian church of "Christ of Jerusalem." Between AD 391 and 435, the temple and sanctuary were destroyed, and its substances were repurposed to first construct the Church of Christ of Jerusalem and later the Hagia Sophia Evangelistria Cathedral.
Χριστός της Ιερουσαλήμ (5th Century AD) – A three-aisled early Christian basilica constructed using historical substances from the Ionian Apollo Delion temple. According to subculture, it was built by Saint Helena or Arcadius upon their return from Jerusalem. Beautiful mosaics, just like the ones in the Kos Cathedral, have been determined within the southern aisle. The church was destroyed by an earthquake in the mid-6th century and, although restored, changed into eventually deserted in the 7th century due to Arab sea raids.
Αγία Σοφία ή Ευαγγελίστρια (Late fifth or Early 6th Century AD) – A superb tricong basilica that turned into destroyed within the 554 AD earthquake and later rebuilt. It was in the end abandoned in the 7th century. During the later Byzantine period, a small chapel was constructed near the prothesis of the sanctuary, now in ruins. Excavations have not found the basilica. Impressive coloured ground mosaics remain from its indoor ornament.
Αγία Σοφία ή Ευαγγελίστρια (Kastelli location) – A Byzantine fortress that controlled the sea passage between Kalymnos and Telendos, located in a scenic area. The fortress, in use until the ninth or maybe 10th century, had a strategic role in utilising the herbal department of rugged heights to protect against assaults with the aid of land and sea. Gates and cisterns ensured water supply.
Κάστρο Χώρας ή Μεγάλο Κάστρο (Late 15th Century) – A knightly fortress placed at a natural elevation of 255 meters with a one-of-a-kind gate. Human hobby within the area dates back to prehistoric times, and superb discoveries from Classical and Hellenistic intervals have been made. The first fortifications date to the eleventh century. A main earthquake in 1492 led to the development of the brand-new fortress, completed in 1495. The mid-section of the jap wall capabilities a cluster of battlements. Two logos from 1519 are embedded inside, attesting to the knights' rule. The fortress remained inhabited in the course of the Turkish career (1513-1912), but from the mid-18th century, the chance dwindled, and citizens commenced constructing houses in Chora. Settlement in the fortress continued till the mid-nineteenth century, housing between 1200-1500 people. Among the remaining structures are numerous houses, large cisterns, an olive press stone trough, and elements of olive oil presses. Inside the citadel, 10 small chapels continue to be properly preserved, most painted by way of nearby artisans.
Ρωμαϊκός τάφος Φλάσκα (50m North of Kalymnos Stadium, West of Flaska) – A well-preserved Roman tomb with 4 burial chambers. Though lengthy looted, the monument remained in use till early Christian instances.
Πέρα Κάστρο ή Κάστρο της Χρυσοχεριάς (Between Chora and Pothia) – In non-stop use because the Neolithic period, this site overlooks Chora and Pothia from a herbal height. During the knightly generation, growing Turkish assaults led Commander Fantino Quirini, below orders from Grand Master Jean Bonpar de Lastic, to build a new non-public castle for Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, and Nisyros. It consisted of walls, two round towers, two entrances, and a battlement. Several systems inner are nonetheless preserved, consisting of a storeroom, two chapels (Agios Georgios and Panagia), and remnants of homes. Eventually deserted in the late 15th century, it changed into too small to accommodate the population following the completion of the bigger Chora fort in 1495. Three stone-constructed windmills are visible to the northeast of the citadel from the port, and those have become a “trademark” of Kalymnos.
Οχυρωμένος οικισμός Αγίου Κωνσταντίνου (North of Telendos) – Inhabited from the sixth century AD, the web page changed into the wall with a central hall and most important entrance. Inside were Byzantine-era houses, a huge cistern, and the ruins of a single-aisled basilica, with handiest the sanctuary arch still status. The arch was later converted into the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen.
Παλαιοχριστιανική νεκρόπολη (500m Southwest of Tholaria Settlement, Telendos) – A Christian cemetery with above-floor burial buildings, 9 of which might be still intact.
Οικισμός του Κάστελλα (North of Vathy, Metochi) – A crucial ancient settlement with approximately 50 square homes of diverse sizes. The area changed into inhabited from prehistoric instances till the Classical generation. Unique finds advise the citizens of Kastella (in all likelihood the Carians) to maintain alternate members of the family with the coast of Asia Minor and close by islands. The agreement was at once abandoned after an assault in the mid-fifth century BC. The top part may additionally have been a sanctuary or residence of the agreement’s lords.
Οχυρωμένη ακρόπολη του Έμπολα (Mid-4th Century BC, Vathy) – Preserved majestic walls shaped a protecting area with a massive gate at the jap aspect.
Λόφος Περιστεριάς (Opposite Daskalio, Vathy) – A widespread archaeological site with surface findings of obsidian fragments, pottery shards, and stone equipment indicating a prehistoric settlement. The oldest belongs to the late Neolithic duration, and human habitation continued into the first historical sites.
Παλαιοχριστιανικός οικισμός της Ρίνας (Vathy, Port of Rina) – A densely prepared agreement that thrived within the fifth-6th centuries AD but become probable abandoned due to repeated Arab attacks. It consists of seven early Christian churches, extremely good homes, and tanks. The settlement changed into re-inhabited within the tenth century, evidenced by the aid of the development of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and the Church of Saint Kyrikos. Many Byzantine wall artworks attest to a revival of the vicinity.
Σπήλαιο Στημενίων (Vathy) – A cave on the pinnacle, used for lighting fixtures and access. Early Christian and Byzantine ceramics, historic stone components, and architectural ruins are scattered around.
Σπήλαιο Χοιρομάντρες (South of Pothia, Below Agioi Pantes Monastery) – Neolithic-technology remains and shells from early Christian times were observed, showing continuous habitation and spiritual use of the cave. The collapsed dome has altered its shape.
Σπήλαιο Αγίας Βαρβάρας (Mount Troutsoulas, Flaska-Chora Road) – Comprising essential areas connected by way of a slim passage. Rare unearths suggest its use for the reason that early Bronze Age. The cave is known as after the adjacent chapel of the equal name.
Σπήλαιο Δασκαλιό (Vathy, Port of Rina) – Surface pottery indicates the cave was used for habitation and worship from the Neolithic to early Christian periods, with different marvellous reveals. Noteworthy are Neolithic vases, Early Bronze Age clay bags, Middle Minoan I-II length disc-fashioned clay lamps, and bronze statues of worshippers from the New Palace period.
Kalymnos Island - Unique Beaches for Every Preference
Masouri (Μασούρι)
Masouri is the maximum famous beach on the island, and for excellent motive. Its cool, blue waters and good-sized sandy coastline make it a swimmer’s paradise. You'll also be captivated by way of the view of the moderately populated island of Telendos, just across the water. The seashore is ready with umbrellas, sunbeds, and close by restaurants. Masouri is placed 8 km from Pothia, and to attain the coast, you may observe a stepped course.
Mirties (Μυρτιές)
Mirties is every other seaside well worth journeying. Its shore is protected with small pebbles, and the shallow waters are ideal for the circle of relatives swimming. The seaside is fully prepared with sunbeds, providing tranquillity and picturesque herbal perspectives. It’s also the start line for journeys to explore Telendos. To get there, head 7 km northwest from the port.
Therma (Θερμά)
Therma Beach is possibly the closest to Pothia, located just 2 km away. Its crystal-clear waters lap against a pebbled shoreline. For people who experience diving, the pier on one side offers a perfect spot for interesting dives. The seaside is also prepared with umbrellas, sunbeds, and nearby shops wherein you can buy food or liquids.
Linaria (Λιναριά)
Linaria Beach functions with turquoise waters, best for family swimming. The tamarisk trees along the coast provide a herbal color while you bathe. Don’t leave out a visit to its sister seashore, Kantouni, only a few rocks away. The seashores are positioned 8.5 km from the capital.
Arginonta (Αργινώντα)
When you visit Arginonta Beach, you may be treated to beautiful surroundings, with the bay encircled by the aid of lush greenery, clear waters, and white pebbles. The seaside is ready with umbrellas and sunbeds, and nearby you will find accommodations and restaurants. It’s approximately 16 km from Pothia.
Vlichadia (Βλυχάδια)
Vlichadia Beach, 5 km from Pothia, gives similarly stunning sections—one with pebbles and the other with sand. Both feature shallow waters, making them best for young kids. If you are a diving fanatic, you'll love exploring Vlychadia’s underwater international, as there’s a diving middle along the shore.
How to Get to Kalymnos Island
To reach the beautiful Kalymnos Island from Athens, you can either take a ferry from Piraeus or a flight from Athens Airport. With a one-hour flight or a ferry journey of approximately 10 hours, you'll embark on a delightful summer adventure.
Stays in Kalymnos
Anna Studios
If you're looking for lodging with the best beachfront vicinity, Anna Studios is undoubtedly the appropriate preference. This captivating circle of relatives-run established order is right at the seaside, permitting you to experience lovely views of the ocean and Telendos from the consolation of your room. With the seashore simply steps away, some rooms even offer uninterrupted views of the water.
Ambiance Studios
Ambiance Studios is a satisfying inn nestled inside the scenic region of Kalymnos Island. Its high place, only a few steps from the seashore and close to many eating places, makes it best for visitors looking for a calming vacation. While there are pretty some steps to the beach, the stunning seashores make the time worthwhile. The hotel is likewise conveniently placed near mountain climbing regions and dining spots.
Carian Hotel
Carian Hotel boasts a top vicinity proper at the beach, supplying guests with direct access to the sea. The lodge functions as a seashore it's best for those looking for a more non-public revel. Though small, the seashore and its two pebble sections are considered captivating by visitors, who praise the beautiful sea views from the rooms. The water is heat enough for swimming, although the shortage of a non-public seaside may be a downside for a few, as non-inn guests can get admission to the beach through a public walkway under the lodge.
Katerina & Efi Apartments
Katerina & Efi Apartments is a seaside gem located on Mastichari Beach. Guests rave about the impressive sea views from the smooth, spacious apartments, with characteristic balconies overlooking the beach. The extraordinary place on the waterfront prom and simple steps from the golden sandy seaside make it a peaceful and quiet haven for relaxation. The high putting draws site visitors from around the globe searching for the precise seaside vacation.
Mastichari Bay Hotel
Mastichari Bay Hotel is ideally located on the seaside, permitting guests to experience sunbeds or take a quick 5-10 minutes stroll to other captivating white-sand seashores. The spacious beachfront gives plenty of sunbeds for everybody, and there’s even a nice children's playground and a mini disco on the seaside, making it a circle of relatives-friendly vacation spot.
