Kalymnos island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules

Plan your holiday with our Kalymnos Island travel guide and ferry schedules. Discover history, beauty, and more on this enchanting Greek destination
Kalymnos island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules

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If you are looking for unique holiday in an enchanting Greek destination, our Kalymnos island travel guide and ferry schedules will provide you everything you need to know.

Kalymnos, also known as “the island of the sponge divers” is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, which has a rich history, impressive landscapes and unique maritime traditions.

This particular Greek island is located in the Aegean Sea, between Kos and Leros.

A visitor can enjoy a great combination of historical and religious monuments, traditional products and excellent beaches.

In the comprehensive travel guide we have prepared below, we will explore all the necessary information one needs to know before visiting this wonderful destination.

In addition, we will provide you with information on how to get to the island of Kalymnos by ferry, by booking your tickets online with myferry.gr.

Kalymnos tourist information

Before you go out on your journey to Kalymnos, you should obtain some important tourist information.

Kalymnos tourist information

With its craggy cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages, Kalymnos is famed for its natural beauty.

Consider the following crucial points:

  • Geography and Climate: The rocky, mountainous landscape of Kalymnos makes it a suitable destination for rock climbers. The Mediterranean environment of the island, with pleasant summers and mild winters, makes it a year-round resort.
  • Tourist Attractions: While on the island, you should visit the beautiful beaches of Myrties, Massouri, and Vlychadia. A short ferry journey away, Telendos island is a must see for its calm and natural beauty. Don’t forget to try water activities like diving and snorkeling to learn more about the abundant marine life.
  • Kalymnos Cuisine: The Island’s cuisine is a culinary treat for foodies. Traditional items from the island include thyme honey, barley bread rolls, fresh cream cheese, sweet red wine, and olive oil. Local taverns serve delectable delicacies such as “mirmizeli” salad and fresh seafood.
  • Activities: Aside from natural beauty, Kalymnos provides a variety of activities such as trekking, exploring ancient monuments, and shopping for sponges, the island’s signature commodity.

Kalymnos General Information

The history of Kalymnos is as fascinating as its landscapes. Specifically, Kalymnos has a long history dating back to antiquity.

The name of the island is thought to be derived from “good water.” Carians were the first to arrive on the island, followed by Dorian settlers from Southern Greece in the 12th century BC.

Kalymnos sent 30 boats and two kings to the Trojan War. It was ruled by Persians and Romans before being occupied by Venetians, Genoese, Crusaders, Knights of St. John, and Ottoman Turks.

The Byzantine era saw economic and population growth, as indicated by large basilicas like the Church of Jerusalem and Telendos. However, the geography of the island was altered by a devastating earthquake in 554 AD.

From 1915 until 1947, Kalymnos was ruled by the Italians, who left an indelible mark on the island. Later, it was liberated and incorporated into Greece.

Architecture of Kalymnos island Greece

Between the 1960s and the 1980s, unplanned and tasteless developments harmed Kalymnos’s distinctive island architectural style to the point that it is now difficult to speak about homogeneous traditional built-up regions.

Architecture of Kalymnos island Greece
Architecture of Kalymnos island Greece

Despite this, classic buildings may still be found in Pothia and Hora.

Pothia: The island’s capital has the highest number of neoclassical houses per square kilometer in Greece. The majority of the residences are large, with two floors and tiled roofs, fine architectural and decorative components, and belonged primarily to affluent ship owners and merchants.

The majority of them are still inhabited. The traditional two-story house can be found in the less affluent areas of Ag.Triada and Ag.Mammas, Ag.Nikolaos and Hora.

The vivid colors and distinctive home and road configurations of Marasia (poorer neighborhoods on both sides of Pothia) demonstrate intelligence in planning and material and land economy.

Kalymnos Religion Monuments

Kalymnos, a beautiful Dodecanese island, has a rich historical tapestry woven with tales of ancient civilizations, medieval fortresses, and early Christian heritage.

Kalymnos Religion Monuments (Agios Savvas)
Kalymnos Religion Monuments (Agios Savvas)

We start on a journey through time as we discover the island’s evocative past, through its Regional Monuments.

Aghioi Apostoloi Church (Argos plateau – 12th or 11th century AD)

This is the largest church in the monastic complex, which also includes the Osios Christodoulos Chapel and the Chapel of Panayia Kyra, and was most likely founded by the Blessed Christodoulos.

Part of the interior’s painted ornamentation has remained, including the majestic, full-figure representation of St. Peter with a staff, from which the keys to heaven hang (2nd half of the 12th century).

The communion table’s plinth is a cylindrical, stone burial altar from the Hellenistic period, with relief bucrania and goat’s head adornment with an early Christian Ionic capital, as was usual in the early Byzantine period.

Various architectural components incorporated into the structure and discovered scattered throughout the surrounding area add to the overall effect.

Blessed Christodoulos Chapel or Aghios Ioannis Theologos (Argos Plateau)

A modest single-aisle vaulted construction containing elements from early Christian and Hellenistic structures, such as the communion table, which is formed of a cylindrical, marble, Hellenistic burial altar, similar to that found in the Church of Aghion Apostolon, with a stone slab above it. The chapel, which is adjacent to the Church of Aghion Apostolon, was built later.

Panayia Kyra Church (Argos Plateau)

A single-aisle, vaulted church with a narthex with Byzantine and post-Byzantine wall murals by the same artists that adorned the Megalo Kastro and Metamorfosis Churches.

The sanctuary is divided from the main body of the church by a 1785 painted wooden screen.

Church of Aghios Georgios (Aghiou Georgiou headland, Pezoules)

A small monastery complex built on the site of an early Christian basilica and a Temple of Poseidon.

According to the different architectural components discovered throughout the area and incorporated into the structure, the basilica and its auxiliary structures must date from the 5th century AD.

Another complex of structures exists north of Aghios Georgios, with a massive, rectangular, vaulted structure still in good shape, maybe a tomb.

Church of Aghios Georgios (Aghiou Georgiou headland, Pezoules)

Small monastery complex built on the site of a Temple of Poseidon and later an early Christian basilica.

According to the different architectural components discovered throughout the area and incorporated into the edifice, the basilica and its auxiliary constructions must date from the 5th century AD.

There are the ruins of another complex of buildings north of Aghios Georgios, including a massive, rectangular, vaulted structure remaining in good shape, maybe a tomb.

Church of Aghios Petros (east of Aghion Panton Monastery)

Small monastery complex that was most likely part of a larger group of buildings in the early Christian period.

Church of Aghioi Theodoroi (near Voukolia)

Small free cruciform church with a cupola. It appears to have been constructed on the site of an early Christian basilica around the mid-Byzantine period.

A destination that is definitely not to be missed from our Kalymnos island Travel Guide and your holidays on the island

Agios Ioannis Melitsaha, Kalymnos Aghios Ioannis (on the beach at Melitsaha – 5th century AD)

The ruins of a three-aisled early Christian basilica. On the site of an ancient Doric edifice, which was most likely built for religious purposes.

The surviving church components and architectural remnants discovered in the area represent the aesthetic and stylistic tendencies of the time. The narthex also has a high-quality mosaic.

The churches at Vathy which have survived in good condition include

Kalymnos boasts a rich tapestry of regional monuments, each holding a unique historical significance.

Among these treasures is the Early Christian basilica of Taxiarchis, constructed in the latter half of the 6th century AD. This grand three-aisled basilica is adorned with stunning architectural elements, featuring vaulted side aisles and resplendent mosaic flooring.

Incorporating recycled fragments from ancient structures, including a Hellenistic Macedonian-style tomb, the basilica also served as a burial site during the mid-Byzantine era.

Within the southern aisle of the Taxiarchis Basilica lies the Byzantine Chapel of Taxiarchis, a modest yet historically rich structure.

Whitewashed walls and wall paintings spanning four phases, executed during the 13th and 14th centuries, adorn the chapel.

Moving to the vicinity between the Embola fort and the Fylakes guardhouse, we encounter the grand Church of Palaiopanayia, a substantial early 6th-century basilica.

This basilica is renowned for its elaborate mosaics, semi-circular apse, expansive communion table, and assorted auxiliary structures.

During the 7th century through the mid-Byzantine period, the site primarily served as a burial ground, with two early Christian funerary structures and an ancient olive press base found nearby.

Venturing southeast to the region between Aghia Sophia and Stavro, we discover the Church of Kyra Hosti, or the Byzantine Church of the Koimisi tis Theotokou.

This multifaceted church features richly painted decor, along with various early Christian architectural fragments likely sourced from a nearby basilica.

Our journey leads to the Church of Aghios Ioannis Theologos, also known as Theologaki, found along the road from Pothia to Vathy.

This Byzantine gem offers a small vaulted aisle and houses a 13th-century artwork known as “Deisis” by Christos Pantocratoras.

The church stands atop the ruins of an early Christian basilica, embodying Kalymnos’ deep-rooted historical and architectural heritage.

The most important modern churches of the island (late 19th and early 20th century) include

  • Metropolitan Church of Christ (1861): Featuring a dome in the island style, intricate pebble work, a screen, the Halepa Clock, and paintings by esteemed local artists.
  • Church of Aghios Nikoloas (1860-1880, Marasi, Ag. Nikolaou): A magnificent church funded by generous donations from seafarers, adorned with valuable ecclesiastical implements and artworks by prominent local artists.
  • Church of Aghios Stephanos (Beginning of 20th Century, Marasi, Ag. Stephanou): Erected with contributions from seafarers, this church boasts silver domes in the Russian style.
  • Church of Panayia Keharitomeni (1794, Hora): An impressive three-aisled church of significant cultural value, which played a central role in revolutionary activities on Kalymnos. Notably, columns supporting the right side of the central aisle were repurposed from the marble Temple of Apollo. The church also houses rare moveable icons.
  • Church of Aghios Savvas (Dominates the Stavros Hillside): A newly-constructed, opulent church adorned with stained glass and marble. The interior displays rich paintings that merge religious subjects, portraits of saints, and scenes from the life of Aghios Savvas. It’s worth noting that one of the bell towers is purported to be the largest in the Balkans, attracting pilgrims from across Greece to venerate the saint’s relics.

Some of the monuments of Telendos most worth seeing

  • Church of Panayia (Telendos): Constructed and embellished through contributions from seafarers at the onset of the last century.
  • Baths (Telendos, Louloudia): A complex of buildings with interconnected chambers, dating back to early Christian times.
  • Baths of Aghios Haralambos: Comprising three main chambers.
  • Chapel of Aghios Haralambos: A small, early Christian church with a single aisle.
  • Church of Aghios Vasileios (Early 6th Century – 554 AD): The largest and best-preserved early Christian church on Kalymnos, a three-aisled basilica with a hexagonal apse, narthex, and auxiliary structures, bearing witness to the prosperity of the early Christian community of Telendos.
  • Church of Palaia Panayia (Early 6th Century – 554 AD): A spacious three-aisled early Christian basilica featuring three apses, a narthex, baptistery, cistern, and additional structures, highlighting the rich heritage of Telendos.

Traditional products of Kalymnos

Kalymnos is well-known not only for its history, but also for its traditional products, which highlight the island’s culinary legacy.

Among these goods are:

  • Thyme Honey: This honey, recognized for its thyme flavor and therapeutic properties, has been produced on Kalymnos since ancient times.
  • Barley Bread Rolls: A traditional foodstuff that serves as the foundation for the famed “mirmizeli” salad, a local specialty.
  • Fresh Cream Cheese: This creamy cheese is made in scenic Vathis and rural Argos using milk supplied from local sheep and goats.
  • Sweet Red Wine: Produced on the island, this wine is known for its delicious taste similar to visanto.
  • Olive Oil: The island produces excellent olive oil, which is used extensively in Kalymnian cooking.

Historical Landmarks of Kalymnos

Kalymnos boasts a remarkable concentration of archaeological and historic sites for a relatively small island.

Here are some of the historical landmarks of Kalymnos that offer insights into the island’s past:

Ancient Sites and Temples

  • Pothia Acropolis (North of Pothia): An ancient fort foundation from the Hellenistic period.
  • Damos (North of the Road Between Hora and Elies): A rich ancient settlement with well-preserved structures.
  • Sanctuary of Delian Apollo (SE of Damos, in the Vicinity of Pigadia): The most important official place of worship with a long history.
  • Temple of Delian Apollo (4th century BC): An ancient marble temple with remnants in the Church of Panayia Keharitomeni.

Byzantine and Medieval Fortifications

  • Kastelli (In the District of the Same Name): A Byzantine fort offering strategic views of the sea.
  • Hora Castle or Megalo Kastro (Late 15th Century): The Knights’ Castle with a rich history and ancient origins.
  • Pera Kastro or Kastro tis Chrysoherias: A site dating back to the Neolithic era with a perimeter wall and circular towers.

Early Christian and Byzantine Heritage

  • Church of Christ of Jerusalem (5th century AD): An early Christian basilica with historical significance.
  • Church of Aghia Sophia or Evangelistria (Late 5th or Early 6th Century AD): An imposing three-conch church known for its floor mosaics.
  • Fortified Settlement of Aghios Konstantinos (Northern Telendos): An early Christian site inhabited from the 7th century AD.
  • Early Christian Necropolis (Telendos, 500m SW of Tholaria Settlement): An early Christian cemetery with aboveground funerary structures.
  • Stimenion Cave (Vathy): A cave with early Christian and Byzantine ceramic ware.

Prehistoric and Ancient Sites

  • Settlement of Kastella (Vathy, North of Metochi): An important ancient settlement with prehistoric origins.
  • Fortified Acropolis of Embola (Vathy, Second Half of the 4th Century BC): An ancient wall in an isodomic system.
  • Peristeria Hill (Vathy, Opposite Daskalio): An archaeological site with prehistoric settlements.

Caves with Historical Significance

  • Hoiromantres Cave (Southern Slope of Pothia, Below the Monastery of Aghion Panton): A cave with a history dating back to the Neolithic and early Christian periods.
  • Cave of Aghia Varbara (Troutsoula Hill, on the Flaska-Hora Road): An ancient cave with a history dating back to the early Bronze Age, that could not be missed from our Kalymnos Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules.
  • Daskalio Cave (Vathy, Rina Harbor): A cave used for habitation and worship from the Neolithic to early Christian periods.

Museums in Kalymnos

  1. Vouvalis Mansion Museum (Aghia Triada): This museum was once the opulent residence of the generous benefactor Nikolaos Vouvalis, constructed in a central European architectural style. It houses a collection of artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries. Notably, the upcoming Archaeological Museum, currently under construction, will display rare findings like “the girl of Kalymnos” and the Hellenistic torso of Asclepios, alongside numerous statues.
  2. Marine and Folklore Museum (Pothia, across from the City Hall, within the Vouvalios Technical School building): In this museum, you can explore the ancient naval profession, featuring an array of maritime art and exhibits on sponge diving.
  3. Valsamidis Museum of Marine Findings (Vlyhadia): This museum showcases unique marine species, tools, sponge diving equipment, and valuable archaeological discoveries retrieved from shipwrecks, the majority of which were collected by the museum’s proprietors.
  4. House of Kalymnos (on the road to Vlyhadia, before Vothinoi village): A privately-owned exhibition hall that hosts an extensive collection of everyday items, popular art, and recreates the interior of a traditional 19th-century house.
  5. Anagnostirio (Reading Hall) “The Muses” (established in 1904): Among the oldest literary establishments of its kind in Greece, this modern building with an Ionian façade currently houses the Municipal Library, which boasts a wealth of rare books.
  6. Art Multiuse Hall Victor Hugo (Theologos): This venue features authentic reproductions of renowned works of art from around the world, an array of posters, local and other artists’ exhibitions, as well as an impressive collection of photographs.
  7. Local Artists’ Exhibition (Pothia, Vouvaleio Girls School): Organized periodically by the Artists’ Association, this exhibition showcases various artistic creations, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glass art, and more.

Ferry to Kalymnos

The ferry to Kalymnos provides ease as well as picturesque appeal, making for an idyllic start to your vacation.

The island has excellent communication with its surrounding islands and the Greek mainland, allowing all visitors convenient access.

Kalymnos Island has regular and dependable ferry services, allowing you to plan your stay with confidence.

Furthermore, the ferry ride itself is a sensory experience, offering passengers breathtaking views of the azure Aegean Sea.

The beautiful landscapes that accompany your cruise as you approach this enchanting island will fascinate you, setting the perfect tone for your Kalymnos adventure.

Book online ferry tickets to Kalymnos

Ferries to Kalymnos depart from several key locations in Greece, providing travelers with various options for reaching this beautiful island.

You can book online ferry tickets to Kalymnos through myferry.gr, ensuring an excellent experience. The start of your magical journey can be made from various ports, the most important of which are:

  • Piraeus Port (Athens): As Athens’ largest port, Piraeus serves as a significant transit hub for ferries to Greek islands such as Kalymnos. There are several ferry companies that provide routes from Piraeus to Kalymnos, with both conventional and high-speed vessels available.
  • Kos: Another popular starting point is the nearby island of Kos, which is close to Kalymnos. Ferries run frequently between Kos and Kalymnos, and the ride is quite short.
  • Rhodes: If you are visiting the island of Rhodes, you may also take a ferry to the island of Kalymnos. This trip may be longer, but it allows travelers to see several gorgeous islands.
  • Other Dodecanese Islands: Many other islands in the Dodecanese group, such as Leros, Patmos, and Lipsi, offer ferry to Kalymnos. These ferry schedules provide opportunities to explore the unique character of each island.

Ferry schedules and availability may vary depending on the season.

Why book ferry to Kalymnos with myferry.gr

Myferry.gr is a dependable and easy-to-use platform to book ferry tickets to Kalymnos and other lovely Greek destinations.

For starters, our broad network of ferry schedules spans the whole Greek archipelago, making it simple to plan your island-hopping excursions.

Additionally, our user-friendly website provides a streamlined experience, allowing you to easily search for Kalymnos ferry tickets and schedules, compare options, and finish your booking in a few simple clicks.

Lastly, we provide some of the most competitive and reasonable ferry prices, ensuring that your trip is both easy and cost-effective.

You may enjoy a hassle-free and efficient travel experience by booking your ferry to Kalymnos using our website, ensuring that you reach this picturesque island with ease.

We are always available to provide you with additional information on your vacation on this beautiful Greek island. We hope you found all of the information you were looking for in this Kalymnos Travel Guide.

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