Visit the Kalymnos Climbing School

One of the things that makes the geography on Kalmynos so unique are its high cliffs. For many people who visit the island, however, they are more than just a pretty part of the landscape to gaze at – they’re also just begging to be climbed! At the Kalymnos Climbing School you can get lessons, take tours, and even rent equipment to experience these beautiful cliffs. Besides, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a view that you actually earned through intense physical activity!

Enjoy the Archaeological Musuem of Kalymnos

Are you a fan of ancient history? Even if you aren’t, you still won’t want to miss the Archeological Museum of Kalymnos. In order to properly enjoy the island during your visit, it does help to understand some of the history of the place. At this museum, you’ll understand just how much the history of Ancient Greece shaped the way the country is today, and Kalymnos is no exception. Even if you only have an hour or two to spend, the museum is still worth a visit.

Soak Up the Sun at the Beach

Kalymnos has several gorgeous beaches that are worth visiting. These include Platis Yialos Beach, Emporio Beach, and Agios Nikolaos Beach. Each of these has their own unique charm that makes them special. However, the one thing that they all have in common is that they’re a relaxing way to spend the day! Platis Yailos Beach is your best bet if you’re looking for a place with services. For instance, there’s a restaurant and some kiosks that overlook the beach, some umbrellas and chairs, and an outdoor shower so that you can rinse the sand off your body before heading. It is also one of the most accessible of the beaches.

Visit the Factory of Natural Sponges

Before Kalymnos was involved in the tourism trade, many of the families on the island made their money from sponge diving. There is a long history of sponge diving on Kalymnos, and the Factory of Natural Sponges introduces you to the art. Referred to as the “Kalymnian Gold”, sponges were an important part of the wealth on the island. Only one sponge factory, which is located on Pothia Town, remains on the island today to remind natives and visitors alike of this rich tradition.

There are plenty of things to see and do on the island of Kalymnos!

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Castle of Chrisoheria

The Castle of Chrisoheria is located at the northwest side of Pothia, the capital of the island. The castle was constructed on a hill by the Knights of Saint John who ruled the island of Kalymnos from the 14th – 16th centuries. The location of the castle was chosen in order to be able to protect Kalymnos from pirate invasions. At the site of the Castle of Chrisoheria you can admire traces of the stone buildings and two well-preserved churches.

The Church of Panagia Chrisoheria was named for the holy icon that depicts Virgin Mary covered with a gold leaf. At the bottom of the hill where the castle is located there are three stone windmills that are the trademark of the island of Kalymnos. The windmills were operated in the old days by the wind, but are no longer working today.

Sponge Factory

The Sponge Factory is the only one on the island of Kalymnos. It is located in the capital of Pothia. The island is known for its history of harvesting sponges from the sea, so this is a must-see when you’re visiting Kalymnos. The museum showcases the history of sponge diving, the methods used for diving, and the process of elaborating sponges. Visiting the Sponge Factory will give you a new appreciation for what has to be done to get sponges from sea to market.

Cave of the Nymphs

The Cave of the Nymphs, also known as the Sanctuary of the Nymphs or the Cave of the Seven Virgins, is at the northeast area of Kalymnos Island. According to tradition, the cave got its name from seven maidens who protected themselves inside the cave from a pirate invasion.

Sadly, the seven got lost and wouldn’t be seen again. The Cave of Nymphs is 12 meters high and 60 meters long. To the left of the entrance is where worshipping would take place. Archaeological findings have included Neolithic tools. Findings are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos.

Monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili

Located at the northern side of Vathy, the Monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili sits deserted today. The old monastery is a fortified architectural style. According to legend, the Monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili was built by a local man who had decided to change his faith, but when he returned to his hometown, he got back in touch with his roots and with God. The monastery is built in a cave on a mountain. The site is amazing when seen from below.

Visit the attractions of Kalymnos to experience what the island has to offer.

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Arginonta Beach

If you’re looking for a gentle, picturesque place to spend some time at, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Arginonta Beach! Located about fifteen kilometers north of the capital city of the island, Pothia, this beach is also incredibly easy to access. The beach itself is a mixture of sand and fine pebbles, and the water is clear and warm, which makes it ideal for swimming. There are also some nearby cafes and shops, as well as the chance to rent sun beds and umbrellas. It’s an especially ideal beach for swimming and snorkeling!

Myrties Beach

Myrties is another beach that is easily accessible from Pothia, the island’s capital. About eight kilometers away, it’s easily reached by bus, taxi, or even a rental car. The beach is also near the Myrties port and offers a perfect spot for relaxing in the sun. There are some cafes and other services nearby. However, this isn’t as organized a beach as Arginota, so there may not be sun beds and umbrellas to rent. You’ll likely need to bring your own supplies.

Kantouni Beach

If you’re staying in Panormos, this beach is especially convenient since it is within walking distance of the town. It’s also only five kilometers away from Pothia, which akes it an especially convenient spot if you’re staying in the capital. Although Myrties and Arginonta Beaches both receive a lot of visitors, especially during peak season, Kantouni has them beat! Kantouni is a popular area for resorts and as a result, the beach always a healthy crowd.

Emporio Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that is truly relaxing and serene, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit Emporio Beach. Since it is over twenty kilometers away from Pothia, this means that it isn’t accessible enough for most people, and many choose to visit the beaches that are closer. However, Emporio is worth the trip. Not only can you enjoy the stunning scenery at this beach, but you can also explore the gorgeous rock formation during your visit.

Town Beach

Simply named, this beach is the easiest of all of them to access from Pothia since it is just a short distance from the center of the city. This means that if you are staying in the city, this beach is your best bet, especially if you only have a few hours to spend. While it isn’t the most scenic, the water is warm and the sun is certainly relaxing, making it an ideal place to spend a few hours before you move on to other things.

While on Kalymnos, all of these beaches are definitely worth a visit!

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There is an airport in Kalymnos, but it is only active during the summer months. Flights from Athens (the only ones that go to Kalymnos) take about one hour. Ferries from Mastihari Kos go to Kalymnos 2 – 3 times a day and the ferries from Piraeus take the trip about three times a week.

The island of Kalymnos is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. Here’s a look at what you can do while here:

Go Rock Climbing

Kalymnos has over 2500 climbing tracks, making is an ideal destination for rock climbers. Don’t worry if you’ve never rock climbed before though. There are climbing courses available from certified instructors. You can even take advanced private lessons if you prefer one-on-one coaching. At the Kalymnos Adventure Center you can find people to climb with on the community board if you want to go with a group of fellow adventurers.

Many of the climbing routes are easily accessible via a hike or scooter and there are amenities around. You can also deep-water solo in Kalymnos. Deep-water soloing is a form of solo rock climbing that relies on the presence of water at the base of the climb to protect against injuries if the climber should fall.

Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

If you love being in the water and exploring what’s under the water, you’ll definitely want to do some scuba diving or snorkeling. Imagine swimming around and spotting beautiful fish, sea sponges, octopi, and even dolphins. Swim through caves and enjoy a very unique experience you can get anywhere else. The Kalymnos Diving Club leads wreck dives and night dives. They can take you snorkeling with dolphins. There is also kids diving, beginners diving, and experienced diving.

Go Caving

The island of Kalymnos is home to many caves that are ideal for exploring. One beautiful cave is called Kefalas, which is located near the city of Pothia. This cave has huge stalactite formations and is accessible via a short boat trip from Pothia or by way of a dirt road that starts in Pothia. Another cave is called Daskalio and it is known for its prehistoric and Neolithic findings. This cave is best for more experienced explorers. The Cave of the Nymphs is near Flaskas and used to be an ancient religious center. There is a small lake inside this cave along with stone carved stairs.

Go Hiking

The island of Kalymnos has a landscape that makes for perfect hiking conditions. One of the most popular hiking paths is The Italian Road. The Italian Road is a three-hour hike that goes from Pothia to Vathy. It is a stone path that offers views on both sides of the trail.

The island of Kalymnos is the perfect destination for anyone who loves outdoor adventures.

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The climate of Kalymnos, Greece is warm and temperate. It is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The island has a hot season that lasts from June to September, with July being the hottest month. The coldest month on the island is February and December is the wettest month.

This weather forecast in Kalymnos, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Kalymnos, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 47.12° F (8.4° C) – 59.54° F (15.3° C)
• Precipitation: 133 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 150 hours of sunshine, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

February

• Temperature: 46.58° F (8.1° C) – 59.54° F (15.3° C)
• Precipitation: 109 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 152 hours of sunshine, water temperature 61.7° F (16.5° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

March

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 63.86° F (17.7° C)
• Precipitation: 77 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 199 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 69%

April

• Temperature: 55.04° F (12.8° C) – 70.16° F (21.2° C)
• Precipitation: 41 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, 226 hours of sunshine, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), cool/comfortable, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 71%

May

• Temperature: 61.88° F (16.6° C) – 78.8° F (26° C)
• Precipitation: 18 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 286 hours of sunshine, water temperature 69.8° F (21° C), comfortable/warm, 85% clear, beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 73%

June  

• Temperature: 69.62° F (20.9° C) – 88.16° F (31.2° C)
• Precipitation: 7 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 319 hours of sunshine, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), warm, 20% muggy, 98% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 74%

July

• Temperature: 74.12° F (23.4° C) – 93.56° F (34.2° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 330 hours of sunshine, water temperature 78.8° F (26° C), warm/hot, 45% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 73%

August

• Temperature: 74.12° F (23.4° C) – 93.2° F (34° C )
• Precipitation: 9 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 322 hours of sunshine, water temperature 80.6° F (27° C), hot/warm, 55% muggy, 100% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 74%

September 

• Temperature: 68.72° F (20.4° C) – 86.9° F (30.5° C)
• Precipitation: 22 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 271 houors of sunshine, water temperature 78.8° F (26° C), warm, muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 9
• Humidity: 72%

October

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 78.26° F (25.7° C)
• Precipitation: 42 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 220 hours of sunshine, water temperature 77° F (25° C), warm/comfortable, slightly muggy, 80% clear, beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 69%

November

• Temperature: 55.4° F (13°C) – 68° F (20° C)
• Precipitation: 101 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 165 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), comfortable/cool, 75% dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

December 

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 61.88° F (16.6° C)
• Precipitation: 158 mm
• Climate: 13 days of rain on average, 135 hours of sunshine, water temperature 67.64° F (19.8° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

With its hot-summer Mediterranean climate, Kalymnos, Greece offers mild temperatures year round with summers being on the warmer end.

Find the current weather forecast for Corfu, Greece here:

Accuweather – Kalymnos, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Kalymnos, Greece Weather Forecast

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Lounge on the Beach

Even though Kalymnos is a fairly small island, there are a lot of beaches to visit. Beaches such as Platis Yialos, Kantouni, Massouri, and Melitsahas remain favorites for visitors and locals alike. These beaches offer the perfect way to soak up the sun, take in the scenery, and enjoy the warm Aegean waters. Each of these beaches offers something unique, so if you have the time, it is a good idea to visit more than one.

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

There is a history of diving on the island, thanks to the sponge trade that is so much a part of the culture on the island. While many of these divers no longer work in the trade, many of them have continued diving – this time for leisure and as a business. As such, Kalymnos is one of the most popular islands in Greece for diving. For those who don’t necessarily want to go diving, snorkeling will still enable you to see what’s underneath the water without expending as big of an effort.

Hike Through the Countryside

One of the thing that separates Kalymnos apart from other islands is that it is a great place to hike. If this interests you, consider hiring a guide to take you through some of the most interesting terrain on the island! The trails here range from warn down paths to those that are actually lined with stone. There are also plenty of hikes that can accommodate all fitness levels.

Climb the Dramatic Rocks

Kalymnos is also a haven for those who enjoy rock climbing. There are a lot of dramatic rocks here, and climbers come all over the world to traverse the rocks here. Many of the climbs are not only challenging, but offer beautiful views of the sea and the scenery of the island. Those who are interested in rock climbing on this island should consider hiring a guide or joining a climbing tour. It is also possible to take lessons on the spot and do some of the easier climbs the island has to offer.

Dine Outdoors

You don’t need to participate in outdoor sports in order to enjoy the beautiful scenery on this island! If relaxing is more your speed, consider dining outside whenever possible. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and tavernas located throughout the island that all have beautiful views. Ask at your hotel for some of the best places to enjoy the scenery near you.

These options will allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery on Kalymnos, one of the most unique islands in Greece.

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About Kalymnos Island

Equatorial Greece is a small island just north of the Greek mainland. It is just over 70 square kilometers (26 square miles) and has a population of about 25,000. Kalymnos fluctuates between arid and semi-arid summers and mild winters, which are cooler than further south on the Greek mainland but not so cold as Ithaca. The island is popular with climbers due to the rock formations on all sides of the island. Its unique position between the Mediterranean and the Adriatic means a more varied climate than many other places on the mainland.

Kalymnos is 2 hours from Rhodes city and 5 – 6 hours from Athens by car. The best airport is on Rhodes, but daily ferry boats regularly leave for Kalymnos departing from Piraeus (Athens).

Climbing in Kalymnos

The rock climbing in Kalymnos consists mainly of limestone cliffs that many consider being some of the best in Europe. Although the climbing is great, many other activities at the Kalymnos climbing sites, such as kayaking, exploration, trekking, and snorkeling.

Kalymnos is an island with everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s a great place to set up a base camp to explore the surrounding islands, practice some of the world’s best climbing and hiking, or just relax on the beach. There are so many options for exploration here that if you’re traveling with a small group, there’s no reason why Kalymnos couldn’t be your home for a few days.

What Else to Do on Kalymnos

If you’re into watersports, there are plenty of places to choose from. If you want to become a scuba master, then Kalymnos is your place. Many driving schools can offer lessons for beginners, and the island runs a yearly diving competition between its various schools. The waters off the coast are teeming with fish, and if you’re into cliff jumping or even cliff diving, then Kalymnos is one of your best bets. You’ll find many great beaches close to the climbing and the hiking areas. If you’re not that keen on the sun, you can always try to hunt down one of the various bars on Kalymnos Island or cool off in one of its many natural swimming pools.

As with any beach town, there are a few spots where you can get some good food, although there are also quite a few new spots that have opened up in recent years. If you’re up for sampling some of the unique dishes on offer, you’ll never go hungry. Kalymnos is known throughout Greece as one of the best places to get seafood, and if you are willing to try some of its more bizarre meals, like boiled octopus or grilled sea urchins, this island is worth a visit. The star attractions are, without a doubt, Kalymnos’s tavernas. Stalactites hang from its ceiling, and traditional Greek music plays in the background.

Kalymnos is a great place for couples, solo travelers, families, and groups alike. There are plenty of things to keep everybody happy, and as it has a relatively small tourist season (running from April to October), it won’t get too crowded. If you’re looking for a fun place that ticks all the boxes without too much fuss, Kalymnos is the place for you.

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About the Sponge Factory on Kalymnos

The Sponge Factory is the last one remaining on the island. The Sponge Factory is located at the capital of the island of Kalymnos, Pothia. Sponges are strongly connected to Kalymnos where they are known as “Kalymnian Gold.” The island of Kalymnos is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea where there was no other option for the residents to make their living from.

The villagers began sponge fishing and the job became quite popular on the island. Staying under water was difficult though and the sponge fishers began using a rubberized diving suit called “skafandro.” These suits included a bronze helmet that allowed the sponge hunters to stay underwater for longer periods of time.

Collecting and Selling the Sponges on Kalymnos

Once the sponges were collected, they were stored in warehouses for processing. These warehouses were modified over time and would eventually become sponge factories. In the sponge factories, the sponges could be processed in larger quantities and then sold.

These sponges were sold not only locally, but exported for sale also. Today, the natural sponges have been largely replaced by plastic ones, causing the sponge diving to be relied on less and less. The locals of Kalymnos had to find other ways to generate income. One of the largest sources of income now is in tourism.

Visit the Sponge Factory on Kalymnos

At the Sponge Factory on Kalymnos, you will get a look into this important tradition of the island that helped the residents earn a living for many years. At the factory, you will find people friendly and helpful. They are well-informed and are happy to explain sponge diving to visitors. There are many different types of sponges that serve different purposes. You can learn all about them at the Sponge Factory.

If you take an Aegean Island day cruise, the Sponge Factory on Kalymnos may be included as one of the stops. This is a wonderful way to see important parts of the islands as well as the surrounding landscapes. With this type of cruise you will also be able to explore the lovely village of Kalymnos.

Getting to the Sponge Factory on Kalymnos

Traveling to Kalymnos Island can be done by ferry from Athens. This trip takes about 10 hours, so you might prefer to travel to Kalymnos from the Mastihari Port in Kos, which departs 2 – 3 times daily. You quickest option is to get to the island by plane.

The Kalymnos Island National Airport receives flights from Athens International Airport, which takes one hour. Once on the island of Kalymnos, getting to the Sponge Factory is easy, especially if you fly. The airport is located in Pothia as well. Just grab a taxi or rent a car.

While visiting the Greek island of Kalymnos, consider touring the Sponge Factory. This site showcases an important piece of the history and culture of the island.

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