Kalymnos the beautiful island of the Dodecanese with rare natural beauties is the famous sponge divers’ island and one of the best rock climbing centers in Europe. The sponges are the trademarks of this island and the main occupation of its inhabitants. Kalymnos attracts many visitors every year and is the favorite destination for the lovers of diving.
The island is also famous for its mountainous landscape that attracts rock and mountain climbers from all over the world. You can find a great variety of herbs such as thyme, sage and oregano, while exploring the Kalymnian slopes.
The island’s tourist infrastructures are very good and satisfy all demands.
The capital and port of the island is called KALYMNOS or POTHIA. In the port a mermaid statue welcomes visitors.
The town has some fine two and three-storey houses painted with vivid colors with tiled roofs, some notable buildings, an important Folklore and Archaeological Museum (tel. 22430 23113) and the church of Christ (or Sotir), on the sea front, which has an icon carved by the sculptor Giannoulis Halepas. In the town it is worth visiting the sponge processing factories, the cave of the Nymphs, or cave of the Seven Maidens, the ruins and cemetery of the ancient city, the Castle of Chryssocheria- a fort of the Knights of St. John with a church of Panagia Chryssochera inside its fortifications and the cave of Kefala, which is of both speleological and archaeological interest.
In the capital there are many shops, banks, open air cinema, cafes, bars and restaurants. All kind of accommodations are available.
To the north-west, in the direction of Chorio is the Byzantine monastery of the Analipsi.
CHORIO (3 km. north-west of the town), is the old capital of the island and is built below the castle. It has a notable church of the Panagia Kecharitomeni. Near the village you will see the remains of Kalidneos Apollo ancient temple dated from Hellenistic times.
The road leading north-west from the town passes through PANORMOS in a verdant area with fine beaches Kamari and Myrties, opposite which is the small island of Telendos, which was cut off from the main island by a violent earthquake. (There is a frequent boat service between the two).
The road continues north to MASOURI and AGRINONTAS, two beautiful sea-side settlements with superb beaches, archaeological remains, picturesque churches and caves. It ends at EMPORIOS a quiet seaside village with little houses and narrow alleyways, having first passed through Skalia, where there is an interesting cave and a church of Agios Nikolaos.
At Kastri, can be seen the remains of “Cyclopean Walls” and a tower.
North-east of Kalymnos town is the village of VATHY, set amidst green gardens at the head of a sheltered bay.
A short distance away is the fortress-monastery of the Panagia Kyra Psili.
Other sights in the area include some caves, the remains of an acropolis at Stimenia, the ruins of a temple outside the settlement of Metochi, remains of a Hellenistic tower and the cave of Daskalio, where prehistoric finds have come to light.
NEARBY ISLANDS
Kalymnos is surrounded by many inhabited and uninhabited islands.
To the south-east of the island, between Kalymnos and Kos, lies the small islet of PSERIMOS with an area of 11 square kilometers, which is connected with both the above islands by a daily boat service. It is the biggest in size among the small islands around Kalyrmnos. In Pserimos you will find nice beaches, rooms to let and traditional taverns.
Near Pserimos lies the islet of Platy, and about 5 km to the north east there is the small islet of Kalolimnos.
TELENDOS is a small island about 700 meters west of Myrties, with ruins of Byzantine houses, a castle and small churches. It has a small settlement with white houses of traditional architecture, fine beaches with dark sand and crystal waters. Telendos was part of Kalymnos but after a major earthquake it was split and separated from it.
Gaidouronisi, Agia Kyriaki and Imia are uninhabited.
BEACHES – ENTERTAINMENT
All the beaches of the islands have blue crystal clear waters.
Kalymnos town has a beautiful beach with pebbles and sand, and at a small distance from the capital are the fine beaches of Agios Soulas and Agios Nikolaos.
Akti is a quiet and nice beach located 6,5 kilometers south from Kalymnos town. It has fine sand and crystal waters.
In the area of Panormos you will find the fine beaches of Platys Gialos with soft black sand and clear waters, Kantouni and Linaria. Panormos is considered as one of the most popular tourist resorts. There are numerous hotels, rooms to let and taverns where you will taste fresh fish and local recipes. For your nightlife you will find cafés, clubs and bars with Greek and foreign music.
Masouri is the most tourist resort on the island. The fine beach is considered as one of the best in Kalymnos. Very close is beach of Armeos with its wild beauty. In Masouri you will find various kinds of accommodations as well as traditional taverns, cafes, bars and clubs.
Emporios has a quiet and beautiful beach with pebbles and crystal clear waters.
Myrties is a coastal settlement with a beautiful pebbly beach. From here leave the small boats to the island Telendos. The region has big tourist development. Hotels, rooms to let, taverns and bars are available.
Kalymnos is also one of the best places to practice mountain climbing!
TRADITION – EVENTS
Kalymnos has tradition of sponge-fishing, in which many of the local inhabitants are still engaged. There is also a strong folklore tradition on the island that manifests itself in the church festivals, the local carnival, local dancing and also in the ceremonies seeing off and welcoming home the sponge fishermen.
On 26th and 27th July the St. Panteleimonas feast is held in the capital of the island and in Panormos.
LOCAL CUISINE
The most famous traditional recipes of the island are filla, mouori and of course fresh fish. It is well know that there is many fish at Kalymnos.
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