Kalymnos, Mediterranean island in Dodecanese archipelago, Greece
Description
Kalymnos is an island in the Aegean with jagged coastal inlets, steep limestone cliffs, and mountainous terrain throughout. The landscape offers varied scenery, from densely settled coastal villages to wild hillsides inland.
History
The island changed hands several times through history, beginning under Byzantine rule before coming under the Knights of Rhodes in the 14th century. It later fell under Italian control in the early 1900s until it returned to Greece after World War II.
Culture
The name Kalymnos comes from a Greek word meaning beauty, and the sea remains central to how locals view their home. Sponge diving traditions still shape community life today, visible in local museums, memorials, and the stories people share.
Practical
The island is easiest to reach by ferry from nearby islands or the mainland, with regular service throughout the year. Plan to explore hilltop areas early in the day, as midday heat and sun exposure can be intense in open terrain.
Did you know?
The island has transformed from a traditional sponge diving hub into a climbing hotspot, with thousands of routes etched into its limestone rocks. This shift has brought new visitors without completely erasing the old heritage.
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Castle of Chora of Kalymnos
4.3 km
Chrysocheria Castle
5.1 kmArchaeological museum of Kalymnos
4.8 kmChurch of Agioi Apostoloi, Argos, Kalymnos
5.7 km
Sikati Cave
8.7 kmChurch of Agia Eirini, Pothia
5 kmTelendos necropolis
6.7 km
Metamorfosi Sotiros Christou Cathedral, Kalymnos
5.2 kmChurch of Agios Georgios, Panormos Kalymnou
5.9 kmMonastery of Panagia Kyra Psili
2.7 kmChristos Ierusalem site
5.2 kmNisides Kalymnou: Epano, Nera, Sari, Telendos
8.2 kmDamos archaeological site
5.1 kmCastle of Casteli
5.5 kmMetochi Monis Panagias Kyra-Psilis, Vathy
3.5 kmCastle of Telendos
7.5 kmAgios Vasileios basilica, Telendos
6.5 kmArchontiko Vouvali
4.8 kmFolklore Museum of Kalymnos
5.2 kmBasilica of Agias Triadas, Telendos
6.8 kmKastraki of Kalymnos
4.4 kmStatue of Sponge-diver, Kalymnos airport
5.9 kmStatue of Sponge-diver, Kalymnos
5.1 kmStatue of Poseidon, Kalymnos
5.5 kmStatue of Liberty, Kalymnos
5.3 kmSea World Museum
7.6 kmCastle of Galatiani
4.4 kmAlexis Beach
8.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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