Agni TRAVEL - enjoy Greece, Italy, Turkey and Cyprus

The island of Kalymnos is south east of Athens and one of the group of islands known as the Dodecanese. It has around 16,000 inhabitants many of which live in the capital of Pothia. The island of Kalymnos is also known as the sponge fisher's island. It is a very mountainous island, with impressive rocky crags and an abundance of aromatic plants. Sage, Thyme and Oregano fragrant the mountain sides.

Kalymnos offers many activities and places to visit: Rock climbing, caves, monasteries, interesting villages, walking or just laze on a quiet beach.

Vathis

Vathis is a wonderful green valley just 12 km from Pothia. The village has been inhabited from neolithic age and has ruins of Hellenic, Byzantine and Roman times. The port of Vathis is also very good place for yachts to moor with a perfect shelter from the wind.

Emprios

The very quiet and beautifull bay of Emprios, has a very clean beach with many restaurants and tavernas ready to serve fresh fish and other local foods.

Agni Travel can arrange car-hire from our Pothia office. Contact Sofri using our contact form: Kalymnos Information Request

Kalymnos has only recently gained an airport! Before, the only way to reach Kalymnos was by flying to one of the nearby islands (Kos) and then taking a ferry to Kalymnos. Other ways to get to Kalymnos are from Pireaus Port with a ferry that could take from around 9 to 14 hours. You will depart in the afternoon (about 1pm to 4pm) and reach Kalymnos in the early morning of the next day.

Kalymnos, one of the best Rock Climbing Centers in Europe due to the rock being particularly suitable for the sport. During the last few years, a great interest has developed and in October each year, the International Climbing Festival of Kalymnos takes place.

For more details visit: Kalymnos Rock Climbing

The thriving little fishing town of Pothia is a typically Greek settlement with its array of both ancient and modern buildings in many striking colours and beautiful architecture. It is the home to around 15,000 inhabitants and therefore one of the largest towns in the Aegean.

The harbour area of Pothia is a cluster of stalls selling sponges, loofahs and shells while the colourful fishing boats bob up and down in the crystal clear waters, making a wonderful backdrop.

The little vibrant town of Pothia has some beautiful architecture and some lovely monasteries overlooking the cliffs. The Khristos Cathedral is well worth a visit. You can also visit the Archaeological and Folk Museum where there are displays of objects from prehistoric to the Byzantine era.

There are many hidden beaches on the island of Kalymnos just waiting to be discovered. Pezona and Drosonda are just two. The beaches on Kalymnos range from pebbles, fine single and soft sand. Some of sand was dark (volcanic). All of the beaches on Kalymnos, that we visited, were clean and very quiet.

On Kalymnos, expect to find the freshest fish and fantastic waterside tavernas. Boatmen anchor in the fjordlike port and then laze in the seafront restaurants and cafes or stretch their legs by walking through the winding lanes to Platanos (Village square) for Greek coffee or a glass of retsina. We spent many evenings eating! From local water-front tavernas in Telendos to Pothia (Kalymnos Town) harbour front fish tavernas. We loved them all!

Telendos is a small quiet island opposite the north-western shores of Kalymnos. There are no roads or cars! No visit to Kalymnos would be complete without at least one trip to Telendos island for an evening meal. Fishing boats regularly go back and forth and will take you for a few Euros. Just stand on the Mirties jetty at any time from early in the morning and until midnight and you always find a 'Kaiki' waiting. The trip only take 10 minutes and you are in Telendos.

Telendos has a few tavernas, a traditional coffee shop (Kefenion), one bar and two mini markets. There are also a couple of jewelery and souvenir shops - which are actually just the front rooms of the locals - offering handmade Greek rugs and decorating art.

Evenings at the Telendos tavernas are simply magical.