Kalymnos, a small island in the Aegean, can be tricky to reach. While it has a small airport with direct flights from Athens, most climbers arrive via the nearby island of Kos.

How to Get to Kalymnos:

1. Fly to Kos, then take a ferry from Mastichari port to Kalymnos 

This is the quickest and most popular route. Kos, a tourist hub with an international airport, offers charter flights from major European cities between April and October. The ferry ride from Mastichari to Kalymnos takes 30–45 minutes.

Upon landing in Kos, take a taxi (€15-18) or bus to Mastichari (7 km away). Ferries to Kalymnos run frequently, with tickets costing €8-10 depending on ferry (2024 prices). Once in Pothia (the main Kalymnos port), you can take a taxi to Masouri for around €16-20, or rent a scooter/car at the port.

Note: Ferry service is only disrupted by severe winds, which is relatively rare. If that happens, it’s best to stay put until the weather clears.

You can also check out this older post for some helpful hints and comments on getting from Kos to Kalymnos.

2. Fly to Athens, then directly to Kalymnos

Kalymnos has a small, scenic airport with flights to and from Athens a few times a week, operated by Sky Express. However, flights may be canceled on very windy days. If this happens, consider switching to a flight to nearby Kos, which has a larger airport less affected by weather. From there, you can take the ferry to Kalymnos as explained in #1 above.

3. Fly to Athens, then take a ferry from Piraeus to Kalymnos

Ferries to Kalymnos depart from Piraeus, Athens’s main port. To get there from the Athens airport, take the suburban metro or the X96 express bus. Ferries run every 2-3 days, usually overnight, and take about 12 hours. Check ferry schedules a month in advance, as timetables change. Blue Star Ferries operates the main route, and it’s best to book tickets ahead if traveling between April and September.

4. Fly to Rhodes, then take a ferry to Kalymnos

You can also fly to Rhodes and take a ferry or catamaran to Kalymnos. During spring and summer, a daily catamaran (3 hours) operates, while winter ferries on the Rhodes-Piraeus line stop at Kalymnos. If you have time, explore Rhodes’s Medieval City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before heading to Kalymnos.

Local ferries between Kos and Kalymnos never stop; they continue daily, year-round. You will rarely get stranded. As the weather becomes warmer the crossings increase, so between April and October you can expect at least eight crossings per day.

There is a slow ferry and a fast ferry from Kos to Kalymnos. Both ferries connect the main port of Kalymnos (Pothia) to a small port in Kos (Mastichari), which is only 7km from the Kos airport. (Don’t confuse Mastichari with the main port in Kos Town, which is on the other side of the island and far from the airport.) Ferry tickets cost approximately €6.00-€8.00 per person and can be purchased at kiosks at the port of departure.

• The slow ferry (Olympios Zeus or Olympios Apollon) takes approximately 45 minutes, and it can also transport cars and motorbikes. Slow ferry timetables can be found on our homepage or on the slow ferry website.

• The fast ferry (Kalymnos Dolphin or Ilias) takes approximately 20-30 minutes. It cannot transport cars, but sometimes it can accommodate one or two motorbikes (depending on which of the three ferries is used). Fast ferry timetables can also be found on our homepage or on the fast ferry website. The fast ferry website also lists timetables for ferries from Kalymnos to other nearby islands (besides Kos) and to Turkey.

NOTE: Many charter flights arrive at Kos in the evening. According to the ferry company, the last ferry of the day waits for the passengers from the last flights arriving to Kos airport. Still, because this is a bit vague, if your flight arrives late at night you may have to spend the night in Kos and catch the first morning ferry to Kalymnos. There is plenty of cheap accommodation around the pier in Mastichari, but some climbers opt to spend the night on the beach if the weather is mild.

The Kos-Kalymnos ferry timetable is regularly updated on our site, and we combine both ferries (fast & slow) into one timetable so you don’t need to look elsewhere. That said, the ferry people are masters of change and the timetable changes way too often. We do our best to keep the ferry timetable accurate, but sometimes our best isn’t good enough. If you spot any errors please let us know, and it’s always a good idea to check with the ferry company itself or the port authority the day before you travel.

Kalymnos belongs to the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean; it is located 183 nautical miles (339 km) southeast of Athens and 85 nautical miles (157 km) northwest of Rhodes, the capital of the region. Many smaller islands are nearby; most notably Telendos, (which was part of Kalymnos until it was separated by a devastating earthquake in 554 AD), Pserimos, and Plati. At 109 km² Kalymnos is the fifth largest amongst the Dodecanese Islands, with a population of nearly 14,000 people. On the east coast is the capital of Kalymnos, Pothia. Lively and picturesque, it is built around the port and combines strict traditions with the hustle and bustle of a modern town. The small and attractive “climbing” villages of Panormos, Myrties, Masouri, Arginonta, Skalia and Emporios are to the west and north; Vothini, Vlychadia and Vathy are to the south and east.

In the past, Kalymnos was known as Isola Umbrosa, the “island of shade” (oh, the irony). If you’ve been to Kalymnos before, you know that this is no longer the case. The Kalymnos we know and love today is dotted with low vegetation (woody herbs and shrubs), but it is virtually free of trees. The terrain is mountainous with a major rock escarpment all along the west coast. In the past, this barrenness drove the locals to sea for a living. The men of Kalymnos became sponge-divers, a traditional and dangerous occupation; they excelled to such an extent that their island went on to be the most celebrated sponge trade center in the Mediterranean, until the sponge trade began to decline in the 1980s. Nevertheless, the history of Kalymnos will forever be linked to that ubiquitous little creature, the sea sponge. When rock climbing was discovered on Kalymnos in the late 1990s, the island found its place back onto the map, so to speak.

In a further twist of irony, in antiquity Kalymnos was called Kalydna, or “good water.” The first settlements on the island date back to the Neolithic period (4000 BC), and the island has been inhabited ever since. Diving for sponges has its roots in antiquity, and it brought significant economic prosperity to the island, which minted its own silver coins in the 6th century BC featuring the lyre of god Apollo. In The Iliad, Homer reports that the island contributed 30 ships to the Trojan War. During the Persian Wars, Kalymnos was conquered by the Persians but then liberated by the Athenians; later, it came back under Persian rule. Roman occupation ensued. In the 7th century AD, Kalymnos was invaded by Arabs and pirates; the residents barricaded themselves behind castle walls built at high points, many of which survive to this day. In the 14th century, the island came under the Order of the Knights of St. John, then the Ottomans. Italians occupied Kalymnos from 1912-1943, while the Germans took over in 1945. Following WWII, the Dodecanese Islands, including Kalymnos, officially joined the Greek state in 1948.

Kalymnos features a number of small hotels and rental studios at very reasonable prices. Depending on season, accommodation prices start at about €30 per day for two people. The most frequently offered type of accommodation is the “studio,” usually a double room with private bathroom and kitchenette. Studios can start at approximately €20 per day, depending on season. Unfortunately there is no organized campsite on Kalymnos, and unregulated free camping is strictly prohibited.

There are accommodation options throughout Kalymnos, so no matter which part of the island you are in you will never be too far from good crags. Keep in mind that the island is small, and distances are relatively short. That said, the majority of climbers seem to prefer the so-called “climbing” villages Armeos, Masouri, and Myrties. These three villages are built along the privileged west coast of Kalymnos, with a view of Telendos Island across the water, a long stretch of cliffs looming above, and many major crags within walking distance: Grande Grotta, Panorama, Afternoon, Odyssey, Poets, Kalydna, Iannis, and Zeus, among others. Other points in favor of these areas are that: a) you don’t need a scooter, since you can also walk to mini markets, restaurants and other shops; b) most climbers hang out here, so you are sure to meet other climbers at restaurants/cafés; c) you can walk to at least 3-4 different beaches, and d) you can easily walk to the jetty at Myrties and catch the boat to Telendos. On the other hand, the climbing villages are busier and noisier than other villages between April and October, and you won’t get a very accurate glimpse of Kalymnians’ daily life here.

For a more authentically Kalymnian–but less climbing-oriented–experience, try staying at Panormos, Kantouni, Linaria, or Platis Gialos, all villages on the way between the capital (Pothia) and the climbing areas. It only takes a few minutes by scooter to reach the major climbing sectors from here. On the other side, northwest, are the tiny picturesque villages Arginonta, Skalia, and Emporios, in the quietest part of Kalymnos yet closer to some of the most outstanding climbing sectors (Ghost Kitchen, Arginonta, Arhi, Secret Garden, Prophet Andreas, Kastri, Palace, Styx, etc).

No matter where you stay, we strongly suggest that you book your accommodation in advance if you are visiting Kalymnos between April and November. If not, you can ask around for accommodation once you get there. If you are staying for an extended period of time, try asking for a monthly rate; many landlords are flexible. Also, check the ad section in the back of the guidebook. The businesses advertising in the guidebook tend to be located near the climbing areas, operate year-round, and are well aware of the needs of climbers.

From the Masouri area you can easily walk to many crags in 15–60 minutes, but you can also rent a bicycle, scooter, or car. There is also a bus, but it goes through Masouri just a few times every day.

• Requirements for renting a scooter or car: For car rentals, an EU-issued license is required. If you come from a non-EU country, technically you will need an international driver’s license to rent a car. For scooter rentals, a license for 50cc motorbikes is required.

• Do I need to wear a helmet on the scooter? YES. If you rent a bicycle or scooter, the rental shop should provide you with a helmet. If not, wear your climbing helmet. Most Greeks do not wear helmets, but that doesn’t mean you should do the same.

• Hospital, doctors, and pharmacies: Kalymnos has a public hospital, as well as many private medical practices and labs. The hospital is near Pothia (on the outbound road from Pothia to Hora). Most doctors speak a reasonable amount of English. For children, there is a pediatrician on staff at the Kalymnos hospital, and at least two pediatric practices in Pothia. Additionally, there are quite a few pharmacies. The pharmacy closest to Masouri is in Elies village; there are many more in or around Pothia. If you need to find a pharmacy after closing hours, stop at any pharmacy and look on the door/window: the pharmacy which stays open on that day will be listed. If it is only in Greek, look for a local person to ask. If you cannot communicate, point to the notice—they will understand..

• Can I drink the tap water? No. But you can fill water bottles with drinking water free of charge at the big metal water dispensers with the word TEMAK (there is one in Masouri and one in Myrties). Otherwise you will have to buy bottled water. (Note that there is no recycling on Kalymnos, so every bottle counts as waste.)

• Where is the nearest ATM machine? There are many in Masouri, Elies, and Pothia, but none in Arginonta or Emporios.

• Where is the nearest gas station? In Elies village (5–7 minute drive), otherwise there are many on the way to Pothia.

• Is there Wi-Fi on Kalymnos? Yes. Almost every rental studio, hotel, café, and restaurant has Wi-Fi.

• Where is the police station? On the main inbound road to Pothia, just before the taxi station. In an emergency, you can call the universal emergency number 112 from any telephone free of charge.

• Where can I do laundry? Ask your landlords if laundry services are available, otherwise there is a laundromat in Masouri.

Where can I buy groceries? Masouri and Myrties are full of mini-markets for buying food, drinks, gifts, the guidebook, and so on. Elies village (5–7 minute drive) is the nearest alternative for a big supermarket, gas, and pharmacy; otherwise, Pothia.

There are plenty of things to do in Kalymnos on your rest day. Nearly all of our suggestions apply equally to non-climbing members of the family and children.

Sightseeing

The castles of Kalymnos present considerable archaeological interest. The Castle of Hora dates back to the 11th century, although it acquired its present form in the 15th century. The walls of the castle housed up to 1000 people and the settlement was inhabited until the early 18th century. Ruins of homes, water tanks, chapels, and an olive press have survived. The Castle of Chrysocheria was built by the Order of the Knights of St. John in a prominent position between Hora and Pothia; in the area of the castle there is evidence of continuous human presence since the Neolithic era. Three stone-built windmills are nearby. Other important archaeological sites are scattered throughout the island, such as the foundations of the ancient acropolis of Pothia; the 4th-century temple of Apollo, over which Christian worship sites were built at a later date; ancient and Paleochristian ruins in Vathy; and ruins of a fortified Byzantine settlement and a Paleochristian necropolis on the island of Telendos, opposite.

Museums

• The Archaeological Museum in Pothia is newer (2009), stylish, and definitely worth a visit. It features prehistoric, classical, and private collections as well as the preserved interior of a 19th-century Kalymnian mansion.
• The Museum of Marine Finds in Vlychadia features assorted items found underwater or salvaged from sunken ships.
• The Sponge Diving Museum in Pothia is the perfect (and poignant) introduction to the island’s centuries-old marine history and culture.
• The Kalymnian Home in Vothyni is a private folk art museum replicating a traditional local home. You will feel like you traveled back to a previous century, and talking with the friendly owner will give you a different perspective on what daily life on Kalymnos was like.

Beaches

The main beach at Masouri is long and sandy; in the summer it is packed with sunbeds, but there is still plenty of room and shade on the sand. There are two beach bars on opposite ends of the beach. There are large sandy beaches at Myrties and Melitsahas, as well, while several other small beaches dot the coast. A bit further south, nice beaches can be found at Platys Gialos, Linaria, Vlychadia (in the direction towards Pothia) and Arginonta, Kalamies (Pirate Beach) and Emporios are in the opposite direction, to the north. The beaches of Telendos are quite beautiful as well; besides the main beach along the front, the coastline is adorned with tiny emerald coves accessible by path on either side of the village.

Snorkeling

The rocky coastlines of both Kalymnos and Telendos are excellent for snorkeling, as rock formations and fish abound. Basic, inexpensive masks, snorkels and fins are sold at all tourist shops on the island. Explore them, but remember to watch out for passing boats. It is best not to stray too far from the coast. Watch out too for sea urchins and, occasionally, moray eels.

Scuba diving

Kalymnos is one of the better-known scuba diving venues in Greece. For professional instruction and certification info you can contact one of the island’s diving schools, which a quick Google search will help you locate.

Hiking

Kalymnos is embroidered with hiking trails, short and long; walking through its wilderness landscape while listening to the silence is therapy of sorts. Make sure to bring a hat, and remember to stay hydrated. Full descriptions of the hiking trails of Kalymnos alongside a large-scale map (1:25.000) can be found in the Kalymnos Hiking Map by Terrain. Check out also The Kalymnos Trail.

Cycling

The best areas for a bike ride are northwest of Masouri. The coastal road from Masouri to Emporios (where the tarmac road ends) snakes through approximately 15 km of stunning wild landscape. If you have a mountain bike, you can continue on the dirt road from Emporios to the northwestern headland. Bikes are available for rent at scooter rental shops. The direction from Masouri towards Pothia is not recommended, as parts of it are very steep and two-way traffic on this narrow road can be risky.

Caves

There are several caves with exceptional stalactite and stalagmite decorations in Kalymnos; prehistoric findings suggest that many of these caves were ancient ritual sites. Some of the caves worth special mention include Kefàla Cave near Pothia; Daskalio Cave at Vathy; Skalia Cave at the village of Skalia; and the Cave of the Seven Virgins, in which according to local lore seven maidens disappeared trying to flee from the pirates.

Day trips to other islands

There is, of course, lovely Telendos, but it hardly qualifies as a day trip. It is so close that you can cross over at a moment’s notice; boats to Telendos leave every half hour from the jetty at Myrties. Other islands you can visit for a day are Leros, Kos, and Pserimos. Finally, during certain seasons excursion boats make trips from Kalymnos to Bodrum in Turkey. Alternatively, you can hire a sailing boat with or without crew and set sail to all nearby islands and the beautiful – but otherwise inaccessible – inlets along the NE coast of Kalymnos.

• Universal Emergency Number: 112

• Kalymnos Hospital: (+30) 22433 61931

• Kalymnos Police: (+30) 22430 29301

• Kalymnos Port Authority: (+30) 22430 24444

• Kalymnos Airport: (+30) 22430 59302, 59304

• Kalymnos Taxi Station: (+30) 22430 50300

The Kalymnos area code is (+30) 22430 unless otherwise noted.