Kalymnos has interwined its history and culture with sponge fishing, an occupation that has brought economic prosperity but also unbearable losses to the people of the island. The "naked divers", with the use of the "skandalopetra", a smooch stone they used as guide, weight and communication device between them and their boat, went to great depths - beyond any human measure - and risked their health and physical condition. With the introduction of the standard diving suit or "Skafandro", the cropping of sea sponges became a booming business, even though the death toll increased, because people would not follow the proper procedure when it came to hauling the divers out of the sea.

 

Kalymnos combines its mountainous appeal -wild, imposing landscapes, hillsides strewn with fragrant herbs - with its embroidered seashores and crystalline waters. As soon as you reach the island you will be received by the mermaid statue. She will beckon you to wander around the amphitheatrically built capital of Pothia, with its vividly painted neoclassical and Venetian styled mansions. You will have the opportunity to visit the Church of Christ Our Saviour with its wooden carved chancel screen and clock, made by the famous Tinian sculptor Giannoulis Halepas. Other, equally important sites are the museums in Pothia; the Vouvali Museum, housed in an opulent stone mansion, displaying centuries old tools and items from the everyday life of the islanders. At the Valsamidis Sea World Museum, you will be able to admire rare aquatic species, sponge diving suits and many treasures from shipwrecks hidden in the deep of the sea.

 

What you must not miss, even if you only have a few hours to enjoy Kalymnos, is the Marine Museum. You will encounter mementos from the island's naval tradition; you will submerge yourselves in the silent undersea universe and get ready to be overwhelmed by the photographs, equipment and everyday items of a diver's life. You can check out the Traditional Shipyard too, on the road from Pothia to Vathi, one of the few old shipyards left in Greece; experienced ship builders encrust their art to the younger generation, a skill given from father to son.

 

Visiting an island does not only involve history and culture; it means walking around, resting, swimming in emerald waters and stretching out on sandy beaches. Kalymnos is the perfect destination for an unforgettable swim, as well as diving, spear fishing, climbing and hiking. Every year the International Festival of Diving and Rock Climbing take place here, while all through the year you can dive or explore the mountainous routes with or without (if you have experience) the help of professionals from the island's learning schools. All walking paths have excellent trail markings. You can also visit the adjacent islet of Telendos. There are boats leaving daily from Myrties every 30 minutes until 12 o' clock at night! Another wonderful excursion if you are staying in Kalymnos (or Kos), is to venture to tiny Pserimos, with the olive groves and the peaceful beach of Avlakia. From Pothia and Vathi you will find little boats that can take you to amazing smaller beaches on the island. Close to Masouri is Armeos beach with its unique wild beauty; it is the ideal place for those who seek peace and solitude.

 

One of the most distinguished monuments of the islands is the castle-monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili, north of Vathi. A very special custom is the representation of the heart-breaking dance (Choros Michanikou) that cakes place during Easter. Another impressive custom is the feast of Saint John: on the afternoon of June 23 the locals light bonfires from dried leaves. All through the night, people jump over the fires shouting and singing, while throwing a stone in the fire. In the morning, they cast the stone into the sea, and dive in to retrieve it. This feast signals the beginning of summer and thus the swimming period. The stone is considered to bring good health to whoever finds it.

 

Through the ages, Kalymnos has managed to become an island for those who seek a quite retreat with amazing blue waters, for adven­ture lovers thet want to conquer the deep and the overhanging cliffs, for those who search for folklore and tradition. All in all an island suitable for everyone!

 

 

> To try:

·        Kalymnian honey - famous since ancient times for its therapeutic qualities and its
intense thyme flavour

·        Myrmizeli salad - with the distinctive barley bread

·        Myzithra cheese made with milk from local animals

·        Sweet red wine

 

> To Visit:

·        The "Ai Mousai" (The Muses) reading room, one of the oldest cultural institutions in Greece, with a vast collection of rare books.

·        Church of Jesus Christ of Jerusalem, a triple-naved basilica with a spectacular mosaic. It is said it was commissioned by Saint Helen upon her return to Jerusalem.

 

Tips:

·        If you happen to be in Kalymnos in the autumn, at the feast of the Cross (13 September), do not miss the all-night celebrations at the islet Nera, 30 minutes from the port of Pothia.

·        In Kalymnos you will find a plethora of small churches, scattered on the rocks like white doves. Monasteries and retreats, first being the Monastery of Saint Savvas, the island's "jewel", as the locals call it. Within its holy walls lie the blessed and wondrous remains of Saint Savvas, to whom the islanders and visitors rush to for their prayers.

 

Travel agency: 22430 28777

Municipality: 22430 29560

Port: 22430 29304

Police: 22430 29301

First Aid: 22430 28851, 2243029683

Taxi: 22430 50300

 

Where to stay (0030 + Tel. No)

PLAZA (Masouri): 22430 47156

OASIS (Masouri): 22430 47572

CONTINENTAL (Masouri): 22430 47836

PHILOXENIA (Armeos): 22430 59310

ANGELIKA (Myrtles): 22430 47497

 

Where to eat (0030 + Tel. No)

SEVASTOS (Myrties): 22430 47330

DROSIA (Melitsaha): 22430 48745

LINARIA (Panormos): 22430 47809

NOUFARO (Masouri): 22430 48110

REMBETADIKO (Ypapandi): 22430 51787