Renowned worldwide for its sponge diving tradition, Kalymnos is among Greece’s most fascinating islands. Its mountainous landscape attracts rock-climbing fans, while the island’s crystal-clear waters make it a popular summer destination. With a population of 16,000, Kalymnos Island has plenty of local charm and vibrancy. And due to its size, there are plenty of things to do in Kalymnos to keep you occupied for your entire stay.
After spending ten days in Kalymnos, I discovered a variety of things to see and enjoy on the island. Of course, you can’t expect to see everything on an island this size. Therefore, I gleaned some fine Kalymnos activities to help you make the most of your vacation. That said, in this article, you will find 7 unique things to do in Kalymnos, accompanied by my photos. Moreover, you will find a travel guide to the island, containing info about how to reach it, where to stay and eat, and also replies to some frequently asked questions.
So, let’s start with the Kalymnos travel guide and the best things to do on the beautiful Greek island.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
7 unique things to Do in Kalymnos, Greece
Due to its impressive landscape, Kalymnos is subbed as the climbers’ island. However, exactly like sponge diving, that’s not something for everyone. While you can take a beginner’s class, I realize this requires effort. Therefore, in the following lines, you will find seven things to do that everyone can enjoy.
And here’s what you can do on the island.
Swim and sunbath at Platis Yialos Beach
There’s no lack of great beaches around the island, but I’m starting with Platis Yialos because of its tremendous vibe. This was, for me, the most impressive beach on the island. Apart from its crystal clear waters, Platis Yialos is equally pleasing to the eye. The beach has a combination of sand and black pebbles; the latter is due to the non-active Vigles volcano.
The name might sound weird (Greek: Πλατύς Γυαλός), but it’s very descriptive. It translates to “Wide Beach,” and that’s what Platis Yialos is: a wide sandy beach with volcanic pebbles and enough space for everyone. The sea is getting deep relatively fast, so if you’re traveling to Kalymnos with kids, keep an eye on them, especially on windy days.
Platis Yialos is partly organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but if you feel like isolating yourself, you will definitely find a spot. You’ll also find a small bar on the beach edge serving snacks and refreshments. Paying by card might be an issue due to a bad internet connection, so have some cash. Platis Yialos is easy to reach by car or taxi, and the local bus stops a couple of times there too.
If your definition of a Greek holiday is a beach with a fantastic vibe, make sure to spend time at Platis Yialos. It’s one of the best things to do in Kalymnos.
Eat at Artistiko in Emporios
Artistiko is one of these Greek tavernas people daydream of when they think of Greece. Located in Emporios, the northernmost settlement of the island, Artistiko is one of the most welcoming eateries I ever visited in Greece. This family business serves the best food in Kalymnos, and the energetic owners, Giorgos and Irene, create a great atmosphere for their guests.
Located straight at the sea, Artistiko is open all day long. I had breakfast, lunch, and dinner several times at Artistiko, and the food never let me down. As the days went by, Artistiko became my to-go place for food. Giorgos handpicks the fish from the market while Irene cooks a selection of delicious dishes. Some evenings, the couple will sing traditional Greek songs for their guests, adding an extra layer of hospitality to the experience.
And here’s a tip for your Artistiko visit. One of the trademark dishes of Kalymnos is “fylla,” which stands for leaves. These are vine-leaf rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, but Irene also adds some local herbs. Before heading to the nearby beaches in the morning, I always popped by Artistiko to ask Irene to save a portion for me. Don’t miss the “fylla,” and make sure to ask for fresh fish.
Hike to the secluded Apitiki Beach
Hiking is hands down one of the best things to do in Kalymnos. Now, combine hiking and beach time, and you have the best of both worlds. The cliffs are impressive, and the trails will lead you to spots of natural beauty. One such hiking trail will take you from the fishing village of Emporios to the secluded Apitiki Beach.
Depending on your hiking pace, you will need between 45 minutes and one hour to reach Apitiki. Before arriving at the beach, you will see another two beaches nearby, where you can, of course, swim before continuing your walk. Apitiki is an isolated beach, and you’ll probably be alone when you arrive there. Having a private beach for the day sounds tempting, right?
Well, there’s more to it. The beach is frequented by goats, playing around, sleeping, and eating. They are friendly, and you won’t be in any danger; in fact, they will most likely start running on the impressive slopes of Kalymnos when they see you. Apparently, there are no facilities, so bring water and food with you.
One thing to keep in mind about Apitiki Beach is that it is exposed to the elements. All you see from the beach is the open sea, and when the winds blow from the north, it will be wavy. In addition, it gets deep quickly, so if you see waves, it’s better to avoid swimming. However, if you can only visit Apitiki on a day with northern winds, do it for the joy of hiking in one of the most impressive Greek islands.
Go on a day trip to Telendos
Telendos is the small island you can see from Myrties, Kalymnos, featuring impressive rock and marvelous small beaches. Although this doesn’t probably sound like one of the top things to do because it’s not on the island, the thing is that you can only reach Telendos from Kalymnos.
The two islands were once connected, but a major earthquake in the area split them. Since then, Telendos is a standalone island located just 700 meters away from Kalymnos. From the little pier at Myrties, the fishing boats travel every half hour between Kalymnos and Telendos. Compared to the size and population of Kalymnos, Telendos is a compact island, with only one settlement and a handful of beaches.
Telendos’ easygoing lifestyle and relaxing rhythms will be rewarding, and walking the waterfront promenade will take you to small beaches. Lots of people visit Telendos to swim at Chochlakas Beach or for food in the local tavernas.
If you feel like visiting the small island, I have written a comprehensive travel guide to Telendos.
Explore Pothia Town
Pothia is the island’s capital and port. It doesn’t have the picturesque touch of other Greek islands, and that’s mainly due to its size. With a population of 12,000, Pothia is a self-sufficient town with plenty of things to discover. Unless you arrive by plane, Pothia will be the first and last place to see in Kalymnos.
And here are four things to do in Pothia, Kalymnos:
The Sponge Factory. Also known as Kalymnian Gold, the sponges are a trademark of the island. The local economy still depends on them, and visiting the factory will give you an insight into their production.
The Castle of Crhyssocheria. Built by the Knights of Saint John and dedicated to Virgin Mary, the castle offers spending views of the island.
The Folklore Museum. Get a glimpse of local life unfolding through the centuries by stopping at this charming little museum.
The Monastery of Agios Savvas. Dedicated to the patron saint of the island, the monastery is a cornerstone element of Kalymnian life.
Visit Palionissos Beach
Palionissos is one more beautiful beach in Kalymnos. Although it lies relatively far from the settlements, it only has a semi-secluded feeling due to two tavernas on its edges and a beach bar. Approaching it from above, the scenery will remind you of a natural fjord. Although it doesn’t compare with Vathy, Palionissos combines a nice sandy beach and calm waters.
Spending a day in Palionissos and enjoying the sea is a great experience. Snorkeling in Kalymnos and exploring its sealife is always recommended, and this is a beach for both families with kids and solo travelers. In addition, you can easily reach Palionissos by car: you park at the road’s end and walk five minutes to the seaside.
Not as secluded as Apitiki and not as close to the settlements as Platis Yialos, Palionissos is a beach to enjoy the sea and also the breathtaking landscape unfolding outside of your window.
Enjoy the view from Linaria Viewpoint
Located in the area of Panormos, the Linaria viewpoint is a rock splitting the beach into two parts. When looking at the sea, you’ll have Kantouni Beach on your left and Linaria Beach on your right. The spot is impressive because you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the Aegean Sea.
Although I found neither of the two beaches particularly special, there are two fantastic spots to unwind and enjoy the proximity to the water. Both of them are great ideas for an early evening cocktail, and I recommend enjoying some time there if you visit the viewpoint.
On the side of Linaria Beach, you have Kafes Kai Alati, a nice bar restaurant with great sea views. Very close to it, but this time at the side of Kantouni Beach, you can stop by the Cantina Rock and Blues Pub. That’s a lovely local hangout, serving delicious homemade pizza and fine cocktails. It’s straight beneath the rock of Linaria Viewpoint, and if you feel like sheltering from the sun, it’s a great option.
You can see Kafes Kai Alati on Google Maps here, and you can also see the Rock and Blues Pub here.
How to get to Kalymnos, Greece
Kalymnos has an airport, and that’s a great shortcut if you are on a tight schedule. Of course, you can easily reach Kalymnos by ferry due to the frequent connections to Piraeus Port or the nearby islands of the Dodecanese.
Let’s see how you can book your tickets to Kalymnos.
To Kalymnos by plane
You can fly from the Athens International Airport to Kalymnos in approximately 50 minutes. The journey is short, and the airlines operating the route change frequently. Since this is a small national airport, you should expect smaller airplanes for your trip to Kalymnos. Most of them have either 50 or 70 seats, and the journey is totally safe.
To see the airlines operating between Athens and Kalymnos, visit the website of Kiwi. That’s the best flight aggregator, and it will show you every available route to Kalymnos. You can choose a connection between your hometown and Kalymnos (expect corresponding flights) or from Athens to Kalymnos.
To Kalymnos by ferry
The ferry will definitely give you more options, but you should also expect longer travel times. It’s fairly easy to reach Kalymnos from other Dodecanese islands like Kos, Rodos, and Leros. However, you should not expect connections to the smaller islands.
You can, of course, travel between the port of Piraeus and Kalymnos, but be prepared for a long journey. If you decide on that, it makes sense to book a cabin (read here my cabin review) to get proper sleep and arrive relaxed on the island.
To find and book your ferry tickets to Kalymnos, head over to the Ferries in Greece website. They will show you every available route to the island, and you’ll see its cost, too.
And here are some indicative times for traveling to Kalymnos:
- The journey from Piraeus to Kalymnos takes 11 hours.
- On the other hand, from Rhodos to Kalymnos, you’ll need between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the ferry’s itinerary.
- From Kos to Kalymnos, it takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Finally, you can travel from Leros to Kalymnos in 1 hour.
Where to stay in Kalymnos
During my Kalymnos vacation, I stayed in two different settlements. Since I wanted to explore the island and make the most of my stay, I split the days between Masouri and Emporios. When choosing my accommodation, I wanted to have proximity to the sea combined with easy access to the best things to do in Kalymnos.
Massouri and the nearby Myrties are the most tourist-oriented settlements on the island. Their beaches are organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and various bars and tavernas. You can expect some nightlife in both locations and several options for food. I won’t lie: Masouri and Myrties didn’t particularly impress me.
I also stayed in Emborios, and there I found paradise on Earth. Emporios is a tiny fishing village consisting of a short beach promenade with three tavernas and a cafe, and some scattered houses behind it. The promenade beach has some sunbeds, but the other beaches nearby offer a raw experience. And that’s my kind of place.
The accommodations
I was lucky enough to have fantastic accommodations in both settlements.
In Masouri-Myrties, I stayed at Climbers Village. That’s a fantastic small hotel overlooking Telendos and featuring spacious rooms with beautiful verandas. I loved my stay there, and the personnel was always ready to help. The only drawback (which is often the case in Masouri) is that you must climb down dozens of stairs. It was approximately 100 steps to reach the main street, and the tough part was the return to the room after dinner. If this doesn’t matter to you, you can’t go wrong with Climbers Village. You can book your room at Climbers Village here.
In Emporios, I stayed in a beautiful house overlooking the village’s bay. It was spacious and clean, and there were no drawbacks. The fishing village is small anyway, so you could reach the promenade where the tavernas and the tiny mini market are in less than a minute. You can see the Perfect Escape in Emporios here.
Since I spend many days at Emborios, I can also recommend the following accommodations:
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Kalymnos.
Frequently asked questions about Kalymnos
In the final section of this travel guide to Kalymnos, I will reply to some frequently asked questions about the island. These are things that every traveler to the island will find useful, and you should consider them as travel tips. If you have more questions, feel free to write a comment at the bottom of this post.
What is Kalymnos famous for?
Kalymnos is famous for its sponge divers and magnificent landscape. If you’re into rock climbing, a few places in Greece can beat Kalymnos. Various teams offer classes for beginners and advanced climbers, and your accommodation can provide you with more info.
Where can I rent a car in Kalymnos?
Your best option to rent a car in Kalymnos is to head to Rental Cars and search for a vehicle. Rental Cars aggregate prices from local and international companies and offer you the best results. Renting a car in Kalymnos will make your life easier because the bus runs only a few times per day.
You’ll have the option to pick up your car at the Kalymnos airport, at the Pothia port, or any of the settlements.
Is Kalymnos a party island?
Although you can find bars and a few clubs, Kalymnos is not really an island for wild parties. There is, of course, nightlife, and the island is lively, but don’t expect Mykonos-level parties.
Can you drink the tap water in Kalymnos?
No. You can’t drink tap water in Kalymnos, but it’s totally safe to shower or brush your teeth. However, you should buy water bottles from the local mini-markets. The water in Greece is valorized, so a small bottle should never cost more than 50 cents in any place.
Is Kalymnos expensive?
Compared to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese islands always feel cheaper. I found Kalymnos to be moderately priced. The food quality was great, and the same goes for the accommodations. Overall, Kalymnos is reasonably priced for what it offers.
What time of the year is best for visiting Kalymnos?
July and August tend to be hot in Kalymnos, as it’s the case with Greece in general. Shoulder months, like June, September, and October, are probably the best time to enjoy the island. The water is warm, the temperatures are usually pleasant, and it won’t be crowded.
Does Kalymnos have an airport?
Yes, Kalymnos has an airport. However, it is a small national airport, so don’t expect direct flights from European destinations. Your best option is to fly to Athens and, from there, get a corresponding flight to the island.
Is Kalymnos safe?
Kalymnos is a totally safe destination. You should use common sense when swimming or driving, but other than that, you’ll have no issues in Kalymnos, even if you decide to stroll around at 3 am in the morning.
Things to do in Kalymnos: Conclusion
Kalymnos is a fascinating Greek island full of activities and places to see. Although I focused on 7 unique things to do in Kalymnos, there are plenty more to enjoy while vacationing on the island. The combination of rocky landscape and crystal-clear waters make Kalymnos a fantastic destination for your summer holidays.
The local architecture consists of whitewashed houses, and the inhabitants are ready to share their love for the island. The fact that there are non-tourist places on the island means you can easily isolate yourself and enjoy a relaxing holiday. I had a fantastic time in Kalymnos, and Emborios is one of the places I daydream of returning to. Last but not least, the proximity to Telendos is great plus because you can visit a second island without a long journey.
Enjoy Kalymnos!
More about the Dodecanese: Nisyros guide, Tilos guide, Astypalaia guide
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this travel guide about the best things to do in Kalymnos with your friends.
Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos