Kalymnos Holidays

Beyond climbing, Kalymnos has something for everyone. The island has several beaches such as Masouri with crystal clear waters and sunbeds to relax on, offering a tranquil and peaceful escape. Seeking a bit of adventure? The island's rugged landscapes make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, diving and kayaking are all popular activities with scenic trails and peaceful coves to explore. 

Kalymnos also offers a rich cultural experience, with a deep history rooted in sponge diving, which you can learn about at the island’s Sponge Museum. It also has an interesting history as it is the home of a clifftop medieval castle and the ruins of a fortified mountain village abandoned in the 18th century. 

Setting it apart from the other more famous Greek islands is its authentic, unhurried atmosphere. Fewer tourists mean you can truly relax and enjoy the island's charm. Not forgetting its incredible local cuisine that has something for everyone, especially any seafood lovers. 

Whether you're looking to explore its natural beauty, dive into its culture, or simply unwind by the sea, Kalymnos has something for everyone.

It’s a warm, dry island with a Mediterranean climate which means lots of sunshine and a pleasant breeze to stop it getting too hot. Kalymnos enjoys an average of 300 hours of sunshine for every summer month – that’s May to September.

In July and August the thermometer will be in the low 30s at peak times but the clear blue Aegean Sea will be beckoning - and comfortably above 20 degrees. Even in May and October it should be warm enough to enjoy a meal outside in the evenings.

Very little rain falls between May and the end of August.  The spring and late summer months are popular for hikers and climbers. The months between November and March are the wettest.

There is a rock climbing festival in September or early October and a diving festival in July. Kalymnos is proud of its festivals and its folklore traditions. Here are three of the more unusual ones.

Bonfires are lit on beaches and in town squares on June 24 to celebrate the birth of St John the Baptist. Brave locals jump over the flames chanting a rhyme dedicated to the saint.

A sky-high panigiri, an ancient cultural festival, is staged on the summit of the highest mountain on July 19. The feast of food, music and dancing on 2,200-foot high Profitis Ilias goes on all night. A steep path leads to the summit from the village of Chora.

A festival is held to celebrate the tsabouna, a type of Greek bagpipe. Music, feasting and dancing goes on late into the night in the village of Argos. It happens after the island marks the feast day of St Panteleimon, its patron saint and the saint of healing, on July 26-27.

A network of roads connect most of the resorts and villages and many of the beaches. They may be narrow and twisty in places but the roads make it easier to explore lovely Kalymnos in many different ways.

Hire a vehicle:  Cars, motorbikes, moped, scooters, quad bikes and bicycles can all be hired in Pothia, the capital, and the main tourist resort of Masouri. An appropriate UK driving licence will be sufficient in 2020. Some rental businesses insist on customers having held a licence for at least a year. Some want car hirers to be at least 21 years old. Mountain bikes are also available to rent. 

Buses: There’s an inexpensive and regular bus service which covers a large part of the island. A service between Masouri and Pothia runs every hour during the day throughout the summer. The bus stops right beside Masouri beach

Taxis: They are mainly based in Pothia but travel all over the island and some drivers will act as tour guides (in English) if required. A shared taxi service operates between Masouri and Pothia, which reduces the cost if you don’t mind sharing with strangers.

Boats:  Sea buses link Mirties and Masouri with the small traffic-free island of Telendos, about 10 minutes away, and Pothia with Pserimos, another island. That’s a 50-minute voyage. Boats and water taxis run from the resorts to other beaches around the coast. Vessels from canoes to cruisers can be hired.