Kalymnos Greece
The Year Round Island

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It has over 15,000 permanent inhabitants and at least half of those live in the magnificent capital, Pothia. It’s approximately 60 miles north-west of Rhodes, sits very close to the Turkish coast and of course it's only a hop, skip and a jump to Pserimos,which is worth a trip for a day or two.

In Pothia during the summer, the holiday maker can catch a boat to Bodrum on a return trip ticket.

Shopping is great in Bodrum and it is known as a place to make some your finest purchases, perhaps. If you want value for money, it is a great day trip

Kalymnos Greece (Kalimnos) is known as the island of sponge divers. Historically, the economy of the Greek Island was based on sponge diving, but alas, the industry in recent times, has all but disappeared, though many fisherman travel to other places on the coast of Africa to collect sponge to sell throughout the year.

As a consequence of the loss of sponge diving to the fishermen, the island opened its borders to tourism. Kalymnos Greece (Kalimnos) remains a working island and the inhabitants have kept their traditional way of life, along with their many customs, which is why it makes the island unique with lots of atmosphere and Greek charm.

Along with tourism, came the need for improved travel services. Additional buses, taxis and ferries are needed during the summer months. Of course, it didn't simply mean resolving the problems of their own services, they had to coordinate the facilities of the island to island services.

Tourists to the islands love to have their excursions and they can't resist the urge to go and see what's on the island they can quite often see on the horizon from their hotel rooms.

More recently the island has developed as an attractive spot for rock climbers. It is said, by the many climbers we talk to that every climber in the world has either been rock climbing, or wants to rock climb, in Klaymnos Greece (Kalimnos).

A Rock Climber Having Some Serious Fun!

Visiting Kalymonos Greece (Kalimnos) island gives the traveller the opportunity to ‘get a taste’ of traditional island life.

There are caves to be discovered, fabulous beaches to be explored and an abundance of unspoiled scenery where you can still see why the island's honey ‘cottage industry’ thrives, producing some of the finest produce in the world.

Kalymnos Greece (Kalimnos) is by no means overrun with tourists, as yet.

This is mainly because the island has had no airport until recently, and most people have to arrive by ferry. I really don’t know why so many people are put off by the thought of a ferry ride; we always consider it a joy to catch the ferry at Mastichari in Kos.

It’s a total stress-buster and by the time you arrive in Kalymnos Greece (kalimnos) you are in holiday mode almost immediately. On the other hand, we quite often feel sad on our return trip, at having to leave such a wonderful place.

But, as the saying goes, 'it is better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all'. These are our sentiments as we leave each and every one of Greece's heavenly islands.

Kalymnos Beaches are pebbly and sandy, and some of the beaches can be enjoyed by yourself if that’s what you want to find. The landscape of the interior is, in large parts, infertile granite, though many of the island's valleys are as lush and green as you will find anywhere in the Greek islands.

There is also plenty of wonderful wild herbs growing on the rocky landscape of the island.

The valley of Vathy in the south is a veritable oasis and haven for the fruit lover; it’s here where the islands farmers grow fresh fruit and vegetable in great quantity.

It’s a safe marked area that’s used by people of all ages and swimming is made easier by the steps down into the water put there by the island’s council.

Kalymnos Greece,feels ‘raw’ and people seem to either love it or hate it. Though not a particularly small island, much of Kalymnos is barren and inhospitable mountain. However, those that do take to the island are fiercely positive about its attributes and return year after year, with a lot of them also buying holiday homes there.

Despite its size there are a limited number of resorts for the summer tourist to enjoy. Although this could change quite soon because there are new roads being built which will open the east coast which until now has been virtually uninhabited. Conversely, the resorts on the west coast are a little busier.

There are some fantastic restaurants and tavernas to enjoy and the prices are very reasonable. Our particular favourites are Stelios and Maria's place in Massouri square, George and Maria's Aegean Tavern and Mikes's (pronounced - Meekez) newly acquired Archipelago Restaurant, all of which are in the area of Massouri.

When staying on Kalymnos their is a varied selection of hotels and very reasonable apartments and studios, which range from comfortable hotels to very reasonable apartments and studios. If you like the idea and flexibility afforded by studio accommodation, but would like a few added extras like a great breakfast in the morning or cocktail lounge bar in the evening, we highly recommend Nefeli Bar & Studios

Alternatively, you might be looking for full-blown hotel accommodation, where you have access to a great restaurant so that you don't have to go too far for your evening meal. If so, you could no better than consider the Themis Hotel and restaurant situated right on the beach in Myrties.

Or, you could go to the end of the island, (well as far as the road goes) to the very tiny, but delightful village of Emporios and treat yourself to a very special place which has been taking regular guests fo a long, long time. The only problem is that you have to book early so as to avoid disappointment, because regular guests return year after year. It's Harry's Paradise Restaurant with Rooms, located within a stones throw from the beach.

Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets over the tiny island of Telendos – some say they are on a par with those of Santorini.

There is a magnificent beach at Emporios and, as already discussed, a charming resort at Vathy but, other than that, Kalymnos Greece consists of craggy, grey rock that is a magnet for climbers and those who enjoy a rugged landscape as opposed to a ‘pretty’ one.

It is said that every rock climber in the world has either been to Kalymnos, or intends to do so at sometime in the future; such is the attraction of this island, Kalymnos Greece.

The rocky interior is crisscrossed by deep, attractive green valleys that walkers find very enjoyable. There are many tracks to discover and in the heady aroma of thyme and oregano there is no better way to enjoy your day, particularly in the cooler months of April, May and June or September through to November.

Despite its few shortcomings there are plenty of alluring features to make a stay in Kalymnos, Greece especially memorable.