ISLAND

Kalymnos: The island of sponges

Kalymnos is the fifth largest island in the Dodecanese, with 109 square kilometers area and is situated between Kos and Leros, 206 miles north of the port of Piraeus. Capital and port of Kalymnos island is Pothia.
Surrounded by a large number of small islands of which are uninhabited, important are Glaronissia the Calabria, residential Telendos, islets Waters, St. Nicholas and St. Andrew, back, Pserimos is the largest of all, and finally Pitta and Kalolimnos.
The residents are mostly on fishing and sponge, while only the recent years tourism has increased significantly as more and more people are choosing Kalymnos to swim in the deep blue seas, to wander the quaint streets of, to discover yet unexplored locations on the island, and all those under the Greek - traditional hospitality.

Kalymnos or Pothia

The town of Kalymnos Pothia is the capital and the port of the island. Considered one of the major ports of Greek islands and one of the nicest and most picturesque capitals in the Dodecanese. Pothia is built amphitheater, perched on the mountainside. Many of the homes are neo-classical, and there are several houses built with Venetian architecture by the Italians in the period 1930-1935. Among them, the Province and City Hall. Here is the heart of the island since here you can satisfy all your needs. At the perimeter of the harbor you will find cafes, restaurants and taverns and also, all types of hotels and apartments. Dominant role in the market town play the sponges that are everywhere because there are many local vendors who takes you on a tour of the magical world of marine biota.

If you're for beach:
In Pothia you will swim in the pebbled beaches of Therma and Bridge, which are famous for their clear waters. The beaches are organized and have the opportunity for water sports and water games.
From the port start the fishing boats that make you a tour around the island. You will have the opportunity to see amazing sights and magical beaches. Also, you can visit the small islands of Telendos and Pserimos.

If you're for exploration:
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Be impressed by the marble reredos, which has been painted by the famous sculptor Giannoulis Chalepas from Tino.
Ruins of ancient city's and the ancient cemetery, with the carved tombs,placed in the area of Damos.
Cave of the Nymphs or the Seven Virgins at the foot of the mountain Flaskia. The name is owed to the seven young virgins, who according to folklore, resorted to it to avoid capture by pirates, but eventually lost in it.
Ruins of a Venetian castle Chrissoheria, built on the foundations of an earlier Byzantine fortress. Within the walls of the castle you will see the church of Panagia Chrissoheria.
Archaeological Museum in the suburb of Agia Triada. Hosts remarkable finds from the Neolithic Age to the Roman.
Maritime Museum where you will see mostly exhibits from the life of sponge and customs of Kalymnos.

Masouri

If you're for beach:
Masouri is a popular tourist resort of Kalymnos. Port area is the stunning resort beach, which is considered the most beautiful of the island. Located 9 km from Pothia. As you swim in the vast blue waters of this beach you can admire the view across of the small islands. Within walking distance is the beach Armeos with it’s special wild beauty which is ideal if you're looking for quiet and privacy.

If you're for exploration:
Church of Kastelli, built near the ruins of the castle Castelli.
In Massouri there are many hotels and apartments, so you will not have a problem to find a place to stay.

Myrties

The coastal village Myrties, 8 km from Pothia, located on the northwest side. The region is popular to the  tourists, as they can go with fishing boats to  the neighboring island Telendos.

If you're for beach:
Myrties have a beautiful pebble beach, which is visited every year by thousands of tourists.

If you're for exploration:
Church of St. John in a position Melitsaha.
The area is well developed. It has hotels and apartments and you will have no problem to have your drink and have fun at one of the cafes in the area.

Telendos

The small island Telendos, it is situated opposite the beaches Myrties and Masouri. In ancient times it was connected to Kalymnos. On the 6th century, however, after a powerful earthquake, a part of the island was cut off and created the island Telendos. Here is a small village with white houses of traditional architecture and a few residents who are mainly occupied with farming.

If you're for beach:
You can reach Telendos by boat and enjoy the wonderful beach, which is characteristic for it’s dark - almost black - sand.

If you're for exploration:
Remains of a Byzantine castle and the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen.

Pserimos

Pserimos is larger in size than the small islands that surround the island of Kalymnos. Situated between Kos and Kalymnos and you can reach it with excursion boats, operating regular daily flights. The island is ideal for a short getaway.
You can swim in the beautiful beaches and admire the unexplored-present - beauty. You can also enjoy the delicious recipes from the traditional kitchen of the island. If you finally decide that you want to sit just above the quiet island, you will find a few rooms, so it is advisable to ensure your stay.

Chora

The first capital of the island, where Kalymniotes for avoiding invasions of the pirates, moved there  so they could be away from the sea. Located 3 km from Pothia located on the west side of the harbor. In the region of the settlement are some of the major attractions of Kalymnos.

If you're for exploration:
Beyond Castle situated on a hill that rises on the right side of the village. Built during the Byzantine era was inhabited until the 18th century.
Church of the Virgin Mary full of grace, which is dedicated to the Assumption. The old cathedral of the island boasts a wooden temple, and has great historical significance for the island. The church is the Greek flag, was raised in 1948 that marked the union of Kalymnos in Greece.
Remains of the ancient temple of Apollo Kalydnaiou dating from the Hellenistic period. Several architectural members of the church used as building materials for the construction of the church of Christ in Jerusalem said that it was built by Saint Helen.