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Kalymnos

Travel Guide Europe Greece South Aegean Dodecanese Kalymnos

Introduction

Kalymnos

The quiet and undisturbed Kalymnos is one of the best Greek islands to live on. Previously the island was best known, because tourists from Kos took over on day trips to enjoy the peace and buy the famous natural sponges. But today there are many who come here for a vacation with peace and beautiful scenery.

At first glance, Kalymnos look quite harsh, but when you come around a little, then you discover that the landscape becomes more varied. At the coast cliffs plunge abruptly into the sea, and among them there are small, fine bays, where you can bathe. In the fertile valleys grown lemons, mandarins and wine are grown, and the air hums with bees, which brings together the famous kalymnos honey.

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Geography

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Cities

Pothia is the main town on the island and it is there you will arrive with the ferry.

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Sights and Activities

Savas Monastery

Savas Monastery - Located behind the woods, stands a large cross, a symbol of Kalymnos. In the monastery today live about eleven nuns. You can visit it, but think of being properly dressed, that is: have the knees and shoulders covered.
Mandarin Valley - The only place on Kalymnos where there is agriculture, due to a large irrigation system. In the fertile valley mandarins, oranges, lemons, olives and vegetables are grown. The city of Vathi is located at one end of the valley, right by the sea.
Pera Kastro Castle - Located high up on the mountain in Horio. It is Byzantine and was built in the 10th century. Later came the knights, and built on. Inside the castle are nine small chapels, which are guarded by Horios women.
Virgin Mary Church - Was formerly the island's cathedral. Fantastic murals and a very fine chopped altarpiece. The Church's six pillars oringally stood in the ancient temple of Apollo outside the town of Hora.
Apollo Temple - The island's ancient temple which was demolished to provide building material for the two Christian churches. Therefore, there no ruins remain, but the area is being dug out, and they still makes new discoveries. Located outside the city Horia.
Kefala Cave - Located on the southwest side of Kalymnos, is 80 metres long and has an area of a total of 1,000 m2. The cave has six chambers. In the largest of them is a huge stalagmite that resembles Jupiter, sitting on a throne.
The cave at Skalia - The island's finest cave, but also the most inaccessible. A road there in two places is very steep down hill leading to the cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is located on the mountain near the town Skalia.
Chrysoheria - Medieval castle, built by the English crusading knights to protect the harbor. In the wall is engraved a shield from Genoise Vignolio, which was the last Byzantine governor of the Dodecanese. The castle is situated on a hill by the main road to Pothia.

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Events and Festivals

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Weather

kalymnos church

Weather on Kalymnos is sunny and very warm with temperatures between 30 °C and 35 °C from June to September. Thunderstorms can sometimes lead to slightly lower temperatures. Furthermore, the sea breeze along the coast of Kalymnos brings a slightly lower temperature. Inland it is also hot in the beginning of september, but later more pleasant with temperatures between 25 °C and 30 °C.

In October and November Kalymnos gets more cool and unsettled weather. Generally, the winters are mild, but cold air from the north occurs, sometimes with snow. The weather stabilizes quickly in spring and from april is it mostly sunny with a few local showers.

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Getting There

By Plane

Kalymnos Island National Airport (JKL) only has flights to/from Athens.

By Boat

To get to Kalymnos you need to take a ferry from Mastihari on Kos island. The trip to Pothia on Kalymnos takes approximately 1 hour.

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Getting Around

By Car

You can rent a car or otherwise a scooter to get around. Taxis are fairly expensive.

By Bus

There are only two bus routes on Kalymnos. One goes from Pothia to Kastelli. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday continues two of the trips to Emborios. The second line goes between Pothia and Vathi. Both lines run the same route back and forth. Buy tickets before you get on the bus. In Pothia bus station is located at City Hall near the port.