KALYMNOS

Kalymnos, also known as the island of the sponge divers, is an island with a rich past as well as a wealthy natural reserve. Belonging to the Dodecanese island complex, it is situated between the islands of Kos and Leros. It covers 110 sq.km of beautiful territory, and has a population of about 16500 inhabitants. The presence of man on the island is first noted in the prehistoric age. In historical times, the island became a member of the Athenian Alliance. In 144 BC the Romans destroyed it, and from there on, it plunged into darkness, suffering a lengthy period of pirate raids followed by Turkish occupation. In the Greek War of Independence the islanders contributed heavily to the Greek fleet, but they finally managed to throw off the foreign yoke in 1948. There are many significant monuments and natural spectacles spread all across Kalymnos, including the medieval ?Castle of Chrysoheria?, the magnificent caves of ?Kephala?, the castle-monastery of ?Panagia Kyrapsilis? in Vathy, the cave near the church of Aghios Ioannis, the Daskalio Cave,  which was inhabited during the Prehistoric era, the hidden caves in the area of Emboreio, the ancient Metropolis of ?Panagia Kecharitomeni? in Chorio, and the Byzantine ?Pera castle? in the same settlement. There are also the picturesque port of Rina, the reclusive beach of Armeos, the islets of Pserimos and Telendos, and the ?neighborhood of Christ? in the capital of Pothia. Both the Archaeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum exhibit significant findings. Pothia, the capital of the island offers shopping places, transportation networks, tourist services offices, accommodations, and entertainment. The areas of Massouri, Panormos and Chorio also offer competitive services and facilities. Most major beaches afford water sports facilities and crystal clear waters. Traditional local festivals and feasts offer fun, excitement, and cultural insight. The local populace is hospitable, and their cuisine is delicious. No visitor should leave this island with at least a few natural sponges, the major traditional product of Kalymnos and the main occupation of its inhabitants for centuries. Flights are carried out from Athens to the island of Kos from where there is a ferry-boat service to Kalymnos. There is a direct ferry-boat service from Piraeus throughout the year. Alternative tourism options include spiritual, ecclesiastical, congressional, cultural, archaeology, gastronomy, ecotourism, agrotourism, caving, sporting (water sports, sailing, scuba diving, mountain climbing, trekking).

Usefull Telephones: 

Kalymnos Area Code: 22430-

Police: 22430-29301

Municipality: 22430-59141, 59147

Port Police: 29304

Telecommunications Org.: 22430-29599

Post Office: 22430-28340

Hospital: 22430-23025

Pharmacies: 22430-23959