Matt Munro
Rugged Kalymnos is characterised by its dramatic mountains that draw hardy climbers from all over the world. Its western flank is particularly spectacular with skeletal crags towering above dazzling blue waters. Surprisingly for its rocky landscape, it cradles a couple of pretty, fertile valleys with bee boxes and olive groves. The enticing, car-free islet of Telendos is immediately offshore, a mere 10 minutes in a water taxi.
While its sponge-fishing heyday is long past, Kalymnos remains inextricably entwined with the sea, particularly in its capital and main ferry port, Pothia, where statues of Poseidon and an historic diver survey the harbour.
In recent years, the island's activities have expanded from climbing alone. Add to this diving, plus hiking and a host of interesting little museums and cultural experiences, and you begin to see why Kalymnos is now on the Greek islands must-visit list.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kalymnos.
Museum
This unorthodox collection is the life's work of a local Kalymnian man, Stavros Valsamidis, who for 48 years undertook private dives, and amassed items from the ocean floor. The 17,000 objects span from archaeological amphorae (all registered), shells, corals and WWII artefacts. Prized possessions include items from the Middle East that had clearly been pillaged by pirates. Stavros is no longer alive but these days, his son promotes what Kalymnians relate to best: the sea.
Museum
This private folk museum, located on the road past the turn-off to St Savvas, southwest of Pothia, is choc-a-block with old costumes, household goods and artefacts from the late 19th century, plus local furniture to help you imagine island life in the twentieth century. The English-speaking owner will run you through the highlights. Far from old and dusty, this interesting spot provides an excellent context to your island surroundings.
Museum
Kalymnos’ modern Archaeological Museum is tricky to find, hidden in the backstreets behind the eastern end of Pothia’s waterfront. It’s worth the effort to enjoy beautifully displayed ancient artefacts dating as far back as 5300 BC. There’s some remarkable glassware and gold jewellery, but the highlight is an exquisite, larger-than-life bronze statue of a woman from the 2nd century BC. Swathed in a chiton (tunic), she was discovered underwater off Kalymnos in 1994.
Museum
On the central waterfront, this is more of a collection than a museum. The nautical section focuses on sponge fishing, displaying mighty stone weights used by ancient divers and haunting photos of their 20th-century counterparts wearing early-model diving suits. Many divers suffered terrible injuries before the bends (decompression sickness) was understood. The folklore section holds a few costumes and furniture.
3:07