Kalymnos is a mountainous island in the Dodecanese, north of Kos. For centuries its wealth was sponge diving: Kalymnian divers went down to great depths as far as the coasts of Africa, at enormous risk. The Maritime Museum and the sponge shops of Pothia tell the story; at Easter and at the end-of-summer festival the departure of the fleets is remembered.
Since the 1990s its limestone walls have made it one of the world's most famous sport climbing destinations, with thousands of bolted routes around Masouri and Armeos and an international festival. Opposite Masouri the islet of Telendos (a few minutes by boat) has a few houses, tavernas and Byzantine ruins; by tradition it broke away from Kalymnos in a 6th-century earthquake. The fjord of Vathy, green with citrus groves, is the island's most striking spot. Beaches: Myrties, Masouri, Emborios, Platis Gialos.
Between Kalymnos and Kos lies Pserimos, a small island with a sandy beach and a few dozen inhabitants, popular for boat trips.
Getting there
Ferries from Piraeus (about 10-13 hours), from Kos (frequent boats from Mastichari) and Rhodes. A small airport has flights to Athens.