Welcome to Kalymnos
Kalymnos is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese. It is surrounded by quiet islets, some inhabited only by sheep and goats. Others – like Telendos and Pserimos –just have a few houses and tavernas. The Kalymnian landscape is mainly rocky. Its majestic mountains are full of thyme, sage and oregano. Fertile valleys offer a pleasing contrast, especially Vathi with its fiord and groves of citrus fruit.
Kalymnos is best known as the home of the world’s finest sponge divers. Apart from the excellent in quality sponges that can be found in Kalymnos, the islanders also produce pure thyme honey.
Landscapes for walking, clear blue seas for scuba-diving, rock faces for climbing and a warm-hearted hospitality are some of the pleasures that await the visitors.
The origins of the islanders of Kalymnos are lost in the mists of time. Evidence of the island’s prosperity are seen at the ruins in Emporios and Vathi. Later, Kalymnos was occupied by the Persians, the Genoese, the Knights of St John and the Ottoman Turks. In 1912 the Italians took control until nearly the end of the Second World War.
Kalymnos was finally liberated on 31st March 1947 and, along with the rest of the Dodecanese islands, was incorporated into the Greek State.
Kalymnos, is the “proud mother� of great Kalymnian painters. Samples of their work can be seen in the holy Temple of Savior Christ, the cathedral of the island.
Museums and collections in Kalymnos present great interest. The visitor can visit museums and see exhibits related to sponge diving, local traditional costumes, customs and traditions and unique archaeological findings.
There is a huge number of buildings and monuments with rich decoration and elaborate architectural style. Also, there are plenty of religious monuments.