Kalymnos Things to do

Rock-climbing
Since the late 1990's, the scenic and mountainous island of Kalymnos has become an extremely popular destination with rock-climbers, due to its rugged and dramatic landscape. The craggy limestone cliffs offer spectacular conditions, with their highly-accessible formations of numerous caves, holes, rifles and stalactites, which, paired with magnificent views and glorious weather, attract many enthusiasts every spring and autumn. 

Walking and hiking
From gentle coastal strolls to strenuous mountain hikes, Kalymnos offers plenty of opportunity for walking and hiking. The small and scenic island is full of many trekking routes, and with fertile green valleys, idyllic fishing villages and craggy mountain peaks, picturesque and unspoilt Kalymnos is perfect for exploring on foot.

Water sports
With a typical Mediterranean climate with gentle breezes and warm clear seas, Kalymnos offers great conditions for beach-based activities. Featuring wind-surfing, sailing, fishing, canoeing, pedalo and motor-boat hire, the beaches are ideal for a variety of water-sports, as well as a haven for relaxation. 

Scuba-diving
Kalymnos is home to a rich and varied underwater scene, with the clear blue waters of the Aegean full of marine life, reefs, caverns and wrecks. The rocky coastline around the island is popular with everyone from snorkellers to advanced scuba-divers, with schools offering plenty of courses and trips, and even teaching traditional methods such as freediving.

Day trips and excursions
As well as the many idyllic beaches and traditional towns and villages, other places of interest to see on Kalymnos include the charming port town of Pothia, the old capital Chorio, the Church of St John the Baptist, the caves at Kefala and a trip to the island of Pserimos.

Festivals
Boasting a unique and ancient sponge diving history, the island still celebrates the departure of the fishermen every year with the Sponge Week Festival just after Easter. Although the industry is not as commercially important as it once was, it remains an extremely symbolic and traditional event, with the island enjoying a week-long celebration of food, drink and dancing.