Description of Kalymnos

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Kalymnos is the sponge fishing island and an uprising summer destination among the islands of Dodecanese. The economic growth of the sponge diving has now declined and the place of the Kalymnian Gold has taken tourism. There are hotels, apartments and restaurants for the visitors of the island who usually visit Kalymnos summer after summer.

Geography of Island

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Kalymnos spans an area of 134,5 sq. km. with a total population of 16.441 residents. The islands closer to Kalymnos are Leros on the north, Pserimos and Kos on the south. On the east there are the Turkish coasts of Bodrum.

History of Kalymnos

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Kalymnos fought against the Persians and then the Macedonians but then fell under the rule of Romans and after the Byzantines. In the 13th century the Knights of Rhodes occupied Kalymnos till the 16th century when Turks came until 1912 when Kalymnos was conquered by the Italians till 1943. The island was occupied by the Germans for two years until it finally joins Greece in 1948 with the rest of the Dodecanese Islands.

Sightseeing on Kalymnos

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Although there are many nice beaches around Kalymnos, you have to visit the islands Telendos and Pserimos. There is boat connection from the port of Pothia. Both of the islands are the ideal places of a day trip for swimming, sunbathing and good food. On the hill above the village of Pothia, the monastery of Saint Sava is perched offering great view. Since 2000, Kalymnos has become famous as a destination for rock climbing. There are new routes every season, so it is wise passing by the office of the Outdoor Athletic Association in Myrtes, to be informed about them and get a map.

Local Products of Kalymnos

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Natural sea sponges are sold everywhere on Kalymnos. There is also fresh fish and seafood.

Getting to Kalymnos

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By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens.

Best time to visit Kalymnos

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From April to September. There are spectacular Easter festivities and if you visit Kalymnos for climbing spring and autumn are the best seasons to do so.

Useful Phone Numbers on Kalymnos

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Police: +30 22430 22100
Port Authorities of Kalymnos: +30 22430 29304
Airport: +30 22430 29265
Hospital: +30 22430 23025