The history of Kalymnos is parallel to the history of the other Dodecanese islands. Kalymnos has been inhabited since pre-Minoan times. During the Archaic period, the distance of the Dodecanese from Athens gave autonomy to these islands, including Kalymnos, and freedom from imperial Athens. With the rise of the Macedonian Empire, Kalymnos, as well as the other islands of the complex, joined it. After the death of Alexander the Great, one of his successors, PtolemyI of Egypt, took control of all the islands of the Dodecanese. During the Early Byzantine Period, Kalymnos flourished, but from the 7th century AD, the invaders took advantage of its vulnerable strategic position. In the 14th century, the Knights Hospitaller ruled Kalymnos, as did all the Dodecanese, and built Chrysocheria Castle on the island to protect it. In 1522 the Ottoman occupation followed and ended in 1912, with the arrival of the Italians. When the Italians surrendered, the Germans and the English fought to take control of the islands of the Dodecanese, causing great damage and suffering to the population. Kalymnos joined the newly built Greek state with the rest of the Dodecanese in 1947. In the 1960s, the economy of Kalymnos, based on sponge fishing, gradually began to decline and many of its inhabitants emigrated.
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From | To | Fare Type | Dates | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
FromAthens (ATH) | ToKalymnos (JKL) | One-way / Economy | Depart 24 December, 2024 | From €107* Seen: 41 minutes ago |
FromMilan (MXP) | ToKalymnos (JKL) | One-way / Economy | Depart 08 February, 2025 | From €160* Seen: 20 hrs ago |
FromThessaloniki (SKG) | ToKalymnos (JKL) | One-way / Economy | Depart 11 January, 2025 | From €102* Seen: 2 days ago |
FromRhodes (RHO) | ToKalymnos (JKL) | One-way / Economy | Depart 21 December, 2024 | From €87* Seen: 12 hrs ago |
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Explore the city of Kalymnos
Airport
Kalymnos Airport (JKL)
Kalymnos 852 00
Destination
Kalymnos is the fourth largest island of the Dodecanese and is surrounded by small, harsh rocky islets, other uninhabited and others, such as Pserimos and Telendos, with few houses, rooms to let, unique restaurants but - above all - wonderful nature and enchanting landscapes. But what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kalymnos? Of course the sponges! The tradition that the island has in sponge fishing goes back many years and, although the sponge divers of those times no longer exist, Kalymnos has remained known as "the island of sponge divers".
Kalymnos is a rocky island, with rough scenery, hills and mountains, ideal for climbing. It is considered one of the top climbing destinations in Europe, with many climbing clubs established on the island. In addition, every year it hosts the International Climbing Festival, attracting climbers from all over the world.
Of course, every climb must end with a dip in the sea. And in that part, Kalymnos will satisfy you. Masouri, Myrties, Panormos, Kantouni and Linaria are just some of the beaches, which with their blue waters will give you unique moments of relaxation. And for a sea experience with a spin, try Platys Gialos, with its black volcanic sand. Apart from swimming, the seas of Kalymnos offer the perfect scenery for diving - sponges, sea anemones, octopus, starfish, fishes and other magical creatures of the sea open their home and invite you to admire them!
And in terms of food, Kalymnos will surely amaze you! There are many taverns on the island and so many delicacies waiting to be tasted! Whether you prefer seafood or meat, the menu is for all tastes, with local dishes that will delight you and make you feel the taste of the whole island in a single bite!
The history
Sightseeing
Vathy
Vathy is located in the middle of an arid and mountainous location, 13 km northeast of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. The valley of Vathy is a truly green oasis within the barren land that surrounds it. Its magnificent houses stand on the slopes of two hills while a small part of the settlement stretches in a verdant valley that extends to the natural bay. The bay of Vathy is so narrow that it is characterized as a Greek, island fjord! There you will see a picturesque port full of fishing boats and tourist boats that make daily trips to some of the most interesting sights of Kalymnos. You will also find many fish taverns, where you will enjoy the delicacies of Kalymnos.
Chrysocheria Castle
The Chrysoheria Castle is located on the top of a hill overlooking Chorio, the ancient capital of Kalymnos. It is near the cave of the Seven Virgins and was built by the Knights Hospitaller, who ruled the island from the 14th to the 16th century, in order to fortify the city and protect it from potential conquerors and pirate raids. This castle was inhabited until the 18th century. Today, the well-preserved church of Panagia Chrysoheria, the Virgin Mary with the golden hands, is still hosted inside. Apart from this church, in the castle you will see other chapels, some ruined fortifications and ruins of an ancient temple, the temple of Didymoi.
Telendos
The islet Telendos is located along the northwest coast of Kalymnos, opposite the village of Myrties and is separated from Kalymnos by a channel 700 meters wide. In antiquity, Telendos was part of Kalymnos, but was detached from it due to a huge earthquake in 535 AD. Telendos may be a barren island, but it offers a unique view to its visitors. Its permanent residents are no more than 50 and they all live in a small fishing settlement. Telendos will give you its wonderful harbour, picturesque taverns, a few rooms to let and two wonderful beaches, one of which hosts nudists. You can go by small boats that serve the island from Myrties and the journey takes 10 minutes.
Local gastronomy
Fylla
Fylla is the Kalymnian version of the dolmades and, believe us, they are as delicious as the stuffed vine leaves that we all know! They consist of vine leaves and a filling of beef and pork minced meat, rice, onions, tomato, salt and pepper. You can also find them without minced meat. Once the vine leaves are filled, they are placed very neatly in a pot and covered with broth or water and lemon juice. They are then cooked until the leaves and rice are tender and as soon as they are ready, they are served with yogurt.
Useful information
Police: +30 22430 22100
Airport: +30 22430 48600
Bus: +30 22430 51760
Taxi: +30 22430 50300
Hospital: +30 22430 23025
Port: +30 22430 24444
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