Kalymnos Island holidays

Welcome to this dinky Dodecanese island that's a playground for outdoorsy types. There are rugged mountains for the climbers, sapphire seas for the divers and lush valley paths for the hikers. Sunbathing more your sport? You'll find secluded coves and sandy stretches dotted around Kalymnos. And you’ll be surrounded by other gorgeous Greek islands, so if lots of exploring and ticking off as much as possible are high up on your agenda, then you’ll love it here. When it comes to dining and nightlife, you can expect that renowned Greek charm and to-die-for dishes.

Popular Kalymnos Island Holiday Resorts

Massouri

Sitting on the western edge, Massouri is home to the most popular beach on Kalymnos Island, which is located off the coast of Kos.

Myrties

The village of Myrties on Kalymnos takes its name from the many myrtle trees that you’ll see in the surrounding area.

Panormos (Kalymnos Island)

In a lush green setting on the western side of Pothia Valley, Panormos is among the most popular sites on Kalymnos.

Zephyros Hotel Kalymnos

Myrties, Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 26 reviews

Modern style
Close to the beach
Great for exploring
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Kantouni Beach Boutique Hotel

Kantouni, Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 330 reviews

Beachfront hotel
Fantastic sea views
Great for couples
Peaceful atmosphere
Spacious pool area with Bali beds

Elena Village

Massouri, Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 150 reviews

Gorgeous sea views
Fantastic pool area
Small and Welcoming

Philoxenia Hotel Kalymnos

Massouri, Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 139 reviews

Traditional Greek style
Small and Welcoming
Family run

Kalydna Island Hotel

Panormos (Kalymnos Island), Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 98 reviews

Great pool area
Family-run hotel
Traditional charm

Carian Hotel

Massouri, Kalymnos Island

Our rating

Based on 113 reviews

Close to the beach
Fantastic pool area
Magnificent sea views
Modern decor throughout
Excellent resort centre location

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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hrs

Local beer

£3.80

Meal for two

£55.50

Average flight time

4.5hrs

Sponge-fishing heritage

In its heyday, the island of Kalymnos was most famous across the Mediterranean for sponge-diving and sponge-fishing. It had long been a common occupation for locals to get into and was one of the main sources of income. Today, you can still purchase these locally grown sponges, see divers in action and learn all about its fascinating history.

Boat trips aplenty

Thanks to its great location between the islands of Kos and Leros, you’ll be in a prime spot for exploring the glittering Aegean with ease. Calm and car-free Telendos is only a ten-minute boat ride away to the west or you could hop on a ferry and explore pretty Pserimos. Head to Pothia’s main ferry port and the world’s your oyster!

Beaches

The island is ringed with a captivating coastline and with that comes blissful beaches. Some are quiet and secluded so ideal if you want peace and privacy, and some are bustling and full of life! Think water sports, waterfront bars and plenty of loungers.

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Platis Yialos Beach

Kalymnos Island

Close to the village of Panormos, you’ll find this serene beach spot with powdery black sand and bright-blue water. There’s a handful of loungers available to hire or you can just lay out your towel...

Gefyra Beach

Kalymnos Island

Boasting an unusual location under a bridge, this cute pebbled beach is somewhat of a hidden gem, loved by the locals. It’s wrapped by rocks, trimmed with trees and shows off the most tempting...

Sights

On a holiday to Kalymnos Island, you can stroll ancient castle ruins and follow in the footsteps of people who lived here thousands of years ago. Admire natural beauty spots, including Kefalas Cave and the island of Telendos. You’ll want your camera to hand to capture these stunning spots!

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Agios Savvas Monastery

Kalymnos Island

High up on a hill above Pothia Town, Kalymnos’ capital, sits this pretty church. Made of stone with a red tiled roof and dome, it’s dedicated to Agios Savvos, the island’s patron saint. The...

Chrysocheria Castle

Kalymnos Island

Want to peel back the layers of Kalymnos’ history? Make a beeline for these magical castle ruins. You’ll find them on top of a hill, overlooking the village of Chorio, the island’s ancient...

Activities

Keen to explore all that the island has to offer? There are plenty of outdoor adventures and activities for you to get stuck into here. From walking and hiking to some of Kalymnos’ most-picturesque locations, to heading offshore on a boat trip and browsing the fascinating museums!

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Yoga retreats

Kalymnos Island

If you’re looking to do your downward dog with a view, then you’ve come to the right place.

Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos

Kalymnos Island

From the prehistoric to the post-Byzantine era, this fascinating museum housed in a traditional Greek mansion boasts all kinds of antiquities and artefacts. Think marble sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, coins...

Eating and drinking

It doesn’t get much better than gorgeous Greek cuisine and Mediterranean dishes and on Kalymnos Island, it’s all here by the bucket load! Fresh-as-it-gets fish and seafood are served up in waterfront restaurants and the dessert offering is pretty spectacular too!

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Aegean Tavern

Kalymnos Island

For all things traditionally Greek, head down to Aegean Tavern. It’s right on the seafront in Massouri, so you’re guaranteed stunning sea views and the chequered tablecloths and pretty flowers set...

Albus Cocktail Bar

Kalymnos Island

An extensive cocktail menu, idyllic sea views and a lively atmosphere – what more could you want? This cool cocktail bar is over on the west coast, close to Platis Yialos Beach, and is one of the...

Shopping

While Kalymnos isn’t famed for its shopping scene, there are still plenty of quaint boutiques and souvenir shops for you to have a nosy in. Pick up traditional handmade trinkets to take home with you as well as the natural sea sponges that the island is renowned for.

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