Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a Greek island in the southeastern Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It lies close to the Turkish coast and northwest of the island of Rhodes, with Kos to the north and Telendos nearby. The island covers a modest area and features a rugged interior with limestone hills and numerous coves and beaches along its coast. The main settlement and administrative center is Pothia (Kalymnos Town), which hosts the ferry port and local government services. The population is concentrated along the coast and in small mountain villages, with Greek and regional traditions shaping its culture.

Historically, Kalymnos is known for sponge diving, a once-dominant local industry that declined in the mid‑20th century as synthetic sponges entered the market. Today the economy relies largely on tourism, including summer beachgoers, cultural visitors, and climbing enthusiasts, as well as fishing and small-scale agriculture. The cultural landscape preserves maritime traditions, traditional architecture, and religious sites, along with a small museum that highlights sponge diving.

Kalymnos has gained international recognition as a sport climbing destination, featuring thousands of routes across limestone crags in areas such as Massouri and surrounding villages. The warm, sunny summers and mild winters attract climbers year round, contributing significantly to local tourism.

Transportation is by ferry to and from nearby islands such as Kos, Rhodes, and other Dodecanese destinations, with a regional airport serving seasonal air traffic. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.