A Greek island of barren rock, golden beaches and tiny green valleys. Kalymnos lays in the cuddle of the Aegean sea, the sea that was its life blood for thousands of years.

The island is famous for its spongedivers, the "sfougarades", (photograph on the left). Sponge-fishing means a yearly excursion to the seas off the North African coast. Sponge-fishers of Kalymnos leave with their boats every spring. Their departure is a moving and important event and is accompanied by glamorous religious ceremonies. After five months' hard work sponge-fishers return to the island. The whole island puts on festive dress and prepares to celebrate the return of the sea- beaten sailors.

Kalymnos or Pothia, the island's capital, is amphitheatrically built, and descends to the port like a multicoloured torrent of bright houses, churches and belfries. On the coast lies the church of Jesus Our Saviour; its interior is decorated with murals and old icons painted by local artists. The temple has been constructed by Giannoulis Halepas, the famous Greek sculptor. With the city as a base you can visit the wonderful countryside and villages

In the southwestern part of the island you can find the cave of Kefala (or Trypa), with its stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the caves of the Seven Virgins (or Cavern of the Nymphs) at the foot of mount Flaska. In the SW of the island you will find the cave of Scalia the Therma - radioactive springs (about 1 km south to the city) are recommended for the cure of many illnesses. Therma is equipped with modern bathing facilities, specialised personnel and rooms for visitors. Horio, the old capital of the island, is built at the foot of the medieval castle. Around Horio the remain ruins of the church of Jesus of Jerusalem , built towards the end of the 4th century AD, can be found. To the southwest are the monasteries of the Evangelist and St Catherine, both equipped with hostels for visitors. On the 27th of July, the island celebrates the feast of St Panteleimon with parties, folk dances and songs.

Along the island's western coast there are many places beauty - Linaria and the villages Myrties, and Masouri.

With it's tiny bays and surrounding islands, Kalymnos is ideal for amateur fishermen, and its transparent seas are ideal for scuba-diving enthusiasts. Visitors of Kalymnos also have the chance to taste traditional local dishes: "lei", "mirmizeli", "psises". From Kalymnos you can easily visit the nearby tiny islands of Telendos and Pserimos, which offer idyllic sites for swimming and fishing. For those cruising the Greek islands yacht refueling stations can be found in Kalymnos.

Kalymnos is one of the most interesting islands of Dodecanese.The island is also called "Nisi ton Agalmaton" (island of Statues), because its many statues by the sculpture Mihali Kokkinos and his daughter Irinis Kokkinou-Lalopoulou.

Beaches

Night Life

For night entairtenment in Pothia there are bouzoukia, discos, bars and a cinema. Restaurants, taverns, discos and bars are also available in Masouri and Mirties.

 For suggestions or comment please e-mail me on: konv@octa4.net.au