Kalymnos is island of the Dodecanese and offers an authentic, unpretentious Greek island experience

This well-hidden jewel may not be the first island that comes to mind when planning your Greek escape however, Kalymnos (Κάλυμνος) is the fourth largest island of the Dodecanese and offers an authentic, unpretentious Greek island experience.

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Not to mention it has a rich history spanning centuries, a notable mention in the Homeric epics of ‘The Iliad’, a tradition and continuous lineage of sponge divers, and nowadays, is one of the world’s most desired rock-climbing destinations. Need we mention more?

Here are our tips for this idyllic island:

How do I get there?

There is a direct Athens -> Kalymnos flight, almost everyday of the week. The journey will take approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, holidaymakers can catch a daily flight from Athens -> Kos, then a short ferry ride across to Kalymnos. Ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) -> Kalymnos. This ferry route operates twice a week.

Accommodation

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Kalymnos accommodation ranges from hotels, holiday studios and private homes and apartments available through platforms like Airbnb and Tripadvisor. Our pick of the crop are 2 very contrasted accommodation offers, the ubercool Kastelli Blu Residences and the Apxontiko hotel, a traditional hotel at Kalymnos port.

Kastelli Blu Residences as the name suggests are located at the northwest point of Kalymnos at Kastelli. The two luxury villas have their own unique personality and style. A trailblazer on the island, Kastelli Blu Residences are the ultimate private retreats. Other accommodation offers have attempted to emulate the design and style of the 2 villas however they pale in comparison, unable to capture the soul of what makes these 2 properties unique. Kastelliblu.com