Kalymnos (Kalimnos) Island Guide: Climbing, Beaches and Nature on the Sponge Island

Located in the Aegean Sea, Kalymnos (also known as Kalimnos or Kelemez in Turkish) is a beautiful island belonging to Greece’s Dodecanese (12 Islands) group. Known as the “Sponge Island,” Kalymnos has become one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. Compared to nearby Kos, it offers a quieter, more authentic, and adventurous atmosphere.

Traveling from Turkey is easy with a Turgutreis Kalymnos ferry ticket. During the summer season, regular Turgutreis Kalymnos ferry services operate, allowing you to reach the island in approximately 45 minutes. For your return journey, Kalymnos Turgutreis ferry connections are also available.

General Information About Kalymnos

Location: Aegean Sea, approximately 30–45 minutes by ferry from Bodrum
Connections: Ferry links to Kos, Leros, Patmos, and other Dodecanese islands
Main Port / Capital: Pothia (Kalymnos Port)

Pothia is the main arrival point of the island, featuring ferry docks, restaurants, cafés, and traditional sponge shops. It is lively yet not overcrowded, maintaining its charming harbor-town atmosphere.

The History of Kalymnos – The Sponge Island

Kalymnos has been famous for sponge diving since ancient times. The traditional free-diving method known as “skandalopetra” is an important part of the island’s heritage. Sponge divers worked in deep waters under risky conditions, often facing serious dangers such as decompression sickness.

Today, sponge trading continues mainly for tourism.

Places to Visit:

• Kalymnos Nautical Museum

• Traditional sponge workshops

• Natural sponge shops in Pothia

Kalymnos Climbing Routes

Kalymnos is internationally renowned for its more than 4,000 sport climbing routes. Its limestone cliffs and tufas provide excellent options for both beginners and advanced climbers.

Popular Climbing Areas

Arginonta Valley & Arginonta
Ideal for beginners (5c–6a), shaded and easily accessible.

Grande Grotta
Famous cave-style tufa routes with 7a+ difficulty levels.

Telendos Island
Accessible by boat, offering spectacular sunset views.

Panorama, Odyssey, Iliada
A variety of routes across different difficulty grades.

The best climbing seasons are spring and autumn.

Kalymnos Beaches

Kalymnos beaches are mostly pebbled but feature crystal-clear waters.

Top beaches include:

• Platis Gialos

• Massouri & Myrties

• Kantouni

• Linaria

• Emporio

• Arginontas & Palionisos

Things to Do in Kalymnos

• Explore Pothia Harbor and sponge shops

• Visit Agios Savvas Monastery

• Discover Chryssocheria Castle

• Visit Archaeological and Maritime Museums

• Take a boat trip to Telendos Island

• Hike through Vathy Valley

Turgutreis and D-Marin Connection

Turgutreis is an important holiday destination on the Bodrum Peninsula and one of the most convenient departure points to reach Kalymnos.

D-Marin Turgutreis

• Capacity for 500+ yachts

• Luxury restaurants and boutiques

• Blue Flag award-winning marina

• Superyacht-friendly infrastructure

During the summer season, you can reach the island in approximately 45 minutes with a Turgutreis Kalymnos ferry ticket. Daily Turgutreis Kalymnos ferry services provide fast and comfortable crossings between Turkey and Greece. For your return, Kalymnos Turgutreis ferry routes are available.

Since ferry schedules may vary seasonally, checking updated departure times before your trip is recommended.

Conclusion

Kalymnos is a perfect destination for travelers seeking climbing adventures, peaceful beaches, and an authentic Greek island experience. With a Turgutreis Kalymnos ferry ticket, you can reach the island quickly and enjoy a unique blend of nature and culture.

If you are looking for a different Aegean route, Kalymnos is waiting for you.