Kalymnos Beaches
Kalymnos is a beautiful island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the extreme western part of Greece just off the coast of Turkey.
An island still intact, where traditions, uses and customs reflect the typical mentality of the Greek Islands most influenced by the nearby Middle East. Kalymnos is well known for its famous sponge fishermen who have been involved in this particular collection for centuries as well as being a true "Mecca" for lovers of free climbing so much so that every year a beautiful event is organized which attracts lovers of this sport from every part of the globe.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kalymnos is also perfect for a holiday dedicated to gastronomic delicacies, remember that in the past it was only fishing that gave sustenance to the inhabitants who still today, even if in small numbers, dedicate themselves to this activity, making it one of the islands where you can taste the best fish-based cuisine.
But let's talk about its many beaches, some wild, others more "modern" where everyone can find their dimension.
Therma Beach
Therma beach, we find it in the southern part of the island not far from the capital Pothia. Despite its proximity to the main port where you arrive when you decide to visit the Kalymnos island, its clean and crystalline waters are a real invitation to dive. Its name is not given by chance, the beach can be considered a real open-air spa and, not indifferently, completely free. In this area under the sea there are thermal springs rich in minerals such as chlorine, potassium, sodium and many other elements which are a real therapeutic benefit for many pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis or forms of dermatitis. The water reaches 38 degrees and it is a real pleasure to take a bath! Therma beach, given its comfortable and warm waters, is frequented not only in summer but also during autumn, while the more adventurous make use of it even in winter. A small pebble coast with some rocks in some places with a wonderful but immediately deep sea that also attracts diving enthusiasts. There are not exactly many sunbeds and umbrellas so as always the rule of first come first served is valid.
Atki Beach
The small Akti beach, instead we find it in the southern part on the western side more or less from the wonderful fjord of Vathy but we will talk about it later. A bay made of small pebbles bathed by transparent and clear waters so as to seem almost a natural swimming pool. The colors of the sea vary from blue to turquoise and its depths become deep after a few steps so be careful if you have children or if you are not expert swimmers. A desert landscape with only a couple of tamarisks, a few sunbeds and umbrellas and a classic rumpus room behind you where you can satiate yourself with local delicacies or classic Greek cuisine. Reaching it is not difficult, the only thing is the steep road both downhill and uphill which practically crosses the entire promontory, very feasible on foot and even with a scooter (we recommend a 125). The goats are nice and without fear of the human being they wander around free and maybe they will even be able to come close to you and why not lie down on the bed with you.
Vathy Fjord
The scenic Vathy Fiord can be found about thirteen kilometers north-east of the capital Pothia in the middle of an arid and mountainous territory. This is the most fertile part of the Kalymnos island where lush orange, lemon and mandarin trees grow as well as many wild herbs. A village with a few houses, a few small shops, a couple of taverns and cafeterias where you can spend a day relaxing with the passing of time so slow and idle as to be almost annoying. In reality there is no beach, the Vathy Fiord offers a small corner of paradise right where its port is located, full of boats and activities to discover the natural beauties of the surroundings. A sort of natural swimming pool where you can dive for a regenerating bath where, despite the comings and goings of caiques and boats, it offers crystalline waters with a thousand shades that go from emerald to turquoise. A rock formation on the right allows the more daring to try their hand at spectacular dives. For those who love to swim or paddle, just behind the rock there is a small lagoon called the "blue lagoon" due to the magnificence of the colors of the sea. Arriving from the sea, the landscape leaves you speechless, it almost seems to enter a Norwegian fjord with high cliffs on the sides which, like guardians, seem to want to protect the area. A visit is a must during your holiday in Kalymnos!
Platis Gialos Beach
Platis Gialos beach is in the northern part of the Kalymnos island on the western side and is considered one of the most beautiful ever. We find the capital Pothia in a northwesterly direction about seven kilometers away. In the vicinity of Platis Gialos beach also called Platis Yialos in Greek, you will come across the Panormos village one of the most popular and touristic centers of Kalymnos. Immersed in an environment full of pine trees, it offers several coasts for a wonderful day at the beach as well as delightful taverns where you can put your legs under the table and satisfy your palate. But let's go back to Platis Gialos, a coast of soft and warm black sand given its volcanic origins bathed by transparent and clear waters of an intense blue surrounded by steep rocks that protect it like an embrace and almost isolate it from the world. From here, in addition to enjoying a perfect sunset to melt even the coldest souls, you can also see the Agios Kyriaky islet. It is only partially equipped but the beauty is certainly also its wild soul while to eat or drink something there is an old tavern that you absolutely must try. Reaching Platis Yalos is very simple, take the road that leads north following the road signs.
Kefira Beach or Gefyra
Kefira beach also called Gefyra is found less than three kilometers from Pothia just before Therma beach. A small bay gathered with a beach of small stones bathed by a clean and clear sea with colors that go from emerald to electric blue. High cliffs embrace it thus sheltering it from the winds where a few solitary shrubs give visitors shade during the hottest hours of the day. It is very popular with locals due to its proximity to the capital and also for the quality of the sea which attracts not only normal bathers but also lovers of diving and snorkelling as the rock formations on the sides give a wonderful opportunity to explore the underwater world . It is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, not many also given the limited space, while for a drink or something to eat there is a small bar that will save you from stomach pangs and thirst. Above the shoreline on the mountain, cute little goats will watch you from above and cheer you with the tinkling of their bells.
Palionisos Beach
The beautiful Palionisos Bay together with its beach, we find it in the north east side of Kalymnos about 25 kilometers from the capital Pothia. Reaching it is a pleasure for the eyes as the recently built road offers wonderful views. In the past, to reach Palionisos bay, you had to either get there by boat from Rina, or take a long walk which, all in all, is not that bad as an alternative if you are a lover of trekking and nature. A small expanse of pebbles bathed by transparent and intense blue waters, a small, quiet and solitary lost paradise where you can relax and fill your stomach in one of the two typical taverns, each one on the two sides offering delights with still ancient flavors. No sunbeds or umbrellas are organised, just a few trees for those who come first to shelter during the hot sunny days. For hiking lovers, a path that leads to the Sikati Gorge is an attraction for climbing lovers who gather on this beautiful island full of opportunities for this type of sport.
Myrties Beach
Myrties beach is located in the southwest part of the Kalymnos island and is one of the most touristic areas. Opposite, the mysterious Telendolos island (snail-shaped) separated from the island during the earthquake of 553 BC which generated a narrow gorge of about seven hundred meters. The coast is made up of small white pebbles with a sea of iridescent colors that go from emerald to deep blue to green with a seabed that descends slowly, therefore perfect for families with children. If you are not a fakir and have sensitive feet, we recommend a pair of rock shoes so you can fully enjoy this corner of relaxation. In the northern part, the large rocks protect it from the winds, making it the most suitable area for a good swim or to try your hand at snorkelling in search of the underwater world. For the more daring, on the left side a cave to be discovered. Being a part dedicated to tourism, it is well equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, while in order to eat something you will have different choices among the taverns that surround the area. For a trip to Telendolos about every half hour during the summer season there is a boat that ferries back and forth thus giving the opportunity to go and visit this small piece of land where you can relax on the beach or go to discover the island and still stop to eat in one of the fish restaurants right on the sea. From Myrties beach you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Dodecanese!
Massouri beach SO
Massouri beach together with the Myrties beach, constitute the most developed coastline for tourism that goes as far as the Kalymnos island. We find it about nine kilometers from the capital Potia and can also be reached by public bus if you opt not to rent your own vehicle. A beach of volcanic sand and rocks (just think that there was once a small volcano right here) bathed by clean and crystalline waters so much that the little fish reach the shore, a seabed that descends slowly for the first few meters but then becomes a little insidious because of the sea currents that take you offshore in no time. It is super equipped, perhaps one of the most complete in Kalymnos with sunbeds, umbrellas and water games where you can challenge friends and have fun with the family. As for the gastronomic offer, also in this case you will not be left on an empty stomach, taverns, restaurants, mini markets, bars, in short, for all tastes and budgets. The Massouri area is much loved by climbers for its famous walls where you can climb and enjoy a breathtaking view. Do not miss the Kastelli fortress, a symbolic place for having given refuge and saved the inhabitants of Kalymnos in the 11th century during the Turkish occupation of Selcuk.
Arginonta Beach
Arginonta beach, also called Arghinoda beach, is located in the northwest part of the island of Kalymnos about fifteen kilometers from the capital Pothia. A picturesque bay full of thick and luxuriant vegetation that almost seems like a mirage since most of the Greek Islands during the summer take on more of a lunar landscape rather than fertile valleys, where you can relax and enjoy so much goodness from Mother Nature. The beach is made up of small white pebbles so for the more delicate the rock shoes are a must, a sea that is always calm with a turquoise color which together with the colors of the surrounding landscape almost looks like a painting. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a small bar for something quick to eat while, if you really want to sit down and enjoy a complete meal, behind the coast is the homonymous village which offers typical taverns and restaurants for all tastes. In Arginonta it is also possible to find perfect accommodation for those who want a totally relaxing holiday by leaving the house, taking a walk and lying down on the beach. It can be reached independently or by public transport which connects it to the capital.
Kalamies Beach
We find Kalamies beach in a north-easterly direction just before the village of Emborios more than twenty kilometers away from Pothia. It is considered one of the most isolated of Kalymnos and offers moments of pure relaxation in contact with nature. A beautiful bay that protects the area from strong winds which surrounds it like a tender embrace with its high rocks covered with verdant vegetation which, in contrast with the colors of the sea and the beach, offer serenity and peace. The coast is of sand mixed with small stones, the waters that bathe it are clear and blue, the seabed descends slowly, therefore ideal for families with children, those who love long swims and snorkelers so, don't forget fins, mask , snorkel and an underwater camera. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas with palm leaves and a tavern with tables still directly on the beach that serves delicious dishes of classic Greek cuisine. Canoes and kayaks will be at your disposal for free to venture into the discovery of this sleepy bay.
Vlychadia Beach
Vlychadia beach also called Blycadia beach, we find it in the south-east area not far from the capital Pothia we are talking about six kilometers. Wedged in its homonymous bay, it offers a fantastic landscape made up of promoters that shelter it from the winds, a coastline actually divided in two where on one side it is completely free while on the other you will find a beach bar offering delicious snacks. Part of the beach is sand, the rest is made up of small white pebbles, a sea with shades of blue and turquoise and with calm waters that almost give it the appearance of a large lake, with a gently sloping seabed, perfect for families with children. It is not equipped but a row of miraculous trees will be able to shelter you during the hottest hours of the day. Behind it is his small village with some lodgings and a few taverns where you can eat good fresh fish. Definitely an ideal stop for snorkelers due to the richness of fish flora and fauna and for those who love scuba diving thanks to its diving center where you can take courses and explore the wonderful Kalimnian waters. Worth seeing as an alternative to pure idleness on the beach is the private Museum of marine finds and about two kilometers southwest towards Vothinous, the beautiful Kefalas cave with an area of 1000 square meters divided into six spectacular rooms with huge stalactites. For those wishing to admire this natural gift, there are boats from Pothia every day or if you love walking, a path that passes from the church of Agia Ekaterini to the monastery of Agion Panton dear to the inhabitants as Agios Savvas took monastic vows.
Agios Soulas Beach
The reserved Agios Soulas beach, we find it only two kilometers away from the capital Pothia in a westerly direction. A small hidden paradise that still retains its extraordinary natural beauty made of a sandy beach bathed by a sea with crystal clear and intense blue waters where young and old can spend a wonderful day at the beach between relaxation, nature and fun. It is not equipped everything is still in the wild and that is precisely why it remains one of the last untouched corners of Kalymnos. Numerous paths branch off from the Agios Soulas beach which are a great opportunity for walkers to explore the countryside of this multifaceted island.
Kantouni Beach
Kanotouni beach is located in the southeast part of Kalymnos Island about five kilometers from Pothia and just five hundred meters from the picturesque Panormos village. It is the favorite place for the locals who storm the beach during the weekend for a quiet day at the beach where you can also savor dishes of the classic Greek cuisine based on very fresh fish in the numerous taverns just behind the beach (know that Kalymnos lives still fishing and there are many inhabitants who are dedicated to this activity bringing high quality and above all fresh fish every day). A coast of sand mixed with pebbles of a dark color given its volcanic origins, a calm sea thanks to the rock formations that surround it with colors ranging from turquoise to deep blue with seabeds that offer snorkelers moments of pure exploration of the fauna and of the fish flora. It is obligatory to bring fins and a mask! Kantouni beach, thanks to its majestic cliffs, is also a very popular place for climbers who can try their hand at climbing where they can enjoy a fantastic panorama. It is not equipped, everything is free, you can spread out your towel where you feel most inspired and for the shade, just arrive early and take possession of the trees that surround the coast. The Kantouni area is also an entertainment area where especially young people gather for a crazy evening! For a break from the sun, you can take the path that leads to the Monastery of the Cross Agios Stavros right on the top of the mountain where you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
Linaria Beach
Linaria beach is not so far from Kantouni beach, it is just further south less than a kilometer always on the west side. The coast of sand mixed with pebbles is characterized by high cliffs overlooking the sea that surround the beach. Clean waters with an intense blue color that only in Kalymnos can you find where to relax and make interesting underwater explorations to meet the rich marine activity of the area. The mountains behind, on the other hand, are full of excursion routes for trekking and mountaineering lovers, breath-taking panoramas and direct contact with unspoilt and wild nature. The beauty of Linaria beach is the many offers between cafes, bars and local taverns where you can stop and taste the local specialties while contemplating the sea. For a moment of culture, the Marine Life Museum where you can admire the history, traditions and all the arsenal of sponge fishermen activity which dates back centuries and which places Kalymnos among the most important islands for fishing of these beings. living.
Melitsahas Beach
We find Melitsahas beach about halfway up the Kalymnos island on the west side about seven kilometers from the capital Pothia. Not far from the lively Myrties village. A long sandy coast mixed with some pebbles bathed by a clean, crystalline sea with iridescent blue colors with a seabed that descends after about three meters. A small oasis of relaxation where you can spend a pleasant and peaceful day at the beach surrounded by a few tamarisk trees where you can shelter during the hottest hours. It is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, as always the first-come-best-served rule applies, but it will still be pleasant to spread out your own towel where you feel more at ease. As for the gastronomic offer, there are small traditional taverns, some Kafenion a must in Greece or really old-fashioned little bars where you can meet the locals and get lost in their stories. The area also offers accommodation opportunities with apartments and small family-run hotels. Perfect for those who want peace without giving up essential services and a sea that no one can envy.
Emporios Beach
Emporios beach or also called Eborios beach, is right in the northernmost part of Kalymnos Island on the west side about twenty kilometers from the capital. Emporios in Greek means trade and I know this name due to the fact that in ancient times it was an important commercial center. A village with a still intact flavor made up of small white cubic houses that intersect in labyrinthine streets (throughout Greece the old villages all have the same characteristics as they are often under siege by pirates and the reason for all these mazes was precisely being able to better protect themselves and be able to save themselves), some colorful flowers which, like a painting, enliven the environment. Emporios beach and its village are enclosed in a small bay surrounded by high rock formations, a real treasure for snorkelers who can get lost in the exploration of the fish fauna and flora. A coast of small pebbles scratched and shaped by the wind and the sea, crystalline blue waters with a seabed that drops quickly so if you have small children and you are not skilled swimmers, keep an eye out. It is equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, but for those who like to wake up late, they can always lay out their towel where they prefer, perhaps under a providential tamarisk tree to shelter from the hot Greek sun. When stomach cramps start to make themselves felt no problem, some typical tavern rather than a cafeteria or bar will know how to quench your hunger. For a moment of respite from the sun and beach life, you can visit the old fort dating back to the Hellenistic period, the Kastri (Greek castle) of St. George still well preserved with its mighty walls and its two towers. Reaching Emporios is not difficult, if you are independent, head north-west following the road signs, alternatively from the main seaside resorts there are bus lines. Always keep an eye on the timetables.