Caves of Kalymnos

Seven Virgins Cave: In Pothia. Named by the rumor that seven girls disappeared and died in the cave during their effort to escape from a pirates attack.

Saint Barbara’s cave: In Pothia. Neolithic foundlings.

Kefala’s Cave: Close to Vothini village. The most visited and easy accessible cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

Skalia Cave: The biggest and the most beautiful cave on Kalymnos island known until now as Skalia cave. Easy accessible to the opening but difficult to enter as you have to descend a staircase of about 5 meters, to reach the first level, and another one of about 4 meters to reach the main room . You must be careful on the wet slippery floor. Not to be visited without a professional guide who has been there already and without the appropriate safety equipment.

It is worth it as you will be astounded by the spectacular and huge formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Located close to the street at about 500 meters before Skalia village. Find the pillar, which marks the path to Cave on the street, and follow the path.

Sikati Cave: In Sikati bay. A popular climbing sector.

Daskalio Cave: In Rina (Vathi port). Archaeological foundlings. Named by its use as a “Secret School” during Ottoman and Italian occupancy.

Stimenia Cave: Close to Stimenia Vathy. Explored by Dr. Avagianos team in 2006. Amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Organised excursions can be arranged on request to visit caves with professional guides.

Agios Savvas Monastery

On arriving into the port of Kalymnos Agios Savvas Monastery and Church is on the mountain on the left hand side, standing as a focal point for all to see.  The position alone is magnificent and the sense of peace and serenity is felt once you arrive at the church.

One of the newest contemporary saints of the Eastern Orthodox church, Saint Savvas of Kalymnos (also known as Saint Savvas the New) is the patron saint of the Greek island of Kalymnos, where he lived during the last twenty years of his life as the priest and spiritual father of the nuns of the Convent of All Saints. He was a great ascetic, confessor, icon painter, and miracle-worker. He is one of the recently recognized saints in the Greek Orthodox Church.

He died on 7 April 1947 and his remains were exhumed 10 years later in 1957. The feasts dates of St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos are celebrated on various dates in different traditions, 7 April (25 March in the Old Calendar), and the fifth Sunday of Great Lent with St. Mary of Egypt.

Saint Savvas was born in 1862 in Herakleitsa, Eastern Thrace the only child of Constantinos and Smaragda both devout people, who were very poor. Upon his baptism he was given the name Vasilios.  He later traveled to Jerusalem for a pilgrimage to the holy sites, and his journey started. After many years travelling throughout Greece, looking for a suitable place to stay, in later life he arrived and stayed in Kalymnos.

Numerous miracles and healings have since been attributed to St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos.

Vouvalis Mansion

Pothia

This beautiful neoclassical mansion was owned by Nikolaos Vouvalis and his family, one of the largest sponge traders in the world and the islands most important benefactor. The interior is intact and offers visitors a glimpse into the everyday life of Kalymnos’ affluent upper-class. Walking from the harbour will take you 10-15 minutes.

Archeological Museum

Pothia

The Archeological Museum, next to Vouvalis mansion. The historical and cultural course of the island is depicted on exhibits that include finds from prehistoric times, such as ceramics, inscriptions, copper and marble statues, earthenware, figurines, tools, cult objects and miniature art; also exhibits from the early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine Kalymnos. Among the must-sees are the statue of the clothed Kouros(530 BC), the 2nd c. BC gigantic (3 m. tall) statue of Asklipios with only the upper part remaining(from the waist upwards), and the copper statue known as the “Lady of Kalymnos”.  Walking from the harbour will take you 10-15 minutes.

Maritime Folk Museum

Pothia

It is housed in one of the finest neoclassical buildings of Kalymnos at the harbour and has been open to the public since 1994. Its collection includes exhibits on local maritime history and sponge diving, while hosting several items from ancient shipwrecks. There are also photographs, full traditional diving equipment, sponge processing equipment, even some sponge-diving vessels that were withdrawn from service. In the same building lies the Folklore Museum with remarkable exhibits from the local folk culture.

If Kalymnos sponge-diving traditions and history fascinate you, this for sure is a place for you to visit, easily accessible on the main harbour of Kalymnos.

Kalymnian House

100 mtrs away from Agios Savvas Church

The Traditional House of Kalymnos is a private folklore museum that was established by Mrs Faneromeni Skylla, a woman who is passionate about Kalymnos and wanted to show visitors the traditional life on the island. This museum is located 1.5 km from Pothia Town, on the road to Vothini.

The exhibits include local costumes, bridal dresses, houseware, a loom, a spindle, a hand mill, pottery jugs and traditional furniture, like the krevatos, the large family bed with a baby cot above it. Visitors can also see old coins, books, letters, weapons and swords. The staff of the museum will offer you the local wine anama and bread. They can also inform you about the customs of Kalymnos.

Sea World Museum

Vlychadia

Valsamidi Museum of Marine Life

Set in the resort of Vlychadia, the museum is located close to beach and is approximately 5 kms from Pothia.

This private collector gathered a number of artifacts found underwater, including petrified sponges, enormous fish, and other objects recovered from the sea. German weapons from WW2 and rifles used in other battles are also on display in this stunning museum.

Agios Panteleimon Monastery

Panormos

Agios Panteleimon Monastery can be found in the mountain area of Panormos, the original church was founded after an icon of Agios Panteleimon was found.  The church has now been extended and a church and Monastery built around the original cave.

In the war against the Turks a secret school was founded to teach the Kalymnians about the Orthodox religion and life style.

The Monastery celebrates yearly on the 27th July, with a festival starting the 26th July. Today the church has a theatre outside which holds events such as concerts, plays.

The Castle of Chora

Chora

The castle can be found in the middle of Kalymnos in Chora, with views to the North and South, looking out of villages and the Aegean Sea this is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the Island. Well worth the walk up to.

The Castle of Chora or Great Castle or Paleochora is one of the many famous attractions in Kalymnos. It is situated in the place where ancient Pothia once resided and it is considered as the medieval capital of Kalymnos. The castle takes its final for in 1495 and it was inhabited until 1812.

The castle was initially built by the Byzantines in the 10th century. Later the Knights of St John in the late 15th century gave its final form, in the middle of the 18th century, the risks of being invaded had reduced so at this point houses were built outside the walls which are now the town of Chora, as we see it today.

Telendos

You cannot come to Kalymnos without taking a trip to the small island of Telendos, the idyllic small paradise in the middle of the Aegean Sea is unique, charming and a gem.  Telendos will be in your heart once you visit, so take the time in visiting as once you have been you will for sure go back.  Local tavernas, handmade crafts, beach, churches and much more.