Kalymnos Maps

Kalymnos is an island in the Dodecanese, located between Kos and Leros in the southeast Aegean Sea. The island covers 43 square miles and has a population of approximately 16,000 residents. Pothia (also known as Kalymnos Town) serves as the capital and main port, built amphitheatrically around the harbor with colorful neoclassical houses.

The island is internationally famous for its traditional sponge diving industry, which dates back centuries and reached its peak in the early 20th century. The dangerous profession, which involved diving without equipment or later with primitive diving suits, resulted in many casualties and disabilities among divers. The Sponge Museum in Pothia documents this heritage. Although the industry declined due to disease affecting sponge beds and competition from synthetic sponges, natural sponge harvesting continues on a smaller scale.

In recent years, Kalymnos has gained recognition as a world-class rock climbing destination, with over 3,000 routes attracting climbers globally, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons. The island features dramatic limestone cliffs, particularly in the Masouri and Arginonta areas. Traditional settlements include Chorio, the former capital, and Vathy, a scenic fjord-like valley on the east coast with citrus groves and the Cave of the Seven Virgins.

The Facts:
Region: South Aegean.
Regional unit: Kalymnos.
Cities: Kalymnos, Pothia, Chorio, Emborios.
Population: ~ 16,000.
Area: 52 sq mi (134 sq km).