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 Kalymnos is famed for the quality of its natural sponges. Few people however still engage in the rather dangerous occupation of deep sea diving for sponges and the rugged terrain and mountains has created a new found fame which has made Kalymnos the main attraction in the Aegean for rock climbing, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.
 Arriving in Kalymnos, one is welcomed by Pothia, the mermaid on the rocks and by the beautiful houses with their multi-coloured window shutters. The church of Sotiras on the beach is of particular interest. Its restoration is a work of art by Giannoulis Chalepas with icons and murals made by local artists.
The sponges for sale at tourist shops and at the quay give Kalymnos its distinctive stigma. Don't forget to pay a visit to the workshops where the sponges are treated. Of great interest are also the exhibits of the Archeological Folk Art Museum.
 From Pothia, one can reach the cave of Kefala which is of archeological interest and is wonderfully decorated by nature with huge stalactites.
Near the town is the castle of Chrysocheras built by the Ioannite Knights upon ancient and Byzantine ruins and has the church of Chrysochera within its walls.
 Chorio is the old capital. The Knights of Saint John have left their marks here as well with the re-enforcement of the Byzantine Pera Castle. At the church of Panagia Kecharitomeni, the Greek flag was hoisted for the first time in 1948, proclaiming the union of Kalymnos with the rest of Greece. The cross road ends at the site where ancient Argos was probably situated. Here at the site of Damos (meaning municipality in the Doric dialect) the ruins of an ancient town have been found. Lying near each other are the settlements of Panormos, Myrties and Masouri with beautiful shores and and a picturesque view of the islets lying opposite.
 Arginontas, Skalia and Emporios are peaceful coastal villages. In antiquity, Emporios had been a commercial centre due to its naturally protected harbour. At Skalia there is a very fine cave called Daskalio, where findings of great archeological interest have been discovered. At Arginontas one can discover a series of isolated beaches with sea stones and rocks.
Vathi is a quaint little village situated at the innermost area of a very narrow bay where the sea penetrates deep into the land. A small valley behind the little harbour of Rina gives the scenery a very special charm. It stretches as far as the area of Stimenia where findings have been excavated, proving that it had been inhabited since neolithic years. A provincial road from Vathi ends at the Monastery Castle of Panagia Kyra Psili, bursting with myths and local legends.
Islet of Pserimos
The larger islet near Kalymnos is Pserimos and it receives its visitors at the little quay in front of the one and only settlement. Its advantages are the beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters along the whole islet. Those who prefer really peaceful and quiet holidays can stay in the few rooms that Pserimos offers for rent. |
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Dry -
mostly cloudy
- thunder; Cumulonimbus clouds, towering cumulus clouds observed |
| Temp.:
15.0°C | 59.0 °F
Hourly
Fluctuation (0.0 °C/hr)
Humidity: 82 %
Wind: 5 bft - S
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01:30 AM
(GMT+2) -
06/01/09 |
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