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I enjoy island hopping around Greece, and Kalymnos is quite convenient in terms of location, because you can visit here while travelling around the islands between Kos and Chios. You can also get to Kalymnos on a day trip from Kos. However, Kalymnos port town is not the best place to visit. It is noisy with traffic, almost all the food on offer at the harbour front consists of chips and dodgy burgers, and even the seafood and Greek restaurants are terrible. My partner and I have never succeeded in both having a pleasant meal at the same sitting. It just doesn't feel like authentic Greece to me. I've been to Kalymnos twice and will not go again. I believe some of the seaside towns to the north of the island are nice, but public transport to them is not very frequent, and the beaches are not very accessible to people with mobility problems, so we haven't been there.

Kalymnos is truly a hidden gem in the Dodecanese islands of Greece, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Known primarily for its world-class rock climbing, the island attracts climbers from all over the world who come to tackle its challenging cliffs and stunning routes. The climbing spots are well-maintained and provide breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Beyond climbing, Kalymnos boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The underwater world is vibrant and full of life, making it a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The island’s capital, Pothia, is a picturesque town with charming streets, colorful houses, and a lively harbor. It’s a great place to explore local shops, enjoy delicious Greek cuisine at the many tavernas, and soak in the vibrant culture. Kalymnos is also rich in history and tradition. You can visit the Archaeological Museum to learn about the island’s past, or explore ancient ruins and historic churches scattered around the island. One of the highlights of Kalymnos is the warm and welcoming local community. The islanders are known for their hospitality and make every visitor feel at home. The annual festivals and events showcase the island’s unique culture and traditions, adding to the rich experience. In summary, Kalymnos offers a unique and enriching experience for travelers seeking adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a climber, a beach lover, or a history enthusiast, Kalymnos has something special to offer.

Kalymnos is a more traditional Greek island, it is free of the hustle and bustle of Santorini and Mykonos style islands. However for a traveller who wishes to enjoy a few slower days on a quad bike or hire car to self pace a 4-5 day experience I can highly recommend Kalymnos.

Amazing authentic, unpretentious island. So much good food and fresh fish available. Captured my heart. A car is best because there are some beautiful villages which are a must to visit whilst exploring this fabulous Greek island as Greek as it gets. Don’t forget to visit Telendos this is a must at least for a great lunch and the beach.

Kalymnos town itself is hot, busy and vibrant. It lacks the polish and charm of Kos town but offers a more authentic experience that's less touristy as a result. It's worth hiring a car to explore the island as it's more attractive than the views from the main town suggest. The beach at Arginonta is worth a stop. Empiricos in the north is very sweet and the drive over the mountain pass to Palionnisos is worthwhile. The small port of Vathys is charming but best avoided at lunchtime when the tourist day trip boats from Kos descend en masse.

We had a short trip to the island, further shortened by the delayed ferry due to bad weather. There is so much to climb on Kalymnos that 1 week is barely enough to scratch the surface, although we did sample some excellent crags, Odyssey and Sea Breeze being particular favourites. So much choice and variety. We stayed in Elies in the interior which was 10 to 15 minutes from the main areas around Myrthies and Masaurie. In hindsight it would be better to stay there, although nowhere is more than 20 minutes drive it feels. Most people use scooters which is easiest to get around. There are some good places to eat in Myrthies but most were closed at the beginning of the season. Fatolitis in Masaurie definitely had the best salads. There was a limited number of vegan options in most places but that might have been partly due to the early season.