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Janice and I had a lovely relaxing holiday on the Island of Kalymnos with our
son Dylan and daughter Katie in 1996. We booked the holiday through Thompson's
on a destination and accommodation on arrival basis for £110.00
each. Landing at Kos International Airport we were told our destination was the
nearby island of Kalymnos and that we would be staying at Norma's Apartments in
Pserimos. So it was all aboard the coach and a drive to Mastouri where we were
to catch the ferry to Kalymnos. The ferry journey was pleasant and when we
arrived on Kalymnos we were taken on a short bus ride to Pserimos where we were
to stay. We were given two separate apartments which were clean, fresh and
comfortable. It was nice for Dylan and Katie to have their own "place" where
they could chill at their leisure. The beach and sea were only a short walk from
Norma's but to our surprise there were no sun loungers or parasols because the
local felt they lowered the tone, good for them. Scooters were the order of the
week so we hired two turbo's and set about exploring the island, Dylan and Katie
sharing one with me and Janice on the other. I must say that the roads at the
time were not the best, in fact they were pretty dreadful so it was probably
foolhardy to risk ourselves and our children on them but, there were no mishaps
but quite a few narrow escapes. Not recommended!! The restaurants on the
island are excellent with a great choice of European and Greek cuisine. This is
a beautiful island to spend a relaxing week or so but maybe a bit quiet for the
kids, but for me it's idyllic and a place I hope to return to some day.
| This island of barren rock, golden beaches and tiny green valleys owes its
fame to its celebrated sponge fishers. This is the main profession for men on the
island, and the theme for many local dances and folk songs. Sponge-fishing means
a yearly excursion to the seas off the North African coast. Sponge-fishers of
Kalymnos leave with their boats every spring. Their departure is a moving and
important event which is therefore accompanied by glamorous religious
ceremonies. After approximately five months' hard work sponge-fishers return to
the island.
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Sunset view from Massouri summer of 2000 |
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The whole island puts on festive dress and prepares to celebrate the return of the sea- beaten sailors. The Island is situated in the Dodocanese Sea just to the North of Kos, about and hour and a half by ferry. Kalymnos Town or Pothia (pictured left), the island's capital, amphitheatrically built, descends to the port like a multicoloured torrent of bright houses, churches, belfries. On the coast lies the church of Jesus Our Saviour; its interior is decorated with murals and old icons painted by local artists. The temple has been constructed by Giannoulis Halepas, the famous Greek sculptor. |
In the southwestern part of the island you can visit the cave of Kefala or
Trypa, with its stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the caves of the Seven
Virgins or Cavern of the Nymphs at the foot of mount Flaska, the cave of Scalia
to the SW, also Therma - radioactive springs (about 1 km south to the city)
recommended for many illnesses. Therma is equipped with modern bathing facilities, specialised personnel and rooms for visitors. Chorio, the old capital of the island, is built at the foot of the medieval castle. As we approach we can discern on our left the remnants of the Franco-Byzantine "Outer-Castle". Around Chorio there remain ruins of the church of Jesus of Jerusalem, built towards the end of the 4th century AD. To the southwest we see the monasteries of the Evangelist and St Catherine, both equipped with hostels for visitors. On the 27th of July, feast of St Panteleimon, there are celebrations for the Saint with folk dances and songs. |
 Along the island's western coast there are places full of beauty - Linaria and
the villages Myrties, Masouri (pictured right) among others.
With its tiny bays and surrounding islands, Kalymnos is ideal for amateur fishermen. And its transparent sea favours underwater fishing. Visitors of Kalymnos also have the chance to taste traditional local dishes: "lei", "mirmizeli", "psises". From Kalymnos you can easily visit the nearby tiny islands of Telendos and Pserimos, which offer idyllic sites for swimming and fishing. Kalymnos has a yacht refuelling station.
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view over Vathis (right)
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