Kalymnos

This is the fourth largest of the island group also known as the sponge fisher’s island, due to the old industry of fishing for sponges. This industry is now in decline and the island is looking to develop the tourist industry more than previous.

Pothia is the capital of the island, with its coloured houses and mansions on the barren hills spreads down towards the large harbour. An old church dedicated to Christ the Saviour adorns the waterfront, decorated with frescoes and valuable icons. Museums in the town include the Archaeological Museum , which has on display artefacts from the Bronze Age and the Neolithic Period. The Nautical and Folklore Museum has displays recounting the history of the sponge industry on the island.

Horio was the former capital of the island, and today is a rather pretty village. The ruins of the Castle of the Knights of St. John and the old fortified village of Pera Kastro are nearby. The views from here are worth the climb up.

Panormos is an appealing village, surrounded by trees and flowers, planted to replace the abundance of olive groves destroyed under the Second World War.

Myrties and Masouri are fully developed tourist resorts with bars, nightlife and other enterprises catering for the package tourist.

Cave of the Seven Virgins to the north of Pothia was a site of ancient worship to nymphs. According to legend, seven virgins hid here from marauding pirates, but they disappeared into the bottomless channel below.

Vathys and Rina villages are set in one of the most scenic parts of the island, along side the deep inlet that cuts through the lush and fertile valley.

The island is very popular with rock climbers, coming to test their wits and strength on the many challenging climbs on the limestone cliffs. The small islets off the coast of Kalymnos , Nera and Telendos offer a break away from the busy resorts.

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