Daily Kalymnos Tours from Turkey
The island of the sponge divers: a busy, colourful harbour at Pothia, steep limestone cliffs loved by climbers and the islet of Telendos across the water. Send us your dates and we will plan your day on Kalymnos.
Tours on Kalymnos
We are preparing our day tours on Kalymnos. Send us your dates and the number of guests, and we will plan your day on the island with the ferry from the Bodrum peninsula.
Kalymnos in pictures
Pothia harbour, the Vathy inlet, Telendos and Myrties, sponges and climbing.
Ferry from Turkey to Kalymnos
Turgutreis (Bodrum) → Kalymnos
Ferries to Kalymnos leave from Turgutreis on the Bodrum peninsula in the summer season and arrive at Pothia after about an hour. Sailing days and times change by season, so tell us your dates and we will confirm the crossing for your trip.
Why visit Kalymnos?
Kalymnos, also known in Turkish as Kelemez, is a rocky, mountainous island famous for its sponge divers. For generations its men sailed every spring to the coasts of North Africa to dive for sponges, and the harbour shops of Pothia still sell them today.
In the last twenty years Kalymnos has also become one of the best-known rock climbing places in the world, with thousands of routes on its grey and orange limestone cliffs. Add the views of the islet of Telendos, quiet valleys and fresh seafood, and the island makes a very different day from the busier resorts of the region.
What to see in Kalymnos
Pothia is where the ferry arrives and where most sights are. The west coast villages of Myrties and Masouri, opposite Telendos, are about 8 km away.
Pothia
The island capital and port, with houses painted in many colours climbing the hills around the harbour. The large church of Christ the Saviour stands on the waterfront.
Sponge shops and workshops
In Pothia you can see how natural sponges are cleaned, trimmed and sold, and hear the story of the sponge divers and their dangerous work.
Archaeological Museum
The museum in Pothia shows finds from all over the island. Its best-known piece is a Hellenistic bronze statue of a woman, found by fishermen in the sea in 1994.
Chora and its castles
Chora was the old capital, hidden inland from pirates. Above it stands Pera Kastro, a Byzantine castle with small white chapels, and near Pothia the Knights’ castle of Chrysocheria.
Myrties and Masouri
Two neighbouring villages on the west coast, with tavernas, small beaches and the best sunset views on the island, straight across to Telendos.
Telendos
The islet opposite Myrties, a few minutes away by small boat. It has no cars, only a row of tavernas, Roman remains and quiet coves.
Rock climbing
Kalymnos has thousands of bolted climbing routes for every level, mostly on the west coast. Spring and autumn are the main climbing seasons.
Vathy and Rina
A green valley of citrus orchards that ends in a narrow, fjord-like inlet at Rina, with a small harbour and waterside tavernas.
Emporios
The village at the northern end of the road, with a pebble beach and a quiet, remote feel.
Arriving on Kalymnos by ferry from Turkey
In the summer season there are ferries from Turgutreis, on the Bodrum peninsula, to Pothia. The crossing takes about an hour. Sailing days change with the season, and outside summer there is no direct boat from Turkey.
Bring your passport. Greece is in the Schengen area, so check whether you need a visa before you travel. Tell us your dates and we will confirm the ferry and plan your time on the island.
Where to stay in Kalymnos
Most places to stay are small hotels and studios. Here are the main areas and some well-known hotels. Prices are on request: send us your dates and we will check availability.
Pothia
The lively harbour town, close to the ferry, the museums and the shops.
- Villa Melina · price on request
Myrties and Masouri
The west coast, popular with climbers and families, with sea views and sunsets over Telendos.
Panormos
A green area between Pothia and the west coast, with quiet hotels.
- Elies Resort · price on request
Where is Kalymnos?
Kalymnos is a Dodecanese island of Greece, between Kos and Leros, west of the Bodrum peninsula.
Kalymnos questions and answers
How do I get to Kalymnos from Turkey?
In the summer season there are ferries from Turgutreis, on the Bodrum peninsula, to Pothia. The crossing takes about an hour. Tell us your dates and we will confirm the sailing.
Can I visit Kalymnos on a day trip?
Yes, on the days with a morning ferry and an evening return. Pothia and its harbour can be seen on foot, and a tour can add Chora, Myrties and the view of Telendos.
Do I need a visa to visit Kalymnos?
Greece is in the Schengen area. Depending on your nationality you may need a Schengen visa. Bring your passport for the border check.
Do you offer tours on Kalymnos?
Yes, on request. Send us your dates and the number of guests, and we will prepare a day tour on Kalymnos for you.
What is the Turkish name of Kalymnos?
In Turkish, Kalymnos is known as Kelemez.
Plan your Kalymnos trip
Send us your dates and the number of guests. We will check the ferries and reply with your full plan.