Getting from Arki to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Arki you are making your way from one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese to a larger island in the same group, a relatively short distance to the south. It is known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Arki to Kalymnos running via the Dodekanisos Seaways network, which connects multiple Dodecanese islands on the same route. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 4 to 5 hours with stops along the way through Patmos, Leros and Lipsi. It is the most natural sea connection and keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Arki has no airport either. Taking the local ferry from Arki to Leros, flying to Athens and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, fly to Kos and take the short ferry from Mastichari to Kalymnos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry south from Arki to Kalymnos. It is the most natural connection and keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese without going through Athens. Check the schedule carefully before planning around it as services run only a limited number of times per week. If you need to get there faster, take the ferry from Arki to Leros and fly to Kalymnos or Kos via Athens. If you are traveling with a car, the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry takes your vehicle directly to Kalymnos port.