Getting from Arki to Telendos

If you are heading to Telendos from Arki you are making your way from one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese to a tiny car-free island sitting just 800 metres off the western coast of Kalymnos in the same island group, a relatively short distance to the south. It has some of the finest rock climbing in the Dodecanese on the limestone cliffs above it and a waterfront of tavernas facing across the narrow channel to Kalymnos.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Arki to Kalymnos running via the Dodekanisos Seaways network, taking around 4 to 5 hours with stops along the way through Patmos, Leros and Lipsi. From Kalymnos, the local boat to Telendos departs from Myrties on the western coast, with boats running every 30 minutes throughout the day and the trip taking around 5 minutes. This keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Telendos has no airport. The nearest airports are Kalymnos and Kos. Arki has no airport either. Taking the local ferry from Arki to Kalymnos via the Dodekanisos Seaways service and then making your way to Myrties for the local boat to Telendos is the most natural and practical connection. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry from Arki south to Kalymnos and then make your way to Myrties for the local boat across to Telendos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. The boats run regularly throughout the day and you do not need to book in advance. Give yourself at least two nights on Telendos. The island is small enough to walk around in an hour and tranquil enough to make you want to stay considerably longer.