Getting from Athens to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Athens you are going to one of the most characterful islands in the Dodecanese. Kalymnos is famous for two things above all. The first is sponge diving, a tradition that made the island prosperous for centuries and still shapes its identity, with a museum dedicated to the craft and an annual festival in September. The second is rock climbing. The island has become one of the premier climbing destinations in Europe, with thousands of routes on the limestone cliffs above the villages of Massouri and Myrties, and climbers from across the world coming every autumn to spend weeks on the crags. Beyond the climbing and the sponge history, Kalymnos is a working Dodecanese island with good food, a lively harbour at Pothia and some fine beaches in the north.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry runs several times a week year-round, taking around 10 to 12 hours. The overnight crossing is the practical approach if you want to travel by sea, arriving in the morning with the day ahead. Kalymnos is also connected to Kos by a short crossing of around 25 to 45 minutes with frequent daily departures, making Kos a useful hub for onward connections.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with domestic connections from Athens taking around 1 hour. The service runs a limited number of times per week so check the schedule carefully. Alternatively, fly to Kos, which has multiple daily connections from Athens taking around 1 hour, and take the short ferry across to Kalymnos.

Your best option

Fly to Kos and take the short ferry to Kalymnos if the direct Kalymnos flight does not fit your schedule. The Kos to Kalymnos crossing takes around 25 to 45 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. If the direct Athens to Kalymnos flight aligns with your dates it is the simpler option.