Getting from Crete to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Crete you are going to one of the most characterful islands in the Dodecanese, famous for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe, with thousands of routes on the limestone cliffs above the villages of Massouri and Myrties.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Kalymnos. The most practical ferry approach is to take the direct overnight ferry from Heraklion to Rhodes or Kos and then connect to Kalymnos, but the total journey by sea takes the better part of two days. Flying is the only realistic option for most travellers.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Crete to Athens takes around 50 minutes and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour, giving a total journey time of around 3 to 4 hours. Check the schedule carefully as the Athens to Kalymnos service runs a limited number of times per week. Alternatively, fly to Kos and take the short ferry across to Kalymnos, which takes around 25 to 45 minutes.

Your best option

Fly to Kalymnos via Athens if the direct service aligns with your dates. If not, fly to Kos and take the short ferry across. The Kos to Kalymnos connection runs frequently throughout the day and is one of the most effortless short hops in the Dodecanese.