Getting from Donoussa to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Donoussa you are making your way from one of the Small Cyclades to an island in the Dodecanese group, known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe, on the opposite side of Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Donoussa to Kalymnos. Getting there means taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus, which runs around 3 to 6 times a week and takes around 7 to 8 hours, and then boarding the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 hours. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Donoussa has no airport. The nearest airport is Naxos. Taking the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and flying from Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 12 to 14 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 ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Kalymnos or Kos. Check the Donoussa to Piraeus departure days before planning as the service runs a limited number of times per week. If you fly to Kos the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Donoussa to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.