Getting from Tilos to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Tilos you are making your way from a volcanic island in the southern Dodecanese to an island in the same group, to the north. 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 direct ferry from Tilos to Kalymnos running via Kos on the Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star routes, taking around 2 to 3 hours in total and running several times a week. It is a natural connection within the Dodecanese network and keeps the journey entirely within the island group without going through Athens or Piraeus. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Tilos has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Tilos to Rhodes, flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 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 Tilos north through the Dodecanese network to Kalymnos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season. If you prefer to fly, take the ferry from Tilos to Rhodes and fly from Rhodes to Athens then Athens to Kalymnos or Kos. If you are traveling with a car, the ferry takes your vehicle directly through the Dodecanese to Kalymnos.