Getting from Volos to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Volos you are making your way from a city on the Pagasetic Gulf at the foot of the Pelion peninsula 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 Volos to Kalymnos. Volos is the main departure point for the Sporades group and has no connection to the Dodecanese ferry network. Getting there by sea means driving from Volos to Piraeus, which takes around 3 to 3.5 hours via the E75 motorway, 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. Volos has a small airport at Nea Anchialos with limited connections from Athens. Driving from Volos to Athens and flying from Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 4 to 5 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

Drive from Volos to Athens and fly from Athens to Kalymnos or Kos. If you fly to Kos the Mastichari to Kalymnos ferry is a frequent and effortless connection. If you are traveling with a car, drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.