Getting from Zakynthos to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Zakynthos you are making your way from one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands 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.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Zakynthos has an international airport with connections from Athens. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then 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.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Zakynthos to Kalymnos. No Ionian island is connected by sea to any Aegean island. Getting there by road means taking the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and driving to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which runs around 5 times a week and takes around 9 to 11 hours. The total journey by road and sea takes the better part of two days. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Your best option

Fly from Zakynthos to Athens and then fly 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, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive to Piraeus for the overnight Piraeus to Kalymnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.