|
Kalymnos
 |
This
island of barren rock, golden beaches and tiny green valleys
owes its fame to its celebrated spongefishers. This is the main
profession for men on the island, and the theme for many local
dances and folk songs. Sponge-fishing
means a yearly excursion to the seas off the North African coast.
Sponge-fishers of Kalymnos leave with their boats every spring.
Their departure is a moving and important event which is
therefore accompanied by glamorous religious ceremonies. After
approximately five months' hard work sponge-fishers return to
the island. |
The whole island
puts on festive dress and prepares to celebrate the return of the sea-
beaten sailors.
Kalymnos or Pothia, the island's capital, amphitheatrically built,
descends to the port like a multicoloured torrent of bright houses,
churches, belfries. On the coast lies the church of Jesus Our Saviour;
its interior is decorated with murals and old icons painted by local
artists. The temple has been constructed by Giannoulis Halepas,
the famous Greek sculptor. With the city as our base we shall visit the
wonderful countryside and villages
In the southwestern part of the island we shall visit the cave of Kefala or
Trypa, with
its stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the caves of the Seven Virgins or Cavern of
the Nymphs at the foot of mount Flaska, the cave of Scalia to the SW, also Therma -
radioactive springs (about 1 km south to the city) recommended for many illnesses.
Therma is equipped with modern bathing facilities, specialised personnel and rooms for
visitors. Chorio, the old capital of the island, is built at the foot of the medieval
castle.
As we approach we can discern on our left the remnants of the Franco-Byzantine
"Outer-Castle". Around Chorio there remain ruins of the church of Jesus of
Jerusalem, built towards the end of the 4th century AD. |
 |
 |
To the southwest we see the monasteries of the Evangelist and St Catherine, both equipped
with hostels for visitors. On the 27th of July, feast of St Panteleimon, there are
celebrations for the Saint with folk dances and songs.
Along the island's western coast there are places full of beauty - Linaria and the
villages Myrties, Masouri among others.
With its tiny bays and surrounding islands, Kalymnos is ideal for amateur fishermen.
And its transparent sea favours underwater fishing. Visitors of Kalymnos also have
the chance to taste traditional local dishes: "lei",
"mirmizeli", "psises". From Kalymnos we can easily visit the nearby
tiny islands of Telendos and Pserimos, which offer idyllic sites for
swimming and fishing. Kalymnos has a yacht refuelling station. |
---------------------------
HOW TO GET THERE
From Piraeus by ferry
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Area Code 0243
Harbour Master 29 304
Police 29 560
Municipality 29 560
Taxi 29 555
First Aid 28 851 |
