BEACHES OF KALYMNOS
1-GEFYRA
A few kilometres south of Pothia (1,5km) lies a small cute pebbly beach with crystal blue waters and beautiful surroundings. The beach is called Gefyra and is visited mainly by local families.
If you’ve always dreamt of swimming in the shadows of the cliffs, then this is the beach for you. The aquamarine water is stunning and the dramatic rock formations and boulders that you can swim around will impress you.
Many snacks and refreshments are available from the canteen.
Above the beach in the mountain there is usually a bunch of goats that contribute to the sounds of goat bells tinkling.
2- KANTOUNI
One of the most famous beaches of the island, with fine, golden sand, shallow waters, waves that lick the beach and pines on the sea.
The Kantouni is one of the most beautiful places on the island. Above the beach the impressive stone mass called Patella with the reddish hues it takes at sunset, through a pine-covered valley, meets the deep blue of the Aegean.
The beach is located in the settlement of Panormos and is 8.5 km from the island’s capital, Pothia.
Kantouni is a place preferred mainly by young people so it has several restaurants, cafes, beach bars and nightlife.
If you choose Kantouni for your stay, from here you can make many excursions to neighboring beaches, day trips to nearby villages, such as Myrties and Massouri, the small island of Telendos and various other activities. The beach can be reached from a paved road. Very important is the fact that close to the settlement of Panormos (about 3 km) is the Airport of Kalymnos.
3- LINARIA BEACH
It is located right next to Κantouni beach and because they are separated by only one rock, they are also called twins. Linaria is a beach, sandy with small pebbles, much quieter and suitable for families. Recommended for those who want to relax under the sun or the trees.
4- KASONIA BEACH
Kasonia beach is the closest beach to Pothia and is located on the road to Therma beach, behind the main port.
It is a long sandy beach, with tamarisk trees on its shore that offer natural shade to bathers. It is preferred by families with children but also by the residents of Pothia, due to the direct access from the city.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, locker rooms, beach bars and some taverns.
5- MYRTIES BEACH
Myrties beach is located 8 km north-west of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. The lovelt settlement lies around the fine pebbled beach. The beach extends to the natural port of Myrties and provides a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
A few accommodations, fine taverns and cafes are available in the village. From there, little boats sail every 30min ( during summer ) to the opposite islet of Telendos.
6- PLATY GIALOS
One of the most famous beaches of Kalymnos is Platy Gialos. It is located located 7 km northwest of Pothia, the island’s capital and close to the village of Panormos and its fame is due not only to its very clear waters, but mainly to the amazing sunset that one can enjoy from its shore.
The characteristic of the beach is its black sand which is in complete contrast with the clear waters.
Mainly covered with black pebbles and above the beach is the extinct volcano in Vigles. It is a beach that in only 2-3 meters deepens immediately, so it is good for young children to be supervised, especially when there is a storm.
7- Emporios Beach Kalymnos
Emporios is a lovely and serene beach located 24 km northwest of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. The entire settlement overlooks the natural bay. The beach consists of smooth pebbles and crystalline waters while some rock formations are found on either side. Some umbrellas and sunbeds are found right at the center. Trees provide nice shade for those who prefer the more isolated spots. There are frequent buses running to the village of Emporios but you can also access this beach by a boat from the village of Myrties for a totally different experience.
8- Massouri Beach Kalymnos
Massouri beach is located 9 km north west of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. The village which lies around the beautiful sandy beach is probably the most popular tourist resort on the island with a nice variety of modern amenities and pleasant atmosphere.
The beach is particularly well-organized with numerous sunbeds and umbrellas. During the high season the beach can get really crowded with locals and tourists coming from other parts of Kalymnos.
In Massouri you can enjoy couple of water sports facilities, including canoes.If you are into sports you may try also some games in the beach soccer field that is located in the center of the beach.
There are also few snack bars on the beach.
Local buses departing from Pothia stop in front of the beach.
9 -Melitsahas Beach Kalymnos
Melitsahas is a beautiful beach Located 7 km north west of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos close to the famous village of Myrties. It is a long sandy beach with beautiful and clean waters.
The area offers a few accommodations like some apartments to rent, taverns and some kafenion, the old-fashioned Greek cafes.
10- Akti Beach Kalymnos
The nice and quiet beach of Akti with fine sand and crystalline waters is located 7 km east of the beautiful town of Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos near the road that leads to the valley of Vathy.
A fine tavern stands on the soft sand offering excellent food. To access this relaxing place, one has to use private transport (bike or car), since there is no bus connection to Akti.
11- Kalamies Beach Kalymnos
Kalamies is one of the most isolated beaches of Kalymnos located 23 km north west of Pothia, the island’s capital. Unlike the rest of Kalymnos beaches, Kalamies provides a unique and relaxing day at the beach.
With no tourist facilities but an amazing mountain backdrop, Kalamies reflects the most beautiful part of Kalymnos. The beach uniquely combines the lush greenery that covers the top of the cliffs with the clear blue sky, leaving an everlasting impression on mind.
The only sound that you will have in your ears is the water splashing against the rocks. Otherwise, Kalamies is a true paradise without any kind of distractions. Boats of local fishermen and sponge divers interrupt the view momentarily providing a peek into the lives of the people of this sleepy hamlet.
11- Vathy-Rina
The village of Vathy (or Vathi) and the lush green valley is the most fertile part of the island. Not only is Vathy beautiful in many ways, but the journey alone is worth the experience
Lots of people go for a swim in the clear water of Rina at Vathy. It is not a beach and you won’t find sunbeds or umbrellas. Instead, you put your towel down by the steps or on the ground by the port. If you dare, there is a diving platform on the cliffside where kids as well as adults jump off and into the water.
Along the dock, you will find small stands selling local honey, freshly squeezed juice and homemade loukoumades (Greek donuts served with honey and cinnamon). Buy a snack, find a seat and enjoy.
12- Arginonta Beach Kalymnos
This sandy and pebble beach is Located about 17 kilometers north from Pothia (the island’s capital) and is coil up in a beautiful and picturesque bay. Umbrellas and sun beds are available for rent as well as a few accommodations and taverns that can be found near the beach or in the small hamlet of the same name (just a few meters walk from the beach). From Pothia a bus regularly goes to Arginonta; the bus stop is very close to the beach.
13- Palionisos Beach Kalymnos
From Skalia village towards Emporios you will meet a dirt road under construction on your right. Following this, you will reach the top of the mountain with a church on your left. From this point you have a panoramic view of the north part of the island with Leros on your left. Continue downwards. On your left you will meet a path to Sykati bay. Continuing ahead and to your right you will reach Palionisos, a small quite village, with a pebble beach for a nice and quiet swim.
14- SKALIA
Skalia is a coastal village overlooking the islands of Telendos and Calavro. Is a small village about 19 km from Pothia with tiny secret beaches, the most known are the Agios Nikolaos beach which is approachable with car.
Next to Agios Nikolaos are three more smaller beaches: Plaka Beach, Sykia Beach and finally the Fsoutalonia Beach Agios Nikolaos and Plaka Beach are the sandy ones and Sykia & Fsoutalonia are with pebbles.
These beaches are still unknown treasures since only the local residents of Skalia visit them.
15- THERMA BEACH
Therma beach is probably the closest beach to the capital of Kalymnos, Pothia, since it is about 2 km away. The waters are crystal clear and the pebbles dominate while both on the shore and in the sea there are small rocks.
A dock on one side allows for diving and games as the water there is deep.
On the beach there are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.
Finally, above the dock there is a restaurant to enjoy your meal or get your coffee. Access is easy by road via the existing road network or even on foot as the distance is not that great.
16- VLYHADIA
Vlyhadia is located on the southern coast of the island, at a distance of 5 km SW. from the port of Kalymnos (Pothia). It is the port of Vothyni and in the homonymous closed bay of Vlyhadia there are two small beaches (one with pebbles, the other sandy) with relatively shallow waters. The village has rooms to let, taverns, cafes and a diving center.
Near the Monastery of Agia Aikaterini there is the visitable “cave of Kefalas” or “Cave of Zeus” of 1,000 sq.m. with six chambers of stalactites and stalagmites. It has an imposing corridor 103 meters long and inside it have been found traces of worship of Olympian Zeus
An important attraction is the private Museum of Marine Finds Valsamidis next to the sandy beach of Vlyhadia which presents exhibits related to sponge fishing, a wide variety of plants and sea animals there is also a whole wreck of an ancient merchant ship with amphorae and other objects (6th to 2nd century BC), naval finds from the First and Second World War as well as a photographic collection of about 2,000 photographs related to the history and tradition of sponges.
