KALYMNOS

This Island of barren rock sparsely strewn with herb and thyme bushes and green valleys enjoys an abundance of golden beaches. Its fame is owed to its celebrated sponge fishermen, who leave their island each spring for the north coast of Africa amid somber ceremonies, to return five months later greeted by joyous celebrations. The island's capital is a newly built town which hugs the hillside. The houses are painted white and blue and from a distance look like some child's drawing. Along the coast are inlets and bays.

Caves are also an interesting attraction, with their stalactites and healing waters. It's an ideal island for the amateur fisherman, with transparent seas favoring underwriter fishing. From Kalymnos it is an easy jaunt to the nearby tiny islands of Telendos and Pserirnos, idyllic spots for fishing and swimming. Since this industry has fallen because Mediterranean sponges suffered from a viral disease in 1986 and a lot of them died, as the economy of the island did. Kalymnos is also a rising holiday destination due to another fact: its landscape and geology are ideal for climbing.

This has brought to the island a new kind of active tourism. The Rocky Mountains and interesting caves of Kalymnos are also continually explored. The most famous is the Cave of the Seven Virgins. The late tourism has helped a bit the island and its inhabitants, even if many beautiful coasts of the island are still uncrowded during high season. Limin Kalymnos - Offers good shelter form the Meltem. If there are strong southerly winds the harbor can become uncomfortable. There is both fuel and water on the quay.

There is also good provisioning and a number of tavernas. Vathi – Is a fjord which is extremely attractive with its lemon and orange groves. There is a mole you can anchor on to. The fjord offers good shelter from Meltem. There are tavernas, water and some supplies available. Ormiskos Vorio or Emobrios – A small bay with a T-pier which is usually occupied by the fishing boats, you can anchor off in the bay. There is a small taverna and offers fair shelter from the Meltem. Vlikathia – A small bay with beautiful summer villas. There is a taverna ashore and offers good shelter from the Meltem.