Kalymnos Island Greece

Our Adventure to Kalymnos – A Greek Island Gem

This summer, we embarked on a memorable trip to Kalymnos, a charming Greek island nestled off the coast of Kos. Known for its rugged cliffs, scenic beaches, and authentic Greek hospitality, Kalymnos turned out to be everything we hoped for — and more.

✈️ Getting There

Our journey began at Manchester Airport, flying into Kos. After landing, we made our way to Nostos Bar in Mastihari, where we waited for our ferry to Kalymnos. Although we had a 4-hour wait, it didn’t feel long — a relaxed evening meal and a few drinks made the time pass easily.

The ferry ride to Kalymnos took just 30 minutes, and we were met on arrival with a quick 20-minute bus transfer to our accommodation: Elena Village Hotel in Masouri.

🏨 Elena Village Hotel – Our Home in Kalymnos

We stayed in a spacious 1-bedroom apartment with a breathtaking view of Telendos Island. Every evening, we were treated to a stunning sunset from our balcony — a perfect end to each day.

The hotel had everything we needed on-site:

A lovely pool

Gym

Mini supermarket

Bike/car rental

A restaurant and bar

They also offer apartments with private plunge pools if you‘re looking to splash out. The staff were welcoming and helpful, making our stay even better.

Getting into Masouri was easy — either a €1 bus ride or a 20-minute walk. We chose to hire a moped for €20 a day, which gave us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace.

🧗‍♂️ Rock Climber’s Paradise

Kalymnos is a hotspot for rock climbers, with crags that attract enthusiasts from around the world. The climbing scene here is active all year round, even though most tour operators only run packages during the summer. If climbing is your thing, this island is a hidden gem worth discovering.

🏖️ Beaches We Visited

Note: Most beaches are pebbly, so bring water shoes!

1. Emborió

A small, peaceful bay with yachts bobbing in the water and cosy tavernas lining the beach. A great spot to relax and soak up the calm.

2. Palionisos Beach

Located on the northeast coast, this was one of our favourites. Getting there was an adventure — winding roads through hills scented with rosemary and thyme, and the occasional goat crossing the road!

€10 for two sunbeds and an umbrella

Crystal-clear waters

A few local restaurants and yachts in the bay

3. Masouri Beach

Close to the hotel — about a 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride to Masouri Square. We visited on a Sunday, and it was busy with locals. Still, great views of Telendos. It might be more peaceful on weekdays.

€10 for two sunbeds and an umbrella

4. Vathy (Rina Bay Marina)

Situated on the east coast, this scenic drive offered jaw-dropping views of Turkey. The tiny harbour is dotted with fishing boats and charming tavernas — one was covered in vibrant pink bougainvillaea.

We swam and snorkelled near the narrow entrance of the inlet, surrounded by kids jumping off rocks and tourists diving in. We even met a local man selling natural sea sponges, which are traditionally harvested from the deep sea — a unique slice of Greek culture.

5. Vlychadia Beach

A short ride from the island’s capital, Pothia — about 25 minutes by moped. This became our favourite spot!

Free beanbag sunbeds

Lunch at Paradiso Restaurant

Pebble beach with easy sea access

Another smaller beach is just around the corner

6. Telendos Island

Just a €3 ferry ride (every 30 minutes until midnight) from Masouri. We visited in the evening for a romantic waterside dinner. Though we didn’t explore the beach here, the peaceful atmosphere and views were unforgettable.

7. "Pirates Beach" near Emborió

A hidden gem with pirate-themed tavernas, great snorkelling, and free kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats for guests. The bar also has tent lodges available via Airbnb — great for adventurous travellers, though it’s best to have your transport.

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🍽️ Food Highlights

We tried a mix of tavernas, restaurants, and quick bites. Here are our top picks:

Nostos Bar (Kos)

Fried Zucchini

Pork Gyros

Barbayiannis (Masouri) – A lovely family-run spot

Garlic shrimp (10 pieces) with rice & carrot chips

Chicken Souvlaki

Meal for two with drinks: €45

Aegean Taverna (End of Masouri)

Delicious food with unbeatable sunset views

Matheos Restaurant

Seafood Grill

Lamb Kleftiko

Rita’s Restaurant (Telendos)

Dinner right by the water — pure magic

Street Food Night

One evening, we were too hot and full for a sit-down meal, so we grabbed some quick street food — just what we needed.

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💡 Final Tips

Tourist tax: We paid €90 at the hotel for our 9-night stay

Transfers: Everything was smooth — ferry tickets and details were arranged and left at reception

Moped hire: Worth it for flexibility and adventure!

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🌅 Final Thoughts

Kalymnos truly surprised us with its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and unspoiled charm. From peaceful beaches and turquoise waters to mountain roads filled with the scent of wild herbs, it’s a destination we’ll never forget.

Whether you’re a climber, a beach-lover, or just in search of authentic Greece, Kalymnos delivers. And with good food, good vibes, and unforgettable sunsets — what more could you ask for