Kalymnos is part of the Dodecanese island group, located south of Leros and north of Kos, close to the coast of Turkey. It’s a mostly mountainous and rocky island with a few small valleys.
Kalymnos is known for its peaceful vibe and natural beauty, making it perfect for a relaxing holiday. It’s especially popular with people who love rock climbing and diving — many visitors come for those activities.
If you’re planning a trip to Kalymnos this summer, it’s a good idea to check out the best areas to stay before booking your accommodation.
In general, staying on the island is quite affordable, and if you book early, you’ll likely find a budget-friendly place.
1. Pothia (Kalymnos Town) – Stay in the Island’s Capital
Pothia, also known as Kalymnos Town or Chora, is the island’s capital and main port, located on the southern end.
Built like an amphitheater facing the sea, it has charming narrow streets and homes with a mix of Italian-style and traditional neoclassical architecture.
Pothia is the commercial and administrative heart of the island, with everything you might need: taverns, cafes, restaurants, and places to stay for every budget.
Originally, Chora and Pothia were two different villages but are now considered one. In Chora, you can visit the old Castle of Chora, the “Pera Kastro,” and the first cathedral of Kalymnos – the Church of Panagia Charitomeni, with its gold-decorated icon screen.
Main attractions in Pothia:
Archaeological Museum with ancient underwater finds
Nautical Museum, showcasing the island’s maritime history
The Vouvalis Mansion, a beautiful example of local architecture
The Church of the Transfiguration, by the sea, with a marble icon screen
Nearby beaches:
Gefyra – small and quiet with pebbles and blue-green waters
Kasonia – a long sandy beach with natural shade and beach bars
Therma – pebble beach with warm, healing waters, like a natural pool
Best Hotels in Pothia
- (€€) Spongia Apartments Kalymnos
- (€) Olympic Hotel
- (€) Villa Melina
- (€) Theos Apartments
2. Masouri – The Most Popular Beach Area on the Island
Masouri is one of the busiest tourist spots in Kalymnos, about 9.5 km northwest of Pothia.
In summer, the area is full of life — great for sunbathing, swimming, and also enjoying the nightlife. It’s not just for party-goers though; it also attracts rock climbers who come for the cliffs nearby.
Masouri Beach has soft sand, clear water, and views of the small island of Telendos. The beach is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and is surrounded by restaurants and accommodations.
You’ll find everything you need here — shops, taverns, hotels, rental agencies for cars and bikes.
Best Hotels in Masouri
- (€€€) Carian Hotel
- (€€) MasouriBlu Boutique Hotel
- (€) AFRODITI Hotel Studios
- (€) Pegasus
3. Myrties – Great for Families and Kids
Myrties is a seaside village with its own small port, located on the western side of Kalymnos, about 8 km from Pothia. It’s named after the myrtle bushes that used to grow in the area.
Right next to the port is Melitsachas Beach, one of the island’s prettiest, with sand, pebbles, and shallow clear waters. It’s great for families with young children, and you’ll find sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby places to eat and stay.
Myrties is peaceful and has beautiful views of Telendos, which you can visit by boat from the local port.
Best Hotels in Myrties
- (€€) Zephyros
- (€€) Hyperion Hotel
- (€) Atlantis
- (€) Anna Studios
4. Panormos – A Beach Area with Cliffs for Climbing
Panormos is on the west coast of the island, about 6 km from Pothia.
It’s a popular tourist spot thanks to its lovely beaches and dramatic cliffs, perfect for climbing and hiking.
Beaches in the area:
Kantouni – a wide sandy beach with cafes and taverns nearby
Linaria – a sandy beach with turquoise water and some natural shade, great for families
Platis Yialos – one of the island’s best-known beaches, with black sand, clear water, and plenty of tourist facilities
Panormos is also of archaeological interest. Nearby, in the Tsoukalarias area, ancient pottery workshops and ruins from the 4th century BC have been found.
Best Hotels in Panormos
- (€) Paloma Luxury Studios
- (€) Voula Ilias Studios
- (€) Aggelos Studios
- (€) Mela Studios
5. Emporios – A Quiet and Remote Village
Emporios is a peaceful village on the northwestern tip of Kalymnos, about 19.5 km from Pothia. It’s the most remote village on the island.
In recent years, it’s developed a bit for tourism, offering a few places to stay, taverns, cafes, and restaurants.
Behind the village, there’s a mountain with ancient ruins — including parts of Cyclopean walls and an old fortress called Kastri, built in the late 4th century BC.
The beach in Emporios is pebbly, with big plane trees offering natural shade. It’s a great spot for water sports like windsurfing, kayaking, and water skiing.
Best Hotels in Emporios
- (€) Kalotina’s Apartments
- (€) Petroula Apartments
- (€) Fotini Studios
Kalymnos is directly connected by ferry to Piraeus, Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Agathonisi, Arki, Patmos, Leros, Astypalaia, Nisyros, Tilos, Symi, Telendos, Pserimos, Plati, and Kalolimnos. It also has daily flights to and from Athens.
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