The outline of Kalymnos might bring interesting results in an ink-blob test, since unlike its neighbour Kos, it has a remarkably deeply indented and irregular shoreline. It is one of the larger islands in the Dodecanese group in the eastern Aegean, situated northwest of Kos, and southwest of Leros. The island is largely porous limestone overlaying an impermeable crystalline base, rising at Mt Profitis Ilias to 679m. A series of mountain ridges riddled with caves shelter deep fertile valleys and dramatic fjords. With very few trees, it does have an abundance of aromatic herbs and consequently an excellent local honey.
The population is approximately 16,000, with 70% resident in the main town Pothia (Kalymnos Town), the largest urban area in the Dodecanese after Rhodes Town and Kos Town. Pothia runs inland and merges with Hora (Chora, Horio), 2.8km northwest, the old capital.
The western resorts are known collectively as Brosta ("forward"). The first cluster contains, consecutively: Kandouni, Linaria & Platy Yialos, with Panormos (Elies) and Kamari inland. A small ridge separates these from Melitsahas which begins the contiguous coastal strip of Myrties, Massouri & Armeos that faces across the sea both to the 458m-high block of Telendos island and to often spectacular sunsets.
Telendos island was separated from the edge of Kalymnos in an earthquake in the 6th century AD. Car-free, the island has a small population, a single settlement, and a growing tourist industry. In season, small boats run a half-hourly shuttle service across the 600m of water between it and Myrties jetty. There are various Byzantine ruins, including that of the city-fortress of Agios Konstandinos, numerous barrel-tombs and several basilicas.
The huge cliffs on the western side of Kalymnos provide a series of pitches for the serious climber, with exotic names such as Jurassic Park, Maternity Room and Priapus, and including some said to be the most difficult in Europe. Technical details of these can be found on websites, and in the book "Kalymnos Rock Climbing Guide".
Historically, the island was noted for its sponge industry, with divers based on the island travelling as far afield as North Africa to gather sponges. There is still some processing on the island, but mainly of imported Asian or American sponges.
