There is something special about watching the sun set in the evening. You have reached the end of the day and it is time for the sun to wave goodbye and disappear in an explosion of orange, red and pink colors.
In Kalymnos, you can see some incredible sunsets from various locations on the island. If you have the time and you are up for it, you should try to change location each day for the complete experience.
Continue reading if you want to know our 5 favorite sunset spots in Kalymnos.
Travelling to Kalymnos can be done in a handful of ways, either by boat or plane. The easiest and fastest options of getting to the island are listed below:
There is a small airport on the island which serves domestic flights, so you can fly to Kalymnos from places like Athens, Leros, Kos or Rhodes. Go to the website of Sky Express to find your flight tickets: https://www.skyexpress.gr/en/
Once you arrive at Kalymnos National Airport, all you do is take a taxi to your desired destination. The airport is located a few kilometers from Pothia (the capital of Kalymnos) and if you drive to Pothia, you have the option of renting a car (or a scooter) at one of the many rental shops. That will ensure you an easy and convenient vacation.
If you have the option of flying to the island of Kos, we recommend that you take a boat from Kos to Kalymnos. Of course, you can sail from another island close by, but leaving from Kos is the quickest and most popular way. The boats sail a handful of times a day – and more often in the summertime.
There are many direct flights to Kos departing from various European cities, but if you can’t find a direct route from your location, you simply change flights. Use Momondo, Norwegian or Skyscanner to help you find cheap flight tickets.
After arriving in Kos airport, you can take a taxi to Mastichari. The port is no more than 10 minutes away by car and the ride will cost you around 15 Euros.
Two different boats/ferries leave from Mastichari to Kalymnos – the slow ferry and the fast ferry. The slow ferry is bigger and has room for cars, so if you’re on a road trip and need to bring your car with you, you need to pick this ferry. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes and you can find the time table here: https://www.anemferries.gr/en/δρομολόγια/
The fast boat departs more often, and the trip takes 20-25 minutes. The time table can be found here www.anekalymnou.gr/en/δρομολόγια-κρατήσεις/δρομολόγια.html. When you reach the website, click on the link underneath the “Mastichari route”.
Tickets for both ferries can be purchased at the kiosk by the pier on the day of departure. In June 2019, the price was around 7 € per person.
This restaurant is probably the best one on the island. It is located just at the end of Masouri beach and has been feeding the hungry tourists and locals delicious food since 1989. It isn’t your average Greek taverna – sure they have all of the usual items you may find in a typical taverna menu, but they are exclusive because of their modern approach to the cuisine.
From grilled tuna steak served with a fig sauce to incredibly delicious Greek and Kalymnian style salads: they provide fresh food, with new innovations and pleasant twists to the Greek cuisine. This family owned business thrives in their location due to the amount of tourism, especially on the west side of the island where’s it’s located. Also, the service here is top class and the staff is always very friendly and attentive.
After finishing your delicious meal at the restaurant, another treat is waiting for you. As most restaurants do in Greece, they serve you a little something when you ask for the bill. Either a shot, a piece of cake, Greek yoghurt with honey or perhaps watermelon. At the Aegean Tavern they give you sweet loukoumades with ice cream on the side. Loukoumades are Greek donuts with honey and cinnamon on top, and together with the ice cream it is absolutely delicious!
The food is one thing that will knock you off your feet, but they also feature one of the best views of the island: a picturesque view of the island of Telendos with the deep blue, shimmering water surrounding it. Their location is just perfect if you want to enjoy an incredible meal while having a front row seat to a memorable view.
Avra Aigaiou is located in Masouri right next to the Aegean Tavern. That means they both share the same beautiful view, overlooking Telendos, the beach and the beautiful blue water. Here, you’ll also have the option of seeing some incredible sunsets. Compared to the Aegean Tavern, this restaurant is way more traditional in its Greek cooking. It’s very Kalymnian with big portions, authentic food, good prices and great service.
Like with many other Greek restaurants on the island, you get a lot for your money, and the food is fresh. Especially the traditional oven baked dishes as giouvetsi (γιουβέτσι), moussaka (μουσακά) and kleftiko (κλέφτικο) make you feel warm and loved. It is Greek food at its best. You can easily get full even if you just share a few appetizers, as they are big in size.
The owner of the restaurant is a very kind, warm-hearted man with a big smile on his face. He remembered us even though it had been a year ago since we dined with him the last time. This year, I bet he’s going to recognize us again.
It’s very common to form a connection with the owners of the restaurants and shops in Kalymnos, if you return every summer. That makes Kalymnos even more special to us.
Ambiance Café is the place to go if you want a lovely breakfast in the morning, or you want to play a game of pool, while enjoying a nice cocktail in the evening.
We’ve had some of the best omelettes here with lots of vegetables and feta cheese. They also serve a solid Greek yogurt with fresh fruit, nuts and honey and delicious coffees.
The café is located in the Masouri area overlooking Telendos, so this is yet another place to take in the stunning view while you enjoy your drinks and food.
The staff is very polite and helpful and they make sure you are not missing anything. (Honestly, almost every place in Kalymnos have kind and helpful waiters).
It’s a hip place with cool interior, as well as a couple of white egg-shaped swing chairs outside, suitable for those Instagram pictures. Grab a drink or a snack here any time of the day.
Right by Vlihadia beach you’ll find this excellent fish and seafood taverna. It’s right by the water and the restaurant is a perfect place to eat your lunch or dinner while getting some beach time. The name in Greek means the sponge diver, which is the perfect name to describe Kalymnos. After all, the island is known for their incredible nature sponges that are sold worldwide.
The tavern offers delicious Greek food like octopus meatballs, Greek salad, grilled fish etc. Everything is tasty and fresh, and you can enjoy your food with the water in front of you. You sit outdoors under a little roof that provides you shade, so you won’t be cooking in the sun while eating.
The restaurant is family-owned and many of the local Greeks think this restaurant is the best on the island because of its fresh seafood and authentic Greek flavors. George’s family all think so as a matter of fact.
The staff is always very kind and they welcome you with a big smile. We’ve eaten here multiple times and it never disappoints. You can bring your entire family and your friends or relax alone or with your significant other, while sharing a variety of amazing appetizers and great entrees – or just a cold frappé.
Besides great food and very good people, the place is quite big and they also host baptisms, wedding parties or birthdays. Any special occasion can take place at the Sponge Diver. (We even wanted to have our wedding reception there, but unfortunately they weren’t available on the date).
O Pantelis is a fish tavern (psarotaverna is the Greek word) down in the main port Pothia. Right by the entrance you’ll find an interesting installation with the word FOOD shaped with light tubes and a bike. The O’s of the word are made from the two wheels of the bike. It’s quite cool.
When you walk into the restaurant you’ll see the typical blue and white colors on the chairs and tables, which gives the place a lot of Greek charm. You sit and eat outside in the front of the restaurant, where people have a good time. We went there to eat with George’s family and Christina’s parents, when they all visited Kalymnos for our wedding. We ordered a bunch of small plates to share, like skordalia, tirokafteri, fried zucchini, octopus, Greek salad and more. Sharing small plates (a Greek meze) is the way to go.
The tavern has a lot of great fish and seafood on their menu, so if you’re into food from the sea you’ll have yourself an excellent time here. Don’t worry, they also serve meat and vegetarian dishes, so meat eaters will be satisfied too.
If you’re out for octopus, fish and Greek salad with ouzo on the side, this is the place to go. The food is delicious and the place is super cozy. Also, it’s very conveniently located just by the port, so you can eat a meal here before you leave Kalymnos by boat or immediately after arriving.
This fish tavern is located on the top of a cliff, right above Palionnisos Beach. You walk up a handful of steps at the very end of the beach (if you look towards the sea, it’s on your right), before you continue walking up a path towards the restaurant.
The theme is very Greek. From the steps towards the restaurant, to the building itself, everything is white and blue. Right next to the restaurant you’ll also find a huge Greek flag painted on the side of a wall – it’s very picture perfect.
We went there a couple of times, and the food is always amazing. You should try their fila (stuffed grape leaves), which are completely homemade and taste just like the Kalymnian moms make them! The flavors are traditional Greek and all the food is fresh and delicious.
Besides the great food, another amazing thing about Kalidonis is of course, the view. While sitting on the side of the cliff above the beach, you get to see the whole bay with the calm water and the small boats floating around. The water is all kinds of blue and green, and you can easily stare at the shimmering surface for a while!
This gem of a restaurant is conveniently located in the same area as the beach in Emporios. It doesn’t offer a view of the water, nor is it located on the beach itself; however, it’s literally a paradise garden where you can enjoy an authentic, delicious homemade meal.
When entering, you proceed down a short path with a lovely display of flowers on your left and right. The restaurant is hidden away under a cozy canopy of vine leaves, and there are a number of tables scattered around. There are also some couches where one may lounge and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat.
It isn’t your average restaurant in a sense that you’ll be welcomed with a handful of menus. Instead, the owner herself comes to your table and informs you about which fresh and delicious items are on the menu that day.
The experience is quite casual, providing you with a number of small plates, which are nice to share. Each plate is made with love and passion, and they come out as they’re ready. There are a number of fresh salads, seafood, small pies, and Greek favorites such as dakos (barley rusk with tomatoes, feta, capers and olive oil), and mouth-watering fila (vine leaves stuffed with rice). The place is vegan friendly, and everything all fresh made. This restaurant is truly one you should try!
Azul is a hip and modern wine bar with a great selection of good wine and other drinks. The wine bar also serves food such as burgers, tapas and salads, so you don’t need to stay hungry when you’re coming for a drink. They focus on healthy choices so you’ll find quinoa salad as well as burgers made with beans and vegetables on the menu.
The place is beautiful and the scenery is even more amazing. Azul is surrounded by the big and bright pink flowers you find everywhere in Greece and it’s overlooking Telendos. Located in Masouri, the place is often packed as it’s popular among tourists as well as locals.
To enter the wine bar, you must walk down steps that each have a bright color on the front of the step. Going up the steps, you’ll notice it and it makes a good backdrop for cool and vibrant pictures.
This is the place to go if you want a big, fat souvlaki (or commonly referred to as a gyro). The Greek version of fast food isn’t your ordinary hamburger or hotdog: it’s succulent pieces of shaved pork or chicken that have been rubbed down with spices and roasting on a spit for hours. (If you want a vegetarian option, you just ask them to leave out the meat. It still tastes amazing).
The classic souvlaki has a soft, perfectly grilled pita bread, tzatziki, red onions with parsley, tomatoes, your meat of choice, and French fries (that’s right, French fries inside the pita) all topped off with a sprinkle of paprika.
If you’re wondering about where the word gyro comes into play, it’s the meat that’s shaven from the spit (or the gyro). You can also have a pita kalamaki as they call it – or simply a Souvlaki with whole chunks or chicken or pork, but on a kalamaki (a skewer). Whichever you choose, it will be a mouth-watering experience. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a lunch or perhaps an inexpensive dinner on the island.
Vouros is the best local ice cream and cake shop on the entire island. It’s been around for a little more than 100 years and has been passed down from one generation to the other since 1918. The fourth generation is now running the business, and Vouros Patries is as succesful as ever.
Here, you’ll find a big selection of pastries, cakes, handmade chocolates, cookies, marshmallows, jams and the best ice cream you’ve ever tasted! Vouros ia also the place to go when ordering wedding cakes, or cakes for any festive occasion. We got our wedding cake from Vouros and it was beautiful and delicious.
The people there are very kind and helpful. They let you try all the ice cream flavors to make sure you pick the perfect combination. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you go to Vouros!
The restaurants above are some of our favorites, but we continue to discover new and delicious places to eat each time we go on vacation. Please let us know if we have missed a hidden gem – and we will make sure to try it next time we’re in Kalymnos!
Masouri Beach is one of the best on the island, and it’s probably the most popular one as well. Here you will find a lot of bars, cafés, and restaurants along the beach, and the biggest hotels are located in the Masouri area as well.
It’s a sandy beach with lots of sunbeds, which you can rent while spending your time there. The prices are around seven Euro for two, which includes an umbrella. There are waiters coming by every now and again to offer you a beverage or snack, and they will serve the goods right to you. It’s not so difficult to just relax and get lazy.
From the beach you have the beautiful view of the island of Telendos, which is located right across from Masouri. The water is calm, and waves almost never happen. When entering the water for a swim, there are some rocks and pebbles at first, but as soon as you pass them, there’s nothing but sand and lovely water.
This beach is family oriented and perfect for couples and youngsters. One end of the beach (towards Plaza Hotel) is very quiet and family friendly, where the other end of the beach (it is to your right when you’re facing Telendos), you will find the young and hip local Greeks playing beach tennis and listening to loud music.
Vlychadia is located in the southern most part of the island, and it takes a little bit of driving to get to (if you’re staying anywhere away from that area). The beach consist of two parts; one is made up of small pebbles, and on the other side of the road you’ll find the sandy part of the beach – right in front of the Eirini’s Restaurant the Sponge Diver (Ο Σφουγγαράς).
The water is stunning – as calm as can be because the surrounding mountain closes the area off, creating a small little bay.
The area itself is peaceful, and has also been improved on in the past couple of years. There are numerous restaurants and cafés scattered around, which are perfect if you’re in the mood for an iced coffee, a traditional Greek style seafood taverna, or a cold, decadent ice cream cone.
Vlychadia is perfect for couples, families, and everything in between. Just beware of the sun: it’s quite hot, but if you arrive early, you should be able to secure a spot underneath one of the trees. On the sandy part of the beach, you’ll also find sunbeds free of charge.
Gefyra literally translates to bridge in Greek, and this beach is surprisingly located under, well, a small bridge. It’s a very small beach with small and medium-sized pebbles, and an even smaller restaurant/cafe. I must say, don’t judge this beach by its size, because it packs a big punch.
The water is crystal clear. Its location is enclosed by two mountains on both sides, so the water is absolutely calm (only thing is that its location is near the main port, and from time to time, waves occur from the passing boats only to last for a few minutes).
There are a few sunbeds and some trees that will help cast shade if you’re not into the intense heat Kalymnos can bring in the summer months. The little restaurant is also a gem in our opinion. It’s family operated and they have delicious and humble offerings.
This beach is great for couples, families, and especially kids. When you’re driving to Gefyra you’ll immediately notice the shimmering sea down below, making you want to jump in as soon as possible.
Kantouni Beach is a long, sandy beach located on the southwest side of the island. This place is perfect for the ones who love waves, since Kantouni is known for usually having a rough sea. From time to time however, the sea is perfectly calm which makes for an incredible beach experience (perfect for the young ones in that case). There are a few well-known bars and cafés along this beach such as Domus, that serves drinks (full bar), coffee, sandwiches and also turns into a cool bar/club at night.
Kantouni also features the ever classic Kantouni Beach Hotel, which contains a small menu, bar, swimming pool open to the public, and a lot of sunbeds. There is also Greek Night every Friday night which features live traditional Greek music, and discounted prices on food. It’s a real treat and a must if you’re going for a cozy experience.
The only downside of the beach is in fact, the waves. The waves bring out all of the seaweed and pollution (unfortunately) from the south Aegean, and unfortunately leads to a dirty beach from time to time. This beach is a paradise when this doesn’t occur, and we assure you – it’s not all the time. Swing by Kantouni and see for yourself.
If you’re up for a little drive, this beach has incredible water that will make an everlasting impression on you.
Palionisos used to be a beach that was only accessible by boat until a new road was built just after Skalia, making it easy for anyone to visit this mini paradise. The road zig-zags up the mountain for about 5 minutes and then you can travel down a scenic route all the way to the beach.
The beach is located in the northern part of the island right in between two mountains. The water is some of the clearest and cleanest you will find on Kalymnos. The color of the water is breathtaking and honestly, much different from the other beaches in Kalymnos. The beach is made up of small pebbles and has just a few trees for shade.
They have recently made this into a more “hip” spot with the addition of rentable sun beds, Greek tavernas, and even a Greek flag which is suitable for a post on anyone’s Instagram profile.
The beach tends to attract a lot of visitors all summer long, especially during the weekends. If you’re on this part of the island, stop on over to Palionisos for an incredible beach experience.
Kampi is one of the few real “private” beaches left on Kalymnos. It requires a boat to get to, unless you’re fearless and are into scaling the rough terrain by foot.
The beach is located on the east side of the island, and is mainly accessible by the small port of Rina, in Vathy. This little port is sweet and humble in every way, and you’ll find nice little boats in the harbor. The port also has a handful of small restaurants and cafes, of which you need to come in contact with if you’d like to hitch a ride over to one of the private beaches.
Anyone inside these little cafes and restaurants will give you information on how to access the beaches, and more importantly, who will take you, and when. We highly recommend arriving early at the port and asking around. The one restaurant at the far left of the port as soon as you enter might be your best bet. Ask, and in return, the owner will kindly request that you dine at his restaurant upon returning back.
The arrangement is simple: you pick a time, and the the owner will drop you off and then pick you up once again. The beach is only 10 minutes or less with the boat. There is also a designated taxi boat – just call the number on the sign down by the port.
You thought Palionissos was incredible (it is, but this is better), just wait till you see these waters. Stunning, crystal clear blue water. It almost looks like glass (or as the Greeks say, Γυαλί). The beach is made of up of small pebbles. There are a few trees as well. It’s almost completely untouched. It’s as natural of a beach you’re going to come across on this island.
We almost forgot: this is one of those experiences where you must bring everything on your own. This includes toilet paper, food, water, towels, and umbrella, or anything else you think you will need for a period of anywhere between 3 to 6 hours (or however long you’re going for).
Due to the rising interest of these private beaches, there are daily trips of boats containing a horde of tourists almost every day. These boats dock at the beach, grill a handful of souvlakia, play loud music, and then leave.
This only lasts for about an hour or two, and then they leave. They also normally arrive around 2 o’clock in the afternoon. So if you plan your trip accordingly, you should have this beach all to yourself. Normally, if others see that the beach is occupied, they will simply head to the next, but you never know.
Nonetheless, it’s an absolute must if you’re going for an unforgettable beach experience in Greece.
Located in the further north of the island is a small village called Emporeios, which is home to a handful of residents, tavernas, hotels, and a lovely beach. As you drive to the village, you’ll come to a dead end eventually, where you will find a little port, which divides a beautiful, long beach.
Emporeios beach has a number of tavernas that are located directly on the water and offer delicious food with an even greater view of the small bay. The little beach is charming, clean, and pleasantly quiet. There are sunbeds located right “in” the tavernas so to speak, so you can enjoy the beach, and perhaps a snack at the same time.
These sunbeds are free near the tavernas; however, the others down the beach have a fee of six euros for a pair. There are also a handful of trees that also cast shade if you’re not interested in the sunbeds. The beach is absolutely clean, and due to its location in the most northern part of the island, it’s rather quiet and less crowded than the others you will find during the summer.
During your stay on the island, make sure to try these delicious, mouth-watering foods that Kalymnos is known for. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a salad that you will most definitely find at every tavern or restaurant you visit on the island. It contains ingredients that are native to Kalymnos and in a sense; you “taste” the island by trying this salad.
It’s similar to the traditional Horiatiki (Greek village salad), but with the addition of kouloures (dried, homemade barley rusk), fresh local caper leaves and topped off with kopanisti, which is smooth cheese spread freshly made from goat or sheep’s milk.
To top it all off, most places will sprinkle some fresh thrimpi (Kalymnian oregano) over top, giving it that robust, herbal flavor. Every restaurant has its own way of showcasing the “island’s” salad, so make sure to try it at different places! One restaurant in particular that serves an outstanding Mermizeli is O’ Sfougaras in Vlychadia.
Yes, you read that correctly. These are absolutely delicious, especially for those seafood lovers out there. Don’t get fooled by the name, there isn’t any meat in these meatballs, but they are similar in shape and consistency, hence the name.
Xtapodokeftedes are made from boiling octopus (normally just the tentacles), and kneading them into a mixture while adding fresh ingredients such as garlic, parsley and onion. After rolling them in flour, they are lightly fried and served with a wedge of lemon.
These are essentially Kalymnos’ own version of the ever popular dolmades, or as the Kalymnians call them, fila (just means leaves).
One thing that makes them unique to the island is of course the vine leaf itself, which grows on the island. Another characteristic of fila is their shape, which is small and cylindrical, and not rectangular and large.
Most restaurants will feature them with ground beef and rice (with the addition of other spices and love as well), but you may find some vegetarian ones if you’re lucky. Try Harry’s Paradise Garden in Emporios, they will most likely have a vegetarian version, and they are delicious and absolutely Kalymnian.
We may be biased, but we think that Kalymnos has the best honey on earth. Not only is it delicious, but it is also unique due to how it’s made. It’s made from thyme (in Greek: thimari), which is basically fresh thyme that grows on the mountains on Kalymnos.
During the summer months, the honey is harvested and sourced by the locals. The honey is thick, rich, and quite vibrant on the palate. You will find it everywhere, whether in tourist shops, cafes, or drizzled over fresh, hot cheese pies served at the Aegean Tavern in Masouri. Be sure to take some home with you! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
This is an absolute must when visiting the island, especially for those cheese lovers out there. You will of course find many of the familiar Greek cheeses on the island, but there are some that the Kalymnians make with their own recipes and good old tender, love, and care.
Kopanisti is a soft cheese normally made from goat’s milk, or sometimes even a mixture of goat, cow and sheep’s milk. The age-old process of kneading the curds with salt and then drying them takes a little more than a month, but produces delicious, soft, and intense cheese that is often used as a spread or in salads (as the Kalymnians do so in their Mermizeli salad).
Myzithra or mizithra is made with milk and whey from both sheep and goats. It’s often made into cylindrical-shaped pieces and found in small shops and grocery stores around the island. It’s different from kopansti: it’s not really a spreadable cheese, but it’s more of a soft cheese which can be sliced and enjoyed on a piece of fresh bread, perhaps.
Kalymnians also love enjoying myzithra alongside some freshly sliced watermelon (they do the same with feta as well). Furthermore, the cheese can be dried and grated, which then transforms it into somewhat of a “Greek parmesan”, so to speak. It’s absolutely perfect over some bolognese, a salad, or even pastitsio. Around the island, you’ll be sure to find this cheese used in more than one way.
It’s tough to pronounce, but easy to eat. This delicious custard pie is found all over Greece, but again, we may be a little biased, but Kalymnians know how to make a mouth-watering galaktompoureko! This dessert is made with semolina custard which is glopped into between layers of filo dough on the top and the bottom.
As customary with the Greek desserts, this one also features a sweet syrup which is poured over top after it has been baked. It can be enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven, but it is often served chilled since it can be a little messy at a hotter temperature.
Michalaras located in Pothia has been serving insanely delicious galaktompoureko for decades, as well as Vouros, who is also located in Pothia. Do yourself a favor, and visit one or both of these places and dive into one of Greece’s and Kalymnos’ most traditional and decadent desserts.
This one is only for the brave of heart, or rather, extreme seafood lovers (and I mean the ones who can appreciate the “taste” of the sea). Kalymnians on the other hand, don’t exactly see this next one as being “extreme” at all, but rather just another unique delicacy to the island.
Spinialo is made from gathering fouskes, which are small, little marine oyster-ish creatures that resemble a rock, and may be found at the bottom of both shallow and the deep sea. The inside of this is taken out, and let’s be honest, as first glance, it doesn’t look pleasant. However, looks can be deceiving, because they taste absolutely fresh and like the “sea” itself; salty and refreshing.
Spinialo contains fouskes which has been carefully removed and added into a bottle of seawater to marinate. It’s served with olive oil and lemon and these two ingredients only make it even more savory. As with oysters and other shellfish, these aren’t really chewed, but rather “lightly” chewed and simply swallowed. It’s hard to explain, we guess. But when in Kalymnos, try these for yourself and taste the sea.
