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Why Vathy is worth a visit
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Why Vathy is worth a visit

by Christina & George August 4, 2019
3403 views
Why Vathy is worth a visit

The village of Vathy (or Vathi) and the lush green valley is the most fertile part of the island. Not only is Vathy beautiful in many ways, but the journey alone is worth the experience.

The picturesque view over Vathy

When driving from Pothia, the road will take you along the coastline and the beautiful views of the sea. There are multiple fishing farms scattered around (you can spot the circular fishing nets that go very deep into the water), and you will most definitely see mountain goats. 

The view from the road towards Vathy is breathtaking
The view from the road towards Vathy is breathtaking

Eventually, you will reach the Akti beach which you can see from above the road. Many people like to go there for a swim and if you choose to do so yourself, you can drive all the way down a steep paved road. Otherwise, save your swim for Vathy where you will want to dive into the water down by the port of Rina.

Akti beach in Kalymnos
Akti beach

Continuing around the mountains after Akti beach, you will reach the great view over Vathy. The view to your right is absolutely perfect as you descend the road. It is a sight that you will see in almost any book, tour guide or advertisement for Kalymnos. The beautiful valley with the humble amount of houses in combination with the picturesque, winding channel of water and the quaint port makes for an incredible sight.

The view over Vathy valley and Rina port from above
The beautiful view over Vathy – the valley and the channel of water

A peaceful oasis that will touch your senses

All your senses will be touched when you pay Vathy a visit. When driving down towards the oasis of trees and water, the smell from the mountain herbs will hit your nose. You might recognize the scents of thyme, oregano or sage dancing in the air.

Vathy valley with herbs growing on the mountain side
Vathy valley with herbs growing on the mountain side

Several of the local Greeks own a second home in Vathy, just like a little summer house. This is where they go to relax, and they spend time growing and maintaining vegetables and fruits in their backyards. Goats and chickens provide the residents with fresh eggs and milk. 

Mural painting of I love Vathis Kalymnos Greece
We love Vathis

Life in Vathy is relaxed and simple. The locals go to church, they take a swim in the port of Rina and friends and family gather for home-cooked meals. Isolated from busy areas like Pothia and Masouri, Vathy is a quiet and peaceful part of the island. 

Greek Orthodox church in Vathy
One of the many churches of Kalymnos, located in Vathy

We recommend that you spend some time just strolling the small paths, taking in the beautiful surroundings. You will see plenty of trees and bushes with fruits like pomegranates, oranges, lemons, figs and even almonds. If the season is right, pick a fruit or two and taste the pure freshness and sweet juices of the ripe fruit.

Lemon and pomegranate trees
Lemon and pomegranate trees

Down by the harbor, a few souvenir shops are to be found. Here you can find all kinds of charming, traditional items like handmade chimes made of seashells, magnets, cups, hats, jewelry – you name it! Do us a favor and buy something to keep as a memory from your time in Kalymnos.

Souvenir shops in Kalymnos
Souvenirs to keep as a memory from your time in Kalymnos

Tavernas in Vathy

By the water in Vathy, you will find a few seafood tavernas, which have stood the test of time, serving locals and tourists fresh seafood for years and years. The food is humble, and did we say fresh? They are the type of restaurants, which only have a select number of items per day, depending on season and availability.

Poppy's Taverna with fresh seafood in Rina (Vathy)
Poppy’s Taverna with fresh seafood

Those places, in our opinion, are some of the best kinds! Whether it’s freshly fried calamari, xtapothoketfedes (octopus meatballs), or the classic moussaka, these tavernas will serve you traditional and delicious food. Try Poppy’s, which is centrally located at the small port in Vathy. She has been serving the best food for decades. Go with your loved one or family and enjoy yourself a tasty meal.

Take a swim in Rina – or sail off to a private beach

Lots of people go for a swim in the clear water of Rina. It is not a beach and you won’t find sunbeds or umbrellas. Instead, you put your towel down by the steps or on the ground by the port. If you dare, there is a diving platform on the cliffside where kids as well as adults jump off and into the water.

Swimming in Rina, Vathy
George went for a swim in Rina – head first

Along the dock, you will find small stands selling local honey, freshly squeezed juice and homemade loukoumades (Greek donuts served with honey and cinnamon). Buy a snack, find a seat and enjoy.

Stands in Vathy selling local honey and freshly squeezed juice
Who is up for local thyme honey or a freshly squeezed orange juice?

Taxi boats from Rina to the private beaches

If you are more of a beach person, Vathy is still the place to be. Taxi boats will sail daily from Rina to some of the best beaches of Kalymnos, which can only be reached by sea. Imagine the most crystal-clear water – that is the main ingredient for all the beaches. Kampi is the closest one and it will take you around 10 minutes to reach. After that comes the big and the small Almyres and finally Drasonta.

Kambi private beach Kalymnos
Kambi – the closest private beach

Getting to the beaches work like this; you call the guy in charge of the taxi boat (Yiannis Koutellas) or you get in touch with one of the owners of the local tavernas – they usually know someone with a boat. You arrange when to go, as well as a pick-up time for returning, and then the captain of the boat drops you off and picks you up again according to the arranged times.

Take a taxi boat to the beaches of Vathi and Kalimnos
Take a taxi boat around the beaches

NOTE: There are no public restrooms or cafés at the private beaches, so remember to pack enough water, food and toilet paper for your whereabouts. Also, pick up your trash and bring it with you when you leave. That is the only way we can keep the beaches clean and unspoiled.

Crystal clear water at the private beaches around Vathi
Crystal clear water at the private beach

Thank you for getting all the way to the end

Thank you for reading all the way to the end. We hope you found this guide useful and if you have any questions about Vathy or Kalymnos in general, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Also, if you have more travel tips or recommendations, please leave a comment below.

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2 comments

universa pavone September 3, 2019 - 3:31 am

its my favourite spot in Kalymnos

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Christina & George September 15, 2019 - 8:30 am

We totally get why! It’s amazing!

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About us

About us

Christina & George

Hi there, welcome to our blog about Kalymnos. Our goal is to inspire and guide you about what to do and see, where to eat and drink - and even about having a wedding on this beautiful island.

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from.kalymnos.with.love

The best front row seats if you ask us! 🤩 #fro The best front row seats if you ask us! 🤩

#fromkalymnoswithlove
Kantouni is looking good today 😍 We never get Kantouni is looking good today 😍

We never get tired of this view!

#fromkalymnoswithlove #kantouni #beachday #kalymnos
With 2022 just around the corner, we've been looki With 2022 just around the corner, we've been looking back at the memories of 2021. 

We went to Kalymnos, with Christina being seven months pregnant in the crazy heat wave of July and August, and with no AC in the house! 🔥😅 That was tough.

In October, our beautiful daughter was born, and we really hope to baptize her at Agios Savvas next summer 🙏🏼💕

Despite the chaos of corona, we hope all of you have created many beautiful memories in 2021 ❤

#fromkalymnoswithlove #pregnant #memoriesof2021 #Kalymnos #greece
GREECE 🇬🇷 Paradise on Earth 🌎 Amazing e GREECE 🇬🇷 Paradise on Earth 🌎 

Amazing experience at Kampi private beach in Kalymnos. We love it here in September when the water is warm and beautiful 😍 

#Kalymnos #greekislands #dodecanese
#greece🇬🇷 #fromkalymnoswithlove
Happy 1st of September 😁💙 Even though it's Happy 1st of September 😁💙

Even though it's the first official month of Fall, it's still one of the best months to be in Kalymnos for vacation. The water and the weather is perfect around this time 😍 

#fromkalymnoswithlove #kalymnos #pserimos #kalomina #helloseptember #snorkeling #beachgirl #greeceislands
Καλή Παναγία! 💙 The 15th of August Καλή Παναγία! 💙

The 15th of August is one of the biggest celebrations in the Greek Orthodox faith.

Today we celebrate the Virgin Mary, or Panagia, The Dormition of the Mother of God. This holy day marks the occasion of the Virgin Mary's bodily ascent to heaven at the end of her life. ☦

Χρόνια πολλά 🇬🇷

#Παναγία #august15 #Orthodox #panagia #virginmary #kalymnos #Pserimos #greece #travelkalymnos #fromkalymnoswithlove #ellada
𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓲 𝓑𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 ⛱
The favorite beach among many, as the big sandy beach provides comfortable sunbeds with umbrellas, many food and drink options and calm weather (for the most part).

The iconic view with Telendos in the background and the many shops and restaurants just a short distance away, makes this place the perfect spot to spend hours of your day 😀

Relax. Swim. Sunbathe. Repeat. 👌🏼

#fromkalymnoswithlove
With the current heat wave in Greece, we'd better With the current heat wave in Greece, we'd better follow the sign and get to the beach! ⛱

#greece #tothebeach #kalymnos #fromkalymnoswithlove #🇬🇷 #iconic_greece #blueandwhite
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