Kalymnos Chalki Ferry

Kalymnos Guide

Forming part of the Dodecanese group of islands, the Greek island of Kalymnos lies in the south east Aegean Sea, to the west of the Bodrum Peninsular between the Greek islands of Kos and Leros. Kos is around 12 km to the south of Kalymnos and Leros is around 2 km to the north. After the islands of Kos and Rhodes, Kalymnos is the third most populous island in the Dodecanese and is known for its affluent population.

The island's terrain is characterised by many mountains and a coastline littered with sheltered coves which make it the perfect destination for a sailing holiday. The island has also been referred to as the "Sponge divers island" because sponge diving has taken place in the islands crystal clear waters for many years. The trade in sponges has brought a significant amount of wealth to the island and has made it famous throughout the Mediterranean.

The island's capital is called Pothia and is also home to the island's port. It is a colourful town that is spread out over the foot and slopes of two hills and the valley between them. There are regular ferry services to Piraeus, Rhodes, Samos and to the other islands in the Dodecanese and the Cyclades.

Chalki Guide

The Greek island of Chalki lies in the Aegean Sea and forms part of the Dodecanese group of islands. It is situated around 6 km to the west of the island of Rhodes and is the smallest inhabited island of the Dodecanese with a surface area of 28 sq. km and a coastline of around 34 km. The island's name is derived from the copper mines that used to exist on the island (Chalkos is Greek for copper). The island's economy was doing well at the end of 19th century, when Chalkites, the island's residents, developed navigation and a lucrative sponge industry. Chalki followed the historic course of Rhodes and was officially united with Greece in 1948. The world's youth nominated the island as the "Island of Peach and Friendship" in 1983.

The port, where the ferries arrive, is called Nimborio and is the only village on the island of any size. The port is shaped like a horseshoe around the bay.