We caught the 9am ANEM ferry from Mastichari, Kos — a short but scenic 45-minute ride to Pothia, the bustling port town of Kalymnos. After some ticket drama (thank you, handwritten backups!), we stepped off into a world that felt both timeless and quietly buzzing.
Our first stop was a local sponge factory warehouse, where we were greeted by a warm couple — the husband, one of the island’s last traditional sponge harvesters, and his wife, the storyteller of the sea. She guided us through the types, textures, and surprisingly priced sponges — sold by size, not weight — with the largest ones commanding a price that made my eyebrows rise. But while I listened, my daughter wasn’t having it — the dry, squishy textures of the sponges gave her goosebumps and she quickly bolted from the store, wide-eyed and slightly creeped out. A sponge may be soft, but apparently not toddler-approved! Or perhaps she had some form of sensory aversion or Trypophobia. She had to quietly sit outside until I was done with my adventure of the sea.
Kalymnos is truly a charming island, rich in the proud tradition of sponge diving, where the sea’s treasures are still carefully harvested by hand by a few skilled locals. As we stepped out into the lively port of Pothia, the island’s deep connection to the sea was palpable. After picking up some natural sponges as decorative keepsakes, we strolled along the harbor promenade, capturing photos by the water and admiring statues—including the graceful mermaid watching over the bay—while passing vibrant markets that line the waterfront. The atmosphere was both relaxed and full of history, making even a brief visit feel like stepping into a living story.
A scoop of ice cream and cool drinks gave us a much-needed pause from the heat, before strolling through the charming streets of Pothia again. And because no mini adventure is complete without a keepsake, I picked out a delicate sterling silver bow ring — a small, shining reminder of Kalymnos and its proud, quietly enduring craftsmanship.
After soaking up as much as we could in our short time, we had to rush to catch the 12:30pm Lafasi fast ferry back to our apartment in Mastichari. We needed to be on time for our airport taxi pick-up, as our flight to Athens was scheduled for 4pm. Though brief, our Kalymnos visit was packed with unforgettable moments and left us eager to return.
A short trip, yes — but full of little treasures.
Ready to dive into authentic island life and uncover centuries-old traditions? Pack your bags and set sail for Kalymnos — where stunning seascapes, rich history, and warm local hospitality await. Don’t just hear the stories, experience them firsthand on your next Greek island adventure!
Add comment
Comments