One Greek island which is way cheaper than its more popular neighbour makes for a great alternative Mediterranian holiday.
Kalymnos is known for its irregular coastline with beautiful beaches, crystal waters and numerous coves to explore, and a visit will cost much less than a trip to Kos.
The island also has fewer tourists than its neighbour with a relaxing vibe around Rina Bay with its crystal clear waters.
A week’s stay on the island costs £847 per person on average, while accommodation in the capital Pothia was the most competitively priced on the island with the cheapest package costing £794.
Kalymnos is best known for its sponge trade where people traditionally dived into the island’s waters to harvest sponges which brought social and economic development to the island.
After the Second World War, Kalymnos had the only surviving sponge trade in Greece and tourists can pick up the perfect souvenir from Kalymnos Sponges Warehouse.
The island is particularly popular among active tourists, with its Grande Grotta climbing fields with three sectors of rough rocks perfect for adventurers.
Kalymnos’s capital Pothia is located in a valley between two hills and is packed with history such as Vouvalis House, home of a prominent sponge merchant and benefactor of the island and Sotiras Christos Church, with its silver dome and marble icon screen crafted by the Greek sculptor Giannoulis Chalepas.
The capital is also home to the 15th-century castle of Chrysocheria, built by the Knights Hospitaller and there are also three stunning stone windmills located to the east of the town.
Those looking to learn more about the history of the island can visit its Archaeological Museum where visitors can see the impressive copper statue ‘Lady of Kalymnos’, the Maritime Museum, which is dedicated to the life and customs of the sponge harvesters and the Traditional House of Kalymnos, a small folk museum showcasing everyday life on the island in the late 19th and early 20th century.
At the end of a day’s exploring, the tavernas of the town’s waterfront offer delicious local treats such as Spinialo, which is made up of ray, sea urchins and sea figs preserved in seawater or Mouri, which is stuffed lamb or goat cooked in an oven casserole.
