Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 22430 23113; adult/student €5/3; 10am-1pm Mon, Wed & Fri) The Archaeological Mu-
seum is packed with a vast array of artefacts dating back as far as 2500 BC and found as
recently as 2001. One of the most striking pieces is an arresting bronze statue of a wo-
man in a detailed chiton from the 2nd century BC, found off the coast of Kalymnos. Be-
hind the main building is the mansion of Nickolas Vouvalis , a wealthy 19th-century
sponge trader who was the island benefactor. Inside, rooms appear as they did when he
lived here.
Nautical & Folklore Museum MUSEUM
( 22430 51361; admission €3; 10am-1pm Mon, Wed & Fri, May-Sep) In the centre of the
waterfront, this museum has displays on traditional regional dress and the history of
sponge diving. For an even bigger eyeful of sponge, visit the exporting factory of NS
Papachatzis, overflowing with sponges of every conceivable shape and size.
Activities
Rock Climbing
In recent years Kalymnos has become Greece's climbing mecca with 50 different climb-
ing sites and over 2000 bolted routes. Every October the North Face Kalymnos Climb-
ing Festival ( www.kalymnosclimbingfestival.com ) draws more than 300 climbers from 20
different countries. The newly expanded Kalymnos Adventure Centre & Climber's
Nest ( 22480 48160, 6984933327; www.climbkalymnos.com ; Masouri; half-day beginner's
climbing course €40) in Masouri, is where you'll find equipment, maps, guidebooks and
experienced guides. Beginner half-day courses cost €40.
The Official Climbing Info desk is based at the Municipal Tourist office at the en-
trance to the harbour. Also check out www.climbkalymnos.com for more information.
Scuba Diving
The annual Kalymnos Skandalopetra Diving Festival held in summer offers parti-
cipants the chance to compete in underwater target shooting, cliff diving, scuba diving
through wrecks and even hunting for lost treasure. See the municipality's website
( www.kalymnos-isl.gr ) for further details. Kalymnos Scuba Diving Club (
6974646413, 22430 47253; www.kalymnosdiving.com ; 1-day dive €50, 3-day open water PADI €350)
offers one-day dives to wrecks, underwater volcanoes, reefs and caves. Owner Dimitris
runs one-day boat trips explaining the history of sponge diving, and can demonstrate the
ancient art of skandalopetra (stone and rope free-diving).
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