DODECANESE

Kalymnos & Telendos

Size: max 22km long, min 3km across
Martian Risk: some, but easily avoidable

Kalymnos

Kalymnos is rapidly acquiring a reputation as one of the best, and fastest growing, locations in Europe for climbing. Its impressive range of rock-faces provides a huge area for novice and experienced climber alike, with its many well marked routes and with excellent professional instruction available. To crown it all, you can almost literally drop off the mountain side (please re-phrase – Ed.) into the comfort of hotels with beach-life and even night-life on the spot. Traditional tourism is fairly modest and is concentrated along the west coast. Myrties is perhaps the main settlement here, with its jetty for the caiques taking you across to Telendos island. The other villages are Melitsaha, tucked round a corner and a lot quieter than Myrties, and Masouri (beyond Myrties) where there is a long sandy beach with water-sports, a well sound-proofed disco, several hotels, bike and car hire etc., making it useful for mixed groups. You can choose to stay in Myrties, quieter Melitsaha (though it has an excellent beach and some tavernas) or on almost silent (but hugely atmospheric) Telendos.

Telendos

Telendos is a mere 10-minute chug away. Traffic-free, it has a line of water-front tavernas with fabulous views back to the escarpment of Kalymnos itself. Its tiny village has a shaded, paved main street which soon leads you over the saddle to a couple of beaches on the south side of the island. If you are determined to try climbing without bothering to cross to Kalymnos, you can conquer Telendos – but be sure to take a friend or two with you, tell people where you are going and start at its southern tip and don’t try scaling its Eiger-like north face!

Bring your walking, climbing or diving gear – on Kalymnos there are wonderful walks from one side of the island through the hills and valleys to the other; and there are supervised climbing and diving with optional instruction. Boat trips to Kos, Leros, Lipsi and to Bodrum in Turkey are available for a day out.

Kalymnos: Myrties, with Telendos Island across the straits

Kalymnos: Myrties from Melitsaha

Kalymnos: Melitsaha beach & taverna

Kalymnos: Myrties beach from the Telendos caique

Telendos: the beach

Telendos: the village street

Price Guide

ACCOMMODATION

Amphitriti Apartments, Melitsaha

Nine excellently run studios and apartments, all with balconies or terraces (some on two sides). All have at least some sea view. Melitsaha beach is 150 metres away.
Air-con, sat TV. S/C 2-5 pers.

Seasons
High 1/7-31/8
Mid 1/6-30/9
Low 1/5-31/10

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Villa Nereida, Myrties

A well furnished apartment with two balconies overhanging the beach and facing Telendos. The sleeping/washing facilities are rather compact, with low doors and ceilings and are reached by stairs from the back of the living room; but it's a lovely apartment and handy for everything.
S/C 2 pers.

Seasons
High 1/7-31/8
Mid 1/6-30/9
Low 1/5-31/10

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Hotel Potpouri, Telendos

Magnificent panorama across the straits to Kalymnos, but only a few minutes from the harbour-front. Main building has spacious sitting areas; the annexe has slightly larger bedrooms.
Air-con, huge sea-water pool. B&B.

Seasons
High 1/7-31/8
Mid 1/6-30/9
Low 1/5-31/10

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Villas Vicky & Maria, Telendos Island

Two next door houses just back from the water-front offering attractive studios and 1-bedroom apartments, fitted kitchens and several balconies. The upstairs ones usually have better sea views, the ground floor more patio space. Easy walking distance from the tavernas and beach.
S/C 2-4 pers.

Seasons
High 1/7-31/8
Mid 1/6-30/9
Low 1/5-31/10

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