 To walk or to climb, that is the question on Kalymnos
 If you talk about what best to do on Kalymnos there are always different opinions. On one side it is hardly an unknown island anymore. During summer Kalymnos is overrun by climbers and walkers of any age. On the other hand if you visit the island in May, June, September or October you will find only a few travellers.
Beaches and Climbers
If even decide to take the bus to the village of Vathis, where there are only one hotel, one pension and two tavernas, you will find yourself in a very remote, very greek place. And what is even more, there are numerous walking tours leading out of the village. Some pretty hard up the rocks, others more easy, leading to a deserted beach. You will need a pair of good shoes though, but what you get is worth the effort. I promise. Look out for pension Manolis. He is a tour guide, taxi driver and a exellent host in one person.
Wild climbers and even wilder bus drivers
Kalymnos has a well known reputation for climbing, that is true, but on the other side there are many nice beaches on the very Greek island too. And for all the city people among you, there is even a lively litte town, which gives a nice change to quite village life. Once you arrive, you have to decide, whether you stay in the town itself (pretty noisy) or if you head for the villages. If you decide to do the last, there are two ways to go. Heading to the left side of the island, you will find beaches for swimming and rocks for climbing. You may take the lokal bus at the harbour. A ride which can be as adventourous as climbing high rocks. In my case the bus driver, going along a narrow coast road on high rocks, held a cup of coffee in one hand and a mobile phone in the other. The trip came to his peak as the driver was making a phone call using the left hand and trank coffee using his right hand. You may wonder, who was in control of the steer weel? So did I! So, if you are one of nicer types and risk your life rather yourself, you may head to the right side of the island.
   
Vathi the quiet spot
After a short trip with the local bus or a taxi, there is only little Vathi to find. It is a calm little village with only a hotel an a pension but an incredible nice bay. there is only a tiny spot where you can take a sunbath or swimm. But don't worry, it is hidden and there will hardy be somebody else than you yourself. If you are up for a walk, you can reach a small, very hidden beach with three trees for shade. The trees where actually planted by the local taxi driver Manolis, who also runs a pension wth the same name. My favourite was alway litte Vathi. Good for a few days of Greek life as it is.
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