Kalymnos Island, Greece, 2013

13 Sept, 2013 

After sheltering from the Meltemi in Pali Harbour, Nisyros for many days we finally departed bound for Pothia Harbour on Kalymnos as it was a convenient stopover on the way to Patmos. We were safely moored by 12 am so we had a little wander around and found the same old  tourist junk shops, wall to wall restaurants, motor bike rentals and so on that seems to be the “norm” for the Mediterranean harbour towns. 

Kalymnos is the third largest of the Dodecanese islands and was known as the "sponge-fishing island" but with the demise of the sponge diving industry it now relies on the large fishing fleet and the tourist trade. Small colourful fishing boats line the harbour walls and the authentic Greek houses seem to march up the hillside making the scene very photogenic. There are also  some very interesting statues around town. 

We were often woken early in the morning and late at night as the huge Blue Star ferry came into the harbour times, with it's motors and bow thrusters roaring and the huge  anchor chain clattering.

As the weather was fairly inclement we were unable to visit the ruined castle of the Knights of St John nor the Moni Agiou Savra monastery which overlook harbour.  We tried to capture the scene high on the hill a number of times especially in the afternoon light.

During our stay, David and Juliet Fosh (s/y Reflections) moored next to us. We last saw them in Rebak Malaysia in 2010, so it was great catching up with them and sharing our stories over "sundowners." Also at one stage, the CA Rally came in and we met up with fellow Alanya Marina friends Trevor from Captain Ginger and Matt and Annie from Wild One. It was fun hearing of their Rally experiences.

(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

Arriving Pothia harbour Kalymnos. Note the barren hills.

Hamamas in Pothia harbour

Just a few of the Sponges for sale.

Shells, shells, shells!

Some stores are out to catch the tourist trade.

As usual  in Greek towns cats are everywhere.

Fran with Neptune!

Cleverly done Statue 

More Statues

Beautiful mermaid at the base of the winged statue

Sponge Diver statue also at the base of the winged statue.

We never found out who this winged statue really was!

Blue Starr Ferry from a distance.

Blue Star Ferry from the bow of Hamamas.

Motor bikes, Greek houses and the monastery.

Tom finally captured the Monastery on the hilltop.!

One of the renovated house with the "chatter box"

Tom with yet another door!

One of the lovely alley ways.

Lovely  well kept square. 

Clock Tower

Harbour wall and one of the orthodox churches.

Bikes and picturesque alley way.

There are usually plenty of colourful Bouganvillias in the Greek islands

The harbour wall did get very full especially when the weather was inclement.

Hamamas was moored in front of  the Hammer Restaurant sign.

Leaving Pothia Harbour at Dawn.

When we finally departed Kalymnos on 17 Sept, little did we know that we would stay even longer on our return journey from Patmos  as, once again, the Meltemi had us seeking shelter.