3Kalymnos – The Sponge Divers’ Island

Kalymnos, in the Dodecanese, has a proud seafaring heritage. For centuries, its men risked their lives diving for natural sponges—a tradition still honored today. The main town, Pothia, bursts with color: neoclassical mansions, fishing boats, and drying sponges line the harbor. 

Locals here are warm and hardworking, their resilience woven into daily life. Visit a sponge workshop to hear stories of the divers’ bravery, or join a family for a meal of stuffed vine leaves and freshly grilled fish. Kalymnos also attracts climbers from around the world, yet remains deeply authentic—where the spirit of the sea shapes every heartbeat.

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