Kalymnos has its own airport (JKL) with direct flights from Athens — domestic only, no international arrivals. Most visitors arrive by ferry, mainly from Kos, with connections from Rhodes, Piraeus and a direct seasonal ferry from Turgutreis (Bodrum), Turkey. Below you will find every option depending on where you start from.
From Kos (the most common route)
From Mastihari (the main line)
Most crossings to Kalymnos leave from Mastihari port on the northern side of Kos and arrive at Pothia. The trip takes 30–50 minutes. In summer there are usually several departures a day (first around 09:00, last until late afternoon), fewer in winter.
From Kos town port
There are also sailings from the central port of Kos town, served by Dodecanese line ferries and high-speed catamarans (roughly 25–45 minutes). Convenient if you are staying in Kos town or arriving from Bodrum, since boats from Turkey dock there.
By air via Kos
Fly into Kos airport (domestic flights from Athens and summer charters from across Europe), then continue by taxi or bus to the port — Mastihari is very close to the airport — and take the ferry to Kalymnos.
Flying directly to Kalymnos
Athens → Kalymnos
Kalymnos has its own airport (code JKL), with direct flights from Athens taking about 1 hour. There are flights almost every day (typically 5–6 a week, depending on the season). This is the fastest way to reach the island.
Please note: the airport handles domestic flights only — there are no direct international arrivals. If you are travelling from abroad, fly to Athens first and then on to Kalymnos, or fly to Kos and continue by ferry.
From Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese
The Rhodes – Kalymnos connection runs all year round, not just in spring and summer. It is served by Dodecanese line ferries and high-speed catamarans, with several sailings a week — and considerably more in high season (May–September), when service is close to daily.
Journey time depends on the vessel and the stops in between: the high-speed catamaran is considerably quicker, while conventional line ferries take longer.
The same routes also link Kalymnos with Leros, Patmos, Kos, Nisyros, Symi and the rest of the Dodecanese, so island hopping is easy.
From Bodrum / Turkey
Direct: Turgutreis → Kalymnos
There is a direct ferry from Turgutreis (Bodrum peninsula, D-Marin port) to Pothia, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. It runs seasonally in summer, usually on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays: departing Turgutreis around 09:30 (arriving ~10:45) and returning from Kalymnos around 17:30.
With that schedule Kalymnos makes an easy day trip from Bodrum — or, better still, a relaxed few days staying right by the harbour.
Alternatively via Kos
Outside the season, or if it simply suits you better, travel Bodrum → Kos (about 20–30 minutes) and then Kos → Kalymnos. The route via Kos runs far more frequently and almost all year.
From Athens
(a) Direct flight Athens → Kalymnos — about 1 hour, the fastest option, with no changes.
(b) Ferry from Piraeus — the overnight Dodecanese service sails directly to Kalymnos.
(c) Fly Athens → Kos and continue by ferry — useful when there is no Kalymnos flight on the day you want.
Schedules change by season and by operator. Please check current times before booking — or simply ask us: we know the connections well and are happy to point you in the right direction.
Once you reach Pothia, you are already here
City Stone Houses are in Pothia, right by the harbour where the ferries dock — a few minutes' walk from the quayside. With contactless self check-in you can arrive whenever suits you, even on a late sailing.
See availability and book →Bonus: a trip to Psérimos from your doorstep
One of the great advantages of the location: the boat to Psérimos — the nearby islet with its famous golden sandy beach — leaves from a point just a few minutes' walk from City Stone Houses. Perfect for an easy day trip to one of the loveliest beaches in the area, without a car.
Travel FAQ
How do I get to Kalymnos from Kos?
Most crossings leave from Mastihari port on northern Kos and reach Pothia in 30–50 minutes, with several departures a day in summer. There are also sailings from the central port of Kos town with line ferries and high-speed catamarans (about 25–45 minutes).
Does Kalymnos have an airport?
Yes. Kalymnos has its own airport (JKL) with direct flights from Athens, taking about 1 hour and running almost daily. It handles domestic flights only — there are no direct international arrivals.
Is there a ferry from Turkey to Kalymnos?
Yes. There is a direct seasonal ferry from Turgutreis (Bodrum peninsula) to Pothia, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes, usually on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, leaving around 09:30 and returning around 17:30. Alternatively travel Bodrum–Kos and then Kos–Kalymnos.
How do I get there from Rhodes?
The Rhodes–Kalymnos connection runs all year round, with several sailings a week and near-daily service in high season, operated by Dodecanese line ferries and high-speed catamarans.
How do I get there from Athens?
Three options: a direct Athens–Kalymnos flight of about 1 hour, the overnight Dodecanese ferry from Piraeus, or a flight to Kos followed by a short ferry crossing.
How close is the accommodation to the port?
City Stone Houses are in Pothia, right next to the harbour where the ferries arrive — a few minutes' walk from the quayside, with self check-in so you can arrive at any hour.
Can I take a trip to Psérimos?
Yes, very easily. The boat to Psérimos leaves a few minutes' walk from City Stone Houses — ideal for a day trip to the island's famous sandy beach, without a car.