Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a Dodecanese island historically dependent on sponge diving, with a collection of traditional sponge-related artefacts and a fleet still visible in the working harbour at Pothia. The island has developed an international reputation as a sport climbing destination, with hundreds of bolted routes across limestone cliffs above the small bay of Massouri and surrounding valleys. The colourful facades of Pothia's mansions, painted in vivid blues, yellows, and pinks by returning sponge divers' families, are distinctive in the Dodecanese context.