Flight
Kalymnos is a small island in the Dodecanese chain, located in the eastern Aegean Sea. You can get there a few ways: Fly into Athens and take the ferry to Kalymnos (8hrs) Fly into Rhodes and take the ferry to Kalymnos (2 hrs) Fly into Kos and take the ferry to Kalymnos (45 min)* Fly direct into Kalymnos, connecting through Athens or Kos Ferry schedules will be added here closer to the wedding. *We would suggest this option, as there are plenty of flights into Kos and the ferry ride is very pleasant
House Or Rental
There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb's around Kalymnos! The island is pretty small - about 30 minutes end to end - so if you have a car or are willing to take a taxi, you could realistically stay anywhere. The three main towns of Kalymnos are Pothia (also known as Kalymnos Town), Myrties, and Masouri. They each have a unique vibe, and offer different things. Here is a little bit of information on each one: Pothia: As the island’s capital and main port, Pothia has a bustling, vibrant atmosphere. The town features a mix of neoclassical and modern architecture, colorful houses, and lively streets. You’ll find a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants here, as well as the main harbor area with its fishing boats and occasional luxury yachts. It's a great place to experience local life and enjoy a blend of traditional and contemporary Greek culture. Myrties: This small, picturesque village exudes a more relaxed and quaint vibe. Located along the coast, Myrties offers stunning views of the sea and the neighboring island of Telendos. The town is known for its charming narrow streets, traditional stone houses, and serene atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a peaceful retreat, with easy access to beautiful beaches and a laid-back local ambiance. Masouri*: Known for its popularity among climbers due to its proximity to excellent climbing routes, Masouri has a lively and youthful vibe. The village offers a range of accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses, and has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops catering to the climbing community. The atmosphere here is energetic and friendly, with a focus on outdoor activities and a casual lifestyle. *We would highly recommend staying in Masouri, one of our favorite climbing towns in the world! It is walkable and close to a majority of the wedding events.
Rental Car
Rental cars and motor bikes are easily accessible, with many agencies lining the main streets of each town. While it is possible to book upon arrival, June is peak travel season so we suggest making a reservation in advance. Here are a couple agencies we can recommend: Lisgaris Kalymnia Rent a Car - https://kalymniarentacar.gr/ Maria Rent a Car - https://kalymnos-rentacar.gr/en/ Auto Market - Car & Auto - https://automarket.com.gr/ Kalymnos Rentals - https://kalymnos-rentals.gr/ Greece does not require an International Driving License / Permit (IDP) for car rentals, though some individual agencies or insurance companies do. If you would like more information on how to get an IDP, it can be found here: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html#overseas For those who do not wish to rent a car, there are plenty of taxis. If you meet a nice taxi driver, be sure to ask for their card as they can usually pre-arrange pickups and drop offs via WhatsApp. Uber does not exist here, so be sure to have some cash on hand in the case you do need a taxi.
Travel Note
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic authorization for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, who want to visit Europe for short stays. An ETIAS is not a visa. It is a travel authorization for short-term stays of up to 90 days. It differs from traditional visas in that it does not require an interview or physical paperwork. Travelers can apply for ETIAS online, and no additional documents, like letters of invitation or hotel bookings, are needed for the application process. Unlike a visa, the process is fully online and takes only a few minutes. Travelers will fill out an electronic form, providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Key ETIAS Facts for US Citizens: - Required for: Americans visiting Greece, Norway, Cyprus, and all 29 Schengen countries. - Application Fee: €7 (about $8). - Approval Time: Most applications are processed within minutes. - Validity: Three years or until your passport expires. - Multiple Trips Allowed: No need to reapply for every visit. - Required Even for Transit: If you have a layover in an ETIAS country, approval is mandatory. The EITAS Travel Authorization will go-live sometime in mid-2025, so please keep an eye out to determine whether you will need to fill out an application before your travel. The European Union recommends applying for ETIAS travel authorization a minimum of 96 hours before your departure.