Kalymnos logistics

So I found this: https://climbkalymnos.com/kalymnos-info/ but I was wondering what most people do. Fly to Kos or Athens or Rhodes? Has anyone tried flying into JKL (Kalymnos airport)?

& how easy was it finding partners if traveling solo?

I think the majority of people fly to KOS and take the ferry.  Flying directly  to Kaly is more efficient but there are fewer flights and they seem to be more subject to weather disruptions.  But I know people who have done it without issues

Eric Engbergwrote:

I think the majority of people fly to KOS and take the ferry.  Flying directly  to Kaly is more efficient but there are fewer flights and they seem to be more subject to weather disruptions.  But I know people who have done it without issues

As Eric said. The airport on Kaly is on a small plateau close above one of the ends of the island and is subject to fairly frequent high winds, even more so in winter. As a result a reasonable number of flights are cancelled or delayed. Also, there seem to be far more frequent scheduled flights to Kos, than to Kaly. I've been there 3 times, flying into Kos and taking the ferry from there each time. It is a short taxi ride from the Kos airport to the ferry port, and a straight shot from there across to Kaly. It is possible, of course, that rough conditions could cause ferry cancellations or delays as well, but that seems to happen less frequently than the airport closures.

Alan is spot on. 

I flew from Athens to Kalymnos directly with no issues when I went last in 2022. I've also heard from a few people that when they've taken that flight some have experienced delays or cancelations due to weather. 

I can't really speak on partner finding, as I didn't go solo. The majority of folks go with a partner, so it's not as solo friendly as some other destinations, but certainly doable. I know some people use the Kalymnos Climbing page on Facebook with success. 

I just returned from Kalymnos 10 days ago. Be aware that if you are going soon that almost all the restaurants are closed for the season. Things shut down bit by bit starting mid November. Likewise there are far fewer climbers this time of year so finding a partner might be problematic.

I have been to Kalymnos solo twice and had no problem finding partners. At that time there was a very active WhatsApp group that was a great resource. Checking out Facebook climbing groups would probably give you leads to currently active groups. 

Thanks for the lead on FB. I've lined up a couple of potential partners. Thanks as well for the tip on flights/ferries, we decided to take the ferry.

Anyone have experience bringing their rope in their carry on through Kos & Athens? I've had mixed results traveling internationally. 

I have not done it but they seemed fairly relaxed regarding carryon compared to a lot of places I’ve been. It might be worth it as they have a lower weight restriction on checked bags compared to the international flight. Can’t remember the exact weight allowed but we got dinged coming home thru Kos with Sky Express airlines.

Flying direct into Kalymnos is hit or miss coming from Athens (flights, weather, cancellations). Other locations may claim to fly Kalymnos but may have a layover at KGS which can be longer than the ferry would take.

Kos is the no-brainer, gobs of flights with many carriers.  Taxis waiting and easy ferry to Kalymnos.  Partners can be found on the Climb Kalymnos page and/or What's App group.  Year round there are solo travelers, off-number groups or those on the wrong side of a rest day looking for partners.  

Can confirm that I was able to get my rope in my carry on through ATH security.

Sky was lax in the weight restriction & bag measurement. My BD35 was tagged as hand luggage & waved through.

Heading to Kalymnos in May, planning on flying into Kos and taking the ferry. Are advanced reservations for the ferry necessary, or can you just walk up and purchase a ticket?

We never had a problem just getting a ticket at the ferry but did hear from a friend that they arrived and the ferry was full. I’d say if your flight ferry connection is tight it might be worth it otherwise just arrive early at the dock. Good restaurants right near there to wait at.

Sam Smithwrote:

Heading to Kalymnos in May, planning on flying into Kos and taking the ferry. Are advanced reservations for the ferry necessary, or can you just walk up and purchase a ticket?

We walked up & purchased but only because there was a €5 (or something) convenience fee to purchase tickets online. Might be a different story in May because, as i understand it, the season is starting to pick up.

You might also want to purchase at the dock just in case flights get delayed or you miss your flight because of this & that