Where to Stay When Climbing in Kalymnos: A Complete Guide (2024)
Choose the best place to stay to make the most of your climbing holiday. An organized list of areas to help you find what's best for you.
Grande Grotte. Photo credit: Climbapedia
Planning a climbing trip to Kalymnos? Excellent choice! But before you pack your bags, you’ll need to decide where to stay. The right base can make all the difference in your climbing experience, so we’ve compiled a detailed guide to help you choose the perfect spot.
Table of Contents
- The Top Three Spots for First-Time Visitors
- Off the Beaten Path: Unique and Tranquil Alternatives
- Conclusion
The Top Three Spots for First-Time Visitors
When visiting Kalymnos for the first time, most climbers gravitate toward one of three popular areas: Masouri, Armeos, or Myrties. Each of these locations offers a unique combination of convenience, amenities, and Distance to Climbing sectors, making them ideal for those new to the island.
1. Masouri: The Most Popular
Masouri is the most popular area for climbers, especially for first-time visitors. This vibrant village is packed with restaurants, shops, and accommodations, offering the widest range of options on the island. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly studio or a luxurious apartment, you’ll find plenty of choices here.
- Distance to Climbing: The approach to some of the island’s most popular climbing sectors such as the Grande Grotte area and the Poets area is just a 5-15 minute walk away, making Masouri incredibly convenient for daily climbing excursions.
- Amenities: You’ll find everything you need in Masouri, from gear shops to grocery stores. The ferry ticket office is also located here, which is handy if you’re arriving by boat.
- Dining and Shopping: Masouri boasts a wide array of restaurants and cafes. Some of our personal favorites include The Aegean Tavern and Prego.
- Getting Around: You can easily manage without a car or scooter, as most amenities and climbing areas are within walking distance.
2. Armeos: Closest to climbing
Just a short walk north of Masouri, Armeos offers all the benefits of its busier neighbor, but with a quieter, more laid-back vibe. This area is perfect for climbers who want to be close to the action but prefer a bit more tranquility.
- Distance to Climbing: Armeos is even closer to the main climbing areas, with some sectors accessible directly from the village.
- Amenities: While Armeos is quieter than Masouri, it still has good access to shops and restaurants. Plus, you’re only a few minutes away from all the conveniences of Masouri.
- Favorite Spots: Armeos is home to one of our favorite hidden gems—a tiny, quiet, and beautiful beach. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of climbing. You can find it here: Google map link
- Getting Around: Like Masouri, you can easily manage without a car or scooter, as everything is within walking distance.
Hotels in Armeos - Armeos is sometimes seen as a part of Masouri, so to find a hotel go to hotels in Masouri on 
and search for hotels saying Armeos or use the map widget to search to the north of Masouri
3. Myrties: Quieter and cheaper
To the south of Masouri, Myrties (also Mirties or Mirtéai) offers a more relaxed atmosphere with easy access to a beautiful beach. It’s also generally more affordable than both Masouri and Armeos, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
- Distance to Climbing: Myrties is about a 10-minute walk from Masouri, so you’ll still have access to all the amenities. However, it’s a bit further from the climbing sectors, so be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to the start of the approach if you don’t have a car or scooter.
- Amenities: Myrties has some great dining options, including our favorite pizza and coffee spots on the island.
- Beach Access: The beach in Myrties is, in our opinion, nicer and more accessible than the one in Masouri, making it a great place to unwind after a climb.
- Getting Around: While it’s possible to manage without a car or scooter, having one will make your stay more convenient.
Off the Beaten Path: Unique and Tranquil Alternatives
If you’re looking for something different or prefer a quieter stay, Kalymnos has several lesser-known areas that offer their own unique charm. These spots are perfect for climbers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil environment.
4. Arginonta: Tiny Village and Beautiful Beach
Arginonta is a small, quiet village that combines a stunning beach with close proximity to several popular climbing sectors.
- Distance to Climbing: You can walk to sectors like Arginonta Valley - one of the best beginner crags on the island, Arhi - a fantastic crag (but gets a lot of sun in the summer), and Arginonta - a great morning crag.
- Amenities: While there are fewer dining options in Arginonta, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful beach make up for it.
- Getting Around: A car is definitely needed to fully enjoy this area, especially if you plan to explore more of the island.
5. Emporios: Quiet and Remote
Emporios (or Emborios) offers a tranquil escape on the northern coast of Kalymnos, far from the busier tourist areas.
- Distance to Climbing: Emporios is closer by car to northern crags like The Beach and Secret Garden, which offer some of the best all-day shade climbing on the island.
- Amenities: The village is quiet with just a few restaurants, making it a perfect spot for those looking to unwind.
- Getting Around: You’ll definitely need a car to get around, but the cheaper accommodations and peaceful surroundings make it worthwhile.
6. Skalia: Peaceful and Scenic
Skalia is a quiet village that offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience, perfect for those who want to connect with nature and enjoy some solitude.
- Distance to Climbing: Skalia is within walking distance of Ghost Kitchen, a great crag, and also close by car to northern crags like The Beach and Secret Garden.
- Amenities: There are limited dining options, but the village’s tranquility and scenic beauty more than compensate for it.
- Getting Around: A car is essential here, as the area is more remote.
7. Panormos: Budget-Friendly
Panormos is the cheapest option on the island and offers a relaxed vibe, but it’s not as close to the main climbing areas.
- Distance to Climbing: It’s about a 10-15 minute drive to the most popular climbing sectors, so having a car is necessary.
- Amenities: Panormos is home to the largest supermarket on the island, making it a convenient spot for stocking up on supplies.
- Getting Around: Definitely plan on having a car if you stay here, as the village is further from the climbing areas.
Conclusion
Kalymnos is a climbing paradise, offering something for everyone, whether you’re looking for convenience, tranquility, or budget-friendly options. Masouri, Armeos, and Myrties are perfect for first-timers looking to stay close to the action, while Arginonta, Emporios, Skalia, and Panormos offer unique and quieter alternatives. No matter where you choose to stay, you’re in for an unforgettable climbing adventure on this beautiful island. So pick your spot, gear up, and get ready to explore the world-class routes that Kalymnos has to offer!