Which port do ferries to Kalymnos use?

Pothia, the island's capital, on the south coast. It is the largest town in the Dodecanese after Rhodes Town and has direct ferry services to Piraeus.

How long is the ferry from Athens to Kalymnos?

Blue Star Ferries takes around 10 to 11 hours from Piraeus to Pothia. Most sailings are overnight, stopping at Patmos and Leros before Kalymnos.

Can I get a ferry from Kalymnos to Kos?

Yes — there are short local connections between Kalymnos and Kos Town, typically under an hour by fast ferry. Blue Star services also connect both islands on the same route.

Kalymnos Ferries

Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Kalymnos — the port of Pothia, overnight connections to Athens, and onward links to Kos and the Dodecanese.

The port: Pothia

Pothia (or Kalymnos Town) is the ferry hub for Kalymnos — a busy, colourful harbour town built around a natural bay on the south coast. It is one of the largest ports in the Dodecanese, and the island's seafaring and sponge-diving traditions are visible throughout the waterfront. All Blue Star Ferries vehicles call here on the Athens–Dodecanese route.

Routes from Kalymnos

The main long-distance link is the Blue Star Ferries overnight service to and from Piraeus — approximately 10 to 11 hours. The same vessel calls at Patmos and Leros northbound, and at Kos and Rhodes southbound, so Kalymnos slots neatly into a Dodecanese island-hopping itinerary. Local ferries and fast boats also connect Pothia to Kos Town (approximately 45 minutes–1 hour), Telendos, Leros and Mastichari on Kos.

Kalymnos: the sponge-diver's island

Kalymnos built its reputation on sponge diving, and the Nautical and Folklore Museum in Pothia tells the story well. Today the island is also famous among rock climbers — the limestone cliffs above the villages of Massouri and Telendos attract climbers from across Europe. The quieter islet of Telendos is reachable by small boat from Myrties in minutes.

Planning your visit

Book overnight cabin berths on Blue Star in advance if travelling in July or August — the Dodecanese route is popular with both Greek and foreign travellers. The port itself is well-served with cafés, tavernas and a small supermarket, so arriving early for a ferry is no hardship.

Ports & terminals

Kalymnos FerriesView on map →

Frequently asked questions

Which port do ferries to Kalymnos use?: Pothia, the island's capital, on the south coast. It is the largest town in the Dodecanese after Rhodes Town and has direct ferry services to Piraeus.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Kalymnos?: Blue Star Ferries takes around 10 to 11 hours from Piraeus to Pothia. Most sailings are overnight, stopping at Patmos and Leros before Kalymnos.
Can I get a ferry from Kalymnos to Kos?: Yes — there are short local connections between Kalymnos and Kos Town, typically under an hour by fast ferry. Blue Star services also connect both islands on the same route.