If you are deciding where to stay in Kalymnos, the choice of village matters more than it might seem at first. I have been visiting Kalymnos for years, and the island works very differently depending on whether you stay near the climbing areas, along the busier west coast, close to the port, or in one of the quieter outlying villages.
The distances are not huge, but the steep terrain, narrow roads, ferry connections and spread-out settlements can make one base much more practical than another. Masouri is one of the places I look at first for many trips, but whether it is right for you depends on how you plan to spend your time on the island.
This guide compares the main areas to stay in Kalymnos based on firsthand experience of the island, with a focus on location, atmosphere, transport, beaches, climbing access and the kind of traveler each area suits.
Where to Stay in Kalymnos
These are the five areas I would compare first. The accommodation suggestions are there to give you a feel for what is available in each place, rather than to push one particular hotel.
Masouri
Good for climbing access, restaurants, sea views and an easy west-coast base.
Myrties
Good for beach access, Telendos boats and a slightly quieter west-coast setting.
Pothia
Good for the port, buses, shops and staying close to everyday island life.
Emporios
Good for quiet evenings, a sheltered bay and a much slower pace.
Vathy
Good for the sheltered inlet, local atmosphere and a more isolated eastern base.
Note: I would use these as a starting point, then compare availability and location for your own dates before choosing an area.
Table of Contents
Masouri: Best Place to Stay in Kalymnos for Climbers and First-Time Visitors
Masouri is the most popular place to stay on Kalymnos, and after spending time around the island it is easy to understand why. The village stretches along the west coast facing Telendos, with cafés, bakeries, tavernas, scooter rentals, climbing shops and the beach all within a relatively compact area.
It is particularly practical if you are trying to decide where to stay in Kalymnos without renting a car. Buses stop along the main road, the boats to Telendos leave nearby from Myrties, and you can walk to restaurants and the beach rather than planning every outing around transport.
For climbers, the location becomes even more useful. Many of Kalymnos’s best-known climbing sectors sit directly above or close to Masouri, including Grande Grotta, Panorama, Spartacus and Poets. Depending on the sector, you can often walk from your accommodation to the crags instead of taking a scooter every morning.
The climbing infrastructure is concentrated here too. There are climbing shops, equipment rental, cafés that open early enough for climbers heading out for the day, and plenty of places to eat once you come back down. That makes Masouri particularly easy if climbing is the main purpose of the trip.
Despite being one of the island’s busiest visitor bases, Masouri does not feel like a large resort. The village is spread along the coast rather than packed into a dense tourist centre, and the view across the water to Telendos is one of the things that gives this part of Kalymnos its character.
Best places to stay in Masouri, Kalymnos
Myrties: Best Area for Beaches and Telendos
Myrties sits just south of Masouri on Kalymnos’s west coast, but the atmosphere is noticeably quieter. It is a good option if you want to stay close to the island’s main visitor area without being right in the middle of its busiest stretch.
The village works particularly well for travelers who plan to spend plenty of time by the sea. You have easy access to the beach, while the small boats to Telendos leave directly from Myrties harbor. That makes it especially convenient if you want to cross over for swimming, dinner, or an evening on Telendos without having to arrange transport back across Kalymnos afterwards.
You are also still close to Masouri’s restaurants, cafés and climbing infrastructure, so choosing Myrties does not mean giving up easy access to the west coast’s main facilities. Climbers can still reach many of the popular sectors without basing themselves directly in Masouri, while non-climbers may prefer the slightly more relaxed setting.
For couples, swimmers and anyone planning a slower beach-focused trip, Myrties strikes a useful balance between convenience and calm. It feels less concentrated than Masouri while keeping most of the things that make this side of Kalymnos practical within easy reach.
Best places to stay in Myrties, Kalymnos
Myrties is worth comparing with Masouri if you want to stay on the west coast but would rather prioritize the beach, Telendos access and a quieter atmosphere over being directly beneath the main climbing sectors.
Pothia: Best Area for Ferries, Local Life and Travelers Without a Car
Kalymnos Town, also known as Pothia, is the island’s capital and port. It is a working harbor rather than a beach destination, but it is the most convenient place to stay if you want shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries and transport within walking distance. Families often prefer it because everything is close, and the hotels here tend to be more spacious and traditional.
Pothia is also the best area to stay in Kalymnos if transport connections are your priority. Buses and taxis start here, and ferries to Kos and other islands depart from the port. If you want to run errands easily or catch an early ferry without stress, this is the most practical choice.
The town has a steady local rhythm. Fishing boats return in the morning, shops open early and the waterfront fills gradually in the evening. It is not a resort town, and that is part of its appeal. You get a sense of everyday life rather than a curated tourist environment.
Best places to stay in Pothia, Kalymnos Town
If you want convenience, walkability and a base that works for day trips, Kalymnos Town is the most practical area to stay.
Emporios: Best Area for a Quiet, Traditional Escape
Emporios sits at the northern end of Kalymnos, far from the busier southern villages. It is a small settlement with a quiet beach, a handful of tavernas and a slower rhythm that suits travelers who want calm evenings and simple days. It is one of the best places to stay in Kalymnos if you want to disconnect.
The village has a straightforward layout. A few tavernas line the waterfront, the beach sits in a sheltered bay and the surrounding hills create a sense of separation from the rest of the island. People come here to read, swim, eat well and enjoy a quieter pace. It is not a place for nightlife or long lists of activities, and that is exactly why it works.
Emporios is also a good base if you want access to hiking trails or remote beaches. The northern part of the island has some of the most scenic coastal paths, and staying here makes those routes easier to reach.
Best places to stay in Emporios, Kalymnos
Emporios works best for travelers who want quiet surroundings and a slower pace.
Vathy: Best for an Unusual and Local Kalymnos Stay
Vathy sits deep inside a long, narrow inlet on the eastern side of Kalymnos. The approach alone sets the tone. The road drops into a valley filled with citrus groves, and the water appears only at the very end, where the village gathers around a small harbor. It feels more like a sheltered fjord than a typical Greek‑island bay.
Vathy is not a central base and it is not convenient for climbing, but it works well if you want a quiet stay in a place that still feels lived‑in. The waterfront has a few tavernas, small boats coming and going, and a calm atmosphere that stays consistent throughout the day. The water is sheltered and clear, and the inlet protects the village from wind that can affect other parts of the island.
The location is remote enough that you need a scooter or car to get around. The road in and out is winding, and you will not walk to other villages from here. That isolation is part of the appeal for travelers who want a slower pace and a base that feels separate from the busier west coast.
Vathy also works well if you want access to boat trips or kayaking inside the inlet, and it is a good starting point for reaching remote beaches like Pezonta by water taxi. It is not a nightlife area and not a place with long lists of activities, but it offers a calm setting that suits longer stays or travelers who prefer quiet evenings and simple routines.
Best places to stay in Vathy, Kalymnos
Vathy has fewer accommodation options than Masouri or Pothia, and most are small, family‑run guesthouses. The style is simple and traditional, with balconies overlooking the inlet and easy access to the waterfront.
If you want a base that feels different from the main tourist areas, Vathy is a strong choice. It is quiet, scenic and grounded in local life, and it offers a very different perspective on Kalymnos compared to the west coast.
Other Places to Stay in Kalymnos
Panormos and Kantouni
Panormos and nearby Kantouni offer a quieter alternative to the main Masouri–Myrties strip, with easy access to beaches and a more residential feel. They can work well if you have your own transport and want somewhere relaxed without being too isolated.
Telendos
Staying on Telendos gives you a completely different experience, with no cars, a tiny waterfront settlement and easy access to swimming and tavernas. It is wonderfully peaceful, but less practical if you plan to explore different parts of Kalymnos every day.
Arginonta and Skalia
Arginonta and Skalia are better suited to travelers looking for a quieter, more remote base on the northwestern side of the island. They are especially worth considering for repeat visitors, climbers targeting nearby sectors, or anyone who prefers small settlements over the busier west-coast villages.
Which Area in Kalymnos Should You Choose?
After years of visiting Kalymnos, these are the five areas I would compare first when choosing a base. The best fit depends less on distance and more on how you actually plan to spend your days on the island.
| Choose | If you want |
|---|---|
| Masouri | A first-time base, climbing access, restaurants and an easy west-coast location. |
| Myrties | Beach access, Telendos ferries and a quieter alternative to Masouri. |
| Pothia | Ferries, buses, shops, local town life and an easier stay without a car. |
| Emporios | Peace, a slower pace, traditional tavernas and a more remote setting. |
| Vathy | A scenic inlet, local atmosphere and somewhere that feels different from the west coast. |
If two areas still sound equally suitable, compare the accommodation options and transport needs in the detailed sections above before booking.
Final Thoughts
What I like about Kalymnos is that the island never really has one obvious “best” base. Each area changes the rhythm of the trip in a different way. Masouri is the easiest place to start if you want climbing, restaurants and a lively west-coast base; Myrties feels a little calmer and works beautifully if the beach and Telendos are part of your daily routine; Pothia gives you the most practical connection to ferries, shops and everyday island life; Emporios is where I would go for peace and a slower pace; and Vathy is the one that feels most removed from the rest of Kalymnos, with its narrow inlet and very different atmosphere.
After visiting the island over the years, I have come to think that choosing where to stay in Kalymnos is less about finding the “best” village and more about choosing the version of the island you want to experience. That is why I would decide on the area first, then choose the accommodation within it.
If you are still planning the rest of your time on the island, continue with my complete Kalymnos travel guide, where I cover the beaches, climbing areas, villages, food, transport and things to do in much more detail.
Last Updated on 08/09/2026 by Panos
