Télendos

The craggy volcanic car-free island of Télendos just opposite the west coast of Kalymnos broke off from the mother ship in two weeks of earthquakes in AD 535, leaving the ruins of an ancient city, possibly the original Pothea, in the bed of the channel that you can make out if you bring a snorkel. Its nickname, the ‘Lady’ or ‘Princess of Kálymnos’, comes from its profile of a sleeping woman (best viewed from Kastélli). Boats make the crossing from Myrties several times a day.

The only village (pop. around 50) is located on the island’s only flattish land, where you’ll find the pretty church of the Panagía, the ruins of Roman-ea houses and baths, and, high above, the abandoned church of Ag. Konstantínos, an hour plus hike, but the best place to see the sun set.

Its rocky precipices and large caves are becoming increasing popular among rock climbers.

Of its several pebble beaches, Chokláka (through the village and down steep steps) is the most popular; sand was imported to improve the beach facing Kálymnos; another here, Paradise, is for naturists.