Sponge diving in Kalymnos

Kalymnos is known as the “island of the sponge divers” due to the significant growth and development of sponge diving that took place on the island. From the late 18th century onward, it evolved into one of the most important sponge-diving centers in the Mediterranean Sea. The most famous and sought-after product of Kalymnos, available in many types and different shapes, remains the natural sponge. Natural sea sponges are aquatic animals that evolve, depend on, and survive within the environment in which they live. The diversity of their forms is the result of many interacting factors such as water temperature, light, currents, wave action, depth, and even the age of the organism. They appear in various colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. Marine sponges have been used for years and are part of our daily hygiene and cosmetic care. Natural sponges have many advantages over synthetic ones: they last longer, do not smear, do not retain odors, and their soft texture allows for deeper cleansing of the skin without irritation. They are used not only for personal hygiene but also in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.

In addition to the exceptional-quality sponges that can still be found in Kalymnos, the island’s residents also produce pure thyme honey, renowned since the Hellenistic and Roman periods for its quality, according to ancient authors such as Strabo, Pliny, and Ovid. The honey production process is closely tied to plant life, and in Kalymnos’ case, it relies on a wide variety of aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage, and oregano—a remarkable fact, especially considering that the terrain is mostly mountainous and barren. The local beekeepers take advantage of this unique environment, allowing their bee colonies to forage on these herbs. The result is a red-golden honey that captures the essence of these aromas in a distinctive sweetness.

In the homeland of fishermen and divers, visitors will enjoy a vast variety of unique local appetizers, such as stuffed vine leaves, all kinds of fresh fish, grilled octopus, octopus balls with finely chopped ingredients, sea urchins, oysters, and more. They also have the opportunity to buy "spinalo," an amazing appetizer made by the fishermen themselves, which includes scallops, sea urchins, and devil fish preserved in seawater. However, the most authentic product of Kalymnos is the "Kritharenia Kouloura" (barley bread) baked with anise and mastic. This is a type of rusk originally made for sailors, who took it with them on voyages because it was the only food that could be consumed after a long period without any preservation. In Kalymnos, one can also try the famous "Eptazyma Psomi" (seven-times kneaded bread) and "Eptazyma Cracker," both kneaded with ouzo and anise. These are Byzantine-origin products that perfectly accompany your meals as well as your coffee. Kalymnian cheeses are also excellent for dairy lovers: kopanisti, Kalymnian mizithra (fresh or dried), and Kalymnian kalathaki—a salty, semi-hard cheese—are some of the local specialties.

Additionally, Kalymnos is known for the production of citrus fruits.

Finally, visitors to Kalymnos can find traditional handmade textiles, traditional costumes, and folk art creations.