How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum: Your Complete 2025 Ferry & Travel Guide
Meta Description: Discover how to go Kalymnos from Bodrum with up-to-date ferry schedules, travel tips, and visa info. Plan your trip to this Greek island from Turkey easily with our 2025 guide.
Introduction: Why Visit Kalymnos from Bodrum?
If you’re vacationing in Bodrum and dreaming of a quick island escape to Greece, Kalymnos is one of the best options available. Known for its rugged cliffs, sponge diving history, and serene beaches, Kalymnos is a hidden gem in the Dodecanese Islands.
But how to go Kalymnos from Bodrum? Whether you’re a curious traveler, a rock-climbing enthusiast, or a beach lover, this article provides a comprehensive guide on routes, ferry schedules, visa requirements, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect day trip or overnight stay in Kalymnos.
Can You Travel from Bodrum to Kalymnos Directly?
This is the most common question travelers ask when planning a trip from Turkey to the Greek Islands. The short answer: there is no direct ferry from Bodrum to Kalymnos. However, reaching Kalymnos is still easy and scenic with a two-leg ferry route via Kos Island.
So, if you’re wondering how to go Kalymnos from Bodrum, here’s the route:
- Step 1: Ferry from Bodrum to Kos (approx. 20–25 minutes by catamaran)
- Step 2: Ferry from Kos to Kalymnos (approx. 35–45 minutes)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum
Step 1: Bodrum to Kos Ferry
Start your journey by taking a fast ferry or catamaran from Bodrum Cruise Port to Kos Island, operated by various companies, including:
- Bodrum Express Lines
- Yesil Marmaris Lines
- Dentur Avrasya
- How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum
⏱ Duration: 20 to 25 minutes
? Frequency: Daily during high season (April to October), with multiple departures each day
? Ticket Price: Around €25–€35 one way
? Departure Port: Bodrum Cruise Port (near Bodrum Castle)
Tip: Book ferry tickets in advance during the summer season as ferries fill up quickly.
Step 2: Kos to Kalymnos Ferry
Once in Kos, head to the Kos Port (Mandraki) to catch a ferry to Kalymnos. Ferries to Kalymnos are operated by:
- Dodekanisos Seaways (high-speed catamarans)
- Anem Ferries (slower, traditional ferry)
- How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum
⏱ Duration: 35 to 50 minutes
? Frequency: Daily or several times a week, depending on season
? Ticket Price: €10–€18 one way
? Connection Tip: Check the Kos-Kalymnos ferry times before you travel from Bodrum to ensure a smooth transition. You may need a few hours of buffer time depending on the schedule.
Do You Need a Visa for Kalymnos from Bodrum?
If you’re a non-EU traveler, especially from countries like the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, you do not need a separate visa if you already hold a valid Schengen visa.
However, Turkish citizens and some other nationalities may require a Schengen Visa to enter Kalymnos via Kos.
? Special Note: During the tourist season (April–October), Greek Islands offer a “Visa on Arrival” scheme for Turkish residents traveling via specific Turkish ports, including Bodrum. Confirm eligibility and required documents in advance.
How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum on a Day Trip
While it’s possible to visit Kalymnos from Bodrum as a day trip, it requires careful planning because:
- You need to coordinate two ferry rides (Bodrum–Kos and Kos–Kalymnos)
- Return ferry schedules may be limited in the evening
- How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum
For a more relaxed experience, we recommend:
- Spending a night in Kalymnos
- Or spending the day in Kos, and continuing to Kalymnos the next morning
? Packing Tip: Travel light, especially if you’re planning to return the same day.
Ferry Ticket Booking Tips
To simplify your journey, use trusted websites or local agencies to book in advance:
- www.teslatravel.com – for Bodrum-Kos-Kalymnos combined bookings
- Dodekanisos Seaways
- Local ticket offices near Bodrum Marina
Ensure your ferry operator matches up with your desired connection times. Confirm:
- Boarding locations
- Arrival port on Kalymnos (Pothia is the main port)
- Passport control requirements
What to Do in Kalymnos After You Arrive
Once you arrive in Kalymnos, enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and authentic Greek charm.
Here are must-do activities:
- ? Rock Climbing: Kalymnos is a global climbing hotspot with over 3,000 bolted routes.
- ? Snorkeling & Diving: Visit the island’s dive schools or take a boat tour.
- ? Sponge Diving Museum: Learn about the island’s sponge diving legacy in Pothia.
- ?️ Greek Tavernas: Enjoy fresh seafood at seaside tavernas in Myrties and Masouri.
- ?️ Beaches: Don’t miss Emporios, Kantouni, and Vlychadia beaches.
Where to Stay in Kalymnos
If you’re extending your visit, consider staying in:
- Masouri – for beaches and climber-friendly accommodations
- Pothia Town – near the port, great for first-time visitors
- Panormos or Myrties – relaxed areas with traditional tavernas
Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels.
When Is the Best Time to Travel?
The best time to go Kalymnos from Bodrum is between May and September, when ferries operate frequently, and the weather is perfect for island hopping.
- High Season (July-August): Expect more ferry options but higher accommodation prices
- Shoulder Season (May, June, September): Best balance of crowds, weather, and ferry availability
Is There a Return Route from Kalymnos to Bodrum?
Yes! To return from Kalymnos to Bodrum, simply reverse the journey:
- Ferry from Kalymnos to Kos
- Transfer to Kos–Bodrum ferry
Just make sure your return journey aligns with passport control and final Bodrum departure times. Some travelers prefer to spend a night in Kos before returning to Bodrum the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ How long does it take to go Kalymnos from Bodrum?
On average, it takes 2–3 hours total, including transfer and wait times.
❓ Can I buy round-trip tickets from Bodrum to Kalymnos?
Some agencies offer combined return tickets. Otherwise, buy separate legs: Bodrum–Kos and Kos–Kalymnos.
❓ Is there a customs check between Bodrum and Kalymnos?
Yes, since you’re crossing from Turkey to the EU (Greece), you’ll go through passport control in both directions.
Internal Linking Opportunities
To enhance SEO and user navigation, link this article with:
- Bodrum to Kos Ferry Guide
- Things to Do in Kos Island
- Top 10 Greek Islands to Visit from Bodrum
- Visa on Arrival for Greek Islands from Turkey
- Best Day Trips from Bodrum
Conclusion: How to Go Kalymnos from Bodrum – Made Simple
Although there’s no direct ferry, figuring out how to go Kalymnos from Bodrum is easier than it sounds. With a quick connection via Kos, you can be relaxing on a Greek island beach or exploring ancient sponge-diving towns in just a few hours.
Kalymnos offers a perfect contrast to Bodrum’s bustling beach scene — ideal for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and authentic Greek culture.
Book your ferry, grab your camera, and prepare for one of the most scenic mini-island adventures from Turkey!
