Rhodes to Kalymnos Ferry
Rhodes to Kalymnos — At a Glance
- Season: Year-round service.
- Frequency: Typically 1 ferry per day, year-round.
- Sailing days: Daily service.
The Rhodes to Kalymnos ferry is a satisfying crossing that links two of the Dodecanese’s most distinctive islands. Rhodes needs little introduction — its medieval old town and long stretches of coastline draw visitors from across the world. Kalymnos is a different proposition: a rugged, characterful island with a proud seafaring history and a reputation among rock climbers that reaches well beyond Greece. The ferry between them is a practical connection and a pleasant way to watch the Aegean slide past.
Ferries run year-round on this route, which is more than can be said for many island crossings in the Aegean. On average you can expect around 2 sailings per day, giving you reasonable flexibility when planning your onward journey.
Monthly Schedule Overview
The table below gives a month-by-month breakdown of ferry availability and average daily frequency on the Rhodes to Kalymnos route:
| Month | Available | Avg. Ferries/Day |
|---|---|---|
| January | Yes | 1.0 |
| February | Yes | 1.5 (1–2) |
| March | Yes | 1.8 (1–3) |
| April | Yes | 1.8 (1–4) |
| May | Yes | 1.6 (1–2) |
| June | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| July | Yes | 1.6 (1–2) |
| August | Yes | 1.6 (1–2) |
| September | Yes | 1.6 (1–2) |
| October | Yes | 1.6 (1–3) |
| November | Yes | 1.0 |
| December | Yes | 1.0 |
Tips for the Rhodes–Kalymnos Ferry
- If you are joining a longer island-hopping route and not returning to the same base, travel with everything you need from the start – you cannot go back for forgotten items.
- The Ionian Sea (western Greece: Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos) has a different weather pattern to the Aegean – it is wetter in autumn and winter but calmer in summer.
- Seasickness wristbands (acupressure) help some travellers and have no side effects – worth trying if you prefer not to take tablets.
- In Kalymnos, world-class rock climbing routes in the island’s limestone cliffs have made it a magnet for climbers from across Europe, while the sheltered pebbly beach of Vlychadia and other coastal spots offer superb swimming. The island also has a deep tradition as a sponge-diving centre, which still shapes its culture today.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do ferries run from Rhodes to Kalymnos?
There is typically 1 ferry per day on the Rhodes to Kalymnos route, and the service runs year-round. Frequency nudges higher in spring and early summer, with up to 3 or 4 sailings on some days in the busier months.
Which ferry companies operate the Rhodes–Kalymnos route?
Several ferry companies serve this route. Schedules and operators can change between seasons, so it is worth checking current timetables when you are ready to book. Both Ferryscanner and Ferryhopper list all available options and let you compare prices.