Tiny Islands of the Dodecanese: A Guide to Telendos

Olga Charami | October 5th, 2018

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Swimming distance from the island of Kalymnos, Telendos features great food, beaches, and even a sunken ancient city to explore with your mask and snorkel.

OUR PICKS ON TELENDOS

NO STRESS: On Telendos, you’ll find tranquility and relaxation. Walk along the paved promenade of the small port with its fishing boats. Next to it is a shallow, sandy beach, almost entirely shaded by trees. This will be your whole world throughout your stay, since this is where you’ll find the only village, the only rooms to rent and the only shops.

BEST SWIMS: Venturing beyond the promenade will lead you, by way of a short footpath, to the family-friendly beach of Potha, and to the even more beautiful Paradise Beach, favored by nudists. Also worth discovering are the southwest beaches: Hohlakas and Travilia (10-min walk, sun loungers available) and Pnigmenos (20-min walk, remote).

info

Area: 4.6 sq. km.
Population: 94 (2011 census)
Distance: 165 (sea miles from Piraeus)
Elevation: 460m (Rachi)

The path to Aghios Georgios

© Olga Charami

TRACES OF HISTORY: Grab a mask and snorkel and explore – on the seabed, next to the small harbor – the ruins of the city that stood here well into the Early Christian period, before an earthquake in 554 AD. caused it to sink.

A short walk southeast will bring you to the Early Christian necropolis, known as Tholaria. Church ruins from the same period are also found across the island, as well as in the village itself. Another option is to walk along the 2km path from Paradise Beach to the ruins of the Byzantine settlement. The ascent is strenuous and the ruins indistinct, but the view from the chapel of Aghios Konstantinos is a rich reward.

The church of Aghios Georgios is built in amongst the rocks on Telendos.

© Getty Images/Ideal Image

NEW HEIGHTS: Telendos also has rock climbing opportunities. Contact Aris Theodoropoulos (Tel. (+30) 694.450.5279).

SUNSET TIP: Head west, to the chapel of Aghios Georgios. It’s built on a wave-washed rock and you’ll need to go down some steep steps, but it’s sheer magic!

TASTE: All of the tavernas are good, but our favorite is Kapsouli. You’ll drink ouzo with the fishermen and nibble on fresh fish, grilled octopus, taramosalata (fish roe dip) and shrimp from Symi.