Is Kalymnos expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
Kalymnos is one of the better-value islands in the Dodecanese: cheaper than Kos town or Rhodes for rooms, and with taverna prices close to the Greek average. A budget day is about €55 per person, mid-range about €115 and comfort about €235; most of the money goes on the room, a scooter or car, and fish sold by the kilo.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | €25 | €45 | €95 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €35 | €60 |
| Sights & tickets | €5 | €20 | €50 |
| Local transport | €5 | €15 | €30 |
| Per person, per day | €55 | €115 | €235 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our Kalymnos day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Bus from Pothia to Myrties or Masouri | about €2 |
| Boat from Myrties to Telendos | a few euros each way |
| Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos | a few euros |
| Souvlaki plate in Masouri | €12–15 |
| Taverna dinner with wine | €18–28 per person |
| Fresh fish by weight | about €50–70 per kg for the best kinds |
| Scooter rental | about €20–25 a day |
| Climbers' studio in Masouri | about €40–70 a night |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Rooms are the largest cost, although studios with kitchenettes for climbers keep prices lower than on most popular islands. Transport is next: the bus covers Pothia and the west coast, but Vathy and the north are much easier with a scooter (about €20–25 a day) or a small car (€35–55). Food is reasonable unless you order large fish by weight. Boat trips to Pserimos or a dive day (about €60–90 for two dives) are the main optional extras. Greece also adds a per-room, per-night climate resilience fee, higher from April to October.
When it is cheaper
Rooms are cheapest in spring and late autumn outside the climbing peak, while July and August bring the highest prices. In November the climbing season keeps some places busy, but from roughly November to March many west-coast tavernas close.
How to spend less
- Book a studio with a kitchenette in Masouri or Armeos and cook some meals.
- Use the €2 bus between Pothia and the west coast instead of taxis.
- Rent a scooter only for the days you visit Vathy and the north.
- Order mermizeli, dolmades and grilled squid rather than large fish by the kilo.
- Take the short local boat to Telendos instead of a full-day excursion.
- Swim at free pebble beaches such as Myrties, Masouri and Vlychadia.
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Common questions
Is Kalymnos expensive?
No, it is one of the more affordable Dodecanese islands, especially if you stay in a climbers' studio.
How much does a day in Kalymnos cost?
About €55 per person on a budget, €115 mid-range and €235 in comfort, before ferries.
How much is a taverna dinner?
About €18–28 per person with wine; fish by the kilo costs more, about €50–70 per kg for the best kinds.