General Info
Driving
The provincial network of Kalymnos is generally good, and most villages, harbors and beaches are connected to each other through asphalt paved roads. A prerequisite for driving of course, is to be over 18 years old and possess the appropriate driving license.
In order to hire a car, you must possess a valid driver's license, which will be suitable for the class of vehicle you want to rent, and be at least 21 years of age.
Speed limits on Kalymnos are similar to those of mainland Greece. Generally, the limit is set to 50 km/h in the provincial roads, while in the residential areas you are usually allowed to develop speed of 25-30 km/h. If you plan to move frequently within Pothia, please note that you may experience heavy traffic during the opening hours of shops (09.00-14.00 and 17.00-21.00).
In any case, do not neglect your keep your seatbelt fastened. Try also to avoid the use of your mobile phone while driving and the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol, because besides risking your safety, you may encounter penalties too.
Holidays
Your visit in Kalymnos is likely to coincide with a local or national holiday. During those days, all public services, banks and most offices and shops are closed or work part time. The days are the following:
January 1
New Year's Day
January 6
Epiphany Day
March 7
Anniversary of the Dodecanese union with Greece
March 25
Anniversary of the 1821 Revolution - National Day
May 1
Labour Day
August15
Assumption of Virgin Mary
October 28
National Anniversary Day of OCHI (refusal to surrender to the Italians during WWII)
December 6
St. Nicolas Day, Patron Saint and Protector of Kalymnos
December 24
Christmas Eve
December 25
Christmas Day
December 26
Boxing Day
There are also some feast days and holidays related to Easter. Since the date of Easter varies from year to year, the celebration of the following holidays is respectively entrained: Ash Monday (50 days before Easter), Good Friday, Easter Monday and Pentecost.
Quiet hours
Summer period (June 01 – September 30)
14:00 - 17:00 and 02:00 - 06:00 of the next day
Hibernal period (October 01 - May 31)
15:00 - 17:00 and 23:00 - 06:00 of the next day