By long tradition, Kalymnians are known for harvesting sponges from the sea-bed as close as Pserimos or as far as North Africa. Much has been written, sung and filmed about this ancient and dangerous occupation and much more concerning the legendary courage and recklessness of the sponge divers. Today, Kalymnos faces a lack of sponges due to the outbreak of a disease which has decimated sponge crops, although research would indicate that this is not permanent. Sponges are fished individually by hand and it is only a matter of time before the species will replenish the sponge beds and again take their rightful place in the island's economy. Until then, Kalymnians will endure and move on to new and different ways to answer their current needs.

The sponge fishing fleets have turned to fishing Tuna and Swordfish, and the young and adventurous have sought work abroad or in other occupations on the island. As always, necessity inspires adjustment and innovation and they are discovering other ways to exploit the island's many opportunities and resources. They can be found in all the country's universities; they staff educational establishments worldwide and they have branched out into industry, medical and legal spheres. Eventually, however, they will return with their children and grandchildren to pay homage to their Motherland. For many, the one dream is always - to return!

This sense of "belonging" is pervasive and not exclusive to Kalymnians. It is well observed that many tourists coming to this island for the first time are bewitched and return again and again. They enjoy the island not only in the summer but at all times of the year and, for many, it has become a second home in the true sense, for they have settled here. Others choose our beautiful island as a dream setting for their wedding and then return for their anniversaries, bringing family and friends with them. They no longer need the travel agent! Their rooms are waiting. They know the shops, the beaches, the restaurants. They know where to find the best herb-roasted lamb, the juiciest sea-food or the tastiest meatballs.
As one of our Dutch visitor says, "Its that Kalymnos magic!"

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