Kalymnos is a beautiful island, located in the southeastern part of the Aegean. Between the islands of Kos and Leros, this is part of Dodecanese and boasts an impressive history. But if you were to select just one thing about Kalymnos, this would definitely be its sponge tradition. Dating back to antiquity, Kalymnos was famous about the natural sponges. A gift from the rich seabed, those sponges had become a wonderful assets for the locals and their attempts to rule commerce.
This has been a long-survived tradition, closely associated with the daily life of the islanders. Kalymnos sponge tradition was indeed hard, due to the extreme weather conditions and the demanding process required for the successful acquisition of sponges. Divers got in the water even with ice cold temperatures, just to grab hold of the sponges. And then, they were cleaned and sold all over the then-known world.
Unlike synthetic products, Kalymnos sponges are 100% natural. They are extremely absorbent and they do not harm the skin in any way. As a result, those options are perfectly compatible with nature and this is why they have become so precious over the years. Now that the world is turning to more sustainable solutions, away from chemicals, this is a great option to consider. And apart from its value, Kalymnos sponge embodies a unique tradition that has shaped the life on the island for centuries. And a statue right by the sea embodies the diving heritage of Kalymnos in the most wonderful way.
Visit Kalymnos and get to see more about sponges and their history. They come in various shapes and sizes, absolutely in line with the natural environment. Therefore, they are the perfect gift to buy from the island. Whether it is a present for you or your loved ones, or just a souvenir reminding you of lovely vacations in Greece, those sponges are a natural wonder and deserve a place in your island explorations.