"Kalmynos - an island waiting for it's tourists" Kalymnos Island by Tracyden

We visited Kalymnos before the opening of it's international airport - the airport was built but rumour had it demonstrations by the local ferry companies were keeping it closed.

We flew to Kos and following a short flight delay - had to make a mad rush to catch the connecting ferry. The ferry took up to the island's capital - pothia town

Where is everyone?

Kalymnos is a island of contrast. A lot of people emigrated following the collapse of the local sponge diving industry. You can still see some old sailors on crutches and in wheelchairs following bends accidents. The emigrants have started to return home bringing with them australian and american accents and huge wealth - and building mansion style villas and opening businesses - don't be surprised that you taxi driver is american. In contract the islanders who remained - remained in poverty - with small houses - moving their bed onto verandahs to sleep on the hot summer nights.

The beaches around missouri were the quietest I've every visited. Quite often my famaily was alone on them until noon - bar a local greek lady who every morning went sea swimming in her black dress - then changed into a fresh black dress and went on her way.

The mountains

We stayed in the village resort of Elies which is full of tavernas and restarurants most of which sit empty. It's as if the village was developed in anticipation of the tourists expected to fly into the airport which has never opened.

Of those who do brave the sea crossing to the island there are climbers - the mountains are amazing and change colour in the sun before your eyes. Some apartments stay open all year round to cater for them. Kalymnos is also popular with birdwatchers due to the mountains housing the rare Elenoras Falsons.

• Pros:Not lots of tourists
• Cons:none
• In a nutshell:A destination waiting to happen