Island-Hopping Joyride: Kalymnos, Plati & Pserimos

Good morning, adventurers! I’m Laila, your Kos insider and the spark behind CarpeDiem – Travel Guide. Today, let me whisk you into the heart of Aegean tranquility on what I call the Island-Hopping Joyride—a full-day cruise visiting Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos.

We depart mid-morning from Kos Harbor, the salt-kissed breeze playing with your hair. Your excitement builds as we cut through waves toward Kalymnos—a rugged island famed for its sponge-diving legacy and dramatic cliffs. The calm of Vathi’s fjord-like harbor envelopes us with quiet charm. As we wander the narrow stone-paved lanes, local tavernas offer sponge-stuffed delights and fresh citrus. Pro tip: ask for spithia—local honeycomb gathered from hidden island hives—the way it melts alongside your orange juice is pure magic.

Back onboard, a traditional Greek lunch awaits: souvlaki, fresh salad, tzatziki, and dolmades. While savoring, you might catch dolphins darting alongside—one of those moments that remind you how free life feels on these seas.

Our next stop is Plati, an uninhabited islet bathed in cerulean water. Jump in for a swim, snorkel among colorful reefs, or simply drift above the sea’s reflective surface. It’s one of my personal escapes. In summertime, I bring a compact waterproof sketchbook—nature inspires the best lines.

Then, off to Pserimos, with its soft sand and incredibly shallow waters. The tiny port village of Avlakia invites you to explore pastel homes, sip iced coffee, or rent a kayak. My favorite: paddle to the cliffs spotted at dusk—I’ve watched fishermen’s lanterns blink to life from sea-worn rocks, and it’s a scene that still brings tears.

Afternoon sun softens the horizon as we head back, tanned and full of new flavors, stories, and the scent of sea spray. Some guests climb the deck and whisper, “This was the best day ever.” You’ll hear that sentiment over and over.