Sponge Factory & Workshops
Εργοστάσιο Σφουγγαριών
Traditional sponge-processing workshops beside Pothia Harbor, where you can learn about the history of sponge diving and watch sponges being cleaned, trimmed and dyed.
Kalymnos is the Mediterranean capital of natural sponge harvesting. In earlier times, divers in heavy diving suits descended dozens of meters to collect sponges, at great risk. Several old workshops around the harbor double as small museums, displaying historical diving gear and old photographs, and demonstrate on site how sponges are cleaned, dried, trimmed and bleached. Natural sponge products can be purchased at the end. Most visits are free, and the workshops are within walking distance of Pothia Harbor.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00; some sections closed at midday
Nearby sights
- Pothia
- Archaeological Museum of Kalymnos
- Monastery of Agios Savvas
- Chrysocheria Castle
- Pera Kastro
- Cave of Kefalas
- Vathy Fjord
- Arginonta