By Klaus Huettemann, Author of LEROS-WALKER’S GUIDE
This walk takes you along the coast of Xirokampos Bay to buildings dating from the Italian occupation with well-preserved caricatures and paintings.
What you need: sturdy shoes, water, and provisions.
Duration: 4 hours
Category: Medium
start at the bus stop at Xirokampos The road leads along the water to the lovely little chapel of Panagia Kavouradaina. With the bay of Xerocampos on your right, follow the mountain road up until you reach a rest stop.
Take a break and enjoy the sweeping views of the mountain ranges of Kalymnos and the Turkish coast in the near distance. On the left-hand side, a curving, unpaved road leads up the hill to another resting place.
Follow the road to a small crest that provides another wonderful view of the Bay of Xirocampos and Mt. Katavati.
Just past a rocky outcrop, you will see a highlight of this walk- an old building constructed by the Italians. The interior, decorated by a German soldier with skillful caricatures and paintings, is worth a visit. You can now either retrace your steps and descend by the same path or take the more adventurous route back through the mountains.
if you choose to do this, take the goat path behind the building. keep the Kastro and red roof of the chapel on your left as landmarks if you choose to go cross-country through the mountains. When you pass the goat pens on your right, you have reached the paved road which leads back down to the Kastro.
After this, turn left when you reach the main road, and this will take you back to your starting point.
The tavernas on the beach and the calm of Xirocampos will provide a tempting opportunity to relax.
From Xirokampos, an early morning caique sails daily to Myrties on Kalymnos and returns in the afternoon. Check departures with the locals, as times may vary with the season.
