Kalymnos or KalimnosThis island of barren rock, golden beaches and tiny green valleys owes its fame to its celebrated sponge fishers. This is the main profession for men on the island, and the theme for many local dances and folk songs. Sponge-fishing means a yearly excursion to the seas off the North African coast. Sponge-fishers of Kalymnos leave with their boats every spring.