The Naval Battle of Gerontas was one of the most important victories of the Greek fleet during the Greek War of Independence. It took place on August 29, 1824, in the bay of Gerontas, opposite Kalymnos and Leros, and had a decisive impact on the course of the struggle.

The Greek fleet, composed of ships from Hydra and Spetses under the command of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, faced the combined Turco-Egyptian fleet. Despite the enemy’s numerical superiority, Miaoulis employed a brilliant tactic: he took advantage of favorable winds to sail between the enemy ships, disrupting their lines and achieving a decisive Greek victory.

The outcome of the battle attracted international admiration, as the opposing forces were vastly unequal. The French Admiral Edmond Jurien de La Gravière (1812–1892), referring to the Battle of Gerontas, notably remarked:

Naval history may not have a more interesting page than this one for a sailor.

This victory was recorded as one of the most glorious moments of the Greek Revolution of 1821, boosting Greek morale and showcasing the capabilities of the naval forces of the time.

In 2021, as part of the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, the Skalia Cultural Association of Kalymnos “Skaliodan” erected a modest monument as a gesture of honor and gratitude to the heroic sailors who fought for our country’s freedom.

The monument is located on a mountainous rise toward Palionisos, offering panoramic views of the sea where the historic Battle of Gerontas took place, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the historic event and the surrounding natural landscape.