Best Rock Climbing in the Greek Islands
Rock climbing has become an increasingly popular sport in recent years for young and old alike. In fact, this surge in numbers is only expected to grow with the sport making its debut at the next Olympics. So sit back and enjoy as we explore some of the best rock climbing in the Greek islands.
Apart from being fun and exciting, rock climbing is a great way to get a full body exercise while exploring some of the most scenic destinations in the world.
While there are myriad epic slabs worth climbing tucked away in different parts of the world, Greece definitely comes in as a top spot for rock climbers for several reasons.
Why Choose Greece For Your Next Climbing Adventure?
Even after the aftermath of the 2007 global recession, Greece remains a top-tier tourist destination, offering an enchanting mix of the world’s greatest ancient monuments, a plethora of sugary-white beaches, and tantalizing food options.
But that’s not all you can find here. This southeastern European country’s waterfalls, forests and peaks are just as paradisiacal, starting from the stunning peaks of the Central Macedonian to the breathtaking waterfalls across the north.
On top of this, some of the locations that offer the best rock climbing in Greece are also regarded as some of the best epic climbing areas in the world. You can expect to enjoy a heady mixture of history, culture, and fantastic climbing challenges when you visit.
Best Rock Climbing Spots: Greek Islands
1. Kalymnos
This island has been inhabited since pre-Minoan times and even though it only spans 110 square km (43 sq. mi), it offers 3400+ routes which are easily accessible with a short hike or scooter. Most of the routes when climbing on Kalymnos feature tufas and are very steep. But there are also a multitude of pockets and tons of moderates on the lower angle grey limestone, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a variety of challenges. Route grades range between 5a to 9a (5.7 to 5.14d).
Sport climbing in Kalymnos can be broken down into three main styles – extremely overhanging with blobs, slightly overhanging or vertically smooth with white and orange walls, and sharp grey slabs flourished with water packets. Getting to Kalymnos can be done by either flying directly to Kos from any major cities during the summer months up to November 1st or flying to Athens if making a longer journey.
Athens, is perhaps one of the most underrated climbing areas, offering climbing experiences similar to Kalymnos and features the same type of tufa climbing that Kalymnos is known for. Mavrosouvala, a popular destination for hard climbing, should be on any climber’s to-do list. This amazing cave measures 50m high by 80m wide and is located just 45 km north of Athens.
2. Ikaria
Another Greek island in the Aegean Sea located around 12-hour drive from Kalymnos and 16 hours from Athens, Ikaria is rich in stunning natural beauty, granite rock formations and diverse topography. Ikaria Island features around six crags including Droutsoulas, Platanopi, Maggano, and provides an ideal setting for expert and beginner rock climbers.
Best Rock Climbing Spots: Hidden Gems
If you want to venture out on a Greece rock climbing vacation surrounded by enriching culture and stunning natural beauty, here are two more legendary climbing settings.
1. Mount Olympus
Mount Olympus is billed as the highest mountain in Greece and is home to 52 peaks exceeding 2000 meters. Designated as a protected nature park in Greece since 1938, the area is visited by thousands of visitors every year. Skolio (2,911m) is the second highest peak and is a great place for rock climbing along its north face.
Other peaks such as Stefani and Mytikas are woven with routes that may be a bit challenging to climb. When you explore these peaks you will face scrambling loose rocks and additional obstacles. Naturally, safety is very important so be aware of your surroundings and carry extra gear such as a helmet, durable pants and jacket as well as a climbing rope and other safety gear.
The best time to climb the peaks of Mount Olympus is during the summer. However, climbing near the end of the summer is not recommended given the possibility of torrential rain and hail arriving as early as August. With regards to price, it varies depending on operators, but tends to start as low as €150 for a three-day climb. And considering its jagged terrain and various inclines, Mount Olympus is a great option for climbers of all skill levels.
2. Vikos Gorge
Set in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece, the Vikos Gorge is listed as the world’s “deepest relative to its width”. It features mesmerizing beauty and is also a treat for bird lovers as well as offering a vast amount of unclimbed rock just waiting to be developed. The gorge is regarded as one of the most popular hiking destinations in Greece and consists of amazing limestone and dolomite formations. Crossing the canyon takes roughly six hours with the best time to visit is during the summer months. There are different rock climbing areas in and around the gorge geared towards both beginner and advanced climbers.
Final words
Kalymnos is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier rock climbing destinations and with good reason. But there are also many other locations in Greece worth climbing; the Meteora Rocks in central Greece as well as many unexplored possibilities on Crete.
As the sport expands and becomes more popular, we are sure previously undiscovered locations will continue to be developed both on the mainland as well as the myriad of islands.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this brief glimpse at what’s on offer for the best rock climbing in the Greek islands. Stay tuned for more!
