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August 16, 2023 | TRIPS

KALYMNOS, THE ROCK PARADISE

If there's a paradise for climbers in Europe, it's undoubtedly Kalymnos. This small Greek island, located in the Aegean Sea, has become one of the most sought-after destinations for sport climbing enthusiasts. But what makes Kalymnos so special? Join us on this vertical journey where the sea meets the rock.

Climbing in Kalymnos, Greece: Where the Aegean Meets the Rock

If there's a paradise for climbers in Europe, it's undoubtedly Kalymnos. This small Greek island, located in the Aegean Sea, has become one of the most sought-after destinations for sport climbing enthusiasts. But what makes Kalymnos so special? Join us on this vertical journey where the sea meets the rock.

History of Climbing in Kalymnos

It wasn't always this way. A couple of decades ago, Kalymnos was mainly known for its sea sponges. However, in the 1990s, climbers began discovering the island's potential. Its karst landscape and the quality of the rock quickly attracted climbers from all over the world.

The Rock of Kalymnos

The predominant rock type in Kalymnos is limestone. What makes this limestone special are its formations: tufas, columns, pockets, edges... A true amusement park for any climber. The routes vary in grade and style, from technical slabs to powerful overhangs.

Featured Sectors

Grande Grotta: Perhaps the most iconic sector in Kalymnos. Its impressive caves and overhangs offer some of the island's most spectacular routes.

Sikati Cave: An impressive natural cave that offers climbing routes inside it. A unique experience.

Odyssey: With stunning views of the Aegean Sea, this sector offers a mix of routes for all levels.

Experiencing Greek Culture

But Kalymnos isn't just about climbing. The hospitality of its people, its rich cuisine, and the beauty of its beaches make the trip worthwhile even on rest days. Trying authentic tzatziki or enjoying an ouzo at sunset are part of the experience.

Tips for Your Trip

✓ Best Time to Climb: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are ideal. Summer can be hot, but if you know how to pick sectors with airflow, you can climb comfortably.

✓ Accommodation: The Masouri area is the hub for climbers, with a variety of lodging options and services.

✓ Getting There: Although Kalymnos has an airport, most travelers arrive via Kos airport and then take a ferry to Kalymnos.

Four Key Reasons to Climb in Kalymnos

1. Spectacular Natural Setting: You won't just be climbing on top-quality rock — you'll also enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The combination of rugged cliffs and deep blue water creates a scenery like no other, turning every climb into an unforgettable experience.

2. Routes for Every Level: With more than 3,000 routes, there's something for everyone, from beginners looking for their first outdoor climbing experience to professionals looking to push their limits. Plus, the routes are well maintained and equipped, with constant updates and new sectors in development.

3. Greek Culture and Hospitality: Beyond climbing, Kalymnos offers the chance to immerse yourself in rich Greek culture. Locals are known for their hospitality and are happy to share their heritage, traditions, and delicious food. It's the perfect place to combine sport and culture.

4. International Climbing Community: Kalymnos draws climbers from all over the world, creating a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere. It's a unique opportunity to connect with other climbers, swap stories, learn from different cultures, and make new friends who share your passion.

Conclusion

Kalymnos isn't just a climbing destination; it's a complete experience that combines sport, nature, culture, and community in one incomparable setting. A must for any climbing lover!

Want to Travel to Kalymnos?

We organize trips every year with super motivated groups of climbers of all levels! You can find all the details at the following link. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.

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QUESTIONS AND RESERVATIONS

You can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.

Client Reviews
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Always a fantastic day, the various outings we have done with Santi we have had a great time. Great professional, learning and fun guaranteed. Patience and great motivation for children and adults! 100% recommended. We will repeat!
(Original) Día fantástico siempre, las varias salidas que hemos hecho con Santi lo hemos pasado genial. Gran profesional, aprendizaje y diversión asegurados. Paciencia y gran motivación para niños y mayores! Recomendable 100%. Repetiremos!

– Jennifer Salvador
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Great, super complete and special attention
(Original) Genial, super completo y especial atención

– Ismael Francés Belda
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Excellent experience
(Original)Excelente experiencia

– ima tabb
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Everything is very professional, from hiring to after the activity. I will repeat without a doubt.
(Original) Muy profesional todo, desde la contratación hasta después de la actividad. Repetiré no hay duda.

– soulfly free
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) A great climbing teacher, a great mountaineer who transmits everything related to mountain activities very well.
(Original) Un grandísimo profesor de escalada, un gran montañero que transmite muy bién todo lo relacionado con las actividades de montaña..

– Carlos Pitarch Francisco
Excellent!

Just finished the 2-day multi pitch course. Excellent experience with our coach Santi, who is a professional and very experienced rock climber and alpinist.
We were taught all the techniques and logics to complete a multi pitch route in the mountains (the second day in Montserrat is amazing!).
We also had many nice small talks about risk management, how to start climbing multi pitch for beginners, etc.. Very nice people and vibe here ;)

– yuyang teng
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Climbing course adapted to everyone's level. Intensive learning with a guide, Sara, who has been helping us all the time and setting us challenges. It has been 6 hours but it has flown by. We will repeat for sure!
(Original) Curs d'escalada adaptat al nivell de cadascú. Intensiu d'aprenentatges amb una guia, la Sara, que ha estat tota l'estona ajudant-nos i plantejant-nos reptes. Han estat 6 hores però ha passat volant. Repetirem segur!

– Irene Margalef
Excellent!

Excellent day, great spots for climbing, safe and clear instructions. The views were incredible over the valley.

– S L
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I have been with Santi, he is the best monitor you can have, he explains very well, he teaches perfectly and you laugh a lot with him, of course it makes you want to repeat the experience
(Original) Yo he estado con Santi és el mejor monitor que se puede tener, explica muy bien enseña perfectamente y te ríes mucho con él, desde luego que te dan ganas de repetir la experiencia

– Ainara Lopez
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) A few hours of very pleasant climbing in Arbolí with the children. Great success, with a great time. Santi, the mountain guide, takes care of everything: the material, the routes, the level of difficulty adapted to each one, the photos, the security, and also his attention to everyone and everything for the preparation, before meeting to climb . Southclimb offers the knowledge and experience that allow you to learn, overcome limits, gain confidence, enjoy and share unforgettable family moments. A thousand thanks to you Santi Valerga
(Original) Unas horas de escalada muy agradables en Arbolí con los niños. Gran éxito, con un tiempo estupendo. Santi, el guia de montaña, se encarga de todo : el material, las rutas, el nivel de dificultad adaptado a cada uno, las fotos, la seguridad, y también su atenciòn a todos y todo para la preparaciòn, antes de reunirse para escalar. Southclimb ofrece el saber y la experiencia que permiten aprender, superar limites, tomar confianza, disfrutar y compartir inolvidables momentos de familia. Mil gracias a ti Santi Valerga

– Eric AGOPIAN