Guide to Kalymnos climbing holidays in Greece

Jan 20, 2016 BY AWE365 Team

The Greek island of Kalymnos, is part of the Dodecanese archipelago in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. Kalymnos climbing holidays have become very popular in recent years, and it’s one of Europe’s hottest rock climbing destinations.

Guide to Kalymnos climbing holidays in Greece image by Nikolaos Smalios

Kalymnos is located to the west of the peninsula of Bodrum in Turkey 12 km north of Kos and just 2km south of Leros. The island is 21km long and just 13km wide and it is said that Kalymnos has the highest concentration of sport climbing routes on the planet.

Kalymnos climbing holidays

The 2400 routes already classified only cover a small portion of all those available and more always being added all the time. There are still plenty of crags waiting for their first route from intrepid climbers on Kalymnos climbing holidays.

The rock here is high quality limestone that is quite rough and sharp in places. The quality of the rock is such that it will take a long time for it to become polished. Kalymnos climbing holidays could see you tackling delicate slabs, pumpy walls and big overhangs with plenty of features such as stalactites, pockets and large and small tufas.

Guide to Kalymnos climbing holidays in Greece image by Nikolaos Smalios

Most routes are single pitch of around 20 to 30m. But there are a few longer routes reaching 3 to 5 pitches plus some deep water soloing options. The route difficulty ranges from F4a to F9a so everyone from beginners to experts will find something challenging on a Kalymnos climbing holiday.

There are guides, such as Simon Montgomery, available and equipment to hire but it is often best to book before you go to make the most of your time on the Island.

In 2013, on the climbing site 8a.nu Kalymnos was recently be voted the best climbing destination in the world from a global poll. So what are you waiting for! Kalymnos climbing holidays are available all year round so there are no excuses!

Simon Montmory Kalymnos climbing guide

Kalymnos climbing holidays: Accommodation

Most climbers stay in the villages of Masouri, Armeos or Myrties as they are below many of the most popular crags on Kalymnos. There is a wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes, from expensive to budget, and catered to self-catering, however there is no wild camping allowed. You should book in advance particularly from May to October.

If you prefer to book Kalymnos climbing holidays as a package including transfers, accommodation, local transport, qualified and experienced guide, and gear then we recommend Rock and Sun who run a number of trips to Kalymnos each year. If you prefer still want a package but don’t mind handling the travel yourself then check out Positive Climbing who offer cost effective coaching camps.

 
Dodecanese, Europe, Greece, Kalymnos, Mediterranean Sea
Rock Climbing
Advanced, Beginner, Deep Water Soloing, Intermediate, Multi Pitch Climbing, Sport Climbing, Trad (Traditional Climbing)
Travel Articles
 

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