Climbing

'Climbing' is now classified as a separate category from mountaineering in general, and is usually associated with steep slopes and peaks, to be negotiated with specialized techniques and equipment. Then there are the sub-categories of Free Climbing and Aid Climbing.

In the first, though the same equipment is used as in the second (ropes, carbineres, bolts, etc.),it is not depended on to negotiate the climb, but used only as something to fall back on, so to speak, with all the harder work done by finding footholds and handholds.

Then there is 'sport climbing', which uses no aids whatsoever, though it can be done in a gym as well as on actual rock, with very standardized techniques used by everyone.

As with mountaineering in general, climbing really became popular in Greece in the 1980s, almost four decades after the first climbing team was formed, and gained even more popularity in the 1990s, with several grade IX routes established (IX on a scale up to X).

Popular Climbing areas

• Mt. Parnitha
• Mt. Pendeli
• Mt. Ymittos (Hymettus), near Athens.
• Mt. Giona
• Mt. Parnassus (to the northwest of Athens)
• Mt. Gamila (in northern Ipiros, near the Albanian border)
• Mt. Pateras (Kandili)
• Mt. Olympus
• Meteora
• Kalymnos island
• Mt. Falakro (in easternmost Greek Macedonia)

There are many mountaineering clubs in Greece with courses in climbing, as well as private schools run by professional guides, with practice in using climbing equipment in chosen sites.

Kalymnos Island

The island of Kalymnos, with many caves, chasms, roofs, and stalactites, and a climate that allows for climbing during any season (though spring and autumn are best) has become established as a major climbing site in Europe after being 'discovered' by the Italian Andrea di Bari, and is used as such by several important climbing schools. This island is known for having been one of the most important islands with sponge-diving fleets, though sadly, many divers were crippled through the use of the old diving suits associated with nitrogen embolism in the joints (commonly known as 'the bends') during ascent from the depths; the industry met its demise many decades ago due to both a serious algae blight that wiped out the sponges, coupled with the manufacture of synthetic sponges. The large, almost circular harbor at Pothia is a fascinating town which is very colorful when first seen from the ferry, and where local craftspeople can still be seen in their shops, and the island is also visited by windsurfers, mountain bikers, trekkers, and scuba divers,with a diving center and school at Vlykadhia.

The smaller island of Telenhos, across a narrow strait, has a Byzantine castle and beautiful beaches. The island is located about 100 km (55 nautical miles) to the northwest of Rodhos (Rhodes).

Local cuisine offers many local specialties, and the island is also known for its good honey. Something which the guidebooks don't mention is that Kalymnos has a very unique and intense folk music tradition, offering yet another form of strenuous physical activity to all those who come there for climbing, trekking, and diving.

We have many resources to help you arrange any of the above activities so please contact us for more information.