| |
Kalymnos has become one of the major rock climbing destinations for professional climbers as well as beginners at international level. The island has various kinds of good quality limestone rocks with different difficulty degrees like overhangs, caves with stalactites and slabs. The quality of the limestone rock is excellent, and has an easy access. Cliffs are very close to the city and may require 5 to 10 minutes of driving or 5 to 20 minutes of walking. There are some 44 high steep rocks. It has a number of 1,200 single pitch and multi pitch routes.
There are many easy routes for starters as well as more difficult routes for those willing to make adventures. There are many cliffs of about 10 to 200 meters. The best climbing spot is around the village of Massouri. You can either get your own climbing equipment or rent material from the many climbing clubs and shops on the island. Climbing can never become boring as there are numerous routes and every route in turn leads to a number of ways. The climbers can decide which route they might wish to take. More adventurous climbers can even discover new routes on their own as plenty of virgin routes are yet to be explored.
Four climbing festivals take place every year on the island, including the International Climbing Festival.
International Climbing Festival
The Municipality of Kalymnos encourages rock climbing by organizing the International Climbing Festival. The first festival was held in October 2000, and then again in 2004 and 2006. Famous and unknown climbers are welcomed to the festival. The International Climbing Festival of Kalymnos gives an opportunity for various climbers to meet, share their ideas and explore various routes.
More than 600 people, including famous climbers and world champions, took part in this event the previous years. The enjoyment and thrill that climbers experience in these festivals often make them come back again to have that adventurous experience.
More: Rock climbing courses on Kalymnos island
Also check for Climbing Clubs in Kalymnos
Rock Climbing Useful Links |
|
|
|
Member's pictures of Rock Climbing
(2)
|
|
|
|
|