Greece·18 - 24 May 2024
Κάλυμνος Kalymnos climbing week
Explore the stunning Greek island of Kalymnos on this unforgettable rock climbing trip.
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Overview
A week of climbing on the stunning Greek island of the Dodecanese archipelago, discovering its famous crags. Kalymnos is a Mediterranean climbing paradise with excellent limestone crags of all styles: grippy gray slabs, vertical walls with notches and drops, overhangs with canes, and the famous "tufa." With a perfect combination of adventure, landscapes, sea, and exquisite seafood, this place has it all. In recent years, Kalymnos has increased its rock climbing offer and has become one of the most incredible spots in the world for this sport. It now has more than 85 different sites spread over 3km of coastline and can be reached by foot from the village of Masouri (where we'll stay) or by scooter in a few minutes.
Highlights
Kalymnos
Kalymnos is the world renowned island of traditional sponge harvesting. Following WW2 this was the only Greek sponge trade business that survived and thrived. The island’s particular landscape makes it a favourable destination for alternative tourism: climb giant vertical rocks; explore centuries - old ship wrecks that lie in the sea-bed; discover enchanting caves; and visit wonderful beaches and picturesque island villages. Picture: Map of Kalymnos by Bordone Benedetto (1547)
Climbing history in Kalymnos
Here’s how it all started: we first heard about the climbing potential of Kalymnos in 1995 when one of the best Greek climbers out of Patras, Giannis Torelli, visited the island. He didn’t do any climbing, but he did take some rather uninspiring photos of the crags. All Greek islands are littered with cliffs anyway, so we didn’t jump to any conclusions. Why should Kalymnos be any different? Everything changed by chance, when the Italian climber Andrea di Bari visited Kalymnos for his summer holidays in 1996. Seeing the excellent quality of the rock and the huge potential of the area, he returned to Kalymnos in May 1997 with some climbing friends to put up some routes...
Hosts
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is a certified IFMGA mountain guide, based at the Dolomites with tons of experience in mountaineering and adventurous trips in Europe and around the world.
Schedule
Given the abundance of climbs in the Dolomites, we can adjust the itinerary during our climbing week to the preferred challenge level of our clients and the weather. The climbing program is decided on a daily basis based on technique and experience. We are going to leave (early) in the morning (depending on weather conditions) and come back in the afternoon. Lunch will be a snack while climbing. We are going to have a great dinner at Walden Climbing House or at some restaurants depending on your preference.
Previous
Next
Day 1
Arrive in Kalymnos
Arrival at B&B in Masouri and have a brief on the island, the style of climbing, crags around, and climbing routes.
Days 2-6
Climbing days
Every day we will climb in different grags based on the grade, technique, and overall experience
Day 7
Last one!
Last climbing day and return home!
What's Included
What's Included
Certified Mountain Guide for the entire duration of the trip
6 days of climbing
Climbing safety equipment
B&B
What's Not Included
Flights
Restaurants and bars
Bus transfer - Kos Airport/Masticari Port (around 10€)
Boat transfer - Kos/Kalymnos (around 30€)
Scooter rental (around 9€ per day)
Anything not detailed in the "What's included" section
Gallery
Kalymnos, Greece
A climbing paradise
In recent years, Kalymnos has increased its rock climbing offer and has become one of the most incredible spots in the world for this sport. It now has more than 85 different sites spread over 3km of coastline and can be reached by foot from the village of Masouri (where we'll stay) or by scooter in a few minutes.
There are options for beginners and experts, and the approaches are never long. Indeed, there are crags of excellent limestone (usually reeds) where you can find all difficulties (from 4a to 9a).
During the hottest hours, we can take advantage of the outstanding beaches and cool down in the clear waters.
Trip Tips
Climbing Skills
There is no minimum level required for this trip as you will be accompanied at all times by a certified guide. However, due to the nature of Sardinia's crags, you will get the most out of the trip if you already have a little climbing experience and good level of fitness! On average there are from 8 to 15 metres of powder snow. The mountains are not high, between 1200 and 2200 m, but you ski from altitudes as low as 300-400 m, often a short distance from the sea! Welcome to the ski capital of Japan! At the end of the day, for those who wish, the legendary onsen and hot spring water pools in the best Japanese tradition are available on-site :)
Liability
Fjello selects local partners with the utmost care. For any inaccuracies, however, we can not accept any liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Fjello recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge and skills not go outdoor alone. All our trips include a local certified guide who will take care of your group. Enjoy your adventures safely with first-hand information from the locals.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
You'll Be Staying Here
B&B in Masouri
Our basecamp is in the village of Masouri, where we'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the islet of Thelendos. Waterfront cafes, tavernas and restaurants serving regional cuisine feature scenic views of nearby islands, while hilly streets are dotted with whitewashed houses and typical B&Bs. It's a magical place for climebers with rugged cliffs just behind the village.
So get ready to relax, slow down the pace of life, and enjoy enchanting views and sunsets.
Related Blog Posts
Wed 15 Feb 2023
Kalymnos: the mountainous island
Kalymnos is a picturesque Greek island in the southeastern Aegean Sea that has gained significant attention in recent years for its world-class rock climbing. But the island has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of Kalymnos and how it has become a popular destination for rock climbers.
FAQs
What kind of climbing gear should I bring?
You should bring:
- climbing shoes
- helmet
- harness
- chalk bag
- belay device
All the other equipment will be provided by the guide.
What's the temperature during the period?
You can visit this website for insights about the weather.