Kalymnos is remote island hosting an international climbing mecca where water meets the stone!
The combination of water and island beauty combined with rock climbing challenges creates a climbing vacation that attracts climbers from all over the world. Terry and I have now returned from our two week trip and we hold on to fantastic memories of climbing on the limestone routes, the clear blue waters, majestic sunsets, the local restaurants serving fresh homemade meals, and the wonderful Greek people welcoming us during our visit.
The rock climbing is extensive with climbing areas a short walk from the hotels and other areas a short scooter ride from the seaside town of Massouri. The approaches to the crags are generally short but sometimes steep. Each climbing area hosts multiple routes of varied difficulty, the routes are well bolted with quick clip anchors. This Kalymnos style set up made it very easy for us to log in a bunch of pitches each day.
Our equipment was quite simple. A 70 meter Mammut Serenity rope, 16 quick draws, couple of set of climbing shoes, rope tarp, a Smart and GriGri belay device, and chalk was perfect for our needs.
If you are looking to climb the longer route extensions bring an 80 meter rope.
I hope you enjoy the photos of the water, the stone, and the beauty of Kalymnos.
The Paradise Island of Telendos off the west coast of Kalymnos.
The Grand Grotto and Panorama Areas above the seaside town.
Reflections in the Aegean Sea.
Ghost Kitchen - fabulous tufa climbing!
School of fish moving in a circular motion at the wharf.
Terry on a very steep approach to the Infared Wall.
We visited this deep fiord at Vathi on a scooter tour around the island.
Closer look at the steep Grand Grotto.
Fresh local produce available street side each day.
Tufas to climb!
The delicious Aegean Pasta dish.
Guide books could be optional - most routes have this detail at the base.
The Mammut kit - Serenity Rope, Express Draws, Goblin Shoes,
Spindrift Pack, Chalk and Rope Tarp.
Tufas and stalactites at the Ghost Kitchen.
Abundant fresh fruit right from the tree.
The local hangout - Climbers Nest Restaurant.
The western sunsets were spectacular each evening.
Kalymnos is a sport climbers paradise and more.
Art Mooney
