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Summary
Limestone
Probably the world's most popular destination for combining sport climbing and island vacation.
Description
Climbing on best quality limestone of all angles. The vertical and overhanging walls are full of typical, Kalymnian flowstone and stalactite holds.
Kalymnos is popular for its great local food and the international scene travelling here. Small, family-owned appartments (most popular with climbers) or mid-sized hotels are very close to the climbing sectors, the beaches, restaurants, climbing shops and everything else you're here for. That is what makes Kalymnos great for most – climbing, beach, great food, easy logistics.
Approach
For info on how to get to Kalymnos, for recent ferry timetables, etc, visit climbkalymnos.com.
Getting around the island
By Foot — Depending on where you stay, the approach paths to some of the best crags of the island are just a short walk away.
Bicycle — Also a valid option if you want to save money, be eco-friendly, or wanna get ripped. A good choice for getting around in Masouri or to get to Odyssey, Kasteli and surrounding crags. Typically, 5 € per day.
Scooter — The most popular choice on Kalymnos.
Laws introduced in 2015 require that you must have a license for a scooter/motorbike. Depending on your home country, you may need an international driver's license.
If you hire a scooter: take it easy. Tonnes of people come off. The sharp turn at Kasteli is especially dangerous.
Typically, a scooter costs 12-15 € per day. Some shops offer 125 cc/150 cc scooters for around 20 € per day. Hiring for less than 3 days makes it more expensive.
Where to stay
The villages Mirties, Masouri and Armeos on Kaly's west coast are the most popular choices, as everything you're coming to Kalymnos for is within walking distance. There are also good options – anything from simple to luxurious - further south of Masouri (Kamari, Panormos bay) or spread around the rest of the island (below sector Odyssey, Kasteli bay, Arginonta bay, Emporios, ...).
Ethic
- PREPARE to leave nothing behind (trashbag, etc).
- Use your own gear for toproping. Use fixed gear only for lowering. (See first section of guidebook for details.)
- Minimize single-use plastic. No recycling on the island (yet).
- Use established paths and close gates behind you.
- Consider a donation to the rescue team (red boxes).
History
Developed very recently, compared to most European climbing destinations. The first climbs where established by Andrea Di Bari and team in 1997 (sectors 'Arhi', 'Poets', ...). Di Bari discovered the island's potential one year prior. About 10 years later the route count surpassed 1,000. The 2023 edition of the Kalymnos Guidebook by Aris Theodoropoulos covers more than 4300 routes.
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Selected Guidebooks more Hide
Author(s): Aris Theodoropoulos and Katie Roussou
Date: 2023
ISBN: 9788898495207
A comprehensive guidebook describing all the rock climbing, and sport climbing at Kalymnos, covering over 4,200 routes ranging from F3a to F9a.
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Author(s): Chris Craggs
Date: 2018
ISBN: 9781873341384
A selective guidebook from Rockfax covering the rock climbing and sport climbing on the Aegean island of Kalymnos, describing over 2,800 routes.
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Accommodations nearby more Hide
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Nearby Icons
| 5c | ★★★ Backslide | ||
| 5c+ | ★★★ And Now for Something Completely Different | ||
| 6a | ★★★ Idoine | ||
| 6a+ | ★★★ Joy in the Garden | ||
| 6b | ★★ Monahiki Elia | ||
| 6b+ | ★★ Harakiri | ||
| 6c | ★★★ Resista | ||
| 6c+ | ★★★ Les Amazones | ||
| 7a | ★★★ DNA | ||
| 7a+ | ★★★ Ivi | ||
| 7b | ★★★ Armata Sikati | ||
| 7b+ | ★★★ Spartacus | ||
| 7c | ★★★ Priapos | ||
| 7c+ | ★★★ Marci Marc | ||
| 8a | ★★★ Fun de Chichunne | ||
| 8a+ | ★★★ Tyrant | ||
| 8b | ★★★ Rendez with Platon | ||
| 8b+ | ★★★ Nadir |
Photos Browse all photos
Kalymnos - P1080738.JPG
Chris Hailey on ★★★ Lolita 7a - Four Dimensions!!!
Charles Bukowski 6c+
Maiia Piratinskaia on ★★★ Tufa King Pumped 7b+ - received_453380045068838.jpeg
Mon 15 May
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