Rock climbing courses in Greece on the Island Kalymnos

In spring and in fall guides of Alpine School Arco will be on Kalymnos

At the moment we have suspended our activities on the Island because the local situation

General info on Kalymnos

It is a small Greek island which makes part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located North of the well-known island of KOS, not far from Rhodes and the Turkish coast of Bodrum. The dimensions are ca. 25 x 10 km. In the past, the island was famous for its sponge divers. The 'normal' tourism is not invasive and the climbers have started to come here only since 1998. The best periods to come here are spring and fall. The summer is extremely hot and the likelihood of very strong and long-lasting winds is rather high. The climate is very mild and dry throughout the whole year. Rainy days are rare and mostly during winter-time. (PLEASE SEE THE DATES OF OUR COURSE PROPOSALS). Languages spoken: English, Greek. Currency: EURO. Passport is necessary for non EU travellers, otherwise the identity card is enough. If in doubt, please check with your consulate or travel agency.

rock climbing and crags

The history of rock climbing is very recent. Only in 1996, an Italian climbers couple has discovered this climbers' paradise. The Island offers a great number and variety of lime stone rocks with different kinds of difficulty degrees (overhangs, caves with stalactites, slabs...). At the moment there are about 50 crags with more than 1000 single pitch routes. There are also some multi-pitch routes available. During our last courses, we have visited some sectors which have been just recently opened. In particular, we have climbed in those areas where there are almost only easy routes from 4a to 6a, also suitable for beginners. We have been climbing in recently opened sectors on fantastic dagger rock with routes that sometimes exceed 30 meters. Wherever you are, you can enjoy the panorama, uncontaminated nature and the blue sea typical for Greece. We recommend to wear long, technical climbing trousers both to avoid the pungent shrubs and to protect the knees when climbing. On the new, easy and sharp slabs, falling while leading is absolutely to be avoided.

The sea and the beaches

Kalymnos is best known as the island of some of the word' s finest sponge divers. The sea has always been a focal element in the local life, which has preserved its traditional character colour and style to a great extent - nowadays the island is part of a protected National Marine Park. Most of the beaches are rocky and you will find crystal clear turquoise water. The 'normal' tourism is rather limited. The water temperature in the periods which we are offering is between 18 C. in spring and around 22 C. in fall. We recommend to bring a light wetsuit (3-5 mm), fins and mask. We especially recommend a visit of the wild Island of Telendos where the new crags, the crystal clear water of the sea and the white gravel beaches fulfill the concept of "climbing and sea".

How to travel to Kalymnos

You get there by plane to Athens from all major European and international airports. After the construction of the new airport, the most direct way to reach the Island is a domestic flight from Athens. Sometimes it is convenient book flights online with AEGEAN AIRLINES OLYMPICAIR RYANAIR to Athens and Kos. From the harbour of Kos you take a ferryboat (ca. 40 min.). How to get around: by scooter (with automatic gear) suitable for 2 persons (please bring along your drivers license and wind-proof jacket) or by rent-a-car. (Cost for a scooter per day: ca. EUR 15 - 20; rent-a-car per day: ca. EUR 40 - 50). Depending on your flight schedule, it might be necessary to spend an extra night in Athens or on the island of Kos (not included in our offer). In this case we are able to provide you with useful information.

Accommodation on the Island

There are some small hotels on Kalymnos and only very few are open in the low season. The climbers are mostly staying in the so-called "studios" which is the local name for a holiday flat. The studios are furnished with a small kitchen, private bathroom and a porch. Our local collaborators are the owners and managers of the studios which are available for 2 up to 3 persons. We can give you a hand with the reservation of a hotel room or the studios for 2-3 persons and the scooter for the duration of climbing course. The studios are very nice and clean; the price is from 35 to 45 Euro per day. There are various small restaurants (taverna) where you can eat local and international food at very reasonable prices. The locals most of whom speak English, are very gentle and friendly towards the climbers. NEWS: You have the possibility to book the rock climbing course inclusive accommodation in a hotel on Kalymnos.

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