Climbing in Kalymnos

Sue & Steve McDonnell and Steve Golley
updated February 2023

Kalymnos is a jewel of rock glistening in the Aegean, and arguably one of Europe’s most popular climbing destinations. Each year over 7000 climbers visit to take advantage of its unique qualities as a climbing destination – a bountiful supply of high quality rock within the idyllic setting of a Greek island beach holiday. Since the first routes were put up on the island over 15 years ago, the growth of climbing and new route development has been remarkable. In 2008 there were around 800 routes and in 2010 this had increased to 1700. Today our record of known routes exceeds 3000.

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Gerakios

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
TRADITIONAL
MAP

A previously overlooked sector that is now seeing a fair amount of attention. Some good wall and slab climbs spread out in small sub-sectors across ...

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3 Ilots

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

Part of Geriakios climbing sector, the routes start just to the right of the route Port on Geriakios Lower Cliff. The sector features a good number of...

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Symblegades Petres

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

A good spot for picnics that often gets the breeze. Crags face each other so climbing in the shade or sun is possible all day and offer pleasant...

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Prophet Ilias

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

A lovely secluded crag perched on top of the hill accessed from one of the main walking routes of the Island; Hora to the top of Prophet Ilias mountai...

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Dodoni

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

A selection of routes on grey slabs and vertical orange walls.

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Austrians

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
BOULDERING
MAP

Good crag for hot summer days. Short steep routes and some bouldering.

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Monastery

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

A pleasant and longish walk brings you to this beautiful grey wall.

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St Photis

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

The beautiful chapel of St. Photis is set against the cliff face overlooking Kantouni bay across to the south face of Telendos. The climbing has been...

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Pythari

Greece | Myrties, Panormos, Hora and Kantouni

SPORT
MAP

A long hike for so few routes. South facing, sun after 11am.

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Jurassic Park

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

An awesome sector and rarely visited due to the slightly longer walk in. Stunning scenery, stunning routes and usually quieter than itʼs more popular ...

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Spartacus

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

A much-visited venue that is popular as much for its shaded aspect as for its many fine classic routes, many of which were put up by Michel Piola.

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Spartan Wall

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

This crag is composed of pocketed wall climbs, some steep climbs in The End cave (named for a famous dance venue in London), and the technical crimpy...

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Afternoon

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

As the name suggests, a good crag for the afternoon when all the other crags tend to be in the sun. A plethora of smooth grey pocketed slabs. Some in...

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Grande Grotte

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

The original centre piece of Kalymnos climbing, the famous and very photogenic cave has a stunning set of stamina routes across the 7th grade, with...

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Panorama

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

Tufa-fantastic steep walls to the left offering amazing views into the Grotte and crimpy technical climbing along to the right.

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Stankill

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

A small but interesting sector characterised by sharp grey rock and steeper routes inside the cleft.

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Ivory Tower

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

Steep wall climbing on the wall with the capping overhang.

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Kalydna

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

The huge amphitheatre contains some top quality wall climbs and stays in the shade for most of the day.

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Iannis

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

The cave and the left wall offer some truly beautiful lines that make for quality climbing. Can feel humid on a hot windless day; the holds can feel...

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Poets

Greece | Massouri

SPORT
MAP

An ideal sector for a first dayʼs outing (or airport day) and suitable for kids. The climbing is mainly in the mid to low grades.

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Dolphin Bay

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Lovely quiet location by the sea. Pleasant wall climbing on white rock. Due to its proximity to the sea, the rock can sometimes be encrusted with salt...

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Kastelli

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Name given after the Byzantine fortress ″Kastelli″ ruins of which exist at the top of the hill. Steep slabs with great views and a good...

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Little Italy

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

First part of this new sector has easier slab routes, the rock is similar to that found at Dolphin Bay

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North Cape

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Easily accessible and often breezy. A good destination for early mornings and cooler days.

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School

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Located to the right of Odyssey. As the name suggests, a good training ground with lower grade routes, as well as excellent multi pitch excursions. A...

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Odyssey

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

The majestic and justly popular crag of Odyssey rears up like a static wave. Often busy, especially at the left hand end. Some of the classics are get...

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Ocean Dream

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

A couple of old multipitch adventures and lots of lower grade slab climbs in this very quiet, pleasant setting perched on top of the hill with amazing...

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Olympic Wall

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Surprisingly steep slab climbs on the left, some with hard starts over the little incut section, to the right are some long wall climbs that venture i...

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Iliada

Greece | Armeos

SPORT
MAP

Up and right of Odyssey, this higher tier of rock has everything from steep caves for those operating in the upper eights to tufa steepness in the...

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Big Shadow

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

As the name suggests, a shady crag that overlooks Arginonta Bay. A crag that has been developed by the Remy brothers and is already attracting fur...

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Summertime

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

The slabs for which the crag is popularly known are perfect for hot afternoons and beginners. Further back and up are Magoulias Wall and Ando Drom...

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Local Cave (freezer)

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Good venue for hot summer days with the cave routes offering burly moves on steep surfaces. Access to more vertical climbs left of the cave aided by a...

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Black Buddha

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Amazing well protected climbs with a spectacular view over the bay, seeing little to no sunshine whilst climbing, belayer is not always so fortunate.

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Arginonta Valley

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

A shaded climbing area for summer months.

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Arginonta Red Wall

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

This easily accessible sector with its distinctive colour benefits from (recently developed) easy slab climbs to more challenging overhanging climbs o...

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Star Wall

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Amphitheatre which gradually increases in steepness as you move to the left. Rock on the right of the crag is more solid.

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Sea Breeze

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Great views of Arginonta Bay to accompany pleasant slab climbing

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White Wine Wall

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

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Arhi

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

A large variety of climbing- from the magnificent cave to friendly slabs to the walls of Balcon Helvetia and Chappi with wonderful sea views. Some...

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Belgian Chocolates

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

The tall slab of Dalle a Patouche offers short multi pitches on pockets and positive holds whilst Thia Fotisi wall provides great views over Arginonta...

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Noufaro

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Excellent wall climbing and good for cool and winter days or the perfect companion to Summertime as it features similar grades and styles of climbing...

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Black Forest

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Take care, this sector does not get much traffic and some of the older routes show signs of corrosion.

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Galatiani

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

The superior quality of the rock and the tufa formations make for some of the best climbing on the island. Generally quieter due to the longer walk-in...

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Cave

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

On the left of the main cave is the Underworld cave, an underground cave full of stalagtites.

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Red Wine Wall

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

Newly developed short wall with even shorter approach.

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Arginonta Skyline

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

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Rocklands

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

Developed by the Remy brothers this crag has a good variety of routes, with potential for more and one unfinished project on the right up the steep...

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Julian

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

Somewhat isolated spot with great views. Sunny and sheltered from the north wing. A good spot for a cool day and also for beginners although the quali...

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Je T`Aime

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

The rock quality here is not up to the usual Kalymnian standards. Has seen some more recent development.

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Milianos Cave

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

An excellent new addition to the areas climbing with wonderful views of Vathy from below the crag. The crag faces south-east and gets the sun until...

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Milianos

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

Mostly slab routes with potential for much more.

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Metochi Pyramid (ET)

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

Follow the road out of Massouri towards Arginonta and turn right for Vathy there. As you descend into the valley look for a football field and turn...

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Vathy-DWS, Little Eden

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

The DWS (deep water solo) or Psycobloc cave is a great rest day activity and the local taxi boats have built a small mooring post on the left of the...

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Palionisos Bay

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Paradise beach is the more inland section whereas Palionisos Bay directly overlooks the sea. All routes at Palionisos bay maximum 30m except the exte...

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Palionisos East Side

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

New multi pitch 220 metres, All pitches approximately 40m, 1x 80m rope OR 2x 50m ropes.\rCAUTION Loose gravel on belay ledges. Some spaced bolting....

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Palionisos Red Wall

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

The distinctive ferrous-rich rock here that lends itself to sustained climbing on rock that is blocky in places and sharp in others. Has the additio...

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Secret Garden

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Discovered by local climber Claude Idoux, this relatively recently bolted crag is an ideal place for a hot summer day and overlooks the picture-pos...

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The Beach (Sikati)

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

A relaxing dayʼs climbing and swimming at this often unfrequented beach is ideal for hot summer days. A choice of short sharp slabs or more vertical...

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Sikati Cave

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

A massive cave, with no roof! This crag has a real adventure feel to it compete with scramble down into the base of the hole. Most of the routes are s...

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Elephant Slide

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Routes can still be a bit loose towards the top, helmets are advised. All the routes here are equipped with ring belay not clippers, please be sure ...

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Prophitis Andreas

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Although it is west-facing, it is approached from the back by the high ridge overlooking Palionisos. The crag is not visible from the start of the ...

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Styx - Francois Guillot

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Located above the village of Emborios. Most of the routes bolted from the Swiss Remy brothers, Claude and Yves. The crag is named after Francois...

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Kastri

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

A good winter venue. The site of the ruins of an ancient castle (Kastri) offers a scenic setting. Route names have been removed from rock to preserve ...

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Palace

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Home of the spectacular arch you see in many photos.

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Skalia

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Steep wall and slab climbs on sharp rock. Grades at Skalia pillar are stiffer than in other areas. Access is now only possible via Seaside Kitchen,...

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Paradise Garden, (Basilissa & Skali)

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

Two new crags left of Paradise garden: Scali accessed following the Blue paint markers along a well worn path, involves a short scramble, and...

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Seaside (Ghost) Kitchen

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

This crag was founded and originally named Seaside Kitchen by Kasper Ochsner and his son Michi, it has since been mistranslated by guide book writers...

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Kefala Cape

Greece | Emborios, Skalia and the North Coast

SPORT
MAP

A Crag of White Rock.

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The Titan Towers

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

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Prometheus

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

Prometheus climbs the prominent pillar midway between Telendos village and the entry into the Inspiration sector.

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Snow White

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

Located on the southern tip of Telendos - good for hot summer days.

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3 Caves Ridge

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

High on the hillside overlooking Massouri, a collection of small sectors with some big cave routes in a scenic setting.

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Telendos North Face

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A serious adventure crag with a mountain feel to it. Helmets strongly recommended.

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The Underworld

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

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The Stronghold

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A high concentration of classic and natural lines, cracks, corners, edges, dihedrals and some wall climbing. Also the texture and structure of the...

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St Constantine

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A lovely secluded sector high on the hillside on the East face of Telendos. Brand new sector in late 2014/early 2015. Care needed with sharp rock and...

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Miltiadis

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A beautiful crag on the north face of the island. Discovered by Kalymnos regular Bruno Fara.

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Eros

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

The first routes on Telendos were developed here and new routes have recently been added by Claude Idoux. Beautiful compact rock.

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Glaros

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

Developed by Peter Keller and Urs Odermatt. An impressive new sector with a very steep 45 degree roof and an atmospheric feel. Some of the steep rou...

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Irox

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A short steep crag with a few prominent tufas and some slightly easier angled wall climbs.

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Pescatore

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

A good mix of slabs, walls and some massive fat tufas that make for fun climbing.

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Lambda

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

Developed by Markus Leippold and Urs Odermatt, this impressive wall above the sea offers amazing super long and airy excursions on immaculate slabs a...

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Highlands / Olive Tree

Greece | Arginonta Bay

SPORT
MAP

A long, steep walk involving some scrambling along a vague track gets you a tranquil setting and fantastic views, high above the bay.

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Princess Canyon

Greece | Telendos

SPORT
MAP

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7a+ - 7c+
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Arginonta Gorge

Greece | Arginonta to Vathy

SPORT
MAP

Short well protected climbs on compact rock. As with all newly developed crags helmets are advised. East facing

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