Page 74 - BLISS-2024

BLISS_Kalymnos island

A versatile place
defined by superb
limestone formations,
seaside splendour,
and a friendly
community, Kalymnos
is the sport climber’s
dream escape.

A world-famous climbing

holiday destination

Traditionally known as the sponge divers’ island,
the Greek island of Kalymnos has recently
become a world-famous climbing destination
and home to some of the most amazing sport
climbing you’ll ever see!

W ithin the global climbing commu- with plenty of features and massive caves, deco- less possibilities for adding more and more new

nity, this little Mediterranean par-
rated with large golden hanging stalactites and
routes every year.
adise has gained its reputation as
though, is the volume of high-quality routes at
Kalymnos, including Telendos (a small in-
one of the most aesthetically pleasing and so- tufa blobs. The most spectacular thing about Kalymnos,
ciable climbing destinations, with the highest habited island 1km opposite the west coast every grade and every crag! Whether you are a
percentage of high-quality sport climbing on of Kalymnos), is a sport climbing venue with beginner or a pro, there are many choices for
the planet. more than 4,200 well-secured sport climbing everyone! Last but not least, climbing literally
• In 2013, Kalymnos was voted the best climb- routes, pre-equipped with permanent drilled- takes place in your backyard, if one takes into
ing destination in the world at a global poll on in bolts and stationary carabiners for the an- consideration the proximity of the crags to the
the climbing site 8a.nu. chors. Most routes are single-pitch of around 20 island’s main roads and accommodation facili-
• In 2016, the UIAA granted the Municipality to 35m, the majority of which are in the mid- ties. As a reward after a tough day of climbing,
of Kalymnos the “Rock Climbers’ Award” for grade range 6a - 6c. The development of longer turquoise crystalline waters await to cool you
its excellence in complying with criteria such as alpine-style routes from 3 to 11 pitches has in- down just a few minutes below the crags.
commitment to sustainable practices, support creased over the past few years. You’ll also find
for the climbing community, and experience in a few via ferrata routes and deep-water soloing, SOCIALISING
organising international climbing events. offering more options to climbers. The rock Kalymnos attracts a wide range of climbers in
“The search for the ultimate climbing paradise quality is such that it will take a long time to be- terms of nationality, age, and ability. You will
ends at the island of Kalymnos”, come polished and its magnitude offers end- meet teenage climbers, young couples, people
“A rock jewel sparkling in the Aegean”, with their children, and some in their late 60s
“Kalymnos is the Mecca of sport climbing”, from all over the world. The scene around the
“The world epicenter for sport climbing”, climbing routes and beyond the crags is laid
are just a few of the headlines used in articles KALYMNOS IS THE back and very sociable. Kalymnos is the melt-
dedicated to the “Rocking island of Kalymnos.” MELTING POT OF THE ing pot of the climbing world. A place where
CLIMBING WORLD. A people from every corner of the globe come to-
ROCK & ROUTES gether and share their cultures.
Huge rock formations of high-quality lime- PLACE WHERE PEOPLE The Municipality of Kalymnos has worked
stone dotted with deep pockets and towering FROM EVERY CORNER enthusiastically hand in hand with climb-
tufas line its west-northwest coast, overlooking OF THE GLOBE COME ers to promote and, more importantly, to sup-
the Aegean. Rough steep hills lead to imposing port climbing tourism and its community. In
slabs with pockets and crimps and impressive TOGETHER AND SHARE Kalymnos, rock climbers feel at home, as the lo-
bumpy vertical walls. Large overhanging cliffs THEIR CULTURES. cals always give them the warmest of welcomes.

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