Best Greek Islands for Climbers

Rock climbing isn't just for mountains; you can also have fun climbing on some Greek islands. Kalymnos, in particular, is renowned worldwide for its climbing opportunities. For those looking to try rock climbing or who can't get enough of it, head to Greece for a vacation filled with breathtaking seaside cliffs and the promise of a refreshing dip at the end of the day. Climbing is possible year-round, even in summer (preferably in the morning or when the Meltemi wind blows), but the best months are April, May, September, and October.
The best Greek islands for climbing, detailed below, are Kalymnos and Crete, the most frequented, but climbing is also possible in Karpathos and Rhodes.

Kalymnos (Dodecanese)

Kalymnos is the Greek island for climbers par excellence. Climbers from all over the world come to scale the beautiful limestone cliffs of Kalymnos, often overlooking the sea. There are many well-equipped routes (more than 2500), with new ones being added each year. Easy, medium, and difficult routes: there is something for everyone! There are also caves, slabs, and holds of all kinds. The main town is Masouri, from where you can walk to the nearest cliffs; otherwise, a simple scooter is sufficient. The easier climbing spots include Kasteli, Palace, and Telendos, while more challenging ones are Arhi, the Grande Grotta, Odissey, Panorama, and Spartacus.

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Crete

Crete offers a good selection of routes and cliffs suitable for everyone, from beginners to experts. Generally, these are long climbs located in the southern part of the island, in quiet areas often near the sea. The most frequented multi-pitch routes are described below.
Kapetaniana is the best climbing area on the island, located in a very quiet but easily accessible area. There are over 130 routes covering many difficulty levels, all on solid limestone.
Agiofarago offers around eighty routes of all styles, generally long, up to 8b on the cliff. It is located within a beautiful gorge, which can be climbed on both sides, with a fantastic beach.
Plakias is a perfectly vertical wall of excellent limestone with about twenty routes ranging from 5a to 8a+. It is easily accessible and close to the beach.
Other good climbing spots include Kalathas, Mount Vardia, Stavros, Theriso, Mount Gigilos, Marmara, Trafoulas, Sfakion, and the cave of Tersanas among the stalactites.

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Karpathos (Dodecanese)

It hasn't been long since this island was discovered by climbing enthusiasts, but there are already several beautiful routes in Adia, Arkassa, Afiartis, Achata, and Kira Panagia.

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Rhodes (Dodecanese)

Rhodes also has its climbing routes, which increase every year. The main ones are: Ladiko, Anthony Quinn, Afantou, Traganou, Gadoura, Platania, and Siana.

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