Kalymnos

Climbing Information

Gear - The majority of the routes are all well-bolted sport routes which require a single 60m rope (50m will do) and around 15 quickdraws. A handful of longer routes require a 70m rope and more quickdraws; this is mentioned in the route descriptions. There are a few trad routes on the island but not enough to bring a rack unless you are really keen.

Grades - The various sport grades given for the routes on Kalymnos are a bit erratic which is understandable for such a young area. The local information sheets, and the grades painted on the rock, tend to be soft-touch when compared with other areas in Europe, although not always. We have tried to bring the grades in the MiniGUIDE in line with sport grades elsewhere but there may well still be the odd anomaly. You can let us know what you think, and check what others have already said, by using the Kalymnos Route Database

Kalymnos Guide Cover New Local Guidebook - Kalymnos by Aris Theodoropoulos is now available. It is a full guidebook to the island with photos-topos, approach information and loads of colour. It also contains introductions in 5 different languages and is available from the Glaros Bar and good outdoor shops in the UK.
Aris's Web Site

Other Areas - The ROCKFAX MiniGUIDE contains the five major climbing areas on Kalymnos however there are a number of other small venues. Many of these are described with brief details of grades and approach information in the relevant sections. One area not covered are the crags to the south of Kantouni Beach called Monastery and St. Photis. The grades of these routes are on the Kalymnos Route Database.