The information in this database was assembled by Nick Smith based on information from Aris Theodoropoulos, Steve McDonnell and the Municipal Tourist Organization of Kalymnos. Aris runs Kalymnos Climbing and is the area's main activist.
Kalymnos is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese chain of Greek islands, which include Kos and Rhodes, situated close to the Turkish mainland. While small at only 40 square miles it packs in an amazing range of routes on its limestone cliffs, and it's size makes it ideal for getting around without a hire car. The best of the climbing (at the moment) is concentrated around the small tourist town of Massouri, a 20 minute taxi ride from the island capital and ferry port of Pothia. Many quality 1 and 2-pitch sport routes from fine F4+ slabs to overhanging F8b stamina fests have been developed, with some spectacular climbing available on tufas and stalactites. Autumn and Springtime are the best times for climbing, with most crags in the shade until mid-afternoon, allowing you to enjoy a well deserved siesta on the beach or a swim in the sea after a hard morning of climbing.
Routes
1 trad route (7c)
627 sport routes (3...9a)
50 of the Best Routes 
Graded List of Routes
List of First Ascents
| Crag (click for details) | No. of Routes | Grade Range | Route Type | Sunshine or shade |
Approach walk | Other | Page | ||||
| Seaside Kitchen Known as 'Ghost-Kitchen' in the local guide. Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
24 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Cave Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
20 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Galatiani Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
21 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Black Forest Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
8 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Belgian Chocolates Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
31 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Arhi Arhi means ‘beginning’ in Greek and this was where it all started a few years... |
60 |
| Sport |
Sun from mid-morning |
Uphill 5 mins |
9 | |||||
| Sea Breeze Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
26 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Summertime Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
18 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Kastelli Kastelli has some of the best lower grade climbs on the island, with some... |
34 |
| Sport |
Afternoon sun |
Up and Down 10 mins |
Windy |
13 | ||||
| North Cape This is the long wall across the hillside from Odyssey. It has a small set of... |
24 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Odyssey Odyssey is the most extensive and arguably the best crag yet developed on... |
64 |
| Sport |
Afternoon sun |
Level 15 mins |
Seepage Dry in the Rain |
15 | ||||
| Ocean Dream A slab of perfect grey rock set amidst some impressive rock scenery. The... |
18 |
| Sport |
Afternoon sun |
Uphill 60 mins |
Windy |
- | ||||
| Iliada Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
33 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Grande Grotta Perched high over the town of Armeos, and visible from most of the apartment... |
105 |
| Sport |
Evening sun |
Uphill 30 mins |
Seepage Dry in the Rain |
23 | ||||
| Poets The closest cimbing to most of the climber’s accommodation on Kalymnos is the... |
68 |
| Sport |
Afternoon sun |
Uphill 15 mins |
Windy |
32 | ||||
| Symblegades Petres Not included in the MiniGUIDE. |
40 |
| Sport |
Windy |
- | ||||||
| Monastery This small crag, with a good set of mid-grade routes, is situated to the south... |
19 |
| Sport |
Lots of sun! |
Up and Down 25 mins |
- | |||||
| Saint Photis This relatively recently developed crag offers a small set of good routes in a... |
15 |
| Sport |
Afternoon sun |
Up and Down 30 mins |
Windy |
- |
