Kalymnos is

Kalymnos is a small Greek island which makes part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located North of the well-known island of Kos, not far from Rhodes and the Turkish coast of Bodrum. Kalymnos' dimensions are ca. 25 x 10 km. In the past, the island was famous for its sponge divers. The normal tourism is not invasive and the climbers have started to come here only since 1998. The best periods to come here are spring and fall. The summer is extremely hot and the likelihood of very strong and long-lasting winds is rather high. The climate is very mild and dry throughout the whole year. Rainy days are rare and mostly during winter-time. (PLEASE SEE THE DATES OF OUR COURSE PROPOSALS). Languages spoken: English, Greek. Currency: EURO. Passport is necessary for non EU travellers, otherwise the identity card is enough. If in doubt, please check with your consulate or travel agency. OUR SCHOOL IS ABLE TO OFFER A FULL PACKAGE OF FLIGHT + HOTEL + CLIMBING COURSE by an connected agency, specialized in travel to the islands of Greece (see our site www.kalymnosclimbing.eu).

How to get here

You get there by plane to Athens from all major European and international airports. After the construction of the new airport on Kalymnos, the most direct way to reach the Island is a domestic flight from Athens to Kalymnos Sometimes it is convenient book flights online with AEGEAN AIRLINES - OLYMPICAIR - RYANAIR to Athens and Kos. From the harbour of Kos you take a ferryboat to Kalymnos Island (ca. 40 min.). How to get around on the island: by scooter (with automatic gear) suitable for 2 persons (please bring along your drivers license and wind-proof jacket) or by rent-a-car. (Cost for a scooter per day: ca. EUR 12 - 15; rent-a-car per day: ca. EUR 35 - 40). Depending on your flight schedule, it might be necessary to spend an extra night in Athens or on the island of Kos (not included in our offer). In this case we are able to provide you with useful information.

Accommodation

Up to the year 2000 the hotels on Kalymnos have been open only from June through September. The first rock climbers which came to Kalymnos found their first roof over their head in the so-called "studios": small apartments with kitchen, bedroom, balcony or terrace. The cleanliness and furniture however was not very much acceptable. The climbers are mostly staying in the so-called "studios" which is the local name for a holiday flat. The studios are furnished with a small kitchen, private bathroom and a porch. Our local collaborators are the owners and managers of the 'studios' which are available for 2 up to 3 persons). We can give you a hand with the reservation of a hotel room or the studios for 2-3 persons and the scooter for the duration of climbing course. The 'studios' are very nice and clean; the price is from 30 to 40 Euro per day. There are various small restaurants (taverna) where you can eat local and international food at very reasonable prices. The locals most of whom speak English, are very gentle and friendly towards the climbers.

Rock climbing

The history of climbing on Kalymnos is very recent. Only in 1996, an Italian climbers couple has discovered Kalymnos as a climbers' paradise. Kalymnos offers a great number and variety of lime stone rocks with different kinds of difficulty degrees (overhangs, caves with stalactites, slabs...). At the moment there are about 44 crags with more than 850 single pitch routes. There are also some multi-pitch routes available. During our last courses on Kalymnos Island, we have visited some sectors which have been just recently opened. In particular, we have climbed in those areas where there are almost only easy routes from 4a to 6a, also suitable for beginners. We have been climbing in recently opened sectors on fantastic and still stinging rocks with routes that sometimes exceed 30 meters. Wherever you are, you can enjoy the panorama, uncontaminated nature and the blue sea typical for Kalymnos. We recommend to wear long, technical climbing trousers both to avoid the pungent shrubs and to protect the knees during climbing. On the new, easy and sharp slabs of Kalymnos, falling while leading is absolutely to be avoided.
OUR OFFER INCLUDES A: 5-DAY-CLIMBING COURSE with an internationally licensed MOUNTAIN GUIDE (language: English, German, Italian), rent of apartment or double room in Hotel (B & B) for two or three persons, five nights, rent of the general technical material such as rope, quickdraws, carabiners.

The sea

Kalymnos is best known as the island of some of the word' s finest sponge divers. The sea has always been a focal element in the local life, which has preserved its traditional character colour and style to a great extent - nowadays Kalymnos island is part of a protected National Marine Park. Most of the beaches are rocky and you will find crystal clear turquoise water. The 'normal' tourism on Kalymnos is rather limited. We offer a snorkelling tour accompanied by a divemaster (CMAS diploma) who can also give you useful advise regarding freediving immersions in apnea. Your divemaster is also prepared to accompany the participants snorkelling during their 'time-off' from rock climbing. The water temperature in the periods which we are offering is between 18 C in spring and around 22 C in fall. We recommend to bring a light wetsuit (3-5 mm), fins and mask.
We especially recommend a visit of the wild Island of Telendos where the new rock climbing crags, the crystal clear water of the sea and the white gravel beaches fulfill the concept of 'climbing and sea'.