We will post a full report of our climbing trip to Kalymnos later, but here are some highlights and photos.
Galatiani sector, Telendos Island behind (© A. Gatta)
Kalymnos (Greece) has become a World famous climbing destination in just a few years. We must say that this reputation is well deserved; with about 3,500 routes – many of them fantastic -, short and easy access, friendly local people, amazing scenery and a pretty good climate, all the conditions are met to make it a unique place.
Amazing cave of Grande Grotta, Kalymnos (© P. Gatta)
We climbed in 9 different sectors, from the super famous Grande Grotta to the more isolated Galatiani.
Galatiani sector, Kalymnos(© P. Gatta)
Among all sectors, Sikati Cave was by far the most impressive one. It is a massive hole in the ground of 60 meters of diameter and 70 meters high.
On the way to Sikati Cave, Kalymnos (© A. Gatta)
The impressive Sikati Cave, Kalymnos (© A. Gatta)
Most routes in Sikati Cave are long and overhanging with tufas and stalactites everywhere. Anna had a nice fight there, onsighting Laurent …y’a quelqu’ un, a beautiful 7c.
Anna in Ou est l’equipe, Sikati Cave, Kalymnos (© Jan Novak)
For me the longest battle – 50 minutes – was in Fun de Chichunne, a 40 meter long 8a in the roof of Grande Grotta. What a route!
Philippe in Grande Grotta, Kalymnos (© A. Gatta)
We also enjoyed Odyssey and Spartacus sectors, both having many good routes.
Spartacus and its famous Daniboy 8a in the center, Kalymnos (© P. Gatta)
We climbed 9 days, 7 hours a day and we only sent 50+ routes out of the 2,000 bolted on the Island.
Odyssey sector (© P. Gatta)
One thing is for sure, we have to go back there…
Fishermen on their way back to Masouri (© P. Gatta)
Sectors between Skalia and Arginonta (© P. Gatta)