Who could have imagined twenty years ago that the island with its lavish tradition in sponge climbing would evolve today into one of the most famous, beautiful and high quality sport climbing centers?

Who could have predicted that every two years tens, hundreds of climbers from all over the world would gather in this remote corner of the Dodecanese to climb, exchange views and have fun eating delicious spinialo (a mixture of sea urchins, bubbles and stone tubes) and drinking sweet-smelling ouzo?

Surely this belonged to the realm of science fiction, until the moment when, for holiday purposes, an Italian climbing instructor, Andrea di Bari, visited the island. To our good fortune, the excellent climber found that, in addition to the rich sea that surrounds the coast of Kalymnos, another “sea” lies hidden inland on the island, a sea of limestone, endowed with stalactites, excellent quality rock of great development, and the possibility of opening many routes of varying grades.

In fact, it all started in 1997, when the Italian visited the island again, this time with an intermediate climbing school and with the essential goal of creating the first climbing routes, which initially reached 43.

And the beginning was made, as, after the opening of these routes, two flattering articles followed in Alp and Rotpunkt, magazines well-established among enthusiasts of the genre. Kalymnos slowly began to become known to the global climbing community and it was not long before Kalymnians noticed another kind of tourism developing on their wild but beautiful island, at the same time that the sponge trade was experiencing a major downturn.

Then, a more organized promotion and organization of climbing fields by the mountaineering and climbing instructor Aris Theodoropoulos in cooperation with the Municipality of Kalymnos, pushed Kalymnos and climbing to the levels it is today.

So every two years, climbers from all over the world gather on the island to climb some of the 1300 routes that are now scattered across the 45 climbing fields. A great advantage, as there are so many options and at any time of day, even the hottest, they can find a field with shade and a cool sea breeze.

The fullness of time has arrived, and from 22 to 26 May the 4th International Climbing Festival is organized again this year under the auspices of the Municipality of Kalymnos in collaboration with the company SUMMIT EXPLORING. The Festival will be attended by some of the world’s top climbers, including Claude Remy, one of the most important route distributors on the island. However, the one who will steal the show with his skills is the talented young Czech, Adam Ondra. Overcoming gravity, the 16-year-old Czech climbs routes of difficulty 9a and 9a+ with characteristic ease!

A few words about the rocks, the fields and the routes on them.

Perhaps the most spectacular field in the whole of Kalymnos is the huge cave Grande Grotta which is located above Masouri and has been classified as a monument of outstanding natural beauty. And how could it not be, since the hundreds of stalactites that adorn it offer an incredible sight, and even more so, a unique and at the same time thrilling style of climbing. Above Masouri are concentrated most of the climbing areas, which are probably the most popular, since access to them is easy and it is not necessary to hire a means of transport. This is exactly where the first routes were opened and, apart from the excellent cave, you will find 8 other very good climbing fields with an eastern orientation.

Ten more climbing areas, less popular but equally exciting, are located above Arginonda and its bay.

For those who are in the mood to travel a little further, a truly wonderful option is the small island of Telendos, just opposite Masouri, where you can climb to cool spots and combine climbing with swimming at any of the island’s five beaches. Don’t miss a rest in one of the few taverns or cafes with fresh fish meze and, admittedly, very low prices.

Three other very interesting areas that require a short but beautiful hike over the sea, are the areas south of the small coastal settlement of Kantouni.

So if you like climbing or want to get in touch with this sport, a very good opportunity is to visit Kalymnos this May. In case the idea of climbing does not excite you, don’t be discouraged; Kalymnos has not yet unfurled all its cards…

HIKING ON THE PATHS OF KALYMNOS

There are many options for walking on this island. Unfortunately, however, not all the paths have been accurately marked yet, so it is possible to get lost. However, there are some which are perfectly marked and lead you precisely to wonderful secluded beaches or to small picturesque chapels with unique views. Whichever route you choose, however, don’t neglect to take enough water with you, as springs on the island are almost non-existent.

One of the easiest and certainly the most beautiful hiking trails of Kalymnos is the one that starts from Pothia and specifically from the church of Agias Triada north of the archaeological museum, and ends on a dirt road above Vathi. This is a very short route, requiring only an hour’s hike along a fairly well-maintained cobbled path that offers excellent views on both sides of the island.

If you want to reach the highest peak of Kalymnos, where the chapel of Profitis Ilias with the most breathtaking view of the island is located, then starting from Chorios, drive towards Kastro and follow the rough dirt road that penetrates the stream of Lagkada and stops at a stable. From there, enter the narrow gorge ahead and follow the path to where you meet a signposted door on your right. There turn right and follow the uphill path up to the highest peak on the island, which is at 676 metres. The panoramic view is truly breathtaking and will surely reward you for your efforts…

Another incredible path that leads to one of the most isolated and wild places of the island is the one that leads to the chapel of Panagia Galatiani. This is probably the most charming path on the island, as it crosses many different landscapes, from scrubland and olive groves to an old farmhouse, to end up high above vertical cliffs before the small desert chapel. The path starts from the new road that joins Vathi to Arginonda and although the new road has trampled its start, the persistent path is still visible if you look a little higher up the slope, at the point where the left-hand bend descends towards Arginonda Bay. It will take you about 2 hours to the chapel, and it would be nice to take a little more time to enjoy the stunning views this rugged path offers along its entire length. From Panagia Galatiani, the route continues even further north, with the path becoming even more rugged, eventually ending up at the settlement of Skalia. It would be advisable not to choose to continue on this last part of the route, as the path is more of a vaguely marked snaking path, licking the steep crags and in many places, especially on the descent, it becomes more than dangerous.

Those who wish to combine walking and swimming in one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, then just opposite the chapel of Panormitis – north of the settlement of Skalia – follow the road that climbs the slope for 2 ½ km, until you meet a corral on your left hand side. From there, open – don’t fail to close – the wire gate and continue on the path to the left for about 2 km. This route has nothing exciting to offer you, except for the imposing cave of Sykati with the difficult climbing routes that have opened up inside it, and the pebbled beach of Vysotos with its turquoise icy waters. For this route, expect to take about one hour and, in case the day is particularly hot, don’t neglect to fill your canteen with plenty of water.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Kalymnos is undoubtedly one of the “safest” places for climbing -as far as it is possible- in the whole of Greece and not only. All routes are equipped with stainless steel plugs that are relatively close to each other, which limits a possible big fall. In case you find yourself on the island and want to buy any material for your climbing or hiking, in Masouri you will find two mountaineering shops. If you plan to look for a map for the trails or even for the accesses to the climbing fields, then there are two options: the map of the Anavasi editions and the map of the Road editions, which is recently updated and includes all the accesses to the fields of Kalymnos and Telendos. However, whatever you choose to do on this Aegean island, one thing is for sure… There is no way, not even for a moment, that you will feel like you have nothing to do. Kalymnos generously offers you a multitude of activities. Equip yourself with an appetite and set off for your most exciting holiday on the island of sponges.