Kalymnos Climbing Festival‘, a unique gathering of climbers, taking place on the island of Kalymnos, is one of the world’s “hottest” climbing holiday destinations. Climbers and climbing-legends from around the world are attending this year’s event, on Oct. 7 to 9.

With sunshine in abundance, breathtaking routes on limestone rocks, amazing sea views and the company of some of the world’s best athletes, the festival will re-create the same unique ambience for which the “Kalymnos Climbing Festival” has become known worldwide.

Apart from climbing, the festival’s schedule includes a Zlagboard Contest, Live Rock Music, and presentation by mountaineer Roger Schaeli. On Sunday’s 9 Oct. closing ceremony UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) expert and former British climbing champion, Anne Arran will grant to “Kalymnos Climbing Festival” the prestigious UIAA Rock Climbing Award.

kalymnos3The Island of Kalymnos during the last 15 years has established itself as one of the world’s top sport – climbing holiday destinations. The Kalymnian landscape is rocky, with rock faces of unique quality for sport climbing, easy accessible within a few minutes walking time from most of the islands settlements and motorways, offering breathtaking views with the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. Today the island has almost 2500 well equipped sport climbing routes for all climbing levels from easy routes for beginners to extremely hard ones for the experts. Climbing instructors on the island offer climbing lessons and guiding. 

Kalymnos is also known as home of the world’s finest sponge divers. The sea has always been a focal point for island life and its colorful traditions and sense of community remain almost unchanged. Picturesque landscapes for walking, clear blue seas for snorkeling or scuba-diving, rock faces of unique quality for climbing and a warm-hearted hospitality are just some of the pleasures that await the visitor.

Watch video: The full Kalymnos climbing experience (by Kieran Duncan)

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