Kalymnos in April – A Dream Climbing Trip

Toli
May 3, 2023
3 min read

After months of anticipation, April finally arrived, and with it, our long-awaited climbing trip to Kalymnos. The excitement was through the roof as we packed our gear, checked the weather forecasts, and prepared ourselves for what was bound to be an unforgettable experience.

Kalymnos is one of those places every sport climber dreams of visiting. Known for its endless limestone cliffs, stunning tufas, and perfect Mediterranean climate, it’s a paradise for anyone who loves climbing. And after my injury and months of structured training, I was beyond ready to put my endurance and strength to the test on real rock.

Arrival and First Impressions

The journey to Kalymnos always feels like an adventure. After landing in Kos, we took the ferry over to Kalymnos, watching as the rocky cliffs of the island came into view. The warm sun, the salty sea air, and the relaxed vibe immediately made me feel at home. We picked up our rented scooter and made our way to our accommodation, eager to explore the crags as soon as possible.

The next morning, we woke up early, grabbed some fresh Greek coffee, and headed straight to our first climbing spot. The feeling of touching real limestone again after months of training indoors was incredible. The rock was warm, the holds were sharp but friendly, and the scenery was just breathtaking.

Climbing Days – Endurance, Pump, and Pure Fun

One of the biggest goals of this trip was to test my endurance and see how well my Treadwall training had prepared me. Kalymnos is famous for its long, sustained routes, where good technique and efficient movement are key.

Here’s what a typical climbing day looked like for us:

☀️ Morning: Wake up, have a light breakfast, and head to the crags before the sun got too strong.

🧗‍♂️ Climbing: Start with some warm-ups, then get into the real business—30-meter routes full of tufas, pockets, and fun sequences.

🍽 Lunch Break: A relaxed meal in one of the local tavernas, enjoying fresh seafood, Greek salad, and homemade bread.

🌊 Afternoon: More climbing, or sometimes a dip in the sea if the heat got too intense.

🍻 Evening: A well-earned beer and a massive dinner, sharing stories with other climbers at one of the island’s cozy restaurants.

The best part? The progress I felt every day. At first, the endurance routes still felt tough, but after a few days, I could climb longer without getting completely pumped. The Treadwall sessions definitely paid off!

Favorite Crags and Routes

There are so many world-class climbing sectors on Kalymnos that it’s impossible to visit them all in one trip. But we made sure to hit some of the best spots:

Grande Grotta – The famous cave with huge stalactites and steep, pumpy routes. Climbing here felt surreal, like moving through a three-dimensional puzzle.
Odyssey – A mix of technical face climbs and endurance tufas, perfect for testing footwork and balance.
Arhi – One of my favorites, with shorter but powerful climbs that demanded good body tension and precise movement.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was sending a long, sustained 7a route, where I had to fight hard against the pump but managed to keep it together. That feeling of flow and control is what makes climbing so special.

Rest Days – Exploring the Island

Of course, we couldn’t climb every day—rest days are just as important on a trip like this. Luckily, Kalymnos has so much more to offer than just climbing.

Scooter rides around the island, discovering hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints.
Swimming in the crystal-clear sea—nothing feels better after a long climbing session!
Enjoying the incredible Greek food—every meal felt like a feast, from fresh seafood to delicious souvlaki.

The vibe on Kalymnos is so relaxed and welcoming, and it was amazing to meet other climbers from all over the world, sharing beta, stories, and laughs over dinner.

Final Thoughts – A Trip to Remember

This trip was everything I had hoped for—and more. After months of recovery and training, being back on real rock, pushing my limits, and just enjoying the simple rhythm of climbing, eating, and relaxing was exactly what I needed.

Kalymnos truly is a special place, and I already know that this won’t be my last visit. The combination of perfect climbing, beautiful scenery, and amazing community makes it one of the best destinations in the world for any climber.

Now, back home, I feel more motivated than ever to keep training, keep improving, and start planning the next adventure. Because once you get a taste of Kalymnos, you know you’ll be back.

Until next time, Kalymnos! 🔥💪🌊