Greece·March 26 - April 1 2024
KALYMNOS SPORT-CLIMBING COURSE
Welcome to this unique single-date sport-climbing course on the island of Kalymnos.
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Overview
Climbing in Kalymnos needs no introduction: whether you're a veteran climber or a rookie in this sport, Kalymnos will make your climbing holiday unforgettable. The accessibility of all-level climbing spots allows for a perfect environment to learn and experience sport-climbing techniques, building confidence on natural rock. Take advantage of this special Mapo Tapo sport-climbing class and your coach and IFMGA Mountain Guide's experience to step up your climbing game. You will understand, learn, and put into practice the fundamentals and critical skills to gain confidence at the crag.
Highlights
Master the Skills for Autonomy
Our clinic is designed to focus on teaching you the habits and critical skills needed to become an autonomous climber. Under the expert guidance of Certified IFMGA Mountain Guide, Giovanni "Gio" Rocca, you'll gain confidence in your climbing abilities.
Experience the Thrill of Outdoor Climbing
Step out of the familiar walls of the climbing gym and embrace the challenge of climbing in the breathtaking natural setting of Kalymnos. It's an opportunity to take your climbing skills to a whole new level.
Join a Community of Like-Minded Climbers
Connect with fellow beginner climbers who share your improvement goal. This shared experience fosters camaraderie and provides an excellent learning environment.
Local Partners
Meet our local partner in Kalymnos
Giovanni
Giovanni is a certified Alpine guide with a passion for travel and love of mountain sports of all varieties. He particularly enjoys discovering new walls and cliffs, especially in the Mediterranean marine areas where he grew up.
The Experience
During this clinic, you will learn the most fundamental sport-climbing techniques that are essential for any aspiring climber.
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DAY 1
Arrive and Settle In
Arrive in Kalymnos, meet your guide and fellow Mapo Tapo travellers and settle into your accommodation. If you have some time to spare, why not take some time to visit one of the island’s stunning beaches?
DAY 2
First Climb
After an energising breakfast, it’s time to get climbing! For your first taste of Kalymnos climbing, we’ll head to Kastelli, a peaceful seaside crag boasting 4 sectors with incredibly varied climbing. We will learn what gear suits your needs the best in different scenarios, and gain expertise in handling ropes effectively when at the crag, a crucial skill for any climber.
DAY 3
Aginonta and Chill
Now that you’ve started to find your feet a little, we’ll venture to Aginonta for some incredible climbing on red rock. You will gain confidence and proficient climbing skills for any climbing style, from dead-vertical terrain to steep climbing, unlocking your full potential. After this, spend the evening as you prefer: head for a refreshing swim, or a beer in a local bar.
DAY 4
New crag, new skills
While climbing, we will focus on understanding how belaying truly works, and learn the difference between static and dynamic belaying, the role of the belayer in a climbing performance, and how to prevent any incident when sport-climbing.
DAY 5
A trip to Telendos
It’s time for an adventure! Today we’ll head to climb on the nearby small island of Telendos, which boasts unforgettable views of Kalymnos. You will understand how belaying truly works, and learn the difference between static and dynamic belaying, the role of the belayer in a climbing performance and so on.
DAY 6
Ghost Kitchen and Grande Grotta
For our final climbing day, we’ll head to Ghost Kitchen, a crag situated in a remote and wild area in the north of the island, boasting exceptional climbing on tufas and stalactites. In the afternoon, we’ll pay a visit to the iconic ‘Grande Grotta’ to finish your trip with a bang!
DAY 7
Departure
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The final day of the trip is reserved for you to pack and head home at your leisure.
The programme is very flexible to take into account weather conditions, activities level and endurance of the group.
Gallery
Kalymnos, Greece
Over 3,400 top quality routes, from delicate slabs to tufa-filled overhangs
If you’re a climber, then chances are that you’ve heard of Kalymnos. One of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, Kalymnos boasts everything you’d expect to find in this area - sun, beautiful sea, friendly locals, delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere - with the added bonus of some incredible climbing! While the island’s climbing overwhelmingly consists of limestone sport routes, it’s far from monotonous: with over 3,400 routes to choose from, you’ll find anything from delicate slabs to the massive overhangs of Grande Grotta, crimps, tufas, stalactites, pockets… To top it all off, the routes are generally very well equipped and span a good range of grades: half of the island’s routes are below 6b, but you’ll also find over 700 routes 7b and up.
Basecamp
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Stefanos Climbing House - Apartments
Stefanos Gerakios apartments and studios is the ideal place for those who want to live the real Kalymnos island experience! The Stefanos's family will welcome them with open arms! They are located at 200m from the beach and next to restaurants, super markets, bus stops, cafeterias and bars! ...and most important thing they are very close to the best climbing sector in the island!
Stefanos Climbing House - Apartments
Stefanos Gerakios apartments and studios is the ideal place for those who want to live the real Kalymnos island experience! The Stefanos's family will welcome them with open arms! They are located at 200m from the beach and next to restaurants, super markets, bus stops, cafeterias and bars! ...and most important thing they are very close to the best climbing sector in the island!
Stefanos Climbing House - Apartments
Stefanos Gerakios apartments and studios is the ideal place for those who want to live the real Kalymnos island experience! The Stefanos's family will welcome them with open arms! They are located at 200m from the beach and next to restaurants, super markets, bus stops, cafeterias and bars! ...and most important thing they are very close to the best climbing sector in the island!
What's Included
What's Included
4 days of climbing
5 nights of accommodation
A certified alpine guide
What's Not Included
Flights
Climbing shoes and chalkbag
Transport (the group will rent a car on arrival - we can help organise this)
Meals and Snack
Transport from/to airport
Equipment (to be divide with the group)
Anything not mentioned in the 'What's included section'
More Info
Climbing Skills
This clinic requires previous climbing experience since you will learn specific techniques and advanced belaying methods. If you regularly climb indoors or have already experienced outdoor climbing but want to step up your game, this clinic is for you! Kalymnos boasts crags of all levels, and the instructor is a certified outdoor rock climbing instructor.
Liability
Mapo Tapo selects crags and local partners with the utmost care. We can for any inaccuracies, however, accept no liability. Rock climbing is a risky sport that takes place in nature. Ultimately, you are fully responsible for the choices you make. Mapo Tapo recommends that anyone who does not have sufficient knowledge not to go outdoors alone.
Travel
Please DO NOT book your flights until this trip is confirmed. Most of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. Wait for the status of the trip to be confirmed and for more information go to the "How it works" section
Blog Posts
Thu 22 Jun 2023 · Climbing destinations
Rock Climbing in Kalymnos: Your Essential Travel and Climbing Guide to Greece's Advenure Paradise
Everything you need to know for traveling and climbing to Kalymnos, Greece's Rock climbing paradise
Thu 16 Dec 2021 · Climbing Tips
Rock Climbing Packing List: What to Bring on a Mapo Tapo Climbing Trip?
A short guide to help you pack for your upcoming Mapo Tapo rock climbing trip.
Mon 29 Nov 2021 · Community
Mind the gender gap! How can we make the climbing community more inclusive
Tania Matsuka tells us about being one of the first female guides in Greece and her experiences of sexism in the climbing community.
FAQs
What level do I need to be climbing at to join this trip?
This clinic requires previous climbing experience since you will learn specific climbing techniques and advanced belaying methods. If you regularly climb indoors 1 to 3 times per week or you've already experienced outdoor climbing, but you want to step up your game, this clinic is for you! Kalymnos boasts crags of all levels, and the instructor is a Certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.
How will I get to the crags/ accommodation?
Transport is not included in this trip, so the group will need to rent a car or mopeds to get around. We can help organise this for you once the departure is confirmed.
The meeting point for this trip will be Kalymnos airport and then you will take a taxi to the accommodation to rent your car.
What is the maximum and minimum group size for this trip?
The minimum group size is 4, and maximum 6.
Where can you rent the car?
You can rent it directly from Stefanos, the host of the accommodation. It will cost approximately 30€/day/car --> 1 car can transport 4/5 people.
Who will bring the equipment?
All of you! Each of you must bring climbing shoes, a chalk bag, a harness and a helmet. The rest of the equipment (rope, gri gri, quickdraw etc....) will be shared with all participants.