If you’re new to outdoor climbing, and planning a trip to Kalymnos, Greece – you’ve come to the right spot. Not to worry, there are plenty of beginner climbing spots in Kalymnos. Whether you’re simply looking for easier routes to get your sea legs back, it’s your first ever outdoor climbing trip, or you just want an easy day at the crag – here are the best beginner climbing spots in Kalymnos.
Over the last four years, I’ve visited Kalymnos five times (and counting), and am arguably too passionate about the island. When I first visited Kalymnos I was just getting accustomed to outdoor climbing and found Kalymnos to be one of the best places for learning. Why’s that? The friendly bolting, the community, and the easy approaches, just to name a few.
Before you hop on a plane, you should also know what to pack. Here’s my packing list for climbing in Kalymnos.
Favorite beginner climbing spots in Kalymnos
Here are my favorite beginner climbing spots in Kalymnos. I chose them based on beauty, approach time and diversity of beginner routes. Reach out if you’d like to know more!
Arginonta & Arginonta Valley for beginner climbers
First up, no beginner climbing trip to Kalymnos is complete without a trip to Arginonta Valley. To get here, it’s easiest to go by car or scooter. The bus is also an option, check the schedule in Massouri.
The Arginonta area offers more 5c – 6a climbs than anywhere else on the island, as far as I’m concerned. For beginners, I recommend Arginonta Valley. This is a great area to get into your rhythm outdoors. The crag isn’t the most beautiful by Kalymnian climbing standards, but the gym like climbs, friendly bolting, afternoon shade and easy approach (just five minutes or so) make Arginonta one of the best crags in Kalymnos for beginners. Plus it is pretty, just maybe not as pretty as some other iconic spots.
Sectors to visit for beginners: Alani Wall, Mona Lisa Wall and Roch Tragos Wall, Black Buddha
Tip: Across the road is Agrinonta (photo of the view below), there are some impressive sectors there as well, equally popular, but more advanced. If you’re feeling ambitious, head on over to Katharina to warm up and try your best at The Infrared Wall, or as most call it, the 6b wall.
Arhi, the first sector in Kalymnos, great for beginners
Arhi is where Kalymnos climbing began. This sector was the first of hundreds to come, first bolted by Andrea Di Bari in 1997. Arhi has impressive views overlooking the Arginonta Valley and beach below. On clear days, the crag is kindly protected from the north wind and smells of Kalymnian herbs.
At Arhi you can find shade until noon, so get up early to visit this crag. The approach is only about 5-15 minutes, depending on the wall you choose. Routes start from 4c with around 60 up to 6a. After you finish you can also watch some real pros in the cave and get inspired.
You need a car or scooter to access Arhi. You can also take the bus to Arginonta and walk from there.
Sectors to visit for beginners: Arhi Main Left (Upper and Lower), Syriza is a great long and juggy 5b to start with, Arhi Main (Troulos Outer Wall), Teseo is another 5b+ worth climbing.
Summertime is a beginner’s paradise
On a hot summer afternoon, Summertime is the perfect beginner climbing spot. The gentle slab wall is great for beginners and shade starts already from 11 am. To the first sector, Summertime Main, the approach is only 5 minutes. You do need a car or scooter to access Summertime, I suppose a bike or a walk could also do!
Sectors to visit for beginners: Summertime Main is definitely the best area to find easier climbs starting from 4c, there are even a few 6b+s scattered in if you want to really challenge yourself.
A Trip to Telendos for beginner climbers
Just because you’re a beginner climber doesn’t mean you can go to the most iconic and beautiful places in Kalymnos.
Irox is the most beginner-friendly and popular crag on Telendos. This is where the boat can drop climbers off and pick them up at the end of the session. Irox has around 20 routes that are beginner friendly, and many are shorter. The easier routes here can be sharp, so be ready for that. The wall gets shade after 2 pm.
Sectors to visit for beginners: Irox Main, try the White Rose, it’s impressive for the grade, or Anastasia, as a nice technical warmup.
Read more about climbing in Telendos.
Afternoon (and Grande Grotta, yes really, beginners can climb here!)
If you don’t have a car and you’re staying in Massouri, you’ll soon find yourself visiting the cliffs just above the village. Of course, there is the famous Grande Grotta. As a beginner climber there is one route you can try, Happy Girlfriend, a 6a tufa climb inside the cave. From here, you can take your Instagram worthy shot. After that, you can walk around to the left and find the often overlooked Afternoon.
Do note, while the route is friendly, the final bolt is challenging. Use a longer quickdraw if you get nervous.
Afternoon is a gray slab wall with diverse climbs and styles just to the side of the Grande Grotta. As a beginner, there are some really good 5c and 6a climbs. You’ll also find a few poorly rated 4c and 5a climbs. There is shade on the left until 1:30 pm and on the right until 4 pm. You can easily spend an entire day here.
Tip: The goats love to hang here too, watch your food!
Sectors to visit for beginners: Afternoon Right is best, try Tsopanakos or Morteau Rico.
This should be all you need for your first trip to Kalymnos. Don’t forget your packing list, and of course, you’re going to need some great food too. Here are all my favorite places to eat in Kalymnos.
And if you’re looking for the best climbing courses, the most passionate climbing guide is Simon Montmory. Tell him I sent you!
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