Some years ago, people who lived on Kalymnos Island had nothing to do with rock climbing. Kalymnos gained fame for rock climbing only in the year 1996 when an Italian couple discovered it. With amazing routes on the limestone cliff, Kalymnos has become the climbers’ paradise. The small size of the island makes it easier to get around even without hiring a car.
The best period of visiting Kalymnos is during the spring and the fall and winter summers are very hot. The island has a very friendly weather all round the year and this facilitates easier climbing. The rainy season starts in December and there is no much rainfall here. July and August are extremely hot but the sea wind tends to cool the climbers and most cliffs have shadows at certain times and hence the climbers can choose to share their time between climbing and swimming. Friendly weather, peaceful scenery, beautiful landscapes add more charm to the climbing experience.

Kalymnos has become one of the major rock climbing destinations for professional climbers as well as beginners at international level. However, Kalymnos still remains a quaint and tranquil place. The island has various kinds of good quality limestone rocks with different difficulty degrees like overhangs, caves with stalactites and slabs. The quality of the limestone rock is excellent, and has an easy access. Cliffs are very close to the city and may require 5 to 10 minutes of driving or 5 to 20 minutes of walking. There are some 44 high steep rocks. It has 500 single pitch routes and a number of multi pitch routes.

There are many easy routes for starters as well as more difficult routes for those willing to make adventures. There are many cliffs of about 10 to 200 meters. The best climbing spot is around the village of Massouri. It is preferable to get your own helmets, chalk bag, climbing shoes and other necessary equipment.Climbing can never become boring as there are numerous routes and every route in turn leads to a number of ways. The climbers can decide which route he might wish to take. More adventurous climbers can even discover new routes on their own as plenty of virgin routes are yet to be explored. Kalymnos Municipality takes proper care of the climbers and is always available to provide you the useful information

Hotel Philoxenia has the advantage to be located next to the most inportant climbing sectors on the island. Providing direct access to our guests.