Kalymnos is a small Greek island in the South Aegean Sea, one of the Dodecanese Islands close to Turkey. The island is mountainous with outstanding limestone: grey solid slabs, vertical red walls and in particular beautiful tufa and stalactite formations in caves and on steeper overhanging walls.

The traditional economy was, until the 1980’s, based on sponge diving. In the late 90’s a couple of Italian climbers on their honeymoon, couldn’t believe what they’d stumbled upon, not only falling for the island's beauty but also very quickly understanding the extent of unclimbed rock and how incredible the climbing and limestone looked. In less than 20 years, Kalymnos has become one of the most famous sport climbing venues in the world with more than 2700 routes to date.

Away from the main island is Telendos, a 15 minute sea taxi from the small village of Masouri. You’ll be dropped off ‘on the rocks’ and rewarded with a fantastic and adventurous day climbing on the many crags and longer multi-pitch routes, which really add to the overall experience of climbing on these Greek Islands.

The sheer quality and variety of rock climbing on offer at the many crags here, the sea views from the crags, the outstanding smell of thyme, oregano and sage on the approaches, the swim after climbing by the Pirates beach bar and the great cuisine…all make your time on the island such a rich, rewarding and memorable experience.