Hiking in West Parnitha – Agios Kiprianos – Koromilia peak – Tamilthi peak – Alogopetra peak – Agios Kiprianos

On January 12, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking5 Comments

The past few days, I have had the chance to enjoy one of the most famous mountains of Greece, Mount Parnitha. Mount Parnitha, is one of the most visited mountains due to its proximity to the capital of Greece, Athens.

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilisation and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Although there is plenty cultural and historical sights in and around Athens, a visitor has many more reasons in order to visit this magnificent city.

Parntha_Agios_Kiprianos_Koromilia_Tamilthi_Alogopetra_183348_907 — Agios Kiprianos Monastery

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Climbing in Koutsomaraki Crag – Mount Poikilo, Attica-Greece

On January 8, 2022January 8, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing9 Comments

While I have been searching for some new climbing crags, I came across a newsletter by Petroupolis Mountaineering Club and I have noticed that on October 4 2020, the inauguration of a new climbing crag took place. In this inauguration was also present Mr. Nikos Latsoudis, who had spotted and indicated the location of this crag about 4 years ago. The climbing crag after much effort and work done by many members of the Petroupolis Mountaineering Club took shape.

Koutsomaraki_Climbing_Crag_Petroupoli_134943_808 — Koutsomaraki Climbing Crag

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Winter hike mount Panaitoliko (Panetoliko)

On January 3, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering5 Comments

Just before we jump into 2022, I was looking to visit and discover a new mountain of Greece, that I had never visited before. In the meantime, it was also important to check the weather forecast and where there would be enough snow for a winter mountaineering ascent. Greece, is a very mountainous country and therefore there is plenty of choice, but for this time, I have decided to visit mount Panaitoliko (or Panetoliko).

Hiking_Winter_Panaitoliko_145126_945 — On the ridge with great view towards Krimnitsa Peak

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Dardiza Bayby 2 IV UIAA 30 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On December 31, 2021December 27, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general8 Comments

It has been quite some time since our last trad climbing adventure and due to the fact weather forecasts were not very favourable, we decided to go to explore a nice rock which is located nearby a town called Ermioni.

Our previous climbing adventure in the area, took place to the magnificent Thermisia Lagoon, and Kouverta beach.

This time, we wanted to explore a nice rock that from far we could spot it could offer a nice climb towards the top.

Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Bayby1_Ermioni_174619_852_b

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Hiking in West Parnitha – Kliston Monastery – Pan’s Cave – Arma – Kliston Monastery

On December 29, 2021December 29, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

Throughout the years, I have been involved and exploring various outdoor activities. Like most of us, I started my outdoor adventures with simple day hikes, then I moved on with multi-day hikes and trekking, then some scrambling, mountaineering, winter mountaineering, climbing and of course the combination of all the above.

Having this diverse background with the various activities, I have developed a good sense of appreciation of the various natural habitats. One of the most interesting area to visit in Greece, is Mount Parnitha which is located just few kilometres far from the city centre of Athens.

This time, I wanted to go for a solo hike and I decided to visit West Parnitha and the trail that starts from the Kliston Monastery and leads you to Arma via the famous Pan’s cave.

Hiking_West_Parnitha_Moni-Kliston_Panas-Cave_Arma_115220_273 — Beautiful view towards the west suburbs of Attica

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Christmas Hike and Climb on Dirfi Mountain

On December 25, 2021December 25, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Winter Mountaineering14 Comments

Hallelujah! Alleluia! Hooray! Yahoo! Yippee!

Finally, after two years of extreme lockdown measures in Greece, we are back for some Winter Mountaineering activities! The past two years, due to the coronavirus restrictions, I was not able to visit the mountains while there was snow on them. In fact, last time I have been on a Winter Mountaineering trip was in Vardousia on February 2020.

Few days ago, I got in contact with a good mountain buddy of mine and we agreed to arrange an easy ascent on Mount Dirfi.

Dirfi is the highest mountain of Evia. Although Evia is technically an island, it is considered part of mainland Greece because it is only separated by a narrow channel. It stretches from NW to SE, with Dirfi rising in the middle.

Mount_Dirfi_Dirfy_Mountain_Winter_Climb_034420_116 — Dirfi Mountain

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Dardiza Bayby 1 V- UIAA 30 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On December 20, 2021December 22, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general9 Comments

Our previous climbing adventure in the area, took place to the magnificent Thermisia Lagoon, and Kouverta beach.

This time, we wanted to explore a nice rock that from far we could spot it could offer a nice climb towards the top.

Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Bayby1_Ermioni_172947_401 — Lovely view towards Hydra island

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Climbing in Arcadia/Repodina Crag – Arcadia, Greece

On November 19, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing6 Comments

Greece has risen from obscurity to become one of Europe’s most beloved sport climbing destinations. When it comes to rock climbing, Greece is unique. Thanks to the temperate climate, you can be actively involved year-round in the sport. More importantly, the rugged landscape of the land offers a variety of options (examples are limestone, caves, and marble), and so many curious geological formations to explore on all fours.

This time we have visited the newly developed crag just 40 minutes far from Leonidio. The name of this crag Arcadia (or Repodina).

Climbing_Arcadia_Crag_02 — Arcadia / Repodina Crag

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Climbing in Agios Andreas Crag – Arcadia, Greece

On November 8, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing1 Comment

The past few years, there has been developed numerous new climbing areas such as: Agios Andreas, Agios Petros, Arcadia/Repodina and Voulomeni/Nestani. The most visited area for climbing activities is Leonidio, but certainly paying a visit to Agios Andreas was a great idea.

This new crag was developed near the village of Agios Andreas in Arcadia region, Peloponnese, Greece.

Climbing_Agios_Andreas_Crag_01 — Climbing Agios Andreas – The Crag

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Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis (Greece) Guidebook

On October 28, 2021November 9, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing7 Comments

Once upon a time, back in the 2000’s, a climbing revolution occurred in Ermionida, East Peloponnese. The British climber, Jim Titt, and the German Inge Zaczek went and equipped more than 200 routes on the area’s excellent limestone rocks, with stainless steel bolts. They spent a lot of their time, money and effort for the development of sport climbing in the area and we are thankful for it.

In 2021, the local climbing community, with the aid and support of the Municipality of Ermionida and Tripolis Mountaineering Club, carried out maintenance works on the various crags and replaced several anchors, with new high quality and certified material.