The last few years, and mainly in the last decade Climbing and specifically Sport Climbing has gone from niche sport to worldwide sensation, and here in Greece this is the rule too. As a result, more and more new climbing crags have been spring up like mushrooms all over mainland Greece, in the Greek islands (ex. Kalymnos), but especially in Peloponnese many new climbing areas have been established. For example in Peloponnese one can climb in Corinth, in Leonidio, in Ermionida, in Nafplio in Asini and from now near Kandia too.

Charamos Crag was spotted by S. Konstadakopoulos, who proceeded to bolt most of the routes on the left side of the rock face. C. Rigas was also invited and bolted several routes, focusing on the right portion of the crag, while E. Chroni, among others, contributed with cleaning some routes and generally supporting the bolting process. Most of the routes are quite demanding and on the upper scale of the climbing grades.

About Charamos Crag

If you are searching for a quite place for the late Autumn, Winter and early Spring days to go for Sport Climbing, and in the same time to be able to enjoy some nice time in Nafplio, then, the Charamos Crag is one of the crags you should visit.

The first sector was fully bolted in the beginning of 2021. 

The rock consists of grey-brown and red limestone of very good quality with a total of 17 routes for the time being. There are routes for all types of climbing, but this crag will be appreciated the most by intermediate and experienced climbers.

Although all year climbing is possible, the best seasons to visit the Charamos Crag is from late Autumn till late Spring.

Grades 5c to 8.

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In a Nutshell

• Exposure: East – Southeast
• Best Season: Autumn – Spring
• Sun: From 10.00 – 16.00
• Walk in: 5 minutes
• Water: None
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Pet Friendly: Yes
• Camping: Kandia village
• Gear: 70 m. rope, 14 quickdraws

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Download for free the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook

• Download the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook in PDF (Web/Interactive file)
• Download the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook in PDF (Print/High quality print file)

 

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Approach: How to reach Charamos Crag 

Coming from Nafplio, drive through direction to Epidaurus. 8 Km after Nafplio turn right following the sign to Kandia. Cross through the villages of Lefkakia, Drepano and Vivari till you reach Kandia. Turn left on the coastal road.

On point 37.524313, 22.961544, turn left and go straight for about 3km and on point 37.541761, 22.961652 turn to the right. Upon that go straight till you will see the crag on your left hand. You can park your car in the side of the road.

• Parking spot: 37.541259, 22.981453
• Crag location: 37.542547, 22.981409

As soon you park the car, follow the signs on an easy uphill path, and you will soon reach and enjoy this newly developed crag.

 

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The Routes

	Name	Grade
1	Καπαρολογία	6b+
2	Πορτοφολάκιας	6c
3	Πιστολέρο	6c+
4	Λεοντόκαρδος	7a
5	Dois circulus	7a+
6	Μαλλιά κουβάρι	7c
7	Δαιμόνιος πράκτωρ	7b
8	Μεφιστοφελής	7b+
9	Δακτυλοσκόπηση	8?
10	Ξυλόσαυρος	8?
11	Η χήρα που φορούσε άσπρα	8?
12	Φρίμπα	7a
13	Τζακαλάκος	6a+
14	Εξαδάκτυλος	5c
15	Ααγής	6a
16	Blue book	6a+
17	Το πηγάδι των ευχών	6a+

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Τζακαλάκος (Tzakalakos) 6a

 

 

 

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Εξαδάκτυλος (Exadaktlilos) 5c

 

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Φρίμπα (Friba) 7a

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See other crags in Argolis region

• Anatoli Sector – Nafplio
• Neraki Sector – Nafplio
• Karathona Sector – Nafplio
• Acronafplia Sector – Nafplio
• Kondyli
• Didyma
• Pillars of the Wind
• Katafyki Ravine
• Thermisia Castle
• Caves of Frachti
• Mount Ortholithi
• Rock of Ages

Trad climbing in Argolis region

• Monsters of the Wind | Climbing the South-West Ridge of Mount Ortholithi
• The Long Run | Climbing the South-East Ridge of Mount Ortholithi
• Diaberis Pothos | Trad Climbing at the top of Profitis Elias – Asini
• Trad Climbing in Profitis Elias – Asini
• Lizard | Trad Climbing on top of Thermisia Lagoon

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Future Crag Development

The development of the Charamos climbing crag began in late 2020 and the first sector was concluded in early 2021, but there is potential for further development. 

There is opportunity to explore and bolt new sport climbing routes, some extensions on existing routes and even a new sector could be developed on the southern part of the Charamos crag.

The first sector of the crag, as describe on this guide, besides the personal efforts of S. Konstantakopoulos, C. Rigas & E. Chroni, was also possible, due to the volunteering of the local climbing community.

Should you be interested to contribute to the crag’s further development, please get in touch with the original route setters for further information and collaboration. There is plenty of potential for new intriguing routes.

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About Kandia

Kandia is a seaside village in the prefecture of Argolida, built on the shores of the Argolic Gulf, on the route between Iria and Drepano. 

In Kandia, besides Sport Climbing you can find one of the largest beaches in Argolida which according to tourists is considered a blue flag. On the beach you will find many fish taverns, cafes and snack bars. In the upper village we find the Holy Temple of three hierarchs and in the Acropolis Panagia Eleousa. 

Also, if you choose Kandia for your stay, the hospitable residents with a large number of rental apartments will welcome you with affordable prices for everyone. 

Kandia was built shortly after the creation of the Greek state by Arkades and populations from Crete. It got its name from the name by which Heraklion was known during the Venetian period. 

An important attraction of the area is the tower of Kandia, also known as the Tower of Aga, which during the Turkish occupation was the residence of a local Ottoman official. 

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Download for free the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook

• Download the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook in PDF (Web/Interactive file)
• Download the complete Charamos Crag Guidebook in PDF (Print/High quality print file)

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Below: This map marks all the mountaineering adventures that have been featured on Olympus Mountaineering so far, including several Sport climbing crags – Select full screen to expand, zoom in for more detail, or click on a marker for a link to the post.