Author: Olympus Mountaineering

In Greece, curled up within the majestic mountains, lies a treasure trove of insights waiting to be discovered. From the art of winter mountaineering to the thrill of trekking, from the peacefulness of hiking to the challenges of rock and alpine climbing, there is a world of adventure waiting to be explored. My humble endeavor is to provide you with a glimpse into this world, to guide you through the rugged terrain and share my experiences with you. If you wish to join me on this quest, I welcome you with open arms. Simply send a message using the form below, and let us embark on this journey together.

Climbing in Manikia – Rainbow sector – Lower Valley, Evia

On June 30, 2023August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing3 Comments

In a previous post, I enthralled you with accounts of conquering the untamed cliffs of the renowned Pehnidia sector in Vrysi, Evia. Fear not, for the adrenaline-fueled odyssey continues as we venture forth to the stunning Rainbow sector, nestled amidst the majestic domain of the Manikia area.

So, brace yourselves for an electrifying journey that will ignite your spirits and ignite your sense of wonder! Imagine immersing yourself in the breathtaking grandeur of nature, where awe-inspiring panoramas unfold before your very eyes.

The Rainbow sector is a picturesque haven, boasting magnificent rock formations arranged in an amphitheatrical shape. It warmly embraces all who are in pursuit of the ultimate challenge, catering to both seasoned daredevils and curious novices yearning to unearth its hidden treasures.

Prepare to indulge in an extraordinary array of climbing delights, as Rainbow offers a plethora of routes that will leave you breathless with anticipation.

So gather your gear, secure your harness, and embark on a thrilling adventure that awaits you at Rainbow, nestled within the enchanting Lower Valley area.

Climbing_Manikia_Lower_Valley_Rainbow_Sector_Evia_02 — View towards the canyon from the Parking spot

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Eternity and a Day VII- 250 m. 7 pitches | Alpine Climbing on Mount Xerovouni, Evia

On June 25, 2023July 4, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general3 Comments

On a blissful summer Saturday morning, with the sun casting its warm glow upon the rugged slopes of Mount Xerovouni, a group of intrepid climbers set out on a quest to conquer the legendary Eternity and a Day (in greek: Αιωνιότητα και μία μέρα) route UIAA VII-, 7 pitches, 250m. With the weather playing its part perfectly, offering clear skies and gentle breezes, the stage was set for an extraordinary adventure.

This iconic route, known for its awe-inspiring chimney, intricate dihedrals, and breathtaking panoramic vistas, promised a day of exhilarating challenges and unforgettable memories. In this post, I invite you to join me as I delve into the intricacies of each pitch, recount the triumphs and tribulations of our ascent, and immerse ourselves in the sheer magnificence of climbing the Eternity and a Day route on Mount Xerovouni,

Eternity_and_a_Day_Alpine_Climbing_Mount_Xerovouni_Evia_48 — Majestic view from R07

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Climbing in Manikia – Pehnidia Sector – Vrysi, Evia

On June 22, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing4 Comments

Nestled in the heart of Greece‘s picturesque island of Evia, the captivating village of Manikia has emerged as a haven for rock climbing enthusiasts. With its unique gorge, Manikiatis river, limestone formations and a growing number of climbing routes, this area has captured the attention of both local and international climbers. In this blog post, I will delve into the history, approach, sectors, and overall experience of climbing in Manikia, Evia.

Climbing_Manikia_Vrisi_Evia_Pehnidia_Sector_01 — Beautiful rock formation

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Climbing in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

On June 13, 2023August 18, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general3 Comments

With this post we invite you to embark on an extraordinary expedition through the captivating Katafyki Ravine in Ermioni, Greece. Within this majestic setting, we will uncover the exhilarating challenges and natural wonders that await you on three remarkable multi-pitch climbing routes: Maia, Taygete, and Alcyone.

Each ascent presents its own distinct characteristics, offering a diverse range of difficulties and rewards. Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring journey as we delve into the details of these unforgettable routes.

Maia_Multi_Pitch_Katafyki_Ermioni_33 — View of Pleiades crag

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Alcyone – 4 pitches, 6a 100 m. | Multi Pitch Climb in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

On May 30, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general10 Comments

The Pleiades crag is a magnificent formation in the heavens, named after the seven shining stars that make up the Taurus constellation. These stars, known as the Pleiades sisters, were transformed into celestial bodies by the divine hand of Zeus, according to mythology.

From a climber’s perspective, the Pleiades crag represents a unique challenge and an opportunity for adventure. The crag is said to be a gateway to the heavens, a place where mortals can access the realm of the gods. But getting there is no easy feat.

The path to the Pleiades crag is treacherous and requires a high level of skill and experience. The terrain is rugged, with steep cliffs and sharp rocks.

Alcyone_Pleiades_Crag_Katafyki_Ermionida_14 — Getting ready to climb the first overhang.

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Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis (Greece) Guidebook Edition 2023

On May 23, 2023September 14, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing14 Comments

NOTICE: A new Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook (edition 2025) is published
You can find the updated version here.

In the early 2000s, a climbing revolution took place in Ermionida, East Peloponnese, when the esteemed British climber, Jim Titt, and the German Inge Zaczek, dedicated a significant amount of time, resources, and effort to equip over 200 routes on the exceptional limestone rocks in the area using stainless steel bolts. The climbing community remains grateful for their contributions towards the development of sport climbing in the region.

Fast forward to 2021, Climb Ermionida (the local climbing community) with the invaluable aid and support of the Municipality of Ermionida and the Tripolis Mountaineering Club, undertook essential maintenance works on various crags and replaced several anchors with high-quality, certified materials.

Ermionida_Guidebook_main_2023_Cover_900 — Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook edition 2023

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The Ultimate Guide of Trad Climbing in Nafplio – Karathona & Asini (Greece)

On May 15, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering generalLeave a comment

Nafplio is a charming coastal town located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, surrounded by the Argolic gulg and stunning cliffs that offer a variety of rock climbing opportunities. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, Nafplio has something for everyone.

One of the most popular climbing areas in Nafplio is the Palamidi fortress, a massive Venetian castle that overlooks the town. The fortress is known for its challenging routes, that range from easy to difficult. The limestone cliffs offer a mix of technical face climbing and steep overhangs, and the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.

Another great climbing spot in Nafplio is at Karathona beach, located just outside the town. This area features cliffs that offer a mix of sport and trad climbing. The routes here are generally shorter than those at Palamidi, but they offer a more diverse range of climbing styles, including slab, face, and crack climbing.

Trad_Climbing_Nafplio_Karathona_Routes_02

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My Essential Climbing Gear for 2023: Current Favourites

On May 11, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review5 Comments

As an outdoor enthusiast and a climber, I’m constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest climbing gear to help me push my limits and elevate my performance. Over the years, I’ve tried out several pieces of gear, and through trial and error, I’ve found the gear that works best for me. Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of emails and comments from fellow climbers asking me about my personal choices for climbing gear. So, I decided to write this post and share my favourite pieces of climbing gear that I’m currently using in 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, I hope that my personal recommendations will help you make informed decisions about the gear you choose to use on your next climb.

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Climbing in SunCastle – Ermionida, Argolis | Greece

On May 5, 2023August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing8 Comments

If you’re looking for a new climbing destination, the recently developed SunCastle Crag between the town of Ermioni and Iliokastro may be just the place for you. With its high-quality rock formations and diverse range of routes, this new sport climbing crag is quickly becoming a go-to destination for climbers of all skill levels. In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about SunCastle Crag, including access to the crag, what to expect when you visit, and more.

SunCastle_Crag_Climbing_Ermioni_03 — Route: Dragon’s Spine

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The Ultimate Guide of Trad Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis – Greece

On May 1, 2023September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering generalLeave a comment

Ermionida, located in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. With its rugged and steep limestone cliffs, Ermionida offers a variety of climbing routes suitable for all skill levels. In this post, we will introduce you to ten of the most exciting trad climbing routes in Ermionida.

Trad climbing, short for traditional climbing, is a style of climbing that involves placing gear to protect oneself while ascending the route. These routes vary in difficulty, from beginner-friendly climbs to more advanced challenges.

Let’s dive into the details of the ten trad climbing routes in Ermionida.