La Vita è Bella VI- UIAA 60 m. – Trad Climbing in Arma – Mt. Parnitha – Attica

On December 25, 2023December 26, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general2 Comments

Regularly, I make it a point to explore some of my favorite outdoor spots in Greece, with Mt. Parnitha topping the list. This stunning mountain is conveniently just 30 minutes away from the heart of Athens. Situated in the Attiki province, approximately 25km north of Athens, Mt. Parnitha is part of the quartet of mountains—Immitos, Penteli, and Poikilo—encircling the plain upon which the city is built. Among these peaks, Mt. Parnitha stands as the tallest and most awe-inspiring.

In my past visits to Parnitha, I’ve had the pleasure of climbing in the Flabouri area. However, this time around, my sights are set on exploring and climbing a second route in the captivating region of Arma.

Parntha_Agios_Kiprianos_Koromilia_Tamilthi_Alogopetra_190511_668 — Tamilthi Peak – View towards Arma

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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 Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

On June 13, 2023August 18, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering generalLeave a comment

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, 2023October 2, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general4 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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The Ultimate Guide of Trad Climbing in Nafplio – Karathona & Asini (Greece)

On May 15, 2023 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.

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

On May 1, 2023 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.

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Ek Tou Anasfalous VI UIAA 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Karathona beach – Nafplio

On April 24, 2023April 26, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general4 Comments

I woke up early on Sunday, feeling excited about the day ahead. I was going trad climbing with a few friends, and I couldn’t wait to get out to the crag and test my skills on the rock face.

After packing all my gear and double-checking my equipment, I hopped into my car and drove out to the crag. As we arrived, I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I was ready for the challenge.

We took some time to scout out the route and assess the rock quality. We discussed the type of protection we’d need to place as we climbed, and I felt reassured that we were all experienced and knowledgeable about trad climbing techniques.

Ek_Tou_Anasfalous_Web_Images_29 — Topping up the route

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Public VI- UIAA, 90 m. | Trad Climbing in Varasova

On January 16, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general2 Comments

Visiting the area of Mt. Varasova is always very pleasant and while being there, is always great to try to do as many routes as possible. This is what we have actually done at the beginning of 2023.

Early morning we climbed Kalydonios Kapros (V+, 100 m) and upon a short break for a snack and a refreshment we decided to go and climb another route, Public.

Trad_Climbing_Varasova_Public_01 — View of the rock

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Kalydonios Kapros V+ UIAA, 100 m. | Trad Climbing in Varasova

On January 7, 2023January 16, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general1 Comment

During the winter time, I mostly enjoy to go for Winter Mountaineering activities and the initial plan for the first outdoor trip of 2023, was to visit and climb Mt. Olympus. Though, this year, here in Greece we had minimum snowfalls so far and taking also into the account the high temperatures (for this time of the year), we decided to change our plan and instead of visiting Mt. Olympus for Winter Mountaineering, to visit Mt. Varasova for Trad Climbing.

Our plan was to climb as many multi-pitch routes, in traditional style, thus we selected route in the range of V UIAA and VI UIAA.

Trad_Climbing_Varasova_Kalydonios_Kapros_31 — View of the Rock

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Skytali V+ UIAA 35 m. – Trad Climbing in Arma – Mt. Parnitha – Attica

On November 21, 2022November 23, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general2 Comments

Every now and then I try to visit one of my favourite outdoor locations of Greece, and specifically Mt. Parnitha which is located just 30 minutes far from Athens city centre. Mt. Parnitha is located in Attiki province, 25km N from the city of Athens. It is one of the 4 mountains(the others are Immitos, Penteli and Poikilo) that surround the circular plain, in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the tallest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

During my previous visits in Parnitha, I had the pleasure to climb in the area of Flabouri, but this time I want to visit and climb in the area of Arma.

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