Climbing in Petrogerakas Crag – Ermionida – Argolis – Greece

On April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing6 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.

Now, it’s already 2022, and there is a new crag developed near Katafyki Gorge. This would be the 8th crag in Ermionida region.

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Epsipetis V UIAA 100 m. | Trad Climbing in Karathona beach – Nafplio

On March 22, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general6 Comments

Greece, is a very rocky and mountainous country and this gives us the possibility and also the opportunity to go and explore the outdoors pretty much all year round. The initial plan was to go from some winter mountaineering on Mt. Erymanthos, but due to extreme weather forecasts we decided to skip the initial plan and to go for some trad climbing in Nafplio.

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of god Poseidon and the daughter of Danaus (Danaida) Anymone. The town’s history traces back to the prehistoric era when local soldiers participated in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War alike.

The town recessed during the Roman times and flourished again during the Byzantine times.

In the summer, take an invigorating swim on the beaches of Arvanitia, Karathonas, Nea Kios, Miloi and Kiveri. You will also find a nice beach offering all kinds of facilities in Tolo, only 15 min away from the town.

Epsipetis_Trad_Climbing_Karathona_Nafplio_215301_551 — The Karathona Rock

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Souzaki Mouzaki V- UIAA 50 m. | Trad Climbing in Kouverta Beach – Ermioni

On May 2, 2021May 4, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general12 Comments

It has been about a month since our last trad climbing adventure and this time we have decided to go to explore one more easy going and hassle free ridge.

Our previous climbing adventure, took place to the magnificent Thermisia Lagoon, and this time, again we climbed next to the seaside, though at a beautiful beach near Ermioni, named Kouverta.

This ridge was spotted quite some time ago, during our last visit to the region, and this time we decided to go to explore and eventually to climb it. And this is what we have actually done.

Climbing_Ermioni_Souzaki_Mouzaki_route_193518_061_b — View towards Kouverta beach

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Lizard V UIAA 90 m. | Trad Climbing on top of Thermisia Lagoon

On March 22, 2021May 4, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general27 Comments

Due to the fact in Greece there is a national lockdown (covid-19), the opportunities to visit high mountains are very limited and therefore the past 6 months we did not have the chance to go for any winter mountaineering activity. Though, our passion and pleasure for outdoor activities, lead us to explore previous unexplored areas, and this is what we have done this time.

In the Argolis region, there is a magnificent Biotope with the name Thermisia Lagoon. Thermisia lagoon is an important habitat of rare migratory birds. It is a serene and unique lagoon surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.

Climbing_Thermisia_Lagoon_Lizard_Route_171538_862 — Thermisia Lagoon and Gulf of Hydra

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A Trad Climbing Guidebook of Profitis Elias – Asini, Argolis (Greece)

On March 10, 2021June 4, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general13 Comments

In the past years we have been climbing in various areas, mountains and crags and therefore we gained experience in the various forms of climbing. With this post, we would like to share with you a free climbing guidebook from the first established routes in Profitis Elias of Asini, which is located nearby Nafplio.

The rock climbing around Argolis region is all on excellent solid grey limestone. The majority of the routes are single pitch sport climbing routes, though there are some trad climbing routes as well. The Argolis area claims to receive over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and is a popular holiday destination. It also means that it is possible to rock climb virtually all year round in the Argolis region.

Profitis_Elias_Asini_Trad_Climbing_Cover — Download FREE Guidebook

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The Long Run IV+/V- UIAA 900 m.| Climbing the South-East Ridge of Mount Ortholithi

On February 7, 2021March 5, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general20 Comments

The first time I visited mount Ortholithi was in 2015 and I was really fascinated by this mountain. Although, in that first ascent I hiked up to the chapel of Saint Elias, I particularly liked to be on the top of mount Ortholithi. Since then, I have been a couple of more times either hiking or climbing. Last year, February 2020, just before the first lockdown in Greece (covid-19), I had the chance to go and first ascent the South-West ridge via a route that I named as “Monsters of the Wind“.

A year later, once again, mount Ortholithi “invited” me again, but this time, I climbed to the top via the South-East ridge, via a route that was firstly ascent by Jim Titt and Hans Weninger.

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Climbing in Rock of Ages – Ermionida – Argolis – Greece

On December 26, 2020December 26, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing10 Comments

Is just the second Christmas day and this time we decided to visit for a second time a crag that is located in the region on Argolis, and specifically in the municipality of Ermionida. This crag is rather infamous and is rarely visited due to the difficult approach. This crag is the Rock of Ages.

Rock of Ages, is a nice little cliff in an idyllic setting and highly recommended for those more interested in their surroundings than pushing up their grades. A small ravine with lush vegetation, good rock and varied climbing give a very pleasant day out. Continue reading “Climbing in Rock of Ages – Ermionida – Argolis – Greece” →

Climbing in Dardiza – Ermioni – Argolis | Greece

On November 4, 2020November 9, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing15 Comments

We are at the beginning of November, and in Greece we still have splendid weather, actually great conditions for climbing. As I have been visiting the region of Ermioni often, I came to know that besides all the other climbing crags of the region, there is a tiny crag nearby Dardiza developed by Hans and Jeannette Weninger.

Although, I do not see the real point of why having bolted routes on this short crag, I have decided to visit the area and give it a try.

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Hiking in Ermionida – Ermioni – Kranidi (Argolis) Part 04 | Grand Traverse Mikrovouni – Asprovouni – Profitis Elias

On November 18, 2019February 4, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking2 Comments

Ermioni is a small fishing town of Argolida (Argolis) at the east of Peloponnese. The traditional taverns, the cafes, the paved streets, the beautiful houses and the crystal clear beaches around this area are some of the reasons this town is an interesting summer destination of Peloponnese. While travelling around this area you will have the chance to admire the olive and the pine trees and plenty of bays with turquoise water.

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Climbing in Didima – Argolis

On February 2, 2019July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing20 Comments

During winter time, I particularly enjoy all different winter mountaineering activities, though due to the fact I need to keep track with my rock climbing skills, I have to “sacrifice” a winter mountaineering ascent and instead to go and visit a crag for some sport climbing. By keeping that in mind, I decided to visit one more crag in the Argolis region.

The Argolis district of Greece, which includes the city of Nafplio, is at the southern end of the Greek mainland and is a popular holiday destination. The majority of the crags are easily accessible, together with plenty of beaches and many archaeological interests. This is an ideal area to go rock climbing for families with children and for groups with different interests, as well as a dedicated rock climbing holiday.