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

On March 10, 2021August 30, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general15 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, 2021August 28, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general26 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.

Climbing_South-East_Ridge_Ortholithi_Long_Run_Route

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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, 2019August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing32 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.

Climbing_Didima_Didyma_Argolis_Ermioni_20190202_153428_670 — Didima Crag

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Climbing in Thermisia Castle (Kastro Thermisia) – Argolis

On December 16, 2018April 5, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing18 Comments

During winter time, climbers always search nice south facing walls for their climbing activities. This is also the case here in Greece, that although temperatures are rather moderate, during winter time, is always nice to climb under the warm sun rays.

One of the nicest climbing crags for crispy cold but nice sunny winter days is the crag in the Thermisia Castle (Kastro Thermisias). Also, the Kastro Thermisia crag has a spectacular view of the argosaronic sea.

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Climbing in Pillars of the Wind – Argolis, Greece

On October 3, 2018July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing24 Comments

While we are on tour climbing in the region of Argolis, we have decided to go and check a rather unvisited crag, the Pillars of the Wind (Τα πιλλιέ των ανέμων). The Pillars of the Wind is a beautiful rock between Mount Didimo and Mount Ortholithi.

Pillars of the Wind, is an interesting rock formation giving the impression that a giant hand has thrust a lump of rock through the surrounding soil leaving shattered pinnacles and crazily leaning giant boulders. Very reminiscent of a Dartmoor for except it is made of limestone.

Pillars of the Wind is a very friendly venue with good access, a good variety of routes and great quality rock.

Climbing_Pillars_Of_Winds_1551 — Pillars of the Wind as seen from the parking lot

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Climbing in Franchthi Caves – Ermionida, Argolis

On September 23, 2018November 23, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing16 Comments

Although now it’s officially autumn, the weather in Greece is still rather hot and therefore we took the opportunity to go an climb to one of the most interesting climbing crags in Greece, in Franchthi.

Franchthi cave or Frankhthi cave (Greek: Σπήλαιον Φράγχθη) is a cave overlooking the Argolic Gulf opposite the village of Koilada in southeastern Argolis, Greece. The cave was occupied from the Upper Paleolithic circa 38,000 BCE (and possibly earlier through the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, with occasional short episodes of apparent abandonment. Last occupied around 3,000 BCE (Final Neolithic), it is one of the very few settlements in the world that shows nearly continuous human occupation for such an extended period of time, and is one of the most thoroughly studied sites from the stone age in southeastern Europe.

Climbing_Argolis_Fragchti_Caves_1437 — Prehistoric cave of Franchthi sign

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Hiking in Ermionida – Ermioni – Kranidi (Argolis) Part 03 | Katafyki Gorge

On April 30, 2018April 2, 2018 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Hiking & Trekking3 Comments

About 5 km away from Ermioni there is a great hiking opportunity in Katafyki Gorge. This route is suitable for all the family due to the easy trail of only 2,5 kilometres. The wild beauty of this gorge will astonish you. Of course, this route can be extended up to 7 kilometres if one wants to hike from Katafyki Gorge up to the village of Fournoi.

Katafyki gorge is a beautiful natural landscape, located between the villages of Fournoi and Ermioni. It consists of a protected area of outstanding beauty and a wild life refuge that attracts the most demanding visitors. Hikers can leave their car in Ermioni and take the path that passes through the dense vegetation of pines, laurels, myrtles, shrubs and other endemic plants. The sound of the running water and the presence of rare animals and wild birds give the impression of an earthly paradise. The imposing rough rocks host mysterious caves, one of which is said to consist of the entrance to the underworld, the point from where Hercules found Cerberus. The locals narrate stories of various offenders that used the caves as refuge.