Welcome to the breathtaking village of Kalo Chorio and specifically, Peza Crag, Located neabry Agios Nicolaos in Crete, Greece. Peza has emerged as a climber’s haven, boasting a variety of routes that cater to beginners and experienced climbers alike. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, development, and exhilarating climbing experiences offered by this stunning climbing destination.
Asterope, one of the seven celestial sisters of the Pleiades constellation, lends her name to one of the most captivating multi-pitch routes of Katafyki Gorge in Ermioni. Just as the mythical Asterope was transformed into a star by Zeus, this route invites climbers to rise skyward , from the rugged limestone walls of the gorge to the open blue above the Peloponnese.
From a climber’s perspective, the Asterope route is both a challenge and a revelation. Technical slab climbing, exposed pitches, and rewarding views that unfold with every meter gained.
Reaching the top of Pleiades Crag through Asterope feels like touching the heavens themselves. The rock is solid yet demanding, the movement elegant yet precise. A perfect balance of strength, focus, and serenity amid the mythic landscape of Ermionida.
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.
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: Asterope, Electra, 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.
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.
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.
The Petzl Neox is a cutting-edge belay device that’s quickly gaining popularity among both novice and experienced climbers/belayers. Gifted to me by a special friend, I’ve had the chance to test it extensively and am excited to share insights on its performance, strengths, and limitations. This review is geared toward climbers seeking a dependable, versatile tool that excels in multi-pitch climbing, hauling, and even rescue situations, making the Neox a standout choice for those looking to enhance their climbing experience with safety and ease.
Welcome to the breathtaking realm of Nestani, nestled in the suburbs of Tripoli, Greece. Nestani has emerged as a climber’s haven, boasting a variety of routes that cater to beginners and experienced climbers alike. In this blog post, we will delve into the history, development, and exhilarating climbing experiences offered by this new stunning climbing destination.
For avid readers of the Olympus Mountaineering Blog, it’s no secret that I’m deeply immersed in various outdoor pursuits, with a particular fondness for general mountaineering activities ranging from Trad and multi-pitch climbing up to Winter Mountaineering ascents. Engaging in such adventures demands gear that effortlessly combines functionality, durability, and a lightweight design.
Having previously owned and reviewed the Simond Alpinism 22 and The North Face Verto 27 Summit Series, my recent experiences led me to reconsider my gear choices. Unfortunately, the latter, The North Face Verto 27, proved to be unreliable with numerous manufacturing faults, prompting the need for a reliable and budget-friendly replacement.
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.
In my recent years of dedicated climbing improvement, I’ve delved into the fascinating world of climbing shoes, constantly experimenting to find the perfect fit for my climbing adventures. Starting my climbing journey with the reliable La Sportiva Tarantula as a beginner, I took my initial “baby steps” with confidence. However, the quest for the ideal climbing shoe led me to explore diverse models like the Anasazi VCS by 5.10, the Simond Rock+, and the La Sportiva Otaki.
After rigorous testing, I’ve settled into a harmonious partnership with the Simond Rock+, finding satisfaction in its performance and mostly with the VFM proposition. Unfortunately, the La Sportiva Otaki didn’t quite meet my expectations after an extensive trial period. Determined to make an informed decision, I conducted thorough research, tapping into the insights of my fellow climbers within my network.
Olympus Mountaineering 