Asterope Multi Pitch Climbing Route Pleiades Crag Katafyki Ermioni 6b+ 5 pitches 130 meters

Asterope – 5 Pitches, 6b+ 130 m. | Multi Pitch Climb in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

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.

Asterope, 6b+ 5 pitches, 130 m. | Multi Pitch Climbing in Pleiades Crag (Katafyki) – Ermioni
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Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook 2025 Edition

Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis (Greece) Guidebook Edition 2025

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.

Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook 2025 Edition
Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook edition 2025
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Pleiades Crag MultiPitch Climbing Ermioni

Climbing in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni – 2025 Edition

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.

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View of Pleiades crag
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Simond Rock 20 Climbing Backpack Review

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.

Simond Rock 20
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Eternity and a Day VII- 250 m. 7 pitches | Alpine Climbing on Mount Xerovouni, Evia

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,

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Majestic view from R07

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Climbing in Pleiades Crag – Katafyki Ravine – Ermioni

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

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.

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Getting ready to climb the first overhang.
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Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis (Greece) Guidebook Edition 2023

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.

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Climbing in Ermionida Guidebook edition 2023
Continue reading “Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis (Greece) Guidebook Edition 2023”

Petzl Connect Adjust Review

Trad climbing, also known as traditional climbing, is a style of rock climbing where the climber places their own protective gear into the rock as they climb. It is considered a more advanced and committing style of climbing compared to sport climbing, where pre-placed bolts are used for protection. With many years of experience in trad climbing comes the knowledge of the necessary gear to use in order to climb safely and efficiently.

The most essential gear for trad climbing includes a helmet, climbing shoes, harness, climbing ropes, carabiners, quickdraws, slings, and cams or nuts. A helmet is crucial for protecting the head from falling debris or rockfall. Climbing shoes are also essential, as they provide the necessary grip and precision for climbing. A harness is used to attach the climber to the rope, and a climbing rope is used to catch the climber in case of a fall. Carabiners and quickdraws are used to attach the rope to the protection, while slings and cams or nuts are used for protection.

Petzl_Connect_Adjust_Review_01

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

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.

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View of the rock

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