Dardiza Bayby 5 IV+ UIAA 20 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On April 20, 2022May 2, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general7 Comments

While we enjoy some really nice weather in Greece, we keep on exploring new climbing areas and of course some new trad climbing routes. The previous days, we visited the area of Ermioni, and specifically Dardiza bay. On this beautiful bay, with stunning view towards the gulf of Hydra, we spotted a nice rock and we climbed a new route, Dardiza Bayby 3.

While we were already in the area, and having successfully climbed Dardiza Bayby 3, we decided to return and to climb some new routes that we could identify on the rock. The overall climb is easy, but great from some training on trad climbing techniques, anchors and of course at the same time with some splendid views and lovely weather.

Dardiza_Bayby5_Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Ermioni_205601_771 — Enjoying the view from the top of the rock

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Dardiza Bayby 4 V- UIAA 20 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On April 15, 2022May 2, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general10 Comments

Dardiza_Bayby4_Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Ermioni_194914_185 — At the top of the rock, enjoying the views

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Dardiza Bayby 3 IV UIAA 20 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On April 11, 2022May 2, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general6 Comments

Spring is here, winter mountaineering activities in Greece are almost at the end of the season, and for this reason we decide to return to an area where in the past we have been exploring various climbing possibilities. In fact, last December we climbed two new routes at Dardiza Bay and we had spotted one more rock formation that we wanted to explore.

This time, we wanted to explore if we could climb the north face of a rock formation that is located north-west from Dardiza Bay.

Dardiza_Bayby3_Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Ermioni_31018 — Panoramic view

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

On March 22, 2022 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general8 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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Dardiza Bayby 2 IV UIAA 30 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On December 31, 2021December 27, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general17 Comments

It has been quite some time since our last trad climbing adventure and due to the fact weather forecasts were not very favourable, we decided to go to explore a nice rock which is located nearby a town called Ermioni.

Our previous climbing adventure in the area, took place to the magnificent Thermisia Lagoon, and Kouverta beach.

This time, we wanted to explore a nice rock that from far we could spot it could offer a nice climb towards the top.

Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Bayby1_Ermioni_174619_852_b

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Dardiza Bayby 1 V- UIAA 30 m. | Trad Climbing in Dardiza Bay – Ermioni

On December 20, 2021December 22, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general18 Comments

Our previous climbing adventure in the area, took place to the magnificent Thermisia Lagoon, and Kouverta beach.

This time, we wanted to explore a nice rock that from far we could spot it could offer a nice climb towards the top.

Trad_Climbing_Dardiza_Bayby1_Ermioni_172947_401 — Lovely view towards Hydra island

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The Ultimate Guide of Climbing in Ermionida, Argolis – Greece

On November 12, 2020December 26, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing19 Comments

Ermionida is a municipality in the Argolis regional unit, Peloponnese, Greece. The seat of the municipality is the town Kranidi.

Ermioni is a small fishing town of Ermionida (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 but also plenty of climbing crags.

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Dry Tooling in Parnassos (Parnassus) Mountain

On February 23, 2020July 6, 2020 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Winter Mountaineering1 Comment

Few weeks ago, I have been on Mount Parnassos in order to ascent one of the couloirs that is located on the North Face of Gerontovrachos. Due to the fact we climbed fast and finished the route early, instead of leaving the mountain and returning home, we decided to spend some time on a Dry Tooling crag that is located nearby the Ski centre of Parnassos.

This Dry tooling crag is in close proximity of the Kelaria parking lot and it’s very easy to access it.

Alpine_Climb_Parnassos_Gerontovrachos_084521_787 — Dry Tooling crag on Mount Parnassos

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Trad Climbing in Varasova

On October 7, 2019February 17, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Mountaineering general7 Comments

Not far away from the estuary of river Evinos, the dominating Varasova rocks emerge right where the peaceful valley of Etoliko meets the sea. Plain beauty of the scenery, exceptional solidity of the rock, easy access and sea joys were the obvious advantages which have established Varasova, as one of the most important climbing areas in Greece.

Varasova is a limestone massif near the sea, just opposite of Patra and has a height of 917 m. There are three summits of almost the same altitude. Varasova flanks, drop abruptly into the sea on the south and Southwest and this is the location of the most important walls, just between Vasiliki and Kryoneri villages.

Climbing_Varasova_064903_676 — Varasova as seen from Kryoneri

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5.10 Five Ten Anasazi VCS Long Term Review

On August 18, 2019August 18, 2019 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review5 Comments

I have been involved in the various mountaineering activities for few years now and climbing is a major part of it. Part of climbing, is sport climbing and is a great way to practice for difficult mountaineering ascents. Like in any other sport and/or outdoor activity, the proper gear and correct use of it can provide extra advantages to the user.

My first climbing shoe was the La Sportiva Tarantula, and although is a good climbing shoe for beginners, is not of high performance. Having used the La Sportiva Tarantula for quite some time, I then got in my hands a more advanced climbing shoe by Five Ten, the Anasazi VCS.