Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes Review

On September 29, 2019August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review16 Comments

My personal evolution, i.e. the gradual development of my mountaineering activities, always leads me to search and test the most appropriate gear in order to perform better and most of all in full safety.

As described on my previous gear review post, the 5.10 Anasazi VCS, although very famous amongst the climbing scene, were not fitting me well. Therefore, I have searched for an alternative, which came out of Decathlon.

Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer. With over 1,500 stores in 49 countries, it is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Amongst many brands, Decathlon, also offers a line dedicated for rock climbing, alpinism and winter mountaineering.

Simond_Rock+_Climbing_Shoes_Review__942 — Simond Rock+ Climbing shoes

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Multi-pitch climb on Kokkinovrachos – Leonidio – Mignonette

On September 23, 2019August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing, Mountaineering general6 Comments

Leonidio (Greek: Λεωνίδιο) is a town and a former municipality in Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality South Kynouria, of which it is a municipal unit. The town of Leonidio, with a population of 3.826, emerges from a spectacular landscape, bound by two abrupt mountainsides enclosing the town from the north and south.

The River Dafnon passes through the town, and its banks are linked with three bridges. The town is capital of the Tsakonia region, notable for its cultural and linguistic particularities, and the settlement itself offers striking and picturesque architecture; now a protected architectural site, there are very strict regulations for building within the town’s limits.

Climbing_Leonidio_Mignonette_070356_010 — Kokkinovrachos as seen from Leonidio

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Climbing in Sibligades, Penteli – Athens

On July 17, 2019September 6, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing10 Comments

Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5^th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.

A large part of the town’s historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.

Although Athens is rich in historical and cultural sites, Athens area offers more than 2000 single pitch bolted lines in more than 40 crags and new routes are constantly popping up. In addition there are 4 multi pitch walls with trad lines, plenty of bouldering and a lot of potential for deep water solo.

Climbing_Sibligades_Penteli_Athens_130300_911 — Climbing on Red Wall

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Climbing in Acharneis – Athens

On July 10, 2019April 28, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing7 Comments

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. Although there is plenty cultural and historical sights in and around Athens, a climber has 2.000 more reasons in order to visit this magnificent city.

Athens area offers more than 2000 single pitch bolted lines in more than 40 crags and new routes are constantly popping up. In addition there are 4 multi pitch walls with trad lines, plenty of bouldering and a lot of potential for deep water solo.

In the past, we have visited some other crags which are located near Athens, such as Etos Spata, Pano Alogopetra, Epos Fylis and Korakofolia.

This time though, we have visited one of the most famous crags of Athens, the Acharneis crag.

Climbing_Acharnis_Parnitha20190619_222205_330 — Rock in Acharneis

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Climbing in Korakofolia, Parnitha – Athens, Greece

On June 18, 2019September 3, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing13 Comments

Mt. Parnitha is located in Attiki province, 25km N from the city of Athens.It is one of the 4 mountains(the others are Immitos, Penteli and Aigaleo) that surround the circular plain,in which the city of Athens is built. Mt Parnitha is the talllest and more impressive among the mountains that surround Athens.

Although hiking is a very popular activity in Parnitha there are few climbing crags that offer some great routes not far away from Athens city centre. One of the crags is Korakofolia (literally meaning: “Raven’s Nest” in Greek).

Climbing_Korakofolia_Parnitha__080820_047 — Korakofolia climbing crag

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Climbing in Epos Fylis, Athens – Greece

On April 8, 2019September 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing13 Comments

While travelling around Greece, I stayed in Athens for a couple of days and I took the opportunity to go and climb in one of the newest climbing crags of Athens, the Epos Fylis crag. Athens area offers more than 2000 single pitch bolted lines in more than 40 crags and new routes are constantly popping up. In addition there are 4 multi pitch walls with trad lines, plenty of bouldering and a lot of potential for deep water solo.

Usually, the Epos Fylis crag is visited by many climbers due to its proximity to Athens and for the fact it is a well maintained crag. Though, on the day -and time- we have visited the crag it was nice and comfortable and not over-crowded.

The Epos Fylis crag is one of the newest in Athens. The first line here was opened in 2012. To this day, it has been exclusively bolted by D.Tsitsikas and D.Titopoulos with materials offered by the municipality of Fyli, EPOS Fylis mountaineering club and assistance from some of its members.

Climbing_Epos_Fylis_Athens_Greece_20190407_192957_597

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Climbing in Solomos (Tsouba) – Corinth

On March 18, 2019September 2, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing4 Comments

Solomos (or Tsouba) is located south of Corinth, near the homonymous village of the prefecture of Corinthia.

The crag had begun to be created since 2005, but recently a wide maintenance and enrichment with new routes was carried out by the mountain guide Dimitris Titopoulos, following actions and support from the EOS of Corinth and the Municipality of Corinth.

The crag is located in a quiet spot above the orchards with the olive trees, with beautiful views towards Akrocorinthos and the Corinthian Gulf. Akrocorinthos is a steep rocky hill that dominates the Corinth plain. It was the fortified citadel of ancient and medieval Corinth.

Solomos was discovered in 2005 as a climbing crag by K. Thomas who, along with A. Bosco, began to open the first two routes.

Solomos_Tsoumba_Climbing_Crag_20190311_181901_215

About Solomos Crag

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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 Athens – Pano Alogopetra

On November 20, 2018April 28, 2021 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Climbing10 Comments

As already described on a previous post, Greece is not only a sea, sun and cultural destination, but is also a great destination for mountain activities, including sport climbing too. Specifically, Athens area offers more than 2000 single pitch bolted lines in more than 40 crags and new routes are constantly popping up. In addition there are 4 multi pitch walls with trad lines, plenty of bouldering and a lot of potential for deep water solo.

This time, we decided to visit Pano Alogopetra. Pano Alogopetra (Greek for “Upper Alogopetra”) is a cluster of rock faces in the northern side of the Alogopetra peak, over the village of Fyli. Pano Alogopetra sits on an elevated balcony with grand view over the Fyli valley. On a clear day the eye can wander from the edge of Gkoura canyon down to the Elefsina coast on the south west and the city of Athens on the southeast. This is a great spot to enjoy a fiery winter sunset after a full day of climbing.