Kalymnos is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese, located between the islands of Kos and Leros, which is ideal for rock climbing throughout the year. But, perhaps, the month of September is the most ideal for this, as it combines suitable weather conditions, or rather, moderate heat, with a pleasant water temperature – both for swimming and for sea sports.

It all started about 12 years ago, when one of the Italian climbers, during his holiday on the island, discovered how interesting the rocks of Kalymnos were for rock climbing, as a result of which 24 organized routes were created here in the same year. Since then, rock climbers from all over the world began to flock to Kalymnos, and at the same time, the whole world became aware of the mountain slopes of the island covered with rich aromatic herbs and the wonderful marine environment.
This fact has completely changed the life of the island, turning it from a place remote from the mainland, whose inhabitants lived mainly by selling sponges and fishing, into a real treasure for rock climbers. The relief of the island and the unique limestone cliffs, which are a paradise for climbers of different categories and levels of experience, distinguish Kalymnos from all other places in Europe. Thanks to the multitude and variety of routes, you can learn climbing up to one month here, especially since the island is surrounded by some of the most impressive rock formations in the world, with a large selection of rocks and, accordingly, routes: for example, the giant Grande Grotta cave, located almost above the village of Masuri, forms a huge limestone amphitheater.

Today, the island has approximately 200 hiking trails and 77 climbing trails, making Kalymnos one of the most popular climbing destinations in the world, where climbing enthusiasts can find absolutely anything they want: numerous complex rock formations blend harmoniously with the simplicity and originality of the surrounding area.

Between 5,000 and 7,000 climbers from all over the world arrive on the island every year. Despite this, Kalymnos remains a calm and still underexplored place. Small island villages scattered along the coastline, as well as the ever-shining sun and unlimited climbing potential convinced some of the climbers to settle on the island from their first visit: many of them now give climbing lessons or instruct newcomers, while others work in the small shops of the island.

For those who do not want to spend their holidays climbing the rocks, there are many other activities – such as hiking along the old mountain trails, which were once used by the locals for their daily movements; mountain biking (for an adrenaline rush) or just cycling along the sea, providing a unique opportunity to view the sea.

In addition, it is on Kalymnos that the world-famous Kalymnos International Climbing Festival takes place – a non-competitive meeting of climbers from all over the world, which is held every two years.