3-day rock climbing in Meteora, Greece
Take your first steps into rock climbing or improve your skills in the amazing rock towers of Meteora, in this 3-day rock climbing trip with Iraklis, an aspirant IFMGA mountain guide.
3 Days
Apr - Nov
Intermediate
Beginner
Description
If you are looking for a rock climbing adventure in Greece, head to the impressive rock towers of Meteora!
Meteora is a unique formation of giant rock columns rising to the sky. In these rocks there are more than 20 monasteries, that were built in ancient times. Because of all that, the place was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Furthermore, Meteora is a rock climbing playground with many routes to follow. It doesn't matter if you are a complete beginner or a more experienced climber: there are options for every level!
I propose to take you on a 3-day climbing trip there, admiring some wonderful views of the Kalampaka valley, at the foot of these rocks.
This programme is ideal for individuals or groups looking for a fun experience of single pitch, top roped climbing.
In case it's your first time, I will teach you the basic skills. It's important to have a good physical condition.
How to get to Greece and Meteora
By ferry + car
If you want to bring your car loaded with gear, you can enter Greece via ferry from several ports of Italy, (Venice-24 h, Ancona 16 h) towards Igoumenitsa port, and from Igoumenitsa drive 165 km to Ioannina – Kalampaka (Meteora)-2 h 16 min.
By plane + car
Flying to Athens international Airport (ATH), and renting a car and from Athens drive 357 km to Lamia – Karditsa – Trikala – Kalampaka (Meteora) 4h10 min.
Would you like to join for a rock climbing adventure in this amazing Greek region? It will be a great experience and you will enjoy great views of Kalambaka valley and the monasteries of Meteora.
In case you'd like to try rock climbing in a different area of Greece, I recommend you this 3-day trip in Leonidio.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Mountain guide expenses
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay and rappel devices
- Quickdraws
- Chalk
Price details
- Includes: Climbing gear, helmet & harness, and transport from hotel at Kalampaka to the Clifs.
- Doesn't include: Accommodations, meals, and transport from airport.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sector Doupiani
8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Meeting point at camping Vrahos Kastraki village.
Departure for climbing Sector Doupiani.
The tower of Doupiani rises above the last houses on the edge of Kastraki village, and is the most popular cliff for climbing in Meteora thanks to an easy and fast approach. It also has good quality of rock which looks and feels sturdier than that of most of the towers. Yoy will find several well-bolted easier routes.
Details about the climbing site:
Altitude 440 m
Orientation NW
Sun after 16:00
Kids friendly
Parking
No protected from the rain
Walking 2 min
Altitude difference +160 m
Difficulty/grade of the routes:
Grade 5c = 6 routes
Grade 6a = 3 routes
Grade 6a+ = 3 routes
Grade 6b = 2 routes
Day 2: Sector Holy Ghost
8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Meeting point at camping Vrahos Kastraki village.
Departure for climbing Sector Holy Ghost
Possibly the most impressive tower of Meteora, with some of the best and most popular long routes such as the spectacular “Pillar of Dreames”. You can easily drive to the monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, park about 700m past it (39.721184, 21630211) and marvel at the view of the jaw-dropping northeast pillar.
Details about the climbing site:
Altitude 570 m
Orientation NE
Sun until 12:00
Kids friendly
Parking
No protected from the rain
Walking 15-30 min
Altitude difference +260 m
Difficulty/grade of the routes:
Grade 5c = 1 route
Grade 6a = 2 routes
Grade 6a+ = 1 route
Grade 6b = 1 route
Grade 6b+ = 2 routes.
Day 3: Sector Adrachti
8:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – Meeting point at camping Vrahos Kastraki village.
Departure for climbing Sector Adrachti
An impressive 40 m high stack which sits upon o lovely col between Kastraki and Kalampaka. It looks incredibly like an enormous rock spindle (adrachti), how it retains its precarious balance through the centuries is anybody’s guess.
Details about the climbing site:
Altitude 470 m
Orientation S
Sun from 9:00 to 15:00
Kids friendly
Parking
No protected from the rain
Walking 10 min
Altitude difference +40 m
Difficulty/grade of the routes:
Grade 6a+ = 2 routes
Grade 6b = 1 route.
Details
More info
Equipment tips and gear:
The standard rack is 12-16 quickdraws, a few single carabiners, some slings and thin cords for tying off and threading big cobbles. Bring two 60m ropes for climbing and abseiling. Alternatively you can climb with one single rope 70m or 80m rope as long as the route dose not have too many traverses. Helmets are absolutely necessary.
Meeting point
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Iraklis
4.8
(7)
Mountain Guide
I was born in Piraeus, but I work and live in Ioannina, a city located by a lake and surrounded by mountains. I am passionate about nature! And I love exploring it any time of the year while hiking, rock climbing or skiing.
I started mountaineering & climbing at the age of 18. Since then, I have climbed most of the slopes and peaks of the Greek mountains.
Some of the experiences that changed my life were climbing Μatterhorn’s north face, as well as being on the Greek expeditions at Pamir - Khan Tengri and Κorzinefskaya, Κumunism as a member of the National Greek Expedition Everest 1996.
I am an IFMGA Mountain Guide, member of the Vorarlberg Mountain Guides Association (Austria) and Instructor of Ski Mountaineering and Rock Climbing for the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (Greece).
Guiding people that seek for unique experiences in nature and sharing my passion for the mountains of my country with them really makes me enjoy my job… it’s like having fun with friends!
Languages
Greek | English
Certificates
HMGA | IFMGA
What people are saying about Iraklis
Thuy
Justin
I had a great day with Iraklis. We did Pillar of Dreams and he definitely knew the route. I felt safe the entire time and would climb with Iraklis again if I’m ever fortunate enough to make it back in the area. Meteora is amazing and well worth the trip
Daniel
Iraklis is an excellent guide very knowledgeable and personable but unfortunately it was sprinkling (rain) on and off so our full day trip turned into 2 h 2 pitch climb. We are looking forward to the pictures he took
Irina
Great time climbing Ostkante route in Meteora with Iraklis.
Niklas
Thank you Iraklis. I had a great day climbing with you in the beautiful landscape of meteora. Thanks Gauthier for organising.
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