Nafplion
Climbing in Greece is obviously much than just Kalymnos or Meteora. One of the most recent areas to be developed are the cliffs surrounding Nafplion, Greece's ex-capital city and roughly 150km southwest of Athens. As in much of this sun-blessed country, climbing takes place on superb quality pocketed limestone high above the beaches and in deep secluded coves. At present there are circa 100 routes from 4a - 8a, but the potential for new routes is enormous!
Nafplion itself is a superb old city and acts as a popular destination for a rest day. It offers many attractive old streets and buildings, cafes, restaurants and bars. One of the main points of interest is the Venetian fortress dominating the city, the best preserved of its type in the world. While displaying little resemblance to other Greek cities Nafplion has played an important role in the history of Greece, being the capital for five years before it was moved to Athens.
GETTING THERE
Nafplion lies 148 km southwest of Athens. From the motorway head towards Tripoli and turn left at the junction to Argos.
THE CLIMBING
The rock is excellent quality limestone, somewhat sharp, and the routes are all bolted. Almost all routes are single pitch sport climbs. At present there is a huge new routes potential.
FOOD AND ACCOMODATION
There are hundreds of hotels and rooms to rent in Nafplion and the surrounding area. Booking in advance isn't really necessary, apart from at the weekends. Omorfi Poli and Elena Hotel offer decent rooms for about 50 euro/night.
NOTES
Argolis, just one hour from Nafplion, has 200+ routes. For more information check out climbargolis.com
For accommodation check out www.gto.gr
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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Greece Sport Climbing: The Best Of by Aris Theodoropoulos Includes the following area: Thessaly: Meteora; Pyli Little Gorge; Mouzaki; Almyros Athens area (Central Greece): Mavrosouvala; Hasia Cave; Acharneis; Mikri Varasova/Epos Filis; Sesi; Vrachokipos; Lelaki; Chaos Patras area (Western Greece): Alepochori; Chatzouri; Kleisoura; Varasova Peloponnese ( Southern Greece): Nafplio; Leonidio; Kyparissi; Zobolo; Lagada; Nedousa Aegean islands: Symi; Anafi; Crete (the crags: Voulismeno Aloni, Plakias and Tersanas Cave) |