Kalymnos attracts top climbers to the International Climbing Festival 2025

With world-class athletes, screenings, activities, exhibitions, and cultural events, the Kalymnos Climbing festival returns with renewed energy, reaffirming the island as a permanent fixture on the international climbing calendar. This year’s edition is particularly significant, as it reconnects the local community, athletes, and climbing enthusiasts, offering a shared space for creativity and exchange.

Dozens of top climbers, both professionals and amateurs, as well as international media outlets will gather in Kalymnos to capture and share the energy, beauty, and authenticity of the island.

The Festival program includes climbing excursions to iconic locations, friendly competitions, documentary screenings, discussions, educational workshops, music nights, and culinary events that highlight Kalymnos’ culture and hospitality. At the same time, participants will have the opportunity to discover the island’s natural beauty and enjoy its unique flavors and experiences beyond climbing.

The presence of international athletes and major media further strengthens Kalymnos’ image as a place of authentic experience and physical challenge. Among them, Silvo Karo, a legend of Slovenian mountaineering and recipient of the Piolet d’Or for his lifetime achievements. He has completed more than 2,000 routes in Patagonia, the Alps and the Himalayas, leaving his mark on some of the world’s most demanding peaks.

Silvia Loreggian, born in Padua, Italy, is one of the most active female mountaineers and mountain guides. She has taken part in expeditions to Nepal, Alaska, and Pakistan, and recently attempted to climb K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. The festival welcomes her to Kalymnos, a place that, as she says, “combines the challenge of the rock with the warmth of the people.”

Marcin Jamkowski, Polish filmmaker, writer, and former editor-in-chief of National Geographic Poland, presents his film Stronger than Ever. A moving story about the return of climber Maciej Kubera “Pastor” after a serious accident. The film, already recognized at international festivals, is a tribute to human resilience and the strength of the climbing community.

From Greece, renowned athletes and coaches contribute to the country’s presence on the international stage. Kostas Grafanakis, a Cretan climber, coach, and graduate of Physical Education, with many years of experience in competitive and outdoor climbing, promotes the holistic philosophy of the sport. Manthos Valsamidis, part of the new generation of Greek climbers and a specialist anesthesiologist, combines his medical expertise with his mountain experience, emphasizing safety and prevention.

Deputy Mayor for Tourism Kalliopi Koutouzi Vogelzang stated: “We are delighted to welcome the World Climbing Festival to Kalymnos, which this year regains its global momentum after a period of restrictions. This is a leading event that once again places our island at the heart of the international climbing community. Climbing is not just a sport, it is a way of life that connects people from around the world and serves as a vital driver of tourism development for Kalymnos. Through the Festival, we showcase our natural beauty, hospitality, flavors, and traditions. I wish everyone unforgettable moments and inspiring experiences on our island.”

The Festival is organized in collaboration with the Municipality of Kalymnos, with the support of CK Strategies, climbing clubs, volunteers, and local businesses who enthusiastically contribute to this major celebration.

Kalymnos is not just a unique climbing destination. It is a place where nature, people, and sport meet in harmony. An island that embodies the spirit of adventure and hospitality, turning every ascent into a life experience and every participation into a celebration of human achievement.

Program 2025
Wednesday, 15 October
08:00 – 17:00 | Opening of Registrations at hotel Elena Village (Festival’s Base Camp)

Thursday, 16 October
08:00 – 17:00 | Registrations at Elena Village hotel
09:00 | Mountain walk. Sponsored by Kalymnos Experience
20:00 | Opening ceremony (Elena Village Hotel)
20:30 | Audiovisual presentation by a distinguished climber (Elena Village Hotel)
21:00 | Welcome Party with DJ (Elena Village Hotel)

Friday 17 October
08:00 – 17:00 | Registrations at Elena Village hotel
08:00 – 17:00 | Open Climbing Rally
10:00 | Botanical Herbal walk on Telendos island: All about herbs. Sponsored by Vitae Value www.kalymnosherbs.com
13:00 | Visit to the Archaeological, Maritime, and Folklore Museum
15:00 | Local traditional dancing workshop (Elena Village hotel)
20:00 | Audiovisual presentation by a distinguished climber (Elena Village hotel)
21:00 | Party with DJ (Elena Village hotel)

Saturday, 18 October
08:00 – 17:00 | Registrations at Elena Village hotel
10:00 | Introduction to sport rock climbing on natural rock. Sponsored by Kalymnos Experience
11:00 | Sport rock climbing training seminar (Elena Village hotel)
13:00 | Local gastronomy workshop (Analia Hotel)
20:00 | Film screening : "Stronger than ever" by Marcim Jankowski (Elena Village hotel)

Sunday, 19 October
10:00 | Departure from Pothia (main harbor) for a full-day boat trip including: Diving demonstration with Hard-hat diving suit (Skaphandro) at the harbor of Rina (Vathy), Deep Water Solo on natural rock, swimming at Pserimos beach
20:00 | Rope trials (Elena Village hotel)
20:30 | Closing & Awards Ceremony (Elena Village hotel)
21:00 | Demonstration of traditional local dances (Elena Village hotel)
21:30 | Fare well party with live rock music with J. Magkakis (Elena Village hotel)

Info: kalymnosclimbingfestival.gr, Instagram, Facebook