Kalymnos, Greece — October 16–19, 2025

The world-renowned Greek island of Kalymnos, often called a climber’s paradise, is gearing up to welcome athletes and enthusiasts from across the globe for the Kalymnos International Climbing Festival 2025. Organized by the Municipality of Kalymnos, the festival marks its long-awaited return after its last edition in 2019.

This four-day celebration will highlight not only the island’s iconic limestone cliffs and diverse climbing routes but also Kalymnos’ rich cultural heritage, traditional cuisine, and unmatched island hospitality.

A Legendary Climbing Destination

Kalymnos first entered the global climbing scene in 1996 when Italian climber Andrea Di Bari and his wife discovered the island’s towering, untouched cliffs while exploring by scooter. A year later, Di Bari returned with fellow climbers and established the first 43 sport routes in areas such as Arhi, Odyssey, and Poets — marking the start of a new era for Kalymnos. Today, the island features more than 4,000 routes, according to the latest guidebook by local climbing experts Katie Roussos and Aris Theodoropoulos.

A Global Gathering of Climbers

The Kalymnos Climbing Festival regularly draws hundreds of registered participants and thousands of visitors from around the world. Climbers from Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond come together to challenge themselves on the island’s cliffs while enjoying an atmosphere of camaraderie and cultural exchange.

Mayor Ioannis St. Mastrokoukos expressed pride in hosting the event, stating that it “symbolizes Kalymnos’ renewed role as a leading international climbing hub” and reflects the island’s commitment to nurturing sports tourism as part of its cultural identity.

Festival Highlights

The 2025 edition will include a packed program of competitions, workshops, and cultural experiences. Beyond climbing, visitors can look forward to guided nature walks, local food workshops, film screenings, and traditional dance performances.

Festival Program Overview:

Wednesday, 15 October

08:00–17:00 | Registration opens at Elena Village Hotel (Base Camp)

Thursday, 16 October

09:00 | Mountain walk (Kalymnos Experience)

20:00 | Opening Ceremony & Welcome Party at Elena Village Hotel

Friday, 17 October

08:00–17:00 | Open Climbing Rally

10:00 | Herbal walk on Telendos Island (Vitae Value)

15:00 | Traditional dance workshop

21:00 | DJ Night at Elena Village Hotel

Saturday, 18 October

10:00 | Intro to sport climbing on natural rock

13:00 | Local gastronomy workshop (Analia Hotel)

20:00 | Film screening: Stronger Than Ever by Marcin Jankowski

Sunday, 19 October

10:00 | Full-day boat trip with diving and deep-water soloing

20:30 | Closing & Awards Ceremony

21:30 | Farewell Party with live rock music

A Celebration of Adventure and Culture

According to Kalliopi Dilaveraki, President of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing, “The Kalymnos Festival is not just about sport—it’s a vibrant exchange between people, nature, and culture that strengthens the island’s international appeal.”

The Kalymnos International Climbing Festival stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and passion for outdoor adventure, reaffirming Greece’s position as a global hub for climbing and sports tourism.

For more details and updates, visit the festival’s official page at facebook.com/Kalymnosclimbingfestival