The Greek island of Kalymnos, situated in the Dodecanese island cluster in the southeastern Aegean Sea, was for a long time known as the ‘sponge divers’ island. But the island is rapidly gaining a reputation as a top destination for climbing enthusiasts. According to American journalist and photographer, Julie Ellison, who works for magazine ‘Climbing’, and traveled to the island recently, the 4th largest island of the cluster is the top climbing destination for the aficionados of the sport. The island came onto the ‘climbing scene’ in 1996, when Italian climber Andrea Di Bari started exploring the nearly 2,500 climbing lines on Kalymnos that offer every level of climber the opportunity to enjoy their love of the sport and the beautiful scenery. Here is a brief excerpt from the praises Ellison sings of the island:

‘Kalymnos is the ultimate vacation spot for climbers, and I do mean vacation. Endless beaches, fresh bread with olive oil, limestone, and liters of cold Mythos beer sweating from the temperature difference of the sweet golden liquid inside and the muggy warmth outside. Even the grades are considered “vacation grades,” meaning they’re a bit soft so you feel just as satisfied by your climbing day as you do from your plate of moussaka, a fried casserole of eggplant, potato, and minced meat.’