The world famous Climbing Festival in Kalymnos

The beginning was made about 12 years ago, when the Italian climber Andrea Di Bari, while being in vacation on the island, discovered the rocks, resulting in the creation of 24 organized fields in the very first year.

Since then, countless climbers began to visit Kalymnos to discover for themselves its natural wealth, with the mountain slopes on one side and the deep blue sea on the other.

Rock climbing is a unique and widespread experience. September is considered in Kalymnos, one of the most ideal months as it combines the appropriate weather conditions for climbing.

The Kalymnos International Festival takes place every year in autumn (either in October or November) and so far more than 6,500 climbers have taken part in it.

The rich program of the festival includes, among others, climbing marathons for participants of all levels, climbing lessons, presentations and screenings by renowned and world-famous athletes, competitions, photo exhibitions, free climbing on vertical rocks just above the sea (deep water soloing), cultural events, parties with dj and live music etc.

The first year that took place was in 2000 and was followed by events in 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Festival is organized by the Municipality of Kalymnos while in 2006 the event was undertaken by the international sports company Petzl with North Face taking over in 2012, 2013 and 2014.