Olympos Rock Climbing

Olympos has been known as a backpackers destination for years and for good reason. There are few places where you can follow up a good day of sport climbing with a short walk through ancient Greek ruins and a swim in the Mediterranean. You can also go kayaking, on a boat tour, mountain biking, hiking, drinking, or even deep water soloing to spice up your climbing trip. In terms of climbing the area contains several smaller limestone crags within walking distance to each other. The crags are not particularly consolidated but it is very possible to climb at two or three walls per day with each wall containing about 15 - 20 routes. The rock quality is generally good and the walls vary from overhung to vertical. The steeper walls often have smaller tufa formations making for fun sport climbing while the vertical walls can be very thin and technical. You can climb here year round but it gets really hot and humid from around mid June into August. It is easy to climb in either shade or sun depending on the season.

Staying in Olympos can be very comfortable for rock climbers. Numerous relatively cheap pensions line the only street offering either dorm style beds, private bungalows, or camp sites with breakfast and lunch included. Probably the most famous of which is Kadir's Tree House but, be warned, Kadir's is a party spot. Don't expect to get much sleep until 4:00am. I found much more relaxing options just a short five minute walk closer to the beach.