Extend your summer in a climbing paradise!
PLACES ARE FULL. It is possible to register for the waiting list.
A trip for true climbing enthusiasts! Crag Express is a travel series that takes you to discover exciting crags all across Europe. This trip is perfect both for seasoned climbers and beginners who have never climbed outdoors before. All you need is the desire to climb and the ability to belay—we’ll teach you everything else on the spot.
The discovery of exotic climbing spots continues! This time we head towards a true paradise island - Kalymnos.
We will spend a total of 5 full days at the cliffs (+ half a day upon arrival at the destination). During this time, the schedule is completely free - those who want to can climb all days from morning to evening; those who want to can take a few hiking days in between or enjoy the local atmosphere in another way that suits them.
We will be moving around with rental cars to explore as much as possible during these 5 days. We will be staying in apartments in the town of Masouri, which also have cooking facilities. The beach, grocery stores and several restaurants are within a short walk from the apartments.
About the region
Kalymnos is a tiny Greek island off the coast of Turkey, dedicated to rock climbing. Since 1997, when the first bolted routes were created, the island has attracted numerous climbers from all over the world. Today, the island has over 3000 sport routes, most of which are located in the northwestern part of the island, near the towns of Masouri and Arginonta. The routes are regularly maintained on the island, thanks to which they are in very good condition.
In addition to classic sport climbing, you can also try out Kalymnos deep water soloor climbing over water without a rope. How exotic and exciting, isn't it?
The weather on Kalymnos in October is still mostly summery (16...24 degrees) and the sea water is warm, so it's a nice change from the muggy Estonian autumn.
NB! To come on the trip, you must be able to climb and belay at least with a safety harness.
It is not necessary to buy all the climbing equipment (ropes, quickdraws, carabiners, slings) yourself, but since ropes and quickdraws do not just hang on a natural rock, you will need to assemble at least a couple of the necessary equipment. Fortunately, it is also possible to use the ropes and quickdraws that are part of the group equipment.
👉 SEE EQUIPMENT LIST HERE 👈
Overview - short & sweet
Goal: rock climbing trip to Kalymnos Island in Greece
Dates: 13.-19.10.2024
Activity: rock climbing
Adventure guides: Kelli Kuslap ja Kaarel Kuslap
Technical difficulty level: 2/5 (belaying skills required)
Physical difficulty: 1-3/5 (according to the goals you set for yourself)
Group size: max 12 (+ two locomotives)
Early bird (until 31.05.2024) — €690
Late Registration (from 01.06.2024) — €830
Please note: For community members discount -5% applies (650/790 €)
Travel cost
Price includes
Transportation from Kos Airport to Kalymnos Island (taxi + ferry)
Rental car use and fuel on the island throughout the trip
Accommodation (apartments on Kalymnos)
Group equipment: ropes, express, pharmacy
Stylish Elamus+ sports shirts
On-site guidance by EKR3 certified mountaineering coaches
Memorable memories and epic photos of you climbing
Price does not include
Flight tickets Tallinn-Kos-Tallinn (prices from €330)*
Transport to and from Tallinn Airport
Meals (in the apartments we cook together and split the costs among the group)
Insurance (travel insurance and MANDATORY sports insurance suitable for climbing)
Personal hygiene products and medications
Personal climbing equipment (can also be rented if necessary from Elamus Pluss)
Unscheduled excursions, transportation, etc. (or if you want to do something extra)
*For more information about a specific flight, please ask the adventure guides.
Registration for the trip
Before registering, please read travel conditions. To secure your place on the trip, a prepayment (20%) must be paid within 3 working days of receiving the confirmation and invoice by e-mail. If there are less than 30 days left until the trip, the total cost (100%) must be paid. Read more: frequently asked questions ja package tour information sheet.
Schedule
Day 1: fire up the engines – off we go!
The journey to Kalymnos is an exciting adventure in itself. We fly to the island of Kos, from where a ferry takes us to the capital of Kalymnos, Pothia. From there we rent cars and drive to the town of Masouri, 20 minutes away. The lovely guest apartments in Masouri will be our base where we spend our evenings and nights.
Days 2-6: CLIMB!
Free plan! Everyone can choose the trails on the cliffs on the island with a suitable level of difficulty. If you feel like you need a day off, please do - hiking trails, cute little towns, beaches, museums are waiting for you. The island also offers opportunities for kayak or boat rental to enjoy the charms of the Aegean Sea. Everyone acts according to their wishes and abilities.
We can have dinner and breakfast together or use the services of nearby restaurants.
Day 7: Return flight to autumn
We travel back the way we came to autumn Estonia, still feeling the embrace of the warm rock on our fingers.
NB! The schedule and planned activities may be subject to minor (or major) changes — for example, due to weather and conditions or passenger requests.
Don't worry, let's do it!
I've never climbed natural rocks before. Can I still do it?!
If you are not unfamiliar with belaying and climbing from above or at least with belaying, then you definitely can! Rock climbing is not much different from climbing on interior walls, the only difference is that instead of a predetermined path consisting of colorful blocks, you have to find a suitable rock curve for yourself by feeling it with your hands. Don't worry, we will guide you on site in everything you need.
I really want to come on the trip, but I don't know how to do this security stuff. Can I still come?
However, you need to learn how to belay in order to be able to climb rocks. If you don't know how to do it yet, there are several options:
In the climbing factory Complete green (or red) card training, which gives you the right to climb independently in indoor halls, but during the process you will also learn how to belay.
Join Elamus Plussi with mountaineering training In Tartu, where in addition to climbing, you can also learn the most important knots, how to solve rescue situations, and other exciting rope work. Before the trip, you will have time to learn belaying.
We also have the opportunity in Tartu private training take.
But I don't have any personal climbing equipment. Where can I get it and what kind of equipment is suitable?
You can rent or buy climbing equipment. When renting or borrowing, keep a critical mind. Climbing equipment has a lifespan of 8-10 years. If you find used old equipment somewhere, it's worth remembering that your own life depends on it. If things seem decent, renting can really save you some money by bringing it with you for one trip. Elamus PlussThe equipment we rent is safe and has already been inspected by the locomotive engineers, so there is no reason to worry when renting from us.
It is wise to try out the equipment before buying. A climbing harness and slippers should be comfortable. A suitable rope for Kalymnos is a dynamic rope that is 60-80 cm long, weatherproof and 10-10,5 mm thick. The thicker the rope, the harder it is to climb with it. However, a thicker rope will last longer.
If you are a confirmed visitor and are missing a few items that you need advice on purchasing, feel free to ask the tour guides for advice.
Read more also frequently asked questions.
Travel documents and footnotes
The participant is responsible for the validity and condition of their travel documents. For this trip you will need:
ID card/passport;
sports insurance suitable for climbing (read more on the FAQ page). A suitable sports insurance policy must be carried and is a prerequisite for participation in the trip;
travel insurance.
Plan your trip early and start training for it. If you've never been to rock climbing before, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the terms: eight-knot, express, station, backstep and safety equipment. It would be a shame if you couldn't come along just because you don't have safety skills. If necessary, we can arrange some private training to reinforce safety techniques when climbing a big wall. Read more FROM HERE. ;)
Although at the end of the day everyone is still responsible for their own actions and consequences, we do our best to mitigate the risks associated with climbing. As a result, the group leader has the right to make ongoing decisions about the competence of the participants, the suitability of their equipment, physical fitness, etc., and, if necessary, prohibit access to certain routes if it endangers the health of the group or the participant themselves. Hopefully, of course, there will be no need for this.
Read also travel conditions.
