KALYMNOS
Sport Climbing Trip • October 2026
A guided week of limestone, learning, and Mediterranean island life.
When
October 18-25, 2026
Where
Kalymnos, Greece
Length
5+ Climbing Days
Ratio
4:1 Max
From
$1,900 / Person
Your Kalymnos Adventure
One of the world’s premier sport climbing destinations
Join Acadia Mountain Guides for an unforgettable week of climbing on the sun-drenched Greek island of Kalymnos.
Kalymnos is an ideal destination for climbers with a variety of experience levels and goals.
With a maximum 4:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we can create smaller groups based on each climber’s experience, confidence, and objectives. Some participants may concentrate on top-roping and building comfort on outdoor rock, while others may work on leading, improving their limestone technique, or simply getting in as many quality routes as possible.
To get the most out of the week, we recommend arriving with the ability to top-rope around 5.9 indoors. This provides a solid foundation for enjoying a full week of climbing and making meaningful progress on the island.
- 5+ days of guided climbing and instruction at a 4:1 or lower client-to-guide ratio
- Guiding by a senior IFMGA/UIAGM guide and an AMGA Assistant Rock Guide
- 6 nights lodging on Kalymnos
- Car transport to and from the crags and town center
- 6 breakfast meals
- Technical climbing gear (ropes, quickdraws, etc.)
- Travel expenses to reach and depart Kalymnos
- Dinner meals – curate your own or sample one of the many nearby restaurants
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal injury / travel insurance
- Personal climbing gear (harness, helmet, shoes, etc.)
- Guide gratuities – optional
7 days / 6 nights on island, with 5+ days of guided climbing.
Moderate sport routes in the 5.8-5.10+ range, with harder objectives available. We recommend arriving able to top-rope around 5.9 indoors. Expect to walk ½-2 miles per day, mostly gently uphill, to access the crags. Lead climbing is not required.
Come for the limestone. Stay for the Mediterranean.
Leave a better sport climber.
Who this trip is for
Built around your goals, Custom fit.
Kalymnos is an ideal destination for climbers with a variety of experience levels and goals.
With a maximum 4:1 climber-to-guide ratio, we can create smaller groups based on each climber’s experience, confidence, and objectives. Some participants may concentrate on top-roping and building comfort on outdoor rock, while others may work on leading, improving their limestone technique, or simply getting in as many quality routes as possible.
To get the most out of the week, we recommend arriving with the ability to top-rope around 5.9 indoors. This provides a solid foundation for enjoying a full week of climbing and making meaningful progress on the island.
Tuition
Price is set by group size
The price is based on the total number of participants, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8. Rates below are per person. The more climbers who join, the lower everyone’s rate – so bring a partner.
| Group size | Per person |
|---|---|
| 6–8 climbers Best value | $1,900.00 |
| 5 climbers | $2,200.00 |
| 4 climbers | $2,700.00 |
| 3 climbers | $3,600.00 |
A minimum of 3 participants is required for the trip to operate at the stated price. Tuition covers everything listed under Inclusions above – travel to the island and dinners are not included.
Travel
Getting to Kalymnos
-
Fly to Athens (ATH)
International arrival. Book your own international flights.
-
Athens (ATH) → Kos (KGS)
Roundtrip domestic flights typically run $110–200 USD.
-
Taxi to Mastichari
Less than 30 minutes from Kos airport, roughly €14–25.
-
Ferry to Pothia, Kalymnos
Crossings run throughout the day and usually take 40 minutes or less. Expect €15–50 depending on what you bring. Operators include Dodekanisos Seaways, Anem Ferries, Lafasi, ANEKalymnou, and Blue Star Ferries.
-
We meet you at the ferry terminal
One of your guides will be waiting in Pothia. From there, transport to lodging and the crags is covered.
Lodging
Where we stay
Fantasia Villas sits at the top of Panormos Village with ocean and mountain views, lovely mornings, and fantastic sunsets. It’s a three-level home with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, fully air conditioned, with LCD TVs, a BBQ area, and WiFi.
Six nights lodging is included in your tuition. Six breakfasts are included; dinners are on your own so you can explore the island’s tavernas.
Trip Leaders
The best of both worlds
Jon Tierney
IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide • Flight Paramedic/RN
Jon Tierney is the founder of Acadia Mountain Guides and a longtime climbing and wilderness educator with decades of experience guiding, teaching, and exploring some of the world’s most spectacular climbing destinations. For this Kalymnos adventure, Jon will focus on the island’s excellent moderate routes, bringing his extensive experience, steady pace, and emphasis on climbing technique, technical rope skills, safety, and enjoying the experience.
While Jon may be a little older than some of his climbing partners, he knows that good climbing is about more than chasing grades – and he’s always happy to let the younger climbers lead the charge on the harder routes.
Morgan Poppenberger
AMGA Assistant Rock Guide • Wilderness First Responder
Morgan Poppenberger is an accomplished climber and guide with Acadia Mountain Guides who brings energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to push the limits. Morgan will be your go-to leader for those looking to challenge themselves on Kalymnos’ harder sport routes.
Whether it’s exploring a new crag, trying a more demanding grade, or simply getting in as much climbing as possible, Morgan will bring the motivation and experience to help climbers step up their game.
Together, Jon and Morgan offer the best of both worlds: Jon will seek out the classic moderate climbs and savor the experience, while Morgan will be ready to chase the steeper, harder routes. No matter your ability or goals, you’ll have experienced AMG leaders to help make your Kalymnos climbing adventure memorable.
Gear & Preparation
Climbing kit
- Harness, helmet, climbing shoes, chalk bag
- Approach shoes
- Climbing pack (at least 30 liter)
- Aperture-style belay device (e.g. ATC)
- Assisted-locking belay device (e.g. Grigri) — optional, we have plenty
- 4+ locking carabiners, HMS style preferred
- Personal anchor system, if used
- Short loop of 5–6 mm cord for rappel backup
- Chalk brush, tape
Clothing
- A mix of shorts and lightweight long pants, with tees or tanks and long-sleeve hoodies
- Lightweight fleece pullover or jacket
- Lightweight rain / wind shell
- Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Clothing and footwear for town
- Shower sandals
Travel & personal
- Travel bag (e.g. 70 liter Patagonia Black Hole) — preferred over a suitcase for packability
- Passport, along with a photocopy
- Insurance information
- Copy of travel plans
- Plug adapter (Greece uses European sockets)
- Small first-aid kit (we carry a bigger one)
- Headlamp, charged phone
- Personal items, toiletries, medications
- Snacks and drinks
- Climbing ropes, 70/80 m
- Climbing hardware, including many quickdraws
- Medical kit
- Experience and STOKE!
If you plan to lead climb, you are welcome to use AMG ropes and quickdraws, or bring your own gear as long as it’s in good shape and less than five years old. If you bring your own, we suggest:
- 70 m+ single rope
- 12–15 quickdraws
- 2 alpine runners
- 5 m cordelette (7 mm nylon, or 5–5.5 m high-strength cord) or a 240 cm Dyneema sling
All AMG clients receive a permanent 15% off MSRP on purchases in our stores or at AlpenglowGear.com. Clients also receive 25% off rental equipment for use on our programs.
Common Questions
Absolutely. You don’t need extensive outdoor experience, but some climbing fitness will help you enjoy the week. We recommend being comfortable top-roping around 5.9 indoors. Your guides will help you transition from gym climbing to outdoor limestone and introduce you to outdoor systems.
Lead climbing is not required. Participants with previous lead experience may lead once they demonstrate solid climbing skills, safe belaying and rope handling, and clear communication. Those interested in developing their lead skills will work with the guides throughout the week, with safety, awareness, and good decision-making always taking priority.
Meals are primarily traditional Greek restaurant food. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are often available, though vegan or strict celiac needs can be harder to accommodate. Share all dietary requirements with Acadia Mountain Guides before departure so the team can discuss realistic options.
The maximum client-to-guide ratio is 4:1, and price is per person. It takes a minimum of 3 people for the trip to operate at the stated price, with a maximum of 8 participants.
Anyone younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. Make it a family trip!
Enjoying the outdoors necessitates a certain degree of risk-taking. You are participating in this trip at your own risk. You are choosing to engage in an activity in which participants have been injured and killed. While such accidents are rare, they may occur at any time and be out of our control.
Our guides draw upon solid guide education coupled with extensive experience to manage significant hazards inherent to sport climbing. Some of the hazards that can lead to injury or death associated with this trip include but are not limited to climbing falls, rock fall, extreme weather, poor communication, and vehicle transportation. Please be sure that you are fully aware of such risks.
Your guides interpret the environmental, situational, and group variables and make educated decisions to minimize dangers to you while at the same time providing an enjoyable and memorable experience. Self-reliance in the face of adversity is expected. Rescue may not be automatic.
We are visitors to this wonderland and must leave minimal impact by packing out waste and respecting other climbers, area closures, private property, wildlife, and local bolting ethics.
Finally, this is a group trip and good expedition behavior is critical. Participants are asked to stay with the group until everyone has safely left the climbing areas for the day.
Reservation: $500 Deposit reserves your spot with full payment due two weeks before the trip
Cancellation: because lodging and international logistics are committed well in advance, cancellations are handled on a case by case basis.
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect your purchase against unforeseeable circumstances, including inclement weather, flight and travel delays, personal or work schedule changes, and injury or illness of yourself or a family member.
A full refund will be given if Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School must cancel the trip.
Reserve
Book your spot on Kalymnos
Space is limited to 8 climbers. Reserve below ($500 deposit), or call us at (207) 288-8186 with questions about travel, gear, or whether this trip is right for you.
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Come for the limestone. Stay for the Mediterranean.
Leave a better sport climber.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School • Sea to Summit • Guiding and instruction since 1993
