Published on
October 19, 2025
The Kalymnos International Climbing Festival will be back in 2025, welcoming climbers from all over the world to one of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations. From October 16 to 19, not only will the festival feature the island’s breathtaking limestone climbing trails but also the vibrancy of Kalymnos’ culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Organized by the Kalymnos Municipality, it is an event that helps to solidify the island as an elite destination for climbers and sports tourism fans in general.
Following a break since the previous event in 2019, this festival represents an important step for Kalymnos in reconnecting with the global climbing community. The island has long been known for its exceptional climbing potential, and the festival offers a strong stage for Greece to promote its climbing heritage as it joins the trend of increasing sports tourism.
Kalymnos: A Hub for Climbers and Sports Tourism Enthusiasts
Kalymnos, a small yet scenic island in the Aegean Sea, is one of the world’s premier climbing destinations, with its rocky landscape offering some of the best sport climbing opportunities globally. The island’s crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and mild Mediterranean climate have made it a haven for climbers, who flock here year-round to experience the challenges of its famous limestone crags.
The festival itself is a celebration of sports tourism, an industry that Kalymnos has actively embraced over the past few decades. Since the discovery of the island’s climbing potential in 1996, when Andrea Di Bari (from Italy) first identified the island’s extensive unclimbed rocks, Kalymnos has seen a steady rise in international visitors coming to experience its unique climbing routes. Today, with over 4,000 routes mapped in the most recent climbing guidebook, the island is an essential stop on the global climbing map.
As the climbing community grows, sports tourism in Kalymnos has expanded to include a range of activities for all types of travelers—whether they are athletes, adventurers, or those simply seeking an authentic Mediterranean experience. By hosting events like the Kalymnos International Climbing Festival, the island also boosts local tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to experience not just climbing, but also the island’s natural beauty, local culture, gastronomy, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
A Festival That Blends Climbing, Culture, and Adventure
This year’s Kalymnos International Climbing Festival will be a comprehensive celebration of climbing and local heritage, featuring activities that cater to both the adventurous and those interested in the cultural side of the island. In addition to the climbing rally, the festival will offer a wide variety of cultural activities, including traditional dance workshops, local gastronomy sessions, and an exciting boat trip to some of the island’s most beautiful, untouched areas.
Key Festival Activities Include:
- Climbing Events: Featuring both competitions and open climbs across Kalymnos’ famous sectors.
- Cultural Workshops: Offering a chance to learn about Kalymnos’ rich history, including local folklore and gastronomy. A local dancing workshop will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s cultural traditions.
- Botanical Walks: Discover the island’s flora with a guided walk focusing on the island’s unique plants and herbs.
- Museum Visits: Explore Kalymnos’ Archaeological, Maritime, and Folklore Museums, where visitors can learn about the island’s maritime history and its role in Greece’s cultural evolution.
- Gastronomy Workshops: These workshops, held at local venues like Analia Hotel, will showcase the island’s authentic cuisine, offering a taste of its rich culinary traditions.
The full-day boat trip on Sunday, October 19, will offer visitors an unforgettable adventure, including diving demonstrations, deep water soloing, and swimming at Pserimos beach—a beautiful, secluded part of the island. These experiences not only highlight the island’s natural beauty but also encourage active tourism, a key component of sports tourism.
The Role of Sports Tourism in Kalymnos’ Local Economy
The Kalymnos International Climbing Festival plays a pivotal role in the island’s sports tourism development. By hosting large-scale international events, the festival significantly boosts the local economy, drawing visitors who spend money not just on climbing activities, but also on local goods, accommodation, food, and other tourism-related services.
As noted by Kalliopi Dilaveraki, president of the EOOA, the festival represents a key opportunity for Kalymnos to promote sports tourism as a tool for economic development. “With the cooperation of all partners, we aspire for this festival to further strengthen Greece’s position on the world climbing map, while highlighting the value of sports tourism for local development,” she says.
Beyond climbing, the event also helps the island to promote its unique identity to a wider audience, showcasing its cultural richness alongside its sporting offerings. Visitors are encouraged to experience Kalymnos in a holistic way, engaging in both sports and the local lifestyle, which ultimately helps to promote the island’s broader tourism goals.
Why Kalymnos? Why Climbing?
Kalymnos’ rise as a climbing hotspot highlights the broader trend of sports tourism gaining traction across Greece and other countries. The island’s combination of world-class climbing routes, Mediterranean climate, and affordable yet comfortable accommodations has made it an appealing destination for climbers of all levels. However, it’s not just about the climbing—it’s about what the island offers as a destination: a place where visitors can experience the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and authenticity.
As part of the broader sports tourism industry, Kalymnos also highlights the importance of sustainable travel, as visitors seek out destinations that offer both exciting adventures and the opportunity to connect with local cultures. By aligning with this trend, Kalymnos is positioning itself as a leader in the climbing tourism market, creating an environment that celebrates both sports and local heritage, and demonstrating how sport can be a powerful vehicle for cultural exchange and economic growth.
An Invitation to Experience Kalymnos Like Never Before
Kalymnos International Climbing Festival 2025 is more than climbing; it’s about embracing the island’s special culture, cuisine, and nature while honoring the international climbing community. As a climber, sports tourism buff, or simply someone who wants to explore a mix of adventure and culture, Kalymnos has something for everyone. Be there this October and discover why climbers and tourists have made this island one place they must visit.
