Elona
Peloponnese, GR
__Élona__, a smooth, steeply overhanging wall packed with endless tufa snakes up to a height of 60 meters, is one of the stars of Leonidio climbing. In a stunning mountain location next to a monastery and with perfect rock, Élona is a phenomenal crag—perhaps the most impressive in Leonidio.
__Climbing__
The main sector is world-class. Routes are hard, physical, and sustained, on very overhanging terrain full of fantastic single tufa columns, some roofy overhangs, and grades ranging from 7a+ to 8c. Bolting in Élona started in 2008 (main cliff ), and has since extended to an upper sector with more moderate grades, for a grand total of about 70 routes graded from 6b–8c. The upper sector is on easier terrain, with shorter, technical, and bouldery routes, but also far inferior quality compared to the main cliff.
__Gear__
A single 80m rope + 24 QDs for longer routes.
__Conditions__
Ideal for climbing between April–December. Thanks to altitude (650m) and location in the lush slopes of Mt Parnon, Élona is also good for summer climbing and it is protected in case of brief rainfall. However, it is not good for climbing in winter or early spring; tufas may be wet. (If the winter is very dry, as it was in late 2019/early 2020, tufas can be dry. But natural rivulets of water always drip down the tufas, which is how the tufas were created in the first place.)
__Shade (Exposure: W, N, NW)__
Until 14:00 (Or even later at some parts of the upper, north-facing cliff.)
__Kids__
Tricky. The crag is just next to the road, with almost no walk-in. But there is always the risk of breaking stalactites. Kids should never be under or near any climbers. (Instead, take the kids for an easy walk. A very enjoyable marked hiking path starts at the crag.)