Arginonta

Kalymnos, GR

Arginonta does not exactly impress at first glance. But this long belt of bright red and grey rock offers outstanding climbing and many 5c–6b gems. It started out as a humble crag, but with time Arginonta became a major venue. The long line of scooters during the high season is an unmistakable sign of the sector’s deserved popularity. The sun comes to the Arginonta cliff rather early, but there’s a handful of cute roadside or beachfront cafés and restaurants where you can continue your day, or take a quick break before continuing to climb in the afternoon shade at Arginonta Valley (p. 250) or Summertime (p. 268), on the opposite side of the bay. A series of red and grey rock faces with very versatile climbing. One of the most popular crags for grades from 5c to 6b. __Busy__ 3/3 __Climbing__ Very varied on excellent red and grey limestone. Multiple climbing styles are often found on the same route. Inevitably, though, some routes are becoming polished by Kalymnos standards. __Conditions__ Warm and protected from the north wind. Dries fast after rainfall. All sub-sectors are best for cold sunny winter days, or cloudy days in spring and autumn. __Shade (Exposure: S, SE, SW)__ Rock Round: until 10:00 Vertical Sailing: until 10:00 (left), until 12:00 (right) Holiday: until 12:00 Amphitheatre: until 13:30 Infrared Wall: until 13:30 Katharina: until 11:30 Fire Wall: until 12:00 __Kids__ So-so. The approach needs attention. Small kids must be belayed with a rope to go up and down the ladder. Also, the terrain at the crag can be steep and squeezed. __Rock Round__ A southeast-facing cliff with technical routes on solid red and grey rock. The cliff is protected from the north wind, so it can get very hot in the sun. __Vertical Sailing__ A new sub-sector with about 15 new routes from 6a+ to 7b+ on each side of the big juniper tree growing out of the rock. Rock quality is good, and routes still stand to benefit from some traffic and add value to this part of the cliff. __Holiday__ A south-facing short vertical wall with some worthwhile wall climbs plus some cracks and flakes. Routes are mostly typical easier grey wall climbs. __Amphitheatre__ The hardest sub-sector here. It is a south-facing overhanging red cliff of outstanding quality with some impressive stalactites. Compared to the other sub-sectors, Amphitheatre stays in the shade the longest. __Infrared Wall__ Also jokingly called the “6b wall.” A south-facing, 30-meter high, slightly overhanging red wall with some of the best 6bs on the island and overall excellent routes. Climbing is wonderful and varied, and the rock is full of hidden holds. The right side is steeper and features some tufa pipes as well. __Katharina__ A south-facing small grey slab with gentle rock. It features well-bolted easy routes that are good for beginners. __Fire Wall__ Another absorbing south-facing red wall full of hidden pockets and holes, and technical climbing on slightly overhanging rock.
CRAG STATISTICS
118
Routes
190185
meters climbed
7891
Zlags
6b
average grade

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Family friendly
Very safe
Parking
Vertical
Overhanging
Exposition
41 m.
8 min.

GALLERY