Iliada

Iliada began as a sidekick of neighboring sector Odyssey—a Plan B for when Odyssey became too crowded. But before long, it developed a fan club of its own. Sector Iliada is at the same level as Odyssey, more or less, and bit to the right. The quality of rock? Just as good. The smaller sub-sectors at the far right (Emilio, Afghan Corridor, and Muses) are worthwhile additions, especially on days when the main crag is crowded. If there is a drawback here, it is that the sun arrives earlier, and the grey walls can be prickly. The same high-quality rock as nearby Odyssey, with varied climbing styles but less hours of shade. __Busy__ 2/3 __Climbing__ There’s something for everyone. Slabs, walls, overhanging routes on big pockets, slightly overhanging routes on small stalactites and tufa blobs, and—the pièce de résistance—a remarkable cave/roof. __Conditions__ Warm and sunny, exposed to the weather, and very exposed to the wind. __Shade (Exposure: S, SW)__ Until 11:00 at the slabs, until about 13:00 inside the caves. _Dolonas Cave_ Until 11:00 (slabs) or until 13:00 (cave) _Iliada Main_ Until 11:00 (left) or until 13:00 (POLIPITIS cave) _Emilio & Afghan Corridor & Muses_ Until 12:30 __Kids__ OK. The path is relatively smooth, and there is some suitable terrain around the crags. __Dolonas Cave__ is small and steep with stalactites, excellent roof climbs, very photogenic angles, and a handful of easier slab climbs on the left. __Iliada Main__ features superb mid-grade slabs and walls on the left, and sustained, pumpy, brilliant climbs on the right (with some tufa action, too). __Emilio__ is a good cliff to the right of the main crag, with grey rock of high quality and numerous routes in the lower grades. Climbing is slabby, vertical, and pleasant, and this side of the crag is usually less busy, but the sun comes around a bit earlier. The easier routes at Emilio can become vegetated in springtime, so please take the time to do some gardening when lowering. __Afghan Corridor__ is a vertical red and grey wall decorated with some beautiful tufa snakes. Climbing is absorbing and technical, with some sharp holds. Unless otherwise noted, all routes were bolted by Giorgio Mallucci and Elisabetta Galli in 2012/13. __Muses__ is a small crag well to the right of the main cliff. Rock quality is good, with grey slabs as well as red overhangs and stalactites, and short but well-bolted lines. Not a popular sector, with only a handful of tough routes, but if the main cliff is busy Muses is worth visiting. To get here, at the level of Dolonas Cave, traverse rightwards for a few minutes.