Climbing holidays Leonidio | Fantastic climbing in Greece

FAQ Climbing holidays Leonidio - The most important questions & answers

• When is the best time to go climbing in Greece?

  The season in Leonidio differs significantly from alpine regions. While it is often too cold for rock climbing in Switzerland from November to March, Leonidio has the best climbing season. Thanks to the sheltered location on the Peloponnese and the many south-facing sectors, you can often climb here in a T-shirt even over Christmas and New Year. The daytime temperatures are mild and the red limestone stores the sun's heat perfectly - ideal for anyone who wants to escape the Swiss winter and spend sunny, warm days at the crag.

• What climbing level is the trip to Leonidio suitable for?

  Leonidio is an Eldorado for pleasure climbers. We are primarily in the 4c to 6b range. As the protection on site is very good (Plaisir standard and new, stainless steel equipment), the area is ideal for honing your technique without stress. You should be able to belay and climb independently in lead climbing. If you wish, you can also gain your first experience of the impressive multi-pitch routes (up to the lower 6th degree) above the village under the guidance of our IVBV-certified mountain guides. If we are planning a multi-pitch route, we will refresh our knowledge the day before.

• How big is the group?

  We emphasise quality and safety. The trip takes place in a small group of 4 to 6 guests per mountain guide. This allows us to provide personalised coaching and a flexible choice of sectors depending on your wishes.

• What makes Leonidio so special compared to other areas?

  In contrast to very touristy areas, Leonidio has retained its Greek village character. The rocks are world-class (red limestone, tufas), the protection is modern and safe. The combination is a highlight: steep limestone walls in the morning, a dip in the crystal-clear Mediterranean at Plaka in the afternoon and Greek serenity in the village in the evening.

• What can I expect when climbing in Leonidio?

  You can expect the best limestone with a good grip. Leonidio is famous for its huge sinter (tufas) and spectacular caves, but also offers very beautiful, vertical and technical wall climbing. The variety of sectors is huge, from sunny walls with a view of the deep blue sea to shady, higher sectors for warmer days.

• What does a typical day look like?

  After breakfast together, we drive by hire car to the chosen sector (approaches often only 5-20 minutes). We spend the day at the crag with individual coaching. In the late afternoon, we often enjoy a dip in the sea at Plaka before rounding off the day in the Panjika Bar or cooking together in our accommodation.

• What services are included in the price of CHF 1950?

  The Bergschaft package includes everything you need on site:

  • Professional guidance by qualified mountain guides.

  • Accommodation in comfortable accommodation in Leonidio or Plaka.

  • Breakfast: We prepare breakfast together at the accommodation. We buy these locally on site.

  • Car hire including fuel for all transfers from/to Athens and to the rocks.

  Dinner is not included. We will either prepare this with local ingredients (feta, olive oil, vegetables) in our accommodation or eat out in one of the authentic, cosy restaurants in Leonidio or Plaka.

• Is the flight to Athens included?

  No, the flight is not included. This gives you maximum flexibility in your choice of airline (from Zurich, Basel or Geneva) and allows you to extend your climbing holiday in Greece as you wish. We meet as a group at Athens Airport (ATH). From there we take care of all the logistics and you don't have to worry about anything else.

• Do I need special equipment for multi-pitch (MSL)?

  Yes, for the MSL days you need the material according to our special material list (see PDF download). As the protection in Leonidio is very modern, an 80m rope and 14-16 quickdraws (which we coordinate as a group) are sufficient for the sport climbing routes. A helmet is obligatory.

• What is the Panjika Co-operative and what role does it play?

  The Panjika Co-operative is the heart of the climbing community in Leonidio. It is a joint project of climbers and locals that runs a café, a bar and a meeting place. Not only do people talk shop here and plan the next “project”, but the cooperative is also actively involved in drilling new routes, renovations and sustainable tourism in the area. A visit for a coffee or a beer after climbing is simply part of the authentic Leonidio experience.