Rock Climbing in Cyprus

Rock Climbing in Cyprus

In the Republic of Cyprus, you can find one of the best climates in Europe. This means that locals and visitors can enjoy outdoor sports and activities almost all year around. The endless sunlight gives you the inspiration you need to get out of the house and run to the beach or the mountains to explore the island. The tall mountain rocks in combination with the beautiful blue sea create magical scenery for outdoor activities.

One of the many outdoor activities you can enjoy is rock climbing. If you are an experienced rock climber or you simply want to try out this exciting sport, then you are in for a treat. There are several agencies and individual instructors who are more than happy to teach you the secrets of rock climbing.

Additionally, there are groups on social media pages you can join, for example on Facebook (‘Cyprus Federation Climbing Centre’ and “Cyprus Climbing Academy’). By joining such groups, you can be informed and updated about the relevant activities and events happening on the island, or you can simply find partners for your rock climbing trips amongst other enthusiasts.

Traditional Rock Climbing

'Loacal'

The Loacal agency offers a rock climbing experience with Certified Mountaineering Instructors. Whether you are an experienced rock climber or simply an adventure seeker who wants to try this for the first time, you can book a climbing session from sunrise till noon, or from noon till sunset for €40. If you are thirsty for more, you can book the whole day, from sunrise till sunset for an additional €25.

You can plan your climbing route on your own by choosing one or combining more of the available routes all over Cyprus. Alternatively, you can get advice from the instructor to plan your adventure together.

There is transportation available for 2-4 people, which is included in the price. You can select any place within 50km from Nicosia with the price mentioned above. If you wish to travel further, for example in Paphos, Kyrenia or Famagusta, then there is an additional charge of €20. All the necessary equipment is provided and included in the price. You will also receive a demo/trial and photos.

'OneStepFurther'

The outdoor sports company OnceStepFurther offers rock climbing courses, with theoretical as well as physical classes to students of every level of experience. The outdoors sessions take place mainly in the Diarizos area or Inia. Additionally, there are training sessions at the indoor wall of the Cyprus Climbing Academy in Nicosia (bouldering). You can book a rock climbing session for 1 day for €85 or for the whole weekend for €150.

Once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy adventure trips organised by the directors. The company also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which is the world’s leading youth achievement award for those who demonstrate exceptional practical skills, behaviours and attitudes.

Routes for Traditional Rock Climbing

• Cavo Greko National Park, located in the far south-east corner of the island, next to Ayia Napa, offers a magnificent scenery of featured soft limestone and a view of the beautiful Mediterranean sea. This is an ideal place for both beginners and casual climbers. There are a total of 6 routes which are ideal for trad (traditional climbing).
• Dhiarizos is a river in the Pafos district. The rock formation near the river is probably the most well-known spot in Cyprus and it offers a number of sensational climbing routes.
• Droushia and Inia villages, near the wild Akamas peninsula, has a wealth of climbing routes for both trad and bouldering for people of all experience levels. The list of such routes includes Kokkinovrachos and Misos Tholos, also the Alikou climb, offering panoramic breathtaking views of the Lara beach.

Bouldering / Indoor Climbing

In the rock climbing world, you will hear the word “bouldering” which means climbing on artificial small rocks or indoors without the use of ropes or harnesses. Thus, if you are a beginner or you just prefer to climb walls indoors instead of the mountains, you can begin with bouldering. Several gyms on the island offer to their customers the chance to try out indoor wall climbing and get a taste of this exciting experience.

‘Ungravity Climbing’

This is the first complete climbing gym in Cyprus, located in the Nicosia district. People of all ages can attend this gym to learn about the art of climbing or master their climbing skills. They offer a daily pass starting from just €2 per day and classes for all age groups, starting from €30 per month. Classes consist of 3 to 6 people and climbing shoes can be provided on request. The gym operates on weekdays from 10:30 am until 9:30 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 6:30 pm. They also offer classes of traditional rock climbing outdoors for beginners and advanced climbers.

‘Adventure Mountain Park’

This amazing park is located in the beautiful village of Kyperounta, in the Limassol district. Surrounded by nature and fresh air, you can enjoy a range of outdoor fun activities, one of which is rock climbing. The experienced instructors will help you learn to climb artificial rock walls while offering you the necessary equipment you need to have this thrilling and adrenaline-fueled experience. And you can live this unforgettable experience for just €15 per hour.

Cyprus can offer you unforgettable moments of adventure. You can select from a variety of climbing routes all over the island at good prices and embark on exciting adventures alone or with other enthusiasts. With sunny weather which lasts almost all year round, you will not want to spend a day indoors. On the contrary, you can enjoy outdoor sports to stay fit whilst also having a blast.

Written December 2020