… Leonidion, one of the most significant climbing destinations in Southern Europe …
Leonidion is undoubtedly a “blessed land” anyway one looks at it. Steep rocky cliffs on Mt. Parnon combine with the azure coastline of the Myrtoon Sea to form the natural perimeter of a fertile valley, at the same time creating a splendid landscape. On the other hand, traditional architecture and narrow alleyways offer a journey back in time reviving memories from another era.
“Kokkinovrachos”, an impressive red-rock cliff, rises like a natural stone wall and, as many believe, is the town’s landmark. In recent years, Leonidion has made a dynamic entrance in the climbing arena with the creation of the “Climbing Park Leonidio”. The project was completed as part of the local development LEADER program at the initiative of N. Kynourias Municipality and Municipal Development Company S.A., in cooperation with the Climbing Club of Athens (A.C.C.) one of the largest and most active clubs of the sport.
Stamatis Konstantakopoulos, the person responsible for completing the project on behalf of A.C.C., said that Leonidion has all features to become one of the most significant climbing destinations in Southern Europe. The sun and the sea, a mild climate, quaint alleys, superb hospitality and, naturally, countless large and smaller climbing rocks attract avid sport-climbers, particularly during the cooler months of the year when tourism is almost down to zero.
Until now, the broader area of Leonidion has over 300 climbing routes and has already started the implementation of the second phase, which provides the completion and expansion of the climbing park, with the creation of 200 additional climbing routes. Greek and foreign climbers that have visited the area have written some flattering reviews and say there is potential for more in the future. Leonidion has already hosted some of the biggest names in international sport climbing, who were left with the best impressions over the climbing sites as well as the beauty of the place
Detail information regarding Leonidion and climbing in the surrounding area can be found either at www.climbinleonidio.com or in the climbing guide to be published in a few days. You can also find us in the Facebook at Climbing Leonidion.
