Kalogria

Peloponnese, GR

The cliffs are in the midst of a singular ecosystem. Strofilia forest and lagoons Kotychi and Prokopos belong to the European Union’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas—a network of core breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species. Kalogria is a coastal wetland comprising saltmarshes, lagoons, reed beds, sand dunes and an extensive forest that reaches the water. The forest contains both Aleppo and Umbrella pines (Pinus halepensis and Pinus pinea, respectively), as well as oaks and cedars. The Kalogria wetland is designated as an Important Bird Area for migratory birds, as well as for breeding and wintering waterbirds. More than 350 bird species have been recorded in this ecosystem. Among them, wild ducks and geese, herons, flamingos, glossy ibises, Eurasian coots, Dalmatian pelicans, and swans, to name a few. But the area’s biodiversity does not end here. Foxes, otters, martens, weasels, jackals and dozens of other amphibians, land animals and reptiles call Kalogria home. And the sandy beach with its dunes is an important nesting site for the beloved loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Inevitably, though, this haven of biodiversity is not without its problems and threats, paramount among them—what else—the presence of humans. Despite the protections in place, the number of sunbeds, canteens and other structures along the beach reportedly keeps increasing, along with human activity, garbage, and elevated noise and light levels, all of which are detrimental to the wellbeing of the ecosystem. We climbers may consider ourselves less invasive / more respectful compared to the average human being, but of course that’s not always true. We need to keep reminding each other to protect nature. At a minimum, let’s make our presence at the cliffs as discreet as possible: Climb quietly. Don’t linger afterwards. Leave nothing behind. By extension, we’d strongly discourage climbers from camping in the immediate area. As mentioned elsewhere in this book, free camping is technically illegal in Greece, but because the law is generally not enforced, tents and camper vans are commonly seen all over Greece outside of organized campsites. If you plan to camp here, please go further along. Last but not least, Kalogria is notorious for its supernatural mosquitoes! It is a swamp, after all. Come prepared: cover up and use bug spray, even in winter.
CRAG STATISTICS
108
Routes
5060
meters climbed
213
Zlags
6c+
average grade

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

Very safe
Parking
Vertical
Overhanging
Roof
Exposition
5 min.

GALLERY