Babala

Peloponnese, GR

__Babála__! A world-class crag for very hard climbing high above Kyparissi, with smooth yellow/grey rock, insane colonette and tufa snakes, and climbing so spectacular that it keeps top climbers coming back for more. Babála is like a giant, endless limestone tsunami rising on the ridge high above the village, with views that take your breath away and immense potential for new hard routes. Some of the world’s best-known climbers, like Angela Eiter and Yann Ghesquiers, have said it’s the best tufa crag they’ve ever seen. __Climbing__ On steep, solid tufas and colonettes of superb quality, but with hard footwork. There are some slabby, crimpy sections, too. Many routes and extensions are exceptionally long (up to 60m), with outstanding power endurance climbing. Grades are all in the upper range (between 7b–9a), with the majority of routes graded from 8a to 8b+. This, one might say, is the only drawback of Babála: the cliffs are not suitable for good easier or mid-grade routes, even short ones. To evaluate the route grades appearing in this guidebook, we have consulted closely with Yann Ghesquiers, who has climbed most of the routes, and we are grateful for his help and friendship. __Gear__ A single 80m (or, ideally, 100m) rope + 25–30 QDs. __Conditions__ Best for spring, summer, and fall. __Shade (Exposure: NE)__ Shade starts at 11:00 at some very overhanging sections of the crag, and almost all cliffs are in the shade after 13:00. __Kids__ The walk is long, but if they can make it, there are some suitable play areas around the cliffs.
CRAG STATISTICS
119
Routes
2645
meters climbed
97
Zlags
7c
average grade

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

Family friendly
Very safe
Rain safe
Parking
Vertical
Roof
Exposition
700 m.
45 min.

GALLERY