Grande Grotta

Kalymnos, GR

Grande Grotta is the trademark of Kalymnos. The cave’s massive scale, coupled with an unbelievable concentration of huge red limestone stalactites, makes it the most spectacular, unique overhang on the island. The stuff of dreams and the trademark of Kalymnos. An impressive cave with very steep 3-D routes on huge stalactites. __Busy__ 3/3 __Climbing__ Otherworldly! Red 3D limestone with hard routes, radically overhanging tufas, blobs, and stalactites. Technical and pumpy on hidden holds and perfect features. Heel-hooking, laybacking, bear-hugging, bridging, bull-riding, kneebarring, thigh-locking, chimneying, and rest positions that defy imagination: you name it, the Grotta has it. __Conditions__ Good year-round, but spring and autumn are best. In winter the cave is protected from the wind and rain, but in late winter/early spring, stalactites can be wet. In summer, climbing is good even on humid days thanks to the big juggy holds. __Shade (Exposure: SW)__ Until about 14:00 (left) or 15:00 (right). __Kids__ No. Steep terrain and risk of breaking stalactites. __Recommended technique for routes like _super priapos__ With one rope tied as per normal to your harness, attach the second rope to the main loop of your harness using a screwgate carabiner. As you climb the 1st pitch, clip in with the 2nd rope (the one attached to your main loop by carabiner). At the 1st anchor, clip yourself in, and clip the 1st rope into a quickdraw. Your belayer should now switch ropes and belay you with the 1st rope (the one tied to your harness). You can now abandon the 2nd rope and its screwgate. As you continue up to super priapos, clip in with the 1st rope (still tied to your harness). Abseil from the final anchor to the 1st anchor. From there, your belayer can lower you safely to the ground. A 70m rope is just enough.
CRAG STATISTICS
24
Routes
72587
meters climbed
2789
Zlags
7b+
average grade

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

Very safe
Rain safe
Parking
Slabs
Vertical
Overhanging
Exposition
17 m.
20 min.

GALLERY