What makes a destination ideal for rock climbing in Europe? The answer is easy accessibility, small crowd, plenty of routes, single and multi-pitch options, and scenic routes. If you’re traveling with your friends and family, it is unlikely that you all are at the same fitness level. A little variety is excellent for working on your technique.
10 Spots For Rock Climbing In Europe
We have shortlisted 10 stunning places for rock climbing in Europe where you can build your strength and improve your climbing skills:
1. Frankenjura, Germany
Frankenjura’s position as one of the places for best rock climbing in Europe remains uncontested. Hidden amidst lush forests, it has over 1,000 crags of overhanging or vertical white and grey limestone. It offers both single-pitch and short routes. The best time to pursue rock climbing in Frankenjura is late spring since the winds are not too strong in that season.
Nearest airport: Nuremberg Airport
Difficulty level: Low to moderate
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2. Finale Ligure, Italy
With more than 3,000 routes, Finale Ligure is the largest climbing area in the country. It is situated amidst verdant hills and lush green valleys. The destination offers more than 3,000 routes of low and moderate difficulty level. From walls and overhangs to white limestone slabs, you will be spoilt for choice. There are 3-4 route pitches to Bric Pinarella, from where routes are up to 250 meters long. For your rock climbing holidays in Europe, make a beeline for Finale Ligure.
Nearest airport: Genoa Airport
Difficulty level: Low to moderate
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3. Osp, Slovenia
With over 600 routes on limestone crags, Osp has been a constant favorite among novice climbers. All these routes are within 4 kilometers of each other. At Osp, the U-shaped wall mixes long single pitches with multi-pitches. It is in close vicinity to other less-explored climbing destinations in Croatia and Italy. The highlight of this spot is that it easily accessible by road. It is, hands down, the best places for rock climbing in Europe for novices.
Nearest airport: Trieste Airport
Difficulty level: Moderate
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4. El Chorro, Spain
El Chorro is the best limestone climbing areas in Spain. To reach the gorge, you have to hike to the Camino del Rey cliff-edge. It is the most southerly of the destinations for rock climbing in Europe. The walls of the gorge are steep, so make sure to exercise caution while climbing them. There are over 800 multi-pitch and single pitch routes. For your rock climbing trips in Europe, El Chorro is the perfect spot.
Nearest airport: Malaga Airport
Difficulty level: Moderate
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5. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is one of the best rock climbing spots in Europe. That comes as a shock to us since the destination offers scenic views, premier deep water soloing, and great options for mid-grade climbing. Some of the best climbing areas include the sea cliffs of Formentor peninsula and the overhangs of La Creveta and Es Fumat.
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport
Difficulty level: Moderate
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6. Kalymnos, Greece
What most climbers don’t know is that rock climbing began in Kalymnos in the 2000s. It is now considered as one of the best places for high-quality climbing in Europe. You can choose from among 3,400 routes and 80 crags in the area. When the sunlight hits the yellow and orange limestone, it makes for a pretty perfect photo op. Try not to trample the wild flowers growing in the region.
Nearest airport: Kos International Airport
Difficulty level: High
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7. Siurana, Spain
Set in the beautiful Sierra de Prades Mountains, this is a world-class area for rock climbing in Europe. It offers more than 1,750 routes. The routes are a little tricky to navigate, and the climb can prove to be strenuous for inexperienced climbers. Make sure to practice a lot at other places before attempting to climb Siurana.
Nearest airport: Reus Airport
Difficulty level: High
8. Kyparissi, Greece
Kyparissi is 5 hours drive from Athens and an hour from Leonidio. It offers more than 1,400 emote routes for climbing. The slopes of Mount Parnon are popular among experienced climbers. Some of the other equally famous spots include Babala, Watermill, and a variety of tough grades at the idyllic remote bay in Vlychada.
Nearest airport: Athens International Airport
Difficulty level: High
9. Sicily, Italy
Sicily has over 1,000 multi-pitch and single routes. The routes are suited for all levels, including chimneys, roofs, slabs, and cracks. The beach town of San Vito lo Capo, with its four-kilometer coastal cliff, offers several avenues for adventure. Rock climbing is just one of them. Messina and Siracusa have great sea-facing cliffs where experienced climbers can test their skills.
Nearest airport: Palermo Airport
Difficulty level: Low, moderate, and high
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10. Sella, Spain
Sella’s steep limestone walls offer options for both challenging and non-challenging climbs. It has over 8 crags and 300 routes. The routes range from easy to challenging multi-routes. Hidden Valley and Divino are great places for newcomers to learn rock climbing. It can get a bit chilly during summers in Sella, so make sure to layer up.
Nearest airport: Alicante Airport
Difficulty level: Low, moderate, and high
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The range of climbing available in these areas is extensive. Experience a different culture at these underrated destinations for rock climbing in Europe where you can climb on routes that aren’t polished and avoid the crowds. The sandstone crags in these regions have well-protected sport routes as well as adventurous trad routes. Book yourEurope holiday with TravelTriangle to pursue rock climbing with your loved ones!
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