In Greek, the word for "human being" is "anthropos". It derives from the word "ano" which means "upwards" and the word "throsko" - to look. The tendency of humans is to look forward. In all of the mountain ranges of Crete, you will feel the strength which hides in the rocks of Crete island.

 

Rock climbing beside the sea in Kalathas in Chania Province. These rocks don't exceed 15 meters, but all of them have a difficulty level of IV - VII. There are about 30 courses and variations. Kalathas is 10 km outside of the city of Chania on the peninsula of Akrotiri All courses have top-rope safe guards.

 

On the Akrotiri Peninsula, 14 km outside of the city of Chania, is the beach of Stavros. The climbing slope raises behind the beach. There are 6 courses ranging in height from 60-80 metres and difficulty levels from V - VII. There are no interim safguards except relay.

 

The most impressive climbing slope in Crete. It is exactly above the Samaria Gorge. The approach to the site demands a one hour walk from the hiking trail or from the entrace to the gorge, Ksiloskalo. About 15 courses have been opened and there are many parellel ones. The difficulty level ranges from V to VII, at the most. Because of the rough terrain, there is no rigging for permenent safe gaurds. The height ranges from 400m to 800m. This site is for those who worship challenging courses.

 

Just outside of Hania is Crete's climbing paradise - the Therissos gorge. Along the road to the village of Therissos, there are several V-VIII courses. Many are well safe-guarded. Therissos is 14 miles southwest from the city of Hania.

 

Exactly below the bridge of the Iraklio-Rethimno National Road is the beach of Paliokastro. On the right side is a 15 metre rock which has 3 courses with a difficulty level from V to VII. There are also parallel routes with a similar difficulty. The safeguards of the courses use Top-rope.

 

These rocks are found above the Iraklio - Agio Nikalaou National Road in the area of Kokkini Hani. Kopsias encompasses a climbing area in which the rocks don''t exceed 60 meters in height. About 20 courses have been opened with level of difficulty from IV to VIII.

 

Ayiofarago is located beside the Kali Limenes in the southern part of the prefecture of Iraklio. Six courses have been opened which are 50 metres high. The difficulty level ranges from V to VII.

 

In the Asteroussia mountain range in the southern part of the prefecture of Iraklio, the village of Kapetaniana sits beside the tall summit of KOFINA It has, outside of the locals, an established Austrian couple who have installed the entire climbing area with permenant safe guards. The climbing routes are not very tall, only from 15m to 60m, but the difficulty ranges from IV-VIII. To follow the route, only small riggings are necessary.

 

In the entrace to the gorge on the right wall, two courses have been opened which are about level VI difficulty. The approach to these routes is difficult and complicated.

 

The second most impressive slope in Crete after Gigilos. It is situated above the plains of Lassithi in the plateau of Limnakaro and it is on the hillside of SPATHIOU. On the slope, 14 courses have been opened from IV to VI+ difficulty. None of the above are outfitted with permenant safe guards. Because of this, only competent climbers with proper gear should attempt this.