Sport Climbing trip to Manikia in Greece.
This is a return to Manikia following the first club meet there in October 2023. Manikia is a relatively new climbing area that has opened up in just the last few years. Only two hours drive from Athens, the area offers over 350 sport routes as well as trails for hiking and mountain biking. It was the location for the Petzl climbing team annual RocTrip back in 2022, and Steve McClure apparently raved about it when he spoke at one of our socials (but unfortunately, I wasn’t there — we were in Manikia).
On our fist visit we found the routes to be excellent — plenty of them in the grades common to most club members (5c, 6a, 6b) and all un-polished (the benefit of the area being new and less over-exposed than places like Kalymnos and Leonidio). There are also some 6a/6b multi-pitch routes which felt properly adventurous. The approaches were all well-maintained and clearly signed, so it was easy finding a selected crag.
There is a well-written guide book to the area produced by the Manikia Project — a collective of climbers that have established the area and put up the routes — see the link below.
The introduction of outdoor sports and recreation has been a big boost to the local economy and the area now offers a number of restaurants and lovely properties to stay in, plus a couple of very picturesque campsites. There are also at least five beaches near the area, so when we went last time, we finished off each day with a dip in the sea (though the Spring water temperatures may be a bit chillier than when we were there).
Accommodation: I have three potential properties shortlisted and will choose depending on the number of people that sign up. I plan on booking by the first week of January. Depending on numbers, and which property I book, expect the cost per night to be between £25–£35 per person (the top end price includes place with a swimming pool). There is a £100 deposit to secure your place and the accommodation reservation. Once the accommodation is confirmed you will be required to pay the remainder due before the trip.
Flights: London to Athens for the dates of the meet are currently less than £90 return with easyJet.
To learn more about Manikia, visit the Mankia Project at https://manikia.com/climbing or https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/destinations/manikia_-_the_next_international_climbing_destination_in_greece-15409
Payment Required!
One of the following payments is required for this meet at the time of booking.
Accommodation deposit £100.00