Rock Climbing at Manikia

Manikia is a relatively new rock climbing area that has only been developed since 2018. A group of French climbers discovered the unique quality and beauty of the limestone rocks in the Manikia-Vrisi area. Now there are over 600 single pitch sport routes on good quality limestone rock.

Manikia is a great sport climbing holiday destination with routes across the whole grade spectrum from F4’s up to F9a epics. There is a wide range of style to choose from including technical slabs on compact grey limestone to steep tufa and juggy roof climbing. The harder routes tend to be huge 30m to 40m tufa-strewn journeys through massive overhangs, plus there are lovely grey limestone walls and slabs full of easier routes. The routes are well-equipped with friendly bolting and reasonable grading. As well as the single pitch routes there are also 26 good quality multi-pitch routes up to 250m long with grades from F6a+ to F7a+.

Travel to Manikia - Manikia is a small village on the island of Evia in the central region of Greece and getting there is straight forward.  Fly to Athens airport  and it is a simple 2 hours’ drive (half by motorway) to the cliffs of Manikia – no ferries involved, as the island of Evia is connected to the mainland via a road bridge.

Manikia rock climbing guidebook - The definitive guidebook for Manikia is called the Climbing in Manikia Guidebook that describes over 600 single pitch sport routes and 26 multi-pitch sport routes. It has been produced by an organisation called the Manikia Project, who are dedicated to creating a climbing community for International climbers and the local community. All the profits of the guidebook are invested in the bolting of the routes and the community as a whole.

Manikia climbing season - The best time of the year to sport climb at Manikia is in the spring and autumn, with May and October being a popular time to visit.

Where to stay - Accommodation is fairly limited in the villages of Manikia and Vrisi, though the coastal town of Kimi has more options, and is only 35 minutes away.

Equipment required - An 80m sport rope is ideal as many of the routes are between 30 to 40m long, plus around 18 quickdraws.