Dhiarizos

Originally known as Petra ton Chasampoulion, this is the best-known Cyprus crag with the highest volume of climbing traffic due to both its location and grade range. There is something for everyone here, from easy slabs to hard, crimpy face climbs with a sprinkle of short, powerful routes thrown in for good measure. A non-existent approach, a big olive tree to relax under, and a river across the street make it an ideal destination for an enjoyable day at the crag, whether you’re looking for a casual day out or a hard day’s climbing.

Conditions

Climbing is possible here year-round with a mix of sectors facing all directions. Dries quickly after rain. In the summer, the main wall gets shade around 1 p.m.

The first sport routes in Cyprus were bolted in 1999 by Christos Mpatalogiannis, a Greek mountain guide invited to Cyprus by Pavlos Georgiades and Thanasis Kaisiaris. Seven routes were opened in Dhiarizos (Parthena, Kavouras, Aetofolia, Kypseli, Harakiri, Midheia, and Ksechasmenos) and one in Gerakopetra (Idatino Perasma). These routes were opened Meteora-style, meaning a bolt was used only when really necessary... imagine Kavouras with three bolts! Development continued over the years in Dhiarizos, mainly by Andreas Andreou.