Portfolio Category: Leonidio

Leonidio is renowned for its striking reddish cliffs that tower above the town and the expansive valleys leading to the village of Kosmas and Vaskina Valley. With over 80 climbing sectors and more than 2,300 routes graded from 5a to 9a (and even more challenging projects), climbers can find diverse options tailored to their skills. Notably, the Elona and Nifada sectors, perched 800 meters above sea level, offer some of the most technical routes featuring spectacular tufa formations.

Leonidio is celebrated as a prime climbing destination in winter, spring, and fall, boasting excellent routes on formidable limestone. The area's solid rock features include long tufa columns, juggy overhangs, edgy and crimpy routes, as well as vertical technical climbs. Climbers also enjoy easier routes on the colorful slabby variations of reddish and greyish rock, making for an exhilarating outdoor experience under the sun.

Situated in the Eastern Peloponnese, Leonidio enjoys a favorable climate ideal for agriculture, resulting in vibrant vegetable and fruit production year-round. The town is characterized by its typical white Greek architecture nestled among olive trees. Visitors can explore quaint shops, supermarkets, and delightful tavernas offering authentic Greek cuisine.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

• Morning: Arrive at the destination and settle in.
• Afternoon: Brief presentation of the program, getting to know the group, and discussing your wishes and goals for the climbing week.

Day 2: Getting Comfortable and Basics

• Familiarization with the rock and climbing style.
• Checking and learning safety knots (if necessary).
• Reviewing proper belaying techniques.
• Climbing easier routes with a focus on improving foot techniques for better clipping positions.

Day 3: Tufa Climbing Technique

• Learning the unique tufa climbing technique, including twisting, knee-bars, heel-hooks, and hip-hooks.
• Practicing body positioning and efficient movement for overhanging climbs.
• Exploring the benefits of tufa climbing as a fundamental skill for challenging routes.

Day 4: Redpoint Climbing and Mental Training

• Step-by-step learning of the redpoint climbing approach for more demanding routes.
• Visualization exercises to prepare for redpoint projects as part of mental coaching.
• Falling practice to build confidence and improve performance on working routes.
• Developing a growth mindset for success and overcoming challenges.

Day 5: Rest Day and Light Activities

• Optional rest day to recharge, depending on group needs.
• Activities may include morning yoga, running, swimming, or light climbing in the afternoon.
• Unique exercises like climbing with no hands or fewer hands (on toprope) to improve efficiency and refine techniques in a fun way.

Day 6: On-Sight Climbing

• Learning the on-sight approach for challenging goals.
• Training to read the rock, find suitable clipping positions, and climb with full commitment.
• Focusing on mental preparation and problem-solving during on-sight attempts.
• Practicing how to give 100% in each attempt.

Day 7: Revisiting Redpoint Projects

• Returning to your redpoint project to test your mental and physical progress.
• Learning how to mentally prepare for sending projects with the right mindset.
• Understanding that the process, not just the outcome, should be the source of motivation.

Day 8: Fun and Relaxed Climbing

• A stress-free day where you choose what to climb.
• Focus on enjoyment—whether repeating projects, refining foot and hand techniques, mental coaching, or falling practice.
• Relaxing at the crag, climbing as much as you want, and celebrating your achievements from the week.