VietnamSurprise – Climbing holidays are actually growing in popularity all the time. The numbers of people choosing to forgo the traditional sun, sea and sand vacation are always increasing as holidaymakers look for activities that can challenge their abilities. If you can’t quite see yourself swinging from a crevice, don’t worry. Even the most skilled climbers in the world have to start somewhere. Give it a little time and a little practice and you’ll be scaling new heights like a pro. Here’s a guide to five of the best climbing holidays in Europe.
Kalymnos, Greece
The tiny island of Kalymnos has recently undergone a revamp. Fifty years ago, the locals cursed the region’s wild and arid landscape – they loathed its craggy hills and imposing cliff faces. These days, things are a little different. Kalymnos is one of the few Greek islands that has managed to largely fight off recession and bankruptcy and it’s all down to those craggy cliff faces, says Guardian journalist Peter Beaumont. There are now over 2,000 climbing routes on the island, a hundred of which were only established last winter. There’s the Grande Grotta –a vast cave shaped like an open mouth whose roof is covered with curiously beautiful hanging stalactites. Then, there’s the Kastri canyon, a narrow gorge that’s home to a cluster of 4th century fortifications.
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in the north east of Italy. They’re quite close to the Austrian border and they’re characteristically dramatic and gnarled. According to RockAndSun.com, these peaks are actually made out of limestone, though they do collect snow during the winter months. Certain regions of the Dolomites were once considered to be the some of the hardest places to climb in the whole of Europe. Climbers certainly have their fill of fun here – there’s the famous Cinque Torre towers, the Comici peak and the Piz Ciavazes route that’s popular with big groups.
Mont Blanc, France
Seasoned climbers will be very familiar with the highs and lows associated with this peak. Mont Blanc is one of the world’s deadliest mountains, despite not even being the highest in Europe. Its endlessly unpredictable nature and tendency to shift and change according to the weather, have made Mont Blanc one of the trickiest climbs in the world. Yet, myriad novices have conquered it. Could it be that its deadly reputation has more to do with climbing at the wrong time than anything else? TheAtlantic.com journalist Lane Wallace certainly thinks so – he blames the high fatality rate on overeager tourists and greedy guides.
Perthshire, Scotland
Scotland isn’t usually cited as one of the most popular climbing destinations in Europe, but there’s no reason why it can’t compete with more exotic peaks. The Dunira County Estate offers visitors some of the best climbing opportunities in the country. The crags and cliffs in this region are south facing, so form a rudimentary suntrap. This means that they’re good for climbing all year round. There’s a staggeringly beautiful view of the Strathearn Valley from the top of the Dunira cliffs, which are suitable for all kinds of climbers. This region is probably not adrenaline fuelled enough for serious or expert climbers, but it’s more than enough for novices and those who aren’t confident enough to tackle the bigger peaks yet. Don’t write Scotland off before you’ve tried it.
The Matterhorn, Switzerland
The Matterhorn in Switzerland is one of the most easily recognisable mountains in Europe. It is a defining geographical landmark. If you can picture the Swiss Alps at all – chances are, you’re picturing the Matterhorn peak. For many, this region is the birthplace of mountaineering and it represents a return to the purest elements of the sport. Anybody who isn’t a very experienced or expert climber is advised to tackle this monster peak from the St Nicholas Valley where the trails are much softer.
Author Bio:
Sarah is an experienced mountain climber and sports climbing enthusiast. She never embarks on an adventure without being fully insured by WorldWide Travel Insurance. She can usually be found blogging about her exploits or planning her next big climb.
