TRAVEL TIPS
Climb in Kymi
Through the activity of climbing,
Kymi is seeking to claim a position on the Greek map with alternative tourism destinations. Apart from the excellent rock quality, the visitor can come into contact with a culture of almost 3 millenia of history and with landscapes of exceptional natural beauty at mountain - sea with minimal human intervention!
Culture
Ancient Kymi (Cuma) thrived at 8th century BC, where the city created colonies in Italy and in Aeolia. Historian Strabo makes the reference that Hippocles of Kymi and Megasthenes of Chalcis sailed to Italy and built Kymi. Modern Kymi experienced a second heyday in the 19th century AD and local neoclassical architecture testifies to the economic and consequently cultural prosperity of that period. Great personalities emerged from the town, the most recognizable that of George Papanicolaou (Pap test). The name may be derived from either the nymph Kymo, or the impressive waves (wave = kyma in Greek) of Kymi's sea, or from the word komi (means town in Greek).
Nowadays Kymi is the historic center of the Municipality of Aliveri-Kymi, bearing the nickname 'Balcony of the Aegean' for its panoramic view featuring the Greak Sea while the central square is a daily meeting place. Do not forget to visit the Folkore Museum, but also the Archaeological Site. The local cuisine will satisfy the most of your requirements and do not miss the opportunity to try baklava, buns and the 'PGI'; dried figs of Kym
i.
Paralia Kymis serves as a connection for many tourists bound for the nearby islands while smacks provide the local shops with fresh fishes in daily basis. Paralia Kymis is a vivid and lively place sometimes to the point of becoming noisy, in direct contract to the much more quiet everyday life of the town. In the surrounding region many small quiet graphic villages -with cafes, taverns, local products to market, rooms for rent- are waiting to be discovered. You can also visit old stone constructions such as watermills, small arch bridges, even old stone buildings-leftovers of the Venetian presence and and those of the 'National Collieries', scattered around the whole region. Cultural events are organized during thewhole summer.
Nature
The region of Kymi uniquely combines mountain and sea. Fir forests and beaches are within walking distance of each other and all of them on the second largest island of Greece. Organized beaches full of cars, people, beach bars and loud music can be found along the Gulf of Kymi, while beaches in peace away from civilization accessible through challenging dirt roads or through footpaths exist north and northwest of the town. The long and diverse coastline, offers many opportunities not only for swimming but also for activities such as fishing, canoeing-kayaking, sailing, windsurf, kitesurf, surf, diving and cave-diving. Still, the region of Kymi is bounded by three mountains, the Ortari with one of the highest cliffs from sea level in Europe to the north, the fir-covered Kotylaia (Natura2000 network) to the west, and the solid Oktonia to the south. Infinite mountain peaks are ideal for hiking on marked paths, canyoning, mountaineering, caving and of course ... rock climbing. Finally, the downhill race track expects to test your skills.
Climbing
Climbing in the region of Kymi started in spring of 1992, with traditional routes setted in Manikia. From 1996 to date the sport climbing crags of Oktonia, Vrysi and Katavolo are developed and maintained with inox bolts. Climbing here can be very pleasant even on hot summer days, on grey and red limestone of excellent quality with view of the Aegean Sea.
Article :
Climb in Kymi
Photos :
Dimas Konstantinos