I posted this Top Ten on another blog of mine, and it really is more appropriate for this Blog. However, these are definitely not in order of most Kid Friendly. I'll Post a Top Ten Kid Friendly Post one of these.
For now, I am trying to post one Climbing Area per month at a minimum.
This list is not in any particular order. There might be better climbing destinations, however, these are the ones we have visited so far that we really loved. Planning on going to Sicily and Kalymnos, Greece this fall! Siurana and the Calanques are also great, but I think these 10 are even better.
1)
Arco, Italy. Located at the top of the beautiful touristy Lake Garda in northern Italy. There are hundreds of cliffs to choose from, and the limestone is high quality. The best part about Arco is the sights. Unbelievably beautiful, and plenty of fun towns, spas, and castles to visit.
2) Mallorca, Spain. If you are in to deep water soloing, this is the place to go. Amazing cliffs overhanging the Mediterranean, beautiful beaches, awesome food, this is one of our favorite places to go.
3) Frankenjura, Germany. This is home for us. Only 20 minutes from our front door and we have thousands of routes at our fingertips. Short, pocketed limestone walls. The towns nestled around the Frankenjura add to the charm, and don't forget to try the amazing beers! Home to the most breweries in the entire world!This picture we took in the adorable town Pottenstein.
3) Rodellar, Spain. We visited this place in spring and unfortunately were rained out. But the few climbs we managed to get on were so incredibly amazing. The best limestone I have ever climbed on. Beautiful hiking, and not terribly far from Barcelona.
4) Gorge Du Tarn, France. I must go back here. This place has so much potential, and the sheer volume of limestone is breathtaking. Not very close to any big cities, but for kayaking and climbing, this is it. A must for serious climbers.
5) Seynes, France. In the Provence region of France, this place is amazing! We went for Christmas and had such an incredible time. The wall stays in the hot sun all day, amazing tufas, and not a bad approach at all. The best part is the location. So close to Nimes, Avignon, Uzes, Arles. All amazing old roman French towns oozing with charm.
6) Zillertal, Austria. This place is exactly where you imagine Heidi growing up. Nestled deep in the Austrian alps, there are all kinds of small climbing areas to explore. Routes and bouldering. Granite and limestone. To get to this gem, you have to hike 17km. It is well worth it. This is the Berliner Hutte.
7) Fontainebleau, France. Located only 30 minutes from Paris, this is the best bouldering destination in the world! Enough climbing to last you months, soft, sandy landings, and the trips and sights to see in the area are amazing. Paris! Need I say more?
8) Sardinia, Italy. I love this island. Went for our honeymoon, and returned again 2 years later with my parents. Amazing climbing on the Mediterranean sea. Ideal for honeymooners for sure. Stay in Cala Gonone if you visit. Perfect tourist town with access to tons of climbing areas.
9) Finale Ligure, Italy. This place doesn't get too much traffic from tourists it doesn't seem, but it really is worth checking out. Great climbing in a great location. We went for Christmas and enjoyed it tremendously. I love Finale Borgo. Artsy little town as you go down into Finale Ligure. Monaco is only about an hour away as well for a fun tourist trip.
10) Ceuse, France. Back when we visited Ceuse, we didn't even have a digital camera (thus the reason for no photos)! But, I remember the cliff well. It is a terrible hike. I won't lie. I don't really want to go back now having kids because the hike would just be brutal! However, for serious climbers, this is a great place to go. Amazing limestone routes that are so long and so good! Gap is the closest city, and its nice, but nothing grand compared to other French destinations.
Even if you aren't a climber, hope you enjoy the pictures!
