Cyprus Climbing Information Guide

About the Neighboring Island and Its Rocks

Climbing in Cyprus? You’re in the right place.

Cyprus offers much more than beaches and views — there are excellent crags, beautiful villages, and climbing areas worth getting to know.

I’m Yonatan, a climbing guide who lives and climbs here. I’ve put together a short, clear and useful guide to help you get to know the island a little better — from the crags to the logistics.

Logistic

Transportation: You must rent a car - there's no option to manage with public transportation. An Israeli license is sufficient. Note that driving here is on the opposite side. Compare rental cars
Where to fly: 2 main airports: Larnaca and Paphos. All the climbing is concentrated in Paphos, so if you can find a flight there - you've won! You can also book an airport transfer directly to your accommodation.
Where to sleep: The best option is to find an apartment through Airbnb. You might get lucky and find accommodation near the crags, which is great. Look for your home near the villages of Ineia and Droushia. For those who want to be close to the sea and enjoy both worlds, you can also sleep in Paphos (a bit more nightlife and restaurants) or Polis (amazing beaches), both cities are a 45-minute drive from the crags. Search hotels and apartments in Cyprus
Currency: The official currency in Cyprus (Republic of Cyprus, the southern part) is the Euro (€).
Visa: Israeli citizens and citizens of the European Union (EU) and EEA countries do not require a visa to enter and stay in Cyprus for tourism purposes for up to 90 days. Citizens of any other country must independently check visa requirements and relevant permits with the local Cypriot embassy or the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Equipment: For those interested in renting climbing and bouldering gear, you can contact me - click here

About Climbing

Cyprus offers several climbing areas with routes for climbers of all skill levels. Paphos hosts both the hardest and the most popular crags on the island, the Akamas Peninsula has stunning views across the northwest coast, many high-quality crags are found throughout the Kyrenia mountain range, the Troodos Mountains span the centre of the island, and Cavo Greco overlooks the beautiful coast of Agia Napa.

The main areas consist of various types of limestone that are hard and massive (lacking in layers) in Dhiarizos and Episkopi, highly featured (including tufas) in the Kyrenia range, and sharp and featured in Cavo Greco. The Akamas peninsula rocks, which offer sport, trad, and bouldering, are a form of compact sandstone.

All these sectors provide sport climbing from the low 5s to around 8b+/8c, with many projects still open, and with over 600 routes across more than 20 sectors, Cyprus is a great destination for climbers of every level.

Indoor Climbing Walls in Cyprus

Cyprus offers several quality indoor climbing walls scattered across the island. In recent years, new and modern facilities have opened, offering diverse climbing options for climbers of all levels. The walls are mainly located in major cities and offer an excellent place for training, meeting local climbers, and staying fit on rainy days or extreme heat.

Useful tip: Monthly memberships at the walls range from €50–70, and most gyms also offer single-entry passes. Local climbers' Facebook groups are the best way to find outdoor partners and current route updates.

Background for Understanding the Island's Crags

Cyprus was ruled by the British, and Cypriots and Turks lived side by side (sound familiar?). In 1974, there was a coup on the island by the Turks who wanted to be recognized as a state ('Operation Attila' for those interested), and the result - the country was divided so that the Turkish Republic controls 37% of the northern part of the island, with its own currency, language, and ethnic symbols. The Cypriots were left with emotional baggage, souvlaki, and 63% of the country.

They tend to call the Turkish part: 'The occupied part of Northern Cyprus' and I actually found many similarities between the situation in Israel and what's happening here. But much lighter, one could say. But we didn't come to talk politics.

From here we jump to the crag review, which, if you understood correctly, we'll divide into crags in Cyprus itself (south) and the northern part of Cyprus that belongs to the Turks. The emphasis will be on the main crags only.

Planning to climb in Cyprus?

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Yonatan climbing in a Petzl shirt

North Cyprus

First, to cross to this part you need to cross a border and show passports. Not a complicated process but can take half an hour if there's traffic at the checkpoint. The local currency there is Turkish Lira, but they obviously also accept euros.

The clear disadvantage for tourists is that crossing with a rental car from the Cyprus side to the Turkish side is not such a simple/worthwhile matter, so finding local climbers and joining them will be an excellent option. What's certain is that you mustn't miss these crags!

In this part of the island, sport climbing exceeds all imagination and offers sites that are not inferior to world-class destinations! With long routes, tufas, caves, and the highest quality rock. I'm listing here some of the crags you shouldn't miss - for more information like access routes and detailed route descriptions, you can find it in the guidebook (available for pickup from me).

Buffawall

3. Buffawall

Located in a green pastoral valley with views of the open sea. Most routes are smooth slabs up to 40 metres long. There are around 15 routes, mostly grades 7 and above, with several tufas adding variety.

Outdoor · Long routes · 7+
Garga-Suyu

2. Garga-Suyu

One of the island's established crags, with plenty of routes, quality rock, and a wide range of grades. The main drawback is some road noise.

Outdoor · A range of grades · Community
grand pasha 7b Goat House
grand pasha 7b Goat House
Goat House

1. Goat House

Probably the best crag in the north. Located in the Kyrenia Mountains, it offers quality sport climbing on technical rock, varied grades, and panoramic views. The easy approach crosses open countryside, making it ideal for a full day of climbing in spring or autumn.

Outdoor · Full day

Shade Hours Calculator

Heat is one of the challenges of climbing in Cyprus, especially in summer. This dedicated shade hours calculator helps climbers plan the best time to visit each crag.

Open the shade calculator

South Cyprus

Diarizous

2. Diarizous

A friendly crag with a wide range of grades, especially suitable for beginners. Two sectors face each other just a few steps apart, so you can climb all day. There is consistent shade, a one-minute approach, and a stream nearby. The style is mostly slab climbing.

Take me to parkingOutdoor · Beginners · Shade
Episkopi

3. Episkopi

An old village near Paphos, below an impressive 60-metre crag. The main wall is currently closed to climbing, so check local conditions before visiting.

Next to it is a 35-metre "Baby" crag with routes in a range of styles and grades. It is shaded for much of the day and has an easy approach, with a local café nearby for a break between sessions.

Take me to parkingOutdoor · All levels · Shade
Gerakopetra

1. Gerakopetra

An impressive crag with long routes across a wide range of grades, overlooking the Mediterranean and the huge boulder field below. Two opposing faces allow climbing from morning into the afternoon, with an easy five-minute approach.

Take me to parkingOutdoor · All levels · Sea view

Bouldering - A Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean

Ineia & Drousia - Where It All Happens

The Ineia-Drousia area is one of the great climbing secrets of the Mediterranean: more than 300 boulders and over 700 problems of world-class quality spread across several square kilometres, with unique compact sandstone reminiscent of Fontainebleau, combined with Mediterranean sun and warmth.

The FirstBolt app contains Cyprus climbing routes, with around 80% already mapped and scannable. It includes problem details and approach directions, making it a useful companion for exploring the island's boulders and crags.

Development is moving quickly! Local and international climbers add new boulders every month. The island's current hardest boulder is rated 8a (V11), and dozens of high-grade projects are still waiting for first ascents.

Even as a climber who is not primarily a boulderer, I highly recommend this area. The combination of quality rock, views across the sea and valleys, and a peaceful atmosphere creates a unique bouldering experience.

FirstBolt climbing app route screen

SMART GUIDEBOOK

FirstBolt — A Smart Guide for Climbers

Scan the first bolt to get the route, grade, and relevant information. The app includes Cyprus climbing routes, with around 80% already mapped and scannable.

Download and learn about FirstBolt

Cyprus Bouldering

Videos from the Climbing Cyprus channel only, graded 7A and above

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The official Cyprus bouldering guidebook is ready!

The official guide maps the bouldering areas around Akamas, Ineia and Droushia: nearly 700 problems from Font 3 to 8A, clear maps, GPS pins, approach directions and route photos. Most approaches are short, making the area especially good for winter sessions. Watch the preview and learn more.

Details about the guide
Cover of the Cyprus bouldering guide

Climbing Cyprus

Guided climbing days and experiences in Cyprus

Join group climbing instruction, fun days in nature and tailor-made experiences. I adapt the route to your pace, combine professional guidance with safe practice and leave time to enjoy the scenery — even if it is your first time on a cliff.

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Need crash pads for bouldering? Rent quality bouldering gear directly from me.

Looking for an activity on a rest day or for the family? Browse Cyprus activities and attractions on Klook.

Good to know

Conditions, access, and route information can change. Check current local information before heading out and climb responsibly.

Ready to start your Cyprus climbing adventure?

I would be happy to guide you on the crags, help plan your trip, and share local knowledge.

Yonatan climbing in Cyprus Contact

Beside Climbing

Recommendations for coffee, food, sea, and nature before climbing, after a session, or on a rest day.

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Plan the rest of your day

After a day on the cliffs, continue with a great meal, comfortable accommodation or a relaxed activity by the sea. Here are selected options to help you plan the rest of your day while staying close to the climbing areas.

Accommodation near the crags

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💬 Comments and questions

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