Loutra Chalkidikis

Climbing in Chalkidiki

Climate and climbing seasons
Temperatures  and  precipitation  in  Loutra  are adequate  for  rock  climbing  all  year  round. Nevertheless,  among  the  best  seasons  are  spring and  autumn  with  typical  maximum  temperatures between  15  and  25°C.  While  all  the  lush  vegetation makes  the  landscape  slightly  more  appealing  in spring, the sea is warmer in autumn. Summer at the beaches and cliffs nearby is fantastic. Climbing the few routes further inland may be best in the cooler mornings and evenings. In  winter,  maximum  temperatures  are  typically around 10°C which is still warm enough for climbing but  the  humidity  and  possible  snowfall  may  be unpleasant.
 
Suitability for children
The  beaches  at  Porto  Ilios  (Beach  Towers,  Turtle’s Head)  and  the  Sea  Cliffs  of  Agia  Paraskevi  are perfect  for  children  and  families.  Most  of  the  other crags are okay, in terms of  safety and  suitability  for playing,  apart  from  some  sections  around  Red Sunset Face which are quite rugged and steep.
 
Access – Approach
From  Thessaloniki’s  international  airport  (“Make-donia”/SKG)  you  can  catch  a  taxi  to  the  bus  station “KTEL  Chalkidikis”  (KTEΛ  XAΛKIΔIKHΣ)  for  approxi-mately €10. There you can buy a ticket to  Loutra (ΛOYTPA)  at the counter for €12.60.  Buses  leave Thessaloniki at 9.00 am, 1.00 pm and 5.30 pm. The ride takes almost 2½ hours. For the return journey, buses  leave  Loutra  at  07.05  am,  01.05  pm  and  05.35 pm; the tickets for these are sold on the bus. The  company’s  web  page  is  www.ktel-chalkidikis.gr (note: Loutra is listed as “Agia Paraskevi Spa”). Alternatively,  one  can  bring  or  hire  a  car  (which  we never needed in Loutra) or catch a taxi (for example that  of  Charis  Zaykaretos  (Tel.  0030/6979494375), who  lives  in  a  neighbouring  village  of  Loutra:  €100-150 from the airport).