Pades Ioannina

The climbing crag in Pades is located at the begging of mount Smolikas in a beautiful natural enviroment. It had got the attention of many climbers, but it was not until the summer of 2009 that most of the routes where opened, and the place begun to get organized.

The first visitor of the area was Vaggelis Galanis followed by Michael Styllas who opened from one route each.

Approach

From Ioannina we are heading to Konitsa (62km). We then follow the label to Distrato and Ski resort Vasilitsa. After the village Palioseli and with 29.5 km remaining to Konitsa we arrive to Pades. We follow the road to the left and the labels “Climbing crag”,  the cultural association has placed, through the village. We end to the chappel of Saint Athanasios where we park. From there in 3 minutes we are in the crag. There is also a faucet.

From Northern Greece you can also go to Pades from Grevena taking the exit from Egnatia to the Ski resort Vasilitsa and then head to Distrato, Armata and end to Pades (80km from Grevena).

Character

All routes are equiped with stainless bolts and they cover a big range of difficulty. However they are mostly for medium level climbers.

Season

The best period for climbing is from the middle of April untill middle of November, with summer being the most ideal as the altitude of 1200m makes a big diference in the weather. Because of the different orientation of the rocks, you can climb the whole day in the sun or the shade.

Useful equpiment

A 70m rope or even better 80m for the extensions and 15-16 quickdraws.