A combination of easy access, low graded routes, and an easy walk off around the back of the crag rather, than a lower off from the top of the crag, make the rock climbing area at Alikou in the west of Cyprus an ideal place for beginners and children to begin rock climbing.
Access to the Rock Climbing Area at Alikou
Alikou is easily accessed from the F709 Paphos Polis road.
From Paphos take the first road off to the left that is signed to Drouseia and Ineia. Follow the road to Ineia where the cafe is passed on the right. Shortly after the cafe there is a three way road junction. Take the left fork, follow the road out of the village passing the rock climbing area of Koratgoi on the left. Continue along the road and the climbing area of Alikou will be on the right. To find the obvious car parking area continue along the road past the crag to reach a junction. Take the track to the right and descend a short way, there is an obvious parking area on the right at coordinates N34 57.377 E032 22.689.
From the parking area a track ascends the short distance to a large tree which provides shade at the bottom of the routes
Rock Climbing at Alikou
There are only three documented routes at Alikou. Two are bolted and graded at French 3 and French 3+ and there is a traditional route graded at Hard Difficult.
All three routes are 35 - 40 m long.
In view of the length of the routes the leader should belay from the top. The walk off round the back of the crag is easy.
The lack of lower off and the low grade of the routes make this an ideal rock climbing area for children and beginners.
The rock climbing routes face predominantly west meaning the face is in shade in the morning. The tree at the bottom of the crag provides some shade for those not climbing throughout the day.
There are excellent views from the crag down towards Lara bay.
Refreshment is available post climbing at the cafe at Ineia.
Further Information on Rock Climbing On Cyprus
There is another sport climbing area nearby at Gerakopetra. There is more extensive climbing at perhaps the best site for rock climbing on Cyprus at Diharziou North and South
The website rock climbing in Cyprus provides route guides and photos for the climbing areas on Cyprus.
The sport of rock climbing by its very nature carries risk. This article is intended to help climbers find areas in which to enjoy their sport whilst in Cyprus. Each climber should make their own judgment on the condition of the rock and the safety of the bolting and their own level of competence.
 |
 |
 |
