About Us
George Papageorgiou and Antonis Sovantzis are passionate climbers and dedicated authors who represent the second generation of bouldering developers in Attica. Their extensive experience, spanning over 15 years, has shaped this guidebook. Through their exploration, route development, and collaboration with the climbing community, they aim to inspire others and contribute to the progression of bouldering in Greece.
The Authors
Who Shaped the Bouldering Guide
George
Papageorgiou
Born in Athens in 1980, George Papageorgiou is a key figure in the development of Greek bouldering. Beginning his climbing journey with mountaineering and sport climbing in the early 2000s, he soon shifted focus to bouldering, inspired by the natural rocks near his home when indoor facilities were unavailable. George's passion for the technical and artistic aspects of the sport led him to establish numerous bouldering lines, particularly around Mt. Penteli, as well as in areas like Tinos and Evia, often collaborating with fellow climbers. Balancing his career as a signal processing engineer and family life, he continues to explore and expand Greece’s bouldering scene, leaving a lasting mark on the climbing community.
- Pioneer in Attica's bouldering development.
- Embraces the challenge of climbing exploration.
- Passionate about discovering and establishing new lines.
- Dedicated to inspiring future generations of climbers.
Antonis
Sovantzis
Born in 1983, Antonis Sovantzis discovered climbing in 2008 and quickly fell in love with bouldering. Growing up in Nea Makri, he developed a deep connection with the outdoors, inspired by his sister's mentorship during their mountain adventures. Bouldering became his lifelong pursuit, blending creativity, vision, and exploration into a single passion. Over the past 15 years, Antonis has developed numerous bouldering lines across Attica and Greece. He values the process of discovering, cleaning, and establishing new problems over achieving first ascents, finding joy in the physical and mental challenges of uncovering and climbing the unknown, cementing his role in the Greek bouldering community.
- Lifelong explorer with a passion for bouldering.
- Driven by creativity and love for nature.
- Focused on developing new bouldering areas across Greece.
- Believes in climbing as a form of expression and adventure.
George
Papageorgiou
Born in Athens in 1980, George Papageorgiou is a key figure in the development of Greek bouldering. Beginning his climbing journey with mountaineering and sport climbing in the early 2000s, he soon shifted focus to bouldering, inspired by the natural rocks near his home when indoor facilities were unavailable. George's passion for the technical and artistic aspects of the sport led him to establish numerous bouldering lines, particularly around Mt. Penteli, as well as in areas like Tinos and Evia, often collaborating with fellow climbers. Balancing his career as a signal processing engineer and family life, he continues to explore and expand Greece’s bouldering scene, leaving a lasting mark on the climbing community.
- Pioneer in Attica's bouldering development.
- Embraces the challenge of climbing exploration.
- Passionate about discovering and establishing new lines.
- Dedicated to inspiring future generations of climbers.
Antonis
Sovantzis
Born in 1983, Antonis Sovantzis discovered climbing in 2008 and quickly fell in love with bouldering. Growing up in Nea Makri, he developed a deep connection with the outdoors, inspired by his sister's mentorship during their mountain adventures. Bouldering became his lifelong pursuit, blending creativity, vision, and exploration into a single passion. Over the past 15 years, Antonis has developed numerous bouldering lines across Attica and Greece. He values the process of discovering, cleaning, and establishing new problems over achieving first ascents, finding joy in the physical and mental challenges of uncovering and climbing the unknown, cementing his role in the Greek bouldering community.
- Lifelong explorer with a passion for bouldering.
- Driven by creativity and love for nature.
- Focused on developing new bouldering areas across Greece.
- Believes in climbing as a form of expression and adventure.
Highlighting the Best Areas from Our Guidebook
Top Bouldering Destinations
Exploring the Climbing Potential of Mt. Penteli
This sector features rock ranging from red to grey sandstone-type schist, offering a wide variety of hold characteristics and quality. Climbers will find everything from high-friction grips to low-friction (but unpolished) slopers and crimps, with climbing styles that include highballs, standard-height blocs, lowballs, traverses, vertical climbs, and overhangs.
- Diverse climbing styles
- Unique rock features
- Year-round challenges
- Convenient access
Bouldering Adventures in Marathon
The crag offers excellent bouldering with diverse movement styles, including slabs and overhangs. Climbs range from lowballs to highballs, with varying holds from slopers to crimps, requiring both balance and dynamic moves. Winter and days with northern winds provide the best conditions, though humidity and rain can affect rock quality. Ensure the rock is dry after rain for optimal climbing experience.
- Accessible Routes
- High-Quality Boulders
- Diverse Climbing Styles
- Scenic Highlights
Climbing Adventures in Keratea: Cave & Sea Side Bouldering
Keratea, located in the southern region of Attica, is a bouldering and a sport climbing destination that boasts a mix of scenic beauty and technical challenge. The area features wide variety of blocs, each offering unique movement and stunning sea views. The climbing conditions are ideal from autumn to spring. However, the shaded terrain after midday provides a pleasant escape even on warmer summer days.
- Sea View Climbing
- Varied Difficulty Lines
- Cave Climbing
- Dynamic Rock Formations
George Papageorgiou & Antonis Sovantzis
Attica Bouldering Guide
This guidebook is a comprehensive resource for outdoor bouldering in the Attica region of Greece, with most sectors located within an hour’s drive from Athens. It draws from over 15 years of exploration, route cleaning, and establishing safe landing spots, reflecting the authors' commitment to the development of the area. In addition to detailed route descriptions and topos, the book offers maps, location information, and historical context to enrich the climber’s experience. Our goal is to inspire both local and international climbers, contributing to the sport’s growth and motivating younger generations to explore bouldering off the beaten path.
What to Expect
Experience Athens' Bouldering Wonders
Climb to new heights and uncover the beauty of Athen's most iconic bouldering destinations. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a beginner, every route is a step closer to an unforgettable adventure.
