Climbing, travel & gastronomy: 5 destinations to discover

Go climbing, but come back with much more than just sore muscles. Go to reach the cliffs, yes, but also to immerse yourself in a culture, to soak up a landscape, the aroma of a local dish, a unique scenery, or a special light. That's exactly what these five destinations offer, each in its own way.

Adventures are not limited to the rock. They are also experienced at the table, in a village square, on the beach or under the stars after a day on the cliffs. 

Meteora: Greece

Impressive cliffs, hanging monasteries

Meteora is a place where climbing meets history and spirituality. The gigantic sandstone pillars rise from the Thessalian plain, offering unique routes for climbers and incredible panoramas for visitors.

Photograph a route from the summit of one of the iconic rocks and admire the perched monasteries that seem to defy gravity. Then, descend back into the surrounding villages, enjoy a traditional Greek coffee, and let the landscape wash over you.

Experience the Greek spirit

After the climb, local tavernas offer simple yet hearty dishes prepared with fresh, regional ingredients. Share an assortment of meze and enjoy traditional desserts while admiring the views of the rock formations.

• Spots : Ayios Nikolaos, Ypapanti, Varlaam
• Where to eat : Spitiki kouzina tis Samys, Almiriki
• Worth a try : grilled octopus, dakos, stuffed vine leaves
• To drink ouzo, local white wine
• Photo : Generation Voyage
• Official information

Lisbon & Arrábida: Portugal

A city to climb, nature to explore

Lisbon is an unexpected climbing city. The cliffs ofArrábida, about an hour away, offer limestone lines with views of the Atlantic, while the capital itself is bursting with cultural and culinary energy. 

After a day of climbing on steep routes, treat yourself to a still warm pastel de natafollowed by a dinner of bifanas in a small restaurant in the city center.

Walking, climbing, eating

Climbing there is not just an ascent, it's an excuse to enjoy the golden evening light and the cobbled streets of the city at length. 

• Spots : Arrábida Rifts, Creiro, Cabo Espichel
• Où manger : The Fisherman (Sesimbra), Manteigaria (Lisbon)
• To taste custard tarts, codfish, pork sandwiches
• À boire : ginjinha, vinho verde
• Photo : Explore Share
• Lisbon Guide

Corsica: France

Between rock and scrubland

In Corsica, climbers are equally fond of challenging routes and distinctive landscapes. Where granite meets maquis shrubland, the routes tell the story of the bounty of the Mediterranean mountains.

And when dinnertime comes, it's not just a simple meal: figatellu, local cheese, canistrelliand a glass of Corsican wine shared on a terrace take up almost as much space in the adventure as the route you have just climbed.

Off-piste, out of time

Here, the days stretch out between the sea and the high peaks, and you eventually understand why so many climbers return again and again.

• Spots : Bavella, Restonica, Monte Gozzi
• Where to eat : The Eternal Island, The Needles of Bavella
• To taste : figatellu, brocciu, lonzu
• To drink : Corsican wine (Niellucciu), Pietra beer
• Photo: Corsica Climbing
• Corsican Tourism

Monterosso al Mare, Punta Mesco: Italy

Ochre cliffs, turquoise Ligurian sea

In Monterosso, climbing is experienced within the lines of a landscape shaped by the wind, the sea, and the slow pace of Italy. The limestone walls of Punta Mesco plunge almost directly into the water, offering airy and panoramic routes, soothed by the scent of lemon trees and maritime pines.

Photograph a climb at the end of the day, when the golden light caresses the cliffs. From the heights of Mesco, the village of Monterosso appears like a pastel mosaic on the edge of the Mediterranean. Then, sit down in the narrow streets of the borgo, a glass of Cinque Terre white wine placed before you, salty like the sea air.

Taste the Ligurian soul

Here, every meal tells a story of the coast. Anchovies are sacred, pesto is made in a mortar, and plates overflow with fresh pasta, olive oil, and herbs from the maquis. After a day of climbing, we gladly share a plate of trofie al pesto before finishing with a typical regional lemon dessert.

• Spots : Punta Mesco, Fegina Cliffs, Mesco Alto Sector
• Where to eat : Mikey, The Tavern of Monterosso
• To taste : trofie al pesto, Monterosso anchovies, Ligurian focaccia
• To drink : Cinque Terre DOC white wine, limoncino
• Photo : Grimperoots
• Infos Dolomites

Reykjavik & the Capital Region: Iceland

An extraordinary landscape

Iceland offers a different kind of climbing terrain: basaltic surfaces, incomparable nature, and an almost mystical atmosphere under the Nordic light. 

Reykjavík, a vibrant and welcoming city, is perfect for extending the adventure. From its cozy cafes at the market KolaportiðFrom the famous Icelandic hot dog at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, every meal is a discovery. 

Climbing and exploration

For those who want a wilder experience, the natural areas around Höfuðborgarsvæðið invite climbing and exploration.

• Spots : Reykjanes Folk Park, Valshamar, Climbing House (indoor)
• Where to eat : The KocK, Messinn
• Worth a try Icelandic fish soup, smoked lamb, skyr
• To drink : local beer (Viking, Einstök), Brennivín
• Photo: Botond
  
• Visit Iceland

Practical advice

• Check the weather conditions and the season.
• Book mountain huts and accommodations in advance.
• Discover a local dish after climbing to complete the experience.

Suggested route

Here is a suggested itinerary to connect these five destinations throughout the seasons, without overcrowding and at a pleasant pace:

1. Spring: Kalymnos (Greece) Ideal temperatures, a climbers' atmosphere, and the first swims.
2. Early summer: Cinque Torri (Italy) : to enjoy the long days in the Dolomites.
3. Summer: Corsica (France) : warm granite but pleasant nights at altitude and daily swims.
4. Late summer / early autumn: Lisbon & Arrábida (Portugal) Coastal climbing and city life.
5. Late autumn: Reykjavík & Capital Region (Iceland) : ambiance sauvage, paysages volcaniques.

Each destination can be explored on its own or incorporated into a longer road trip. Air connections between these regions are straightforward, making short trips easy.