Best European holiday spots for climbers

1. Frankenjura, Germany

Known as one of Europe’s premier climbing destinations, Frankenjura is a limestone paradise located in southern Germany. With over 1,000 climbing routes, it’s the perfect spot for climbers looking for variety, from easy beginner routes to world-class overhangs. Frankenjura’s routes are famed for their short, powerful climbs on pockets and crimps, making it a playground for sport climbers.

Best Routes: Frankenjura offers iconic routes such as the "Action Directe," considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world. But beyond that, you’ll find numerous crags with varying levels of difficulty across the region. The village of Pottenstein makes a great base for your climbing adventures, offering access to top crags and a chance to experience Bavarian culture​

Getting There with Avios: Fly from London to either Munich or Berlin using your Avios. Off-peak Economy return reward seats cost 18,500 Avios plus £1 for both destinations. From either city, you can reach Frankenjura with a scenic 4-hour drive or train journey, making it an accessible and convenient trip.

2. Magic Wood, Switzerland

For bouldering enthusiasts, Magic Wood in Switzerland is a must-visit destination. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, this bouldering area is known for its granite boulders that offer endless challenges. From easy blocs to some of the most difficult boulder problems in the world, Magic Wood is famous for its high concentration of top-quality bouldering routes.

Best Routes: Routes range from 5B to 7A, with some areas catering to beginners, while others are strictly for advanced climbers. The area’s natural beauty, with moss-covered rocks and surrounding alpine scenery, only adds to the experience​

Getting There with Avios: Fly into Zurich, the closest airport to Magic Wood, using your Avios. Off-peak Economy return reward seats between London and Zurich cost 18,500 Avios plus £1. From there, it's just a two-hour drive, making it an easy and convenient destination for a bouldering holiday.

3. The Dolomites, Italy

For alpine climbing enthusiasts, The Dolomites in northern Italy offer some of the most awe-inspiring multi-pitch routes in Europe. Known for their sharp, jagged peaks, these limestone mountains are perfect for climbers who enjoy traditional climbing, sport climbing, and via ferrata. The region boasts thousands of routes, from beginner-friendly climbs to advanced technical challenges.

Best Routes: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the Dolomites’ most famous formations, offers classic multi-pitch routes with stunning views. Additionally, the Marmolada mountain is a favourite among climbers for its towering walls and rich climbing history​

Getting There with Avios: Fly into Venice, the best airport for proximity and flight schedules, just two hours by car from the Dolomites. Off-peak Economy return reward seats between London and Venice cost 23,500 Avios plus £1, making it both affordable and convenient. Once there, you'll be surrounded by some of the most stunning mountain scenery in Europe.

4. Osp, Slovenia

Located near the border of Italy, the village of Osp in Slovenia is a quiet favourite among sport climbers. With its massive limestone cliffs, Osp offers an array of challenging routes that attract climbers from all over Europe. The area is known for its consistent weather, making it an ideal climbing destination year-round.

Best Routes: The Osp Cave features some of the hardest routes in Europe, including routes in the 8a to 9a range. For those seeking more moderate challenges, the crags outside the cave offer a variety of sport routes suited for all skill levels.

Getting There with Avios: Fly into Ljubljana, just one hour from Osp, using your Avios. Off-peak Economy return reward seats between London and Ljubljana cost 23,500 Avios plus £1, making it an affordable and convenient option for climbers. From there, you can easily drive or take a short train ride to reach your destination.

5. Fontainebleau, France

Often referred to as the mecca of bouldering, Fontainebleau is a vast bouldering area located just south of Paris. With over 30,000 routes, the sandstone boulders here offer climbers of all levels the chance to test their skills. Fontainebleau’s scenic forest, combined with its history as one of the world’s oldest and most iconic bouldering areas, makes it a must-visit for any climber.

Best Routes: Fontainebleau is known for its circuits, colour-coded routes that guide climbers through the forest. The blue and red circuits are great for intermediate climbers, while more experienced climbers can tackle the black and white circuits.

Getting There with Avios: Fly from London to Paris using your Avios, with off-peak Economy return reward seats costing 18,500 Avios plus £1. From Paris, Fontainebleau is just a 1.5-hour drive, making it an ideal weekend getaway for bouldering enthusiasts.

6. Kalymnos, Greece

If you’re looking for a sun-soaked climbing holiday, Kalymnos in Greece is one of the best sport climbing destinations in the world. This small island in the Aegean Sea is known for its overhanging limestone routes, many of which are located directly above the ocean, offering incredible views and cooling breezes. Kalymnos is especially popular in the spring and autumn, when the weather is perfect for climbing.

Best Routes: Kalymnos has over 3,000 sport routes, catering to climbers of all levels. Some of the most popular crags include Grande Grotta, known for its impressive tufas, and Sikati Cave, where climbers can enjoy challenging climbs with a stunning view of the sea.

Getting There with Avios: The best way to reach Kalymnos is to fly into the nearby Greek island of Kos using Avios. Off-peak Economy return reward seats between London and Kos cost 27,500 Avios plus £1. From Kos, take a short boat ride from Mastahari to Kalymnos. 

Alternatively, you can fly into Bodrum, Turkey, also for 27,500 Avios plus £1, and take a boat across to Kalymnos. This remote destination offers a perfect mix of climbing and beach relaxation for your holiday.

Conclusion: A Climbing Adventure Awaits

Europe offers climbing destinations for every skill level, from gentle boulders for beginners to challenging routes for experienced climbers. Discover the limestone crags of Frankenjura or the sun-soaked cliffs of Kalymnos, where adventure, beauty, and the thrill of climbing come together. 

With Avios, these incredible locations are within reach—use your points to book British Airways reward flights to some of Europe’s top climbing spots. Be it a short weekend trip to Fontainebleau or an extended holiday in the Dolomites, your next climbing adventure is just a flight away.

Plan your trip with Reward Flight Finder (RFF) today and discover the best Avios deals to kickstart your European climbing holiday.