Chaos is a giant crater in the ground surrounded by stunning orange/brown limestone walls. Concealed underground for millennia, this amazing natural amphitheater was revealed when a cave collapsed and created a sinkhole measuring 55 meters in depth and 120 meters in diameter. It is also known as Chaos tou Kitsou, as it was the territory of a bandit by that name in the 19th century.
Chaos is within the pine-covered Sounio National Park and it is near a quaint seaside town called Lavrio. During the 5th and 4th century BC, it was the silver mines of Lavrio which propelled Classical Athens to wealth and prosperity. Scattered minerals and remains of the ancient mine shafts, which were true wonders of engineering, are distributed around the area south of Chaos as if in an open-air exhibit.
Climbing: The climbing at Chaos is hardcore but amazing. With 25 routes graded from 7a to 8b, and a devoted following, it is considered one of the best crags in Greece. The reason? A distinct, ‘old style’ of climbing on smooth, finger-challenging, orange/brown limestone. The cliffs are very solid, mostly vertical to slightly overhanging, with good friction, crimps, and small vertical and horizontal holds. (The bolting, however, is sometimes discouraging.) The main developer, Kostas Roussos, discovered Chaos in 2000; however, climbing activity started much later, in 2009. Additional contributors include Constantinos Vrohidis, Vangelis Kastanias, Spyros Kouthouris and Stamatis Kostantakopoulos. There is still some potential for a few more quality lines.
Kids: Somewhat suitable. There is a water spring,benches, and tree shade by the parking area. The path down to the crater is not difficult, but the space beneath most routes is tight. A more comfortable level area is under the big roof where the routes start.
Conditions: Year-round climbing is possible, but spring, autumn and winter are best. The crag is protected against the wind, and winter conditions can be optimal for climbing hard routes.
