The Cyprus Rock Climbing Festival (CRCF) returns to Inia, Paphos, from 16 to 18 October 2026, offering three days of climbing, hiking, outdoor activities and live entertainment against the backdrop of the Akamas Peninsula.
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and with the support of the Akamas Municipality, the festival is aimed at both experienced climbers and newcomers eager to try the sport for the first time.
Activities for all levels
Throughout the three-day event, participants will be able to attend educational workshops, climbing competitions, nature-based activities and evening entertainment.
Beginner-friendly sessions include:
- Introductory climbing lessons.
- Abseiling experiences.
- Top-rope climbing.
- Introduction to outdoor bouldering.
All activities will be led by qualified instructors, with equipment provided.
For experienced climbers, the programme includes:
- Multipitch climbing workshops.
- Sport-climbing self-rescue techniques.
- Route planning and performance analysis sessions.
Beyond climbing
The festival also features a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, including:
- Morning yoga sessions.
- Treasure hunts.
- Rock painting.
- Rope-weaving workshops as part of the European Bridging the Green Gap project.
- Orienteering activities organised with the support of Active Zone Outdoor.
Hiking enthusiasts can join navigation workshops and free guided hikes around Inia's climbing areas and the Matsikorido Trail.
Climbing competition and prizes
A friendly sport-climbing competition will take place on Saturday, 17 October.
Participants can compete individually or in teams of two or three, aiming to complete as many routes as possible across four climbing sectors featuring a total of 86 routes graded between 4a and 8a.
The competition offers €800 in prize money.
A free photography competition will also run throughout the weekend, with entries accepted in two categories:
- Best Action Photo.
- Best Scenic Photo.
Total prizes for the photography contest amount to €100.
Evening events
After daily activities conclude, the programme will move to Inia's village square and amphitheatre.
Friday evening will include:
- Presentations by climbers sharing their experiences.
- Spanish guitar performances by Javier Castello Corvillo.
- A DJ set by DJ Downtown Groovz.
On Saturday, climbing competition winners will be announced before live music from Astrochimp.
Both evenings will also feature climbing-themed games and competitions with prizes worth €580, including the new Clean the Anchor challenge and an updated version of Carabiner Master.
Food and refreshments will be available from Serial Griller and Winners Cafe.
Supporting climbing in Cyprus
The festival is organised on a non-profit basis by RCDC Rock Climbing Development Cyprus Ltd with the support of instructors and volunteers.
According to organisers, all net proceeds are reinvested in maintaining and replacing climbing anchors across Cyprus, helping ensure safe and sustainable climbing conditions.
The event also aims to strengthen links between outdoor recreation and local communities while showcasing Inia and the wider Akamas region as destinations for alternative tourism and outdoor activities.
Free camping available
Visitors travelling to the area will have access to free camping facilities at Inia Primary School.
A 15% discount is also available at Palates Hotel in Inia.
Full programme details, activity information and bookings are available at cyprusrockclimbingfestival.com.
