Agia Marina is a seaside settlement within Kropias municipality in eastern Attica which is associated with the Athens - Lavrion Avenue and especially the “Hole of Karamanlis”, a small road-tunnel built in 1974, just 1Km from the crag. During summer weekends the beaches of Loumparda and Agia Marina are rather busy, while watersports such as scuba diving and kayaking are popular.
Agia Marina has a rich ancient past with remains both on the flat peninsula but also on the island of Ntounis, which betray the movements of the residents during the Bronze Age. Within the modern settlement, an ancient well (named “Pigadi tou Alykou”), constructed in 440 BC, can be seen, still retaining its original name.
The limestone crag of Agia Marina is conducive to climbing only during the winter months, since with a southern aspect and at an elevation of just 17m, it receives direct sunlight throughout the day. The crag has sport routes graded 5c to 7b+, and heights between 10m to 12m, which are all equipped with closed anchors. Among them, notable are “Boufos” (5c, 12m), “Xefteri” (6c+, 12m), “Charopouli” (7b+, 12m), and “Chelidoni” (6c+, 12m).
Access
Access to Agia Marina is possible via EO91 Athens - Lavrion, about 4Km east of Varkiza, near Loumparda beach. After parking at the lot by the beach, the crag can be accessed with an easy 10-minute hike. Following Athens-Lavrion Avenue towards Varkiza for 350m, we reach a barred side road to our right at the start of the distinctive turn. From there we follow this side-road for 100m and make a right turn at the first gorge, with the main sector being clearly visible on the wall. The second sector can be found across to the left, with only one route.
Alternatively, the Agia Marina crag can be reached using public transport and stopping at Loumparda.
Routes overview
The crag was originally bolted between 1998 - 2000 by S. Moutzouvis and D. Stravogenis, who equipped 13 routes. The route names mostly refer to species of birds.
In 2012 the crag was rebolted in EOOA specifications led by D. Stravogenis. In this context, there was an addition of intermediate chemical bolts, as well as renewed anchors which remained closed. Other contributors to the project included Th. Grasos, K. Kiziridis and Th. Tsoumanis, while the equipment was provided by EOOA.