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Five of the World’s Most Beautiful Climbing Locations

From the towering sea cliffs of Tasmania to the limestone karsts of Vietnam, our planet offers a dazzling variety of rock formations for climbers seeking adventure, challenge, and beauty. Australian climber and photographer Simon Carter, who has spent four decades scaling and photographing the world’s cliffs, reveals five of his favorite climbing destinations — breathtaking landscapes that test both skill and spirit.

Sophia Turner

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Five of the World’s Most Beautiful Climbing Locations

The Rise of Global Climbing

Whether it was Tom Cruise’s daring ascent in Mission: Impossible II or Alex Honnold’s death-defying rope-free climb of El Capitan in the Oscar-winning Free Solo, climbing has captured the world’s imagination. The sport has boomed in popularity over the past two decades, thanks in part to inspirational films, the spread of indoor climbing gyms, and climbing’s Olympic debut in 2020.

“I’ve seen so many people getting into outdoor climbing,” Carter says. “At first, I was drawn to the physical and mental challenge. But over time, it became about the places I visited and the people I met. Climbing gives you access to remote corners of the planet that tourists rarely see. The connection to nature is profound — you spend long days in spectacular, humbling environments.”

1. The Tasman Peninsula Pillars, Australia

For sheer drama, few spots can rival Tasmania’s southern coast. About an hour’s drive from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula features vast Jurassic dolerite sea columns that rise like giant matchsticks from the roaring Southern Ocean.

Among them stand the Totem Pole, The Moai, and Pole Dancer — a “trilogy” of world-class climbs reserved for experienced adventurers. Each requires hours of hiking and abseiling to reach, followed by vertical ascents over churning seas.

The Totem Pole, slender and 65 metres tall, is perhaps the most iconic. “It’s an incredible structure — like a single pillar of stone piercing the ocean,” says Carter. “You’re climbing in one of the most mind-blowing settings imaginable.”

Travellers can reach Tasmania via direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, or by ferry from mainland Australia.

2. Kalymnos and Telendos, Greece

While most travellers head to Santorini or Mykonos, climbers make a pilgrimage to Kalymnos, a rocky island in the Dodecanese known for its spectacular limestone cliffs and caves.

“Kalymnos might not be the most scenic island for sunbathing,” Carter says, “but for climbers, it’s paradise.” The island — and its smaller neighbour Telendos — offers over 4,000 routes, ranging from beginner-friendly climbs to elite endurance challenges.

One highlight is Crystal Cave on Telendos, accessible by a short ferry ride and a scenic hike. “It’s a long, physical, gymnastic climb — you need a 100-metre rope because the cave is so high,” Carter explains. “It’s extraordinary.”

Climbing here is also notable for its inclusivity. “It’s one of the few sports that doesn’t discriminate by gender,” Carter says. “Strength, agility, balance, and mindset all matter equally. Today, around half of climbers are women, which is fantastic to see.”

3. Smith Rock State Park, USA

Often called the birthplace of American sport climbing, Smith Rock State Park in Oregon is an awe-inspiring desert landscape of orange cliffs rising above the Crooked River.

Climbing here evolved in the 1960s and ’70s, but exploded in the ’80s when pioneers began bolting smooth, crack-less walls, shifting the sport toward gymnastic movement and endurance.

“Smith Rock has this Wild West feel,” Carter says. “You’re surrounded by ranches and farmland, and suddenly these dramatic cliffs appear.”

The park boasts more than 2,000 routes, from moderate climbs to legendary test pieces like To Bolt or Not to Be, a technically demanding 41-metre wall once considered North America’s hardest route.

Located 200 miles from Portland, Smith Rock is both a training ground and a pilgrimage site for climbers worldwide.

4. Les Calanques, France

Just outside Marseille, Calanques National Park stretches along France’s southern coast — a rugged expanse of limestone inlets plunging into the turquoise Mediterranean.

“The Calanques are historically significant for climbers,” says Carter. “Mountaineers trained here in the early 1900s when weather made the Alps impassable.” Classic routes such as Arête de Marseille blend history with breathtaking views.

Today, the park’s 26 calanques offer options for every level — from easy seaside climbs to overhanging caves. “Some routes start right from little beaches,” Carter notes. “It’s special — you’re climbing above the glittering Mediterranean.”

With Marseille just 30 minutes away, it’s easy to combine world-class climbing with the city’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

5. Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam, Hạ Long Bay is famous for its thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters — a dreamscape for adventure seekers.

While most visitors explore the bay on tranquil junk boats, climbers come for the challenge of scaling its cliffs and caves. Cát Bà Island, the region’s climbing hub, offers established routes like Butterfly Wall and The Face, as well as deep-water soloing — rope-free climbing above the sea, where the ocean itself is your safety net.

“Hạ Long Bay is almost unreal,” Carter says. “Everywhere you look, towers of limestone rise from the mist. It’s a place that makes you feel small, adventurous, and utterly alive.”

The Beauty of Vertical Worlds

For Simon Carter, climbing isn’t only about pushing limits — it’s about connection. “You’re immersed in nature, testing yourself physically and mentally,” he reflects. “But beyond that, it’s about discovery — finding beauty in the most remote corners of the Earth.”

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