Čikola Canyon, Croatia's new climbing hot spot
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Boris Čujić
Recently one of the hot spots for climbing in Croatia has been the canyon above River Čikola, not far from the town of Šibenik. The climbing area is located in the canyon, in the immediate vicinity of the Krka National Park. Exploration of this gorgeously wild canyon has only just begun, but it is already clear that the potential is tremendous - so much so that it is sometimes referred to as the Croatian Chulilla...
The site is easily accessible. The walls face south and are therefore suitable for climbing in winter. Furthermore, two sectors on the opposite side of the canyon have been developed recently and are ideal for summer.
The crags were equipped as part of an EU funded project that aims to establish a recreational zone in the area; approach trails and viewpoints have been built and the routes are bolted well and appropriate for beginners and recreational climbers. Nevertheless, there are plenty of harder routes, too. Most faces are slabs or vertical, but there are some slightly overhanging faces, too. The two summer sectors provide steeper climbing on tufas. The walls are up to 80 meters high and consequently the climbs are long, some up to 50 meters in height. A long rope is therefore recommended; always tie a knot into the other end of the rope before lowering off your climbing partner. Note that the longer routes tend to have anchors at mid-height.
Warning! The crags are located in a protected area and on the border with the Krka National Park. Visitors are requested to behave responsibly.
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