Malta is a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is known for its magnificent limestone walls, beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. This makes Malta also an excellent place for rock climbing. There are many different routes of all levels, climbing clubs and experienced guides.
Climbing during your vacations in Malta
This island is known for its sunny climate, its cruises and sailing trips to the blue lagoon, but also for its sports activities such as diving or climbing! Generally from Europe, you will find tickets with flights and hotels for not too expensive to Valletta.
The island offers many climbing spots, from rocky cliffs to sandstone walls. Climbing in Malta is a very popular activity for tourists. Climbing enthusiasts often organize tours to the best spots throughout their trip.
The best climbing spots in Malta and Gozo
Among the best climbing spots in Malta are the cliffs of Gozo Island, the sandstone walls of Comino Island and the rocky cliffs of Malta Island. Here are some ideas if you want to climb in the best places:
Wied Babu, Malta
First vertical climb, the one at Wied Babu, in Malta, where you will find many holds on the rocks to help you climb. This is one of the most picturesque valleys on the island, with vertical routes ranging from very easy to very difficult.
Lapsi, Malta
Dare to climb the overhangs and you will find yourself in caves like Lapsi. This is one of the best places for climbing in Malta. Enjoy staring at caves and overhangs on cliffs overlooking the sea, there are many routes for different levels, from simple to advanced.
Xaqqa Valley
Wall like the Xaqqa, it is quite difficult to climb, but remains manageable thanks to the angles and cracks.
Mgarr ix-Xini, Gozo
This is a beautiful valley in Gozo, Malta’s sister island, that will surprise you with a variety of incredible climbing options in a beautiful setting.
Wied il-Mielah, Gozo
How about a multi-stage challenge, where the wall is too high for the rope to reach, so you have to do it in sections, like Wied il-Mielah? These are also some of the easiest cliffs to climb on the island, reaching up to about 40 m from sea level, so the exposure is excellent… and the view magnificent!
Santa Marija Caves, Comino
Finally, there is Deep Water Soloing (DWS), where you can climb above the water of the lagoons without a safety line, on the cliffs of Comino. The best solos in the open sea are found on these spectacular cliffs, where huge caves open up.
Other good climbing spots in Malta
– Dingli Cliffs: These limestone cliffs are located only a few kilometers from Valletta and offer an excellent view of the sea. There are several climbing routes available, ranging from easy to difficult.
– Ghajn Tuffieha: These limestone cliffs are located only a few kilometers from Valletta and offer an excellent view of the sea. There are several climbing routes available, ranging from easy to difficult.
– Mdina: The walled city of Mdina is an excellent place for climbing, as it offers many easy and difficult routes. The city is also surrounded by numerous caves, making it an ideal place for exploration.
There are many other climbing sites in Malta, such as Wied il-Ghasel in Mosta, Victoria Line, Mistra in Mellieha and Latnija Sinkhole. Gozo also has the Xlendi or Sopu towers.
Climbing in Malta: rules to respect
The risks of climbing
There are a few rules to follow to ensure that you and other climbers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
First of all, it is important to remember that climbing is a dangerous sport and that you should always take the necessary precautions. Make sure you know your level of experience and do not underestimate the difficulty of the routes you choose.
If you are a beginner, there are many places where you can learn the basics of climbing. There are also many climbing schools that offer courses for beginners.
If you are an experienced climber, you will find many challenges: trad climbing, bouldering and lead climbing.
It is also important to assess the weather conditions and not to climb if they are dangerous even though it rains quite rarely in Malta.
Most of the sites are open all year round, so you can enjoy climbing regardless of the season.
There are also some things to avoid when climbing in Malta to limit the risk. The first is not to climb alone. Malta is a very isolated island and there are not many people climbing here, which means that if you have an accident, it can be very difficult to get help. In addition, there are many climbing sites that are not well maintained and can be dangerous.
So make sure you do your homework before you go climbing in Malta and follow the safety tips.
Rules to follow when climbing in Malta
There are some general rules to follow when climbing in Malta:
First of all, it is important to respect the environment. This means that you should not leave any waste behind and that you should respect the fauna and flora.
Secondly, it is important to respect other climbers. This means you need to be aware of your noise and not venture out where you shouldn’t.
Finally, it is important to respect the rules established by the managers of the climbing site or your guide if you go with a club.
By following these few rules, you are sure to have a great time climbing in Malta!
Climbing in Malta: the necessary equipment
If you plan to go climbing in Malta, make sure you have the right equipment. You will need a climbing rope, a harness, a helmet and harnesses. You will also want to bring climbing shoes, gloves and crampons if you plan to climb in the winter.
There are several places where you can rent climbing equipment in Malta. This will allow you to experience climbing in the best possible conditions. Plus, you’ll be able to choose where you want to climb, which is great if you have specific plans in mind.
Climbing clubs in Malta
Climbing in Malta is a great way to discover the island and enjoy its beautiful cliffs. Climbing clubs offer activities for all levels and are a great way to meet other climbers. The climbing routes are varied and there is something for everyone.
Here we put you the different climbing clubs and organizers in Malta and Gozo. The reviews for each of them are very positive so I highly recommend this activity during your vacations! :
FAQ
There are many climbing sites in Malta, especially in Gozo and Comino. The cliffs of Gozo are particularly well known for rock climbing, but there are also many opportunities in Comino and Malta.
The levels of the climbing routes in Malta vary from site to site, but you can generally find routes from level 4 to 8.
The safety rules to be followed when climbing in Malta are the same as those applicable everywhere else. Always make sure you are well equipped, well trained and follow your guide’s instructions.
