Rock Climbing in Gozo and Malta

The Maltese Islands are built of limestone, and the cliffs, valleys and sea walls that make the coast so striking also draw climbers. Gozo offers several climbing areas: Visit Gozo names Wied il-Mielaħ, Dwejra and Ta' Ċenċ as popular places for climbing and abseiling, each with a very different setting.

Where to climb

Wied il-Mielaħ is a valley on the north-west coast that ends in a natural sea arch, reached on quiet roads beyond Għarb. Dwejra, on the west coast, combines climbing with one of Gozo's best-known landscapes, the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock. Ta' Ċenċ, above Sannat in the south, has sheer coastal cliffs. On Malta, the Malta Rock Climbing Club publishes a topo for Quarry Steps and Corona Wall in the Għar Lapsi climbing area. Ask local climbers about current access and equipment before visiting any crag.

Season and conditions

Visit Gozo points to the mild climate between October and May as the time for climbing and abseiling. In summer the rock and the air heat up fast, and much of the climbing faces the sun, so early starts are essential if you climb then. Limestone sea cliffs can be sharp, and salt spray affects the rock and any fixed gear close to the water.

Climbing safely

Visit Gozo advises speaking to people with experience of the routes before attempting them, and following professional advice. If you are new to the islands, a guided session or a day with experienced local climbers is the sensible start. Bring your own harness, shoes and helmet if you can, and check the state of any fixed protection rather than trusting it blindly.

• Pair a Dwejra climbing day with the walk along the coast from the Gozo trails.
• If you base yourself in Gozo for the trip, see the Gozo travel guide.
• Rest days suit a dive or snorkel on the same coast; see scuba diving.

Carry plenty of water, wear a helmet under sea cliffs, watch the swell on any route that starts near sea level, and leave the cliffs alone in strong winds.