Sports Climbing

Sports climbing on Gozo has been on the rise over the last few years. Climbing on Malta and Gozo has been primarily developed by UK climbers and traditional routes were all one could find for many years. However with the increase of European climbers visiting the islands a number of bolted sports routes have been developed.

The local climbers have embraced sports climbing and routes have steadily been bolted by them at their own expense around Gozo. The Maltese Tourism Authority (MTA) now recognises the great potential Gozo offers sports climbers and has generously given funding to purchase bolts to develop new lines throughout the Maltese islands. With this funding, new routes are being developed around the island. Also climbers visiting Gozo have the opportunity to develop new lines under the Gozo Climbing Associations (GCA) guidelines.

Two main areas on Gozo that have been bolted are Mgarr Ix Xini and Ghajn Abdul. Both these location offer a range of climbs from grades 5 up to 7b+. These areas have approximately 60 bolted routes, another 30 routes with lower off.'s between them. This is a small proportion of what can be developed.

The best time for Sports Climbing is the mild winter months from November to May. New sea cliff routes are being developed so sports climbing during the summer months can be enjoyed because of cooling sea breezes and refreshing swims between climbs.