Gozo Gym to Crag Course

5-10 May 2023

Rock climbing on Malta’s sun-kissed islands in the Mediterranean.

With easy access to stunning limestone crags, valleys and sea cliffs this tiny country is a little-known paradise for sport climbing. And now we’re offering you the opportunity to take your climbing from gym to crag in this beautiful, world class climbing destination.

The fantastic climate, stunning limestone cliffs, incredible sea views, beaches, ancient heritage and friendly people make it the ultimate destination for any climber. We literally have it all, ready and waiting for you!

The climbing

This climbing course, led by highly experienced international guides, is specifically designed for people who have been climbing indoors and are ready to develop their skills on real rock. We’ll take you all the way through understanding crag etiquette, building confidence with top rope belaying and recognizing safe anchor set up through to abseiling, lead climbing and lead belaying during this 4 day intensive course.

There are routes for everyone and your personal goals, ability and needs are taken into account, so if you’re looking for a gentle start, or you’re keen to push your grade, there will be plenty for you.

Our goal is to give you all the knowledge you need to climb outdoors safely and independently.

What you will learn

Rock climbing is very different from indoor climbing. Taking your skills outside isn't as simple as you might think! You need to know your equipment, employ correct technique, and follow proper etiquette.

Our focus for this Gym to Crag course will be single pitch sport climbing.

The  content will cover:

• Differences between indoor and outdoor climbing
• General etiquette at the crag
• Gear and knots
• Communication
• Top rope climbing and belaying
• Lead climbingLead belaying
• Anchor types
• Building anchors on bolts
• Anchor cleaning
• Abseiling

The location

Malta is made up of 3 English-speaking islands; Malta, Comino and Gozo. You’ll fly into Malta and be transported to the North Island of Gozo by road and boat.

Gozo, the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, is a hidden gem for climbers seeking adventure in the sunny Mediterranean. With its stunning limestone cliffs and beautiful sea views, Gozo offers a variety of climbing routes for all levels of experience.

Due to its size, everywhere is accessible with a short drive and walk to the crag. Gozo offers beautiful crags, quality climbing and routes at every grade, from the accessible and unique Xlendi Valley to the legendary cliffs at Wied il-Mielah, which offer one of the most breathtaking views of the island.

Gozo is also less developed than the main island of Malta, so it offers peace and tranquility and traditional farmhouse-style accommodation where you can swim in the pool, relax after a hard day climbing and enjoy views across the island.

Requirements

You only need to have spent some hours climbing regularly in a bouldering or sport climbing gym.

No minimum climbing level or outdoor experience is required. You just need to be excited to learn!

Schedule

Day 1 - May 5th - Arrival

Airport pickup and transport to accommodation.

Day 2 - May 6th - Full day climbing

After a sunny breakfast by the pool, you will be off for your first climbing day at Mgarr ix-Xini, a popular location nestled in a winding canyon which offers a great choice of routes for all levels: the perfect place for your introduction to outdoor climbing. As your first day winds down we will take you for a tour the nearby Victoria Citadel for sunset, and have a well earned aperitivo.  

Day 3 - May 7th - Full day climbing

For your second day we will head to Wied il-Mielah, where an iconic (and climbable!) limestone arch juts out from the cliffs into the sea. Here you will be able to work on your abseiling skills while experiencing the thrill of climbing right above the ocean. You will later visit Dwejra, former site of the world-famous Azure Window, for a refreshing swim.

Day 4 - May 8th - Half day climb and rest

Time for an easy day! In the morning we will take you to the best slab in Gozo for some technical climbing on a different kind of rock, then visit the scenic sandy beach of Ramla Bay in the afternoon for some well earned rest before sightseeing at the Marsalforn salt pans and return home for the evening.

Day 5 - May 9th - Full day climbing

For your last day you will be back at Mgarr ix-Xini to put your skills to the test in a different sector! This will be the opportunity to review what you've learnt in the previous days and receive feedback from your instructors. The day will wrap up at the farmhouse with a BBQ by the pool.    

Day 6 - May 10th - Departure

After leaving the farmhouse we will take the ferry back to Malta and drive you back to the airport.

The accommodation

Your accommodation will be a beautiful villa in Gharb, a charming and secluded town in the west of Gozo. Its stunning pool terrace is the perfect place to start the day with a sunny breakfast or wind down at the end of the day and enjoy a refreshing dip or barbecue!

Check out the villa

What’s included in the price

• 4 full climbing days with guides and teaching
• All gear and equipment
• 5 nights accommodation
• All breakfasts and lunches
• Airport transfers
• Transport to and from activities

What’s not included

• Flights
• Dinners
• Insurance
• Anything else not specified above

FAQs

How many people will be in the group?
8 people, maximum.

How many instructors will there be?
We will have a minimum of one instructor for every 4 people. There will be at least two instructors for this group, more if required, depending on the needs of individuals signing up. We aim to provide the very best experience for every individual.

Will I be able to climb routes suitable for me as part of this group?
There are routes for everyone and each individual’s goals, ability and needs are taken into account, so if you’re looking for a gentle start, or you’re keen to push your grade, there will be plenty for you.

Where will I stay?
Everyone in the group will stay in the same farmhouse. For more information and photos: https://www.airbnb.com.mt/rooms/19557387

Will I share a room or have a private room?
Rooms will be shared with up one other person. We will allocate rooms on the basis of the group's preferences to ensure everyone is happy in their space.

Do I book my own flights?
Yes, you will need to book your own flights.

For Zurich: we suggest taking the Air Malta flight departing on May 5 at 17:40 and landing in Malta at 19:55

For Paris: we suggest taking the Air Malta flight departing Orly, Paris on May 5 at 18:40 and landing in Malta at 21:15

We will offer ONE collection and transfer from Malta International Airport, collecting the whole group at 21:30 on 5 May.