the

Adventure
The
Adventure Guidebook
to the maltese islands To The Maltese Islands

A Quick Reference Guide

 Summary

Malta
Simplicity Description

Our market base are Adventure Sport Enthusiasts between 18 and 60 years of age.
A6 Pocket Guide • Full 4 x 4 Colour • 300gsm Laminated Cover.

Biking on Malta is becoming a popular activity with the locals and visitors alike.
The island has a great deal to offer a cyclist with long country roads, narrow
walled streets with rough surfaces and smooth long stretches that allow you
to get into a good rhythm.

In the past biking has been a daunting activity, due to the crazy pace of Maltese
traffic. In the last two years the government has been made aware of the growing
attraction the island has for the cyclist and marked cycle lanes are now appearing
around the island. However do be aware that the pace of the driving is still the
same so be alert at all times.

The routes within this guide take you through the countryside, along picturesque
roads with stunning views, past temples and places of interest, combined with
enjoyable and challenging cycling. Content Fold out maps of Malta & Gozo, Comino

Introduction including information about the Climate,

Clarity
Geology, Flora & Fauna, Maltese History & Useful Information

Detailed chapters on each activity mentioned below, including

Route Maps, Descriptions, Grades and Photographs.

Activities: Featuring:
Gozo
Climbing on Gozo and Comino was All of the climbing areas are within a Diving 38 Dive Sites
first developed by the English army 15 minute drive of each other giving

Climbing 9 Climbing Areas

with a number of climbers developing you the opportunity to experience
a small guide book with traditional a wide range of climbs in a short
routes in the 1970’s. Since then it period of time.
has been forgotten as a climbing The unique landscape as well as a

Appeal
destination. In the past few years diverse climbing coupled with the

Bouldering 5 Bouldering Areas

climbers have been returning to open quiet crags makes Gozo an ideal
new bolted routes within the inland climbing destination to visit.
limestone crags.

Deep Water Soloing 13 Deep Water Soloing Areas

Biking 6 Biking Routes
Hiking 19 Hiking Routes

Classification Travel & Adventure Sport Guide

Comino

“Simply good fun.”

Comino, the smaller of the three main islands, also has some
great places to dive. Only accessible by boat the island offers
spectacular underwater tunnels, chimneys, caves, reefs, drop
off’s and marine life coupled with exceptionally good visibility.

A day out on the boat is usually combined with a visit to the

Blue Lagoon. With its crystal clear blue water enhanced by the
sandy seabed non divers are usually welcome on board and have
plenty of opportunity to sunbathe and snorkel.

Gozo
Layout
Hiking on the island of Gozo is one of the most
relaxing and rewarding activities. It has a special
charm. The main season for hiking is during the mild
winter months from October to May when the island
is green, covered with wild flowers and scented
herbs. Bees are humming and migrating birds such
as honey buzzards and harriers can be seen.

It is warm enough to enjoy lunch outside and

watch the bustling life of Victoria, or admire the
sea views from a romantic fishing village. The
island offers one of the most diverse histories
in Europe with temples and caves dating from
Neolithic times, wonderful churches, markets
and historical sites.

If you are looking for peace and quiet, there are a

Below, are a selection typical page spreads Maps & Route Recommendations
number of walks that take you along the rugged
cliffs and winding valleys of Gozo with stunning
scenery and local treasures.

Wied Babu Coral

Coral Cave
Cave The Blue Hole
Blue hole

Climbing
Wied Babu is a valley of terraced fields that flanks the road leading to the Blue Grotto. Chimney 15m

Diving
7m
To enter the valley there is a small metal ladder bellow the promenade 5m

Malta
railing opposite the widest clearing of the valley. This leads to steps cut
into the cliff, which links to the path into the crag. 35m Coral
11m Garden
Wied Babu offers some of the best climbing in Malta. On the east side 30m
40m+
Malta is the ideal place for a rock climbing of the valley with its prominent diamond shaped boulder, you will find
holiday. Located in the middle of the blue a wide variety of excellent routes, on slabs and vertically waving bulges
with perfect pocketed white limestone. 4m 40+ m
Mediterranean sea, just 97 kilometers
south of Sicily, Malta has plenty of rock 13m 11m
and is undoubtedly an undiscovered
climbing paradise. 15m

Rock climbing in Malta is possible the 22m

whole year, but the main season is the 30m Coral
mild winter months. Whilst European Cave 15m
22m
climbers are forced indoors by cold and 40m+
Chimney
wet winters to continue their beloved
sport. Maltese climbers are starting to
climbing outdoors after a hot summer of Cave
deep water soloing. Diamond Buttress 35m

There are over 1,300 rock climbing routes 1 Kleen Cutter 6a+ Coral Cave is an impressively large cave, which houses an array of fragile and The Blue Hole is Gozo’s most famous dive site offering caves, drop-offs,
over the three islands of Malta, Gozo and
22 colorful corals, anemones and hidden Sea Horses. To reach the cave enter the boulder slopes and a chimney, making this a very exciting dive. The fish
Comino known as the Maltese archipelago.
water at Coral garden and surface swim to the drop off. Descend and follow life can vary depending on the number of divers in the water. However,
So one is really spoilt for choice. This guide
1 2 3 4 2 Shredded Tweet 5b the reef wall on your left until you arrive at the cave. At the back of the main large Groupers can be found and schools of Bream are usually located just
focuses on the main sports areas. However
cave is a smaller cave. Entering this small cave is not recommend as the silt is through the Azure window.

Comino
there is plenty of virgin rock still waiting to
22 very fine and visibility can drop very quickly.
be conquered.
Descend into the blue hole and exit through arch connected to the open
3 Mononorone 6a+ After exploring the cave return the way you came back into coral garden. In sea. Continue through the Azure Window and then descend down the
The climbs are characterized be the local
coral garden find the chimney and descend through the chimney. Turn right boulder slop. Keeping the reef wall to you left dive around the window.
This small island offers one main crag that is a paradise for a deep water limestone, which is full of pockets and 22
soloist. Lantern point is home to some of the best DWS on the Maltese upon exiting and follow the reef wall back to the Blue Hole and the exit point. At the point continue straight across the boulder slope until you arrive at
interesting features creating pumpy and
islands. With climbs to suit all levels of climbers. The routes are only a the chimney. Ascend through the chimney. Upon exiting double back on
maximum height of 12 meters with safe deep water bellow. challenging climbs. The crags are generally 4 Owls Nest Crack 5a+ yourself going over the top of the chimney. Returning to the blue hole
quite so you do not have to wait to climb
with the reef wall on your right. Upon entering the Blue Hole explore the
The rest of the island has some scattered caves that offer some good lines as a particular route so one usually has a 22
well as protected if you every get caught out in a rare shower. large cave before returning to the exit point.
choice of climbs.
The islands areas are all accessible from the shore, however you have to get to Adventure Guidebook 2
the island with a ferry, leaving from the harbours in Malta and Gozo.
Adventure Guidebook 2
 Navigation
GPS Coordinates listed for every location mentioned.

Maps Two full page fold out maps with grid reference system.

Grid References All locations throughout the book are listed alphabetically in the contents
with the map grid references to mark the general location.

Gozo & Comino Routes All routes are clearly marked on large detailed maps.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M

Climbing Climbing routes are clearly marked on photo’s of the cliffs.

1

Zebbug

2 Marsalforn

Ghammar
Gharb

San
Lawrence
Ghasri

Xaghra
Ramla
Descriptions Each area has a clear and simple description
4 Santa
Dwejra Lucija
Bay Victoria

Nadur
Kercem Qala
5
Fontana
Xewkija

Xlendi Munxar

Ghajnsielem Mgarr
6

Sannat

7
Comino
1 Mile
1 Kilometer

“The ideal size for the adventurer or traveller.”

“A perfect blend of background information, images and routes!”

Route Descriptions & Superb Imagery Easy to use Contents Colour Referenced Chapters

Malta
Bouldering

Bouldering
Contents
Biking

3 Victoria - Santa Lucija - Gharb - Gharsi

Approximately 23km part road, remainder tracks.
Rated: Moderate
A strong rider could complete the route in 2 hours, an intermediate
in 2 - 3 hours.
Steep ascents and descents.

Route outline: Victoria – Santa Lucija – Gharb – San Dimitri – Ghasri – Qbajjar
Bay – Victoria

Leaving Victoria follow the sign posts for Kercem and Santa Lucija. When
the road forks turn right to Santa Lucija. Before entering the village there is a
right turn with a statue. Taking this turn cycle over the hill and turn left when
arriving at the main road.
Diving Climbing DWS Hiking
Follow the main road into Gharb. Upon arriving in Gharb go down the left hand
side of the church and descend the hill. Continuing straight up the other side Page Site Grid Page Site Grid Page Site Grid
leaving Gharb towards San Dimitri Chapel. Page Site Grid
42 Slug’s Bay 2D 87 Wied Babu 11H 235 Cirkewwa - 2B
Before arriving at the chapel, turn left and follow the rough tracks towards the 93 Ghar Lapsi 11F 169 Wied iz-Zurrieq 11G White Tower 2D
43 Qawra Point 3F
sea cliffs. Upon arriving at the sea cliffs turn right and follow the coast road with 214 Wied Babu 11H 236 Golden Bay - 5C
44 The Imperial Eagle 3F
spectacular sea views until you turn away from the coastline up the valley. Turn 216 Ghar Hasan 12J Ghajn Tuffieha Bay 5B
45 Mercanti Reef 5I
first right up a steep stone carved road cycling underneath a large farmhouse. 46 Exiles 5J 237 Dingli Cliffs - 9D
This road will lead you past Gordan’s lighthouse and into Ghasri. 47
48
Fortizza Reef
Coral Gardens
6J
6J
Bouldering Biking 238
Mdina
Mdina
7E
7E
Upon entering Ghasri turn left and descend the narrow road. At the T-juntion 49 Lighter X127 6K 239 Blue Grotto - 11H
turn left leaving the small chapel on your right, following this road until the north Page Site Grid Page Site Grid Busket Gardens 8E
50 HMS Maori 7K
coast. Here turn left and go off road onto the salt pans. Returning to the road cycle 51 SS Margit 6K
through Qbajjar bay and bear right. At the cross roads turn right and descending 136 Wied Babu 11H 208 Mellieha Bay 3C
52 Mini Blue Hole 7L
into a picturesque valley. 138 Ghar Hassan 12J 211 Bugibba 3F
53 The Tug Boats 8M
140 Anchor Bay 3B 214 Birzebbuga 11K
54 Um el Faroud 11H
After a steep ascent you will arrive at a main road. Turn right and descend the 55 The Rozi 2B - The Outer Ring
hill towards Victoria. At the roundabout turn left passing underneath the Citadel 56 P29 2B
returning to Victoria. 57 Cirkewwa Reef 2B
58 The Scott Craig 3B

Adventure Guidebook 3 Adventure Guidebook Adventure Guidebook 3

A nyone Up for an Adventure!
The Maltese Islands are a paradise for adventure lovers! From Climbing to diving, biking to hiking, almost anything is possible!

Spoiled by the sun, surrounded by crystal clear waters and a unique landscape, the beautiful Maltese islands are a perfect all year
playground for adventure holidays.

This guidebook is the ideal way to discover the islands. Whether it’s a quite walk, an action packed day or an adventurous week
incorporating several activities, it will never leave you short of an adventure.

The Guide

Gozo Adventures, “The Adventure Guidebook To The Maltese Islands” was developed with great care and enthusiasm to provide a
quick reference information guide on the adventure activities available on the Maltese Islands.

The guide features a compact, yet carefully selected proportion of what the islands have to offer. It is a valuable aid to enhance any
type of holiday on the Maltese archipelago.

The Market

Adventurous people and sports enthusiasts wishing to visit the Maltese Islands.

The largest visitors to the islands are Divers and Hikers. However there is a steady increase of Climbers and Bikers visiting the Malta.
 www.gozoadventures.com/guide/guidebook.htm
EU & MTA Funded Project
Hancock Limited started the development of an adventure guidebook in 2004, with the mapping of existing
adventure activities locations and the development of new routes, for climbing, biking and hiking.
dvd
The aim for developing the guidebook is to inform the public that the Maltese Islands offer a wide range of Are you Searching for an outdoor adventure?
adventure activities. Gozo Adventures is your gateway to any
adventure experience on Gozo........
The project was part of the Structural fund programme for Malta 2004 - 2006. Backed by the European
Regional Development Funds This DVD gives a brief insight to the endless possibilities
of adventure on Gozo.
During the duration of the project the “Gozo Adventures Guidebook” (first edition) was produced and 3,000
books were sold in 2007 - 2009. Whether you like experiencing the tranquillity of
breathing under water or the adrenaline flowing
In February 2008 Gozo Adventures was request to develop a second Guidebook. It was decided that the through your veins after plummeting into a valley on
second edition encompasses the whole of the Maltese Islands. an aerial runway, Gozo Adventures offers it all!

For the guidebooks, new climbing areas were developed. Deep Water Soloing was established, exploring the Surrounded by picturesque and tranquil scenery, the
islands coastal waters opening routes and new hiking and biking routes created. countryside has a wonderful combination of natural
challenges, allowing activities for any age or level of
ability.

Fasten your seat belts and get ready to be enticed!

“Gozo Adventures Guidebook” First Edition

 Please Contact us Today

If you are Interested to Distribute The 2nd Edition Guidebook

Or
If you would like us to organise a visit for an article on Gozo Adventures

HANCOCK LIMITED
7 Triq Sant Indrija, Victoria, Gozo, VCT 1250
Tel: (+356) 21 564 592 Mobile: (+356) 9924 1171
info@gozoadventures.com
www.gozoadventures.com