Malta is a leading European destination for outdoor activities.  How could it not be, with year round good weather, rough and inspiring terrains and an excellent network of facilties for adventure enthusiasts? Two of the most popular activities in Malta and its sister islands is rock climbing and hiking – easily accessible, perfect for beginners and experts alike, and a stress-free way to enjoy the beautiful nature of Malta, lovers of the great outdoors will quickly realise Malta is the destination for adventure. 
 
Rock Climbing
 
For those who love to get their adrenaline pumping and defy their limits, Malta offers the superb opportunity of rock climbing – an activity that incredibly has origins in the 20th Century, when climbing routes were installed by British visitors.  Over the years, rising popularity of the sport has meant you can now expect to find over 1,300 routes throughout Malta and its sister islands, all containing a mixture of traditional and modern climbs.  The sturdy limestone in the various crags and cliffs means that these are great places to test your skills, against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
 
Avid thrill-seekers will be glad to know that rock climbing is possible throughout the year, and the immense array of routes available means that there are some that will suit all levels of experience, ranging from beginner to expert.  If you’re unsure of what route to take, there are companies that will select the appropriate climb to fit your capabilities.  You may get the chance to climb one of the famous Victoria Lines or Ghar Lapsi, where you will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Maltese landscape and experience the undisturbed, tranquil nature of rocky cliffs and green flora.
 
Rock climbing always comes with a risk factor, so it’s important to consider you have all the necessary equipment for the sport to ensure safety.  Rope, a harness and a quickdraw are vital tools to help you scale along the high cliffs, while strong footwear and a helmet will provide protection as well as comfort.  A rucksack is recommended so you can store any belongings such as a bottle of water; gathering all this equipment can be difficult for visitors, therefore companies offer equipment rentals to remove any potential hassle.
 
Hiking  
 
The Maltese Islands are quite modest – with only a few big, bustling cities, the majority of the islands are covered with authentic rural areas, brimming with colourful fauna providing the perfect setting for travellers to venture onto hikes.  It’s recommended that to enjoy the full experience of exploring the countryside, you should go hiking between mid-November and mid-May as the climate in this period creates appropriate weather.  Particularly in the spring, nature comes to life with a variety of flora such as wild iris, perfuming your hike with the scent of approaching summer. 
 
For those wishing to embark on a peaceful walk, Malta has various hiking trails for you to choose from; due to the growing popularity of the activity, hikers can explore a whole range of different areas and enjoy an extensive camping trip.  For example, the Bahrija Walk allows travellers to observe some of the stunning cliffs that are situated round the Maltese coast with an exclusive view of the Mediterranean Sea, whilst the Maqluba Walk provides the opportunity to visit traditional villages and discover the breathtaking greenery.  Along these routes, hikers will often find hidden spots that can only be accessed by hiking, such as stunning bays that are superb havens for relaxing and watching the calm waves created by the cerulean ocean. 
 
The vast selection of scenery Malta has to offer is unparalleled to anywhere else and gives you the best way to discover more about the local wildlife, while you can also get the opportunity to visit rural villages, untouched by modern-day municipality.  These small places still have big fishing and farming communities, meaning you can experience the traditional Maltese culture and explore with a unique way of sightseeing the country in a quiet environment, separate from the restless cities. 
  

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