Why Malta is an adrenaline-lover’s dream

“OK Rachael, you’re up first.”

I look into the chasm below me, high on a cliff in Malta, where our instructor Aylwyn is beckoning me, carabiner in hand, to clip in to a zip line.

I’m a frequent rock climber, so I have a decent head for heights, but my legs feel like jelly after traversing the limestone cliffs for hours already during via ferrata – a mountain activity somewhere between scrambling and rock climbing.

Before I even think about it, I’m kicking away from the wall and rocketing across the canyon below. I can’t help but let out a rather undignified squeal before arriving at the other side, grin on my face, to continue the route along the cliff face.

For a keen climber like me, being high on a rock face in the balmy February sunshine in the Mediterranean is heaven. But even my friends, many of which have never climbed before, are having a whale of a time.

We’re traversing the cliffs of the Mosta Valley, guided by the friendly and knowledgeable Aylwyn of MC Adventure, a outdoor adventure sports provider.

The 2.5 hour via ferrata route sees us become acquainted with the island’s stunning limestone cliffs, attached to a safety line, using both permanent ladder rungs and the rock itself to hike along its upper reaches.

Malta is a destination many might not have considered before, instead flocking to other southern European destinations like Italy and Greece for their fix of sunshine.

However, data from the Malta Tourism Authority shows that the country is becoming increasingly popular, with a 13% increase in visitors in 2025 compared to the previous year – and having spent a long weekend on its islands (it’s made up of three main ones), I can definitely see why.

With a rich history spanning thousands of years, a strong Roman Catholic identity and centuries-old architecture dominating the fortified cities, Malta’s urban areas are a sight to behold.

From towering churches and cathedrals to menacing fortifications, winding cobbled streets and gorgeous piazzas, days can easily be spent wandering through Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.

However, Malta is also a fantastic destination for adventure seekers, with activities offered on both Malta and its sister island Gozo, including sea kayaking, climbing, via ferrata, horse riding, and more.

The beauty of Malta’s small size – the largest island, Malta, being just 27 kilometres long and 14.5 kilometres wide – is that tourists can tick a lot of boxes in one day.

Each morning, after waking up in the five-star Malta Marriott Resort & Spa in St Julian’s, I take a dip in the rooftop pool and spend time in the sauna before a jam-packed day of exploring.

A short drive takes us to Mdina, Malta’s ‘Silent City’ and former capital with a history spanning 4,000 years – featuring some filming locations from Game Of Thrones.

After a walking tour around the ancient city, with its mix of medieval and Baroque architecture, guided by the incredible knowledge (and great jokes) of inimitable licensed guide Stanley Cassar Darien, we head back out into Malta’s stunning rural scenery for an e-bike ride along the scenic Dingli Cliffs, where rolling hills give way to panoramic views along the western coast of the island.

Those who prefer to ride on horseback, rather than on an electric bicycle, can trot along Malta’s rural lanes with Bidnija Horse Riding, a stable in the heart of the island’s unspoilt countryside that can cater to novice and experienced riders alike.

A delightful and unique way to travel that harks back to Malta’s rich equestrian history, the stable’s friendly horses make great companions for an afternoon of fresh air and stunning scenery.

A personal highlight of the trip is Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese Archipelago’s three inhabited islands.

Much less developed than Malta itself, Gozo boasts gorgeous countryside, fantastic seafood restaurants, and landscapes rich for adventure – and it’s accessible by a short ferry trip from Valletta.

On Gozo, there are only a handful of rock climbers, but they have set up some incredible bolted sport climbs close to the Mgarr ix-Xini bay.

There are dozens of routes to try, from beginner-friendly grades to tougher routes for experienced climbers, and the team at Gozo Adventures take us down to the crag for a tasting session of what the region has to offer climbers.

They supply us with safety equipment and climbing shoes, and after a safety introduction and a chance to get a feel for the ropes and harnesses, we attempt several top-rope routes aimed towards beginners.

They also show us a menacing overhanging section of the crag, where experienced climbers climbed near-horizontally up the difficult rock face, and I’ve never felt more inspired to train hard than by the thought of getting back to Malta to give those a go.

Fingers raw from crimping the limestone, we head for a protein-rich lunch at a seafront restaurant (what’s better than fresh oysters and locally-caught fish after a morning of climbing?) before exploring Gozo’s 350-year-old Qbajjar Salt Pans, which stretch for three kilometres along the coast and have been used by Gozitan families for centuries to collect sea salt.

We also visit the beautiful L-Għar tal-Mixta (Mixta Cave), which overlooks a tranquil bay and has been the site of archeological digs finding Bronze Age pottery, indicating it was inhabited by humans millennia ago.

From ancient history to modern warfare, history buffs will get a lot out of a trip to Malta, too.

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is an essential place to visit on the island: A UNESCO World Heritage City, it features stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful gardens and my personal favourite attraction, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its shimmering interior and possession of the only surviving signed work by Italian artist Caravaggio, 1608’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Malta’s history is also marked by British occupation, with the country being under British rule from 1800 to 1964 due to its strategic location between Italy and North Africa, and visitors can expect to see red telephone boxes and post boxes from historic monarchs, as well as neo-classical architecture in British style.

Plus, although Maltese is the country’s national language, English is an official language and is widely spoken, so British travellers won’t face a language barrier with most locals.

Of course, no holiday is complete without some incredible food, and Malta certainly ticks that box. Being an island in the Mediterranean, the seafood is impeccable – and seafood lovers should pay a visit to Sole by Tarragon on the edge of St. George’s Bay.

The menu celebrates Malta’s culinary heritage, from the fisherman’s daily catch to Mediterranean classics and Maltese-rooted specials. I enjoy a fine-dining twist on Aljotta, a traditional Maltese fish soup, followed by tagliatelle with lobster in a Sauvignon Blanc lobster bisque, paired with some dazzling cocktails from their signature cocktail menu.

For lunch in Valletta, look no further than 59 Republic. Situated in a piazza beside the Grandmaster’s Palace, the restaurant – which features in the Michelin Guide – is ideal for soaking up the Mediterranean sun with an Aperol Spritz while dining on dishes like Risotto Milanese, lobster gyozas, and Iberico pork.

With a stomach full of delicious food and a heart full of adventure, it’s hard to tear myself away from Malta and board my flight back to London. I’ll certainly be back – not least to tackle those gnarly climbing projects on the limestone cliffs.

How to plan a trip to Malta:

KM Malta Airlines Flights to Malta from London Heathrow:
One-Way: LHR-MLA: £111
Return: LHR-MLA-LHR: £221

KM Malta Airlines Flights to Malta from London Gatwick:
One-Way: LGW-MLA: £86
Return: LGW-MLA-LGW: £131

Malta Marriot Resort & Spa:
Rooms from £147.