In this article Amy Meilinger looks back on her time spent climbing, coaching and embracing the community on the Maltese islands.

Our love story started back in 2012, when I was a completely different person. More normal, less of a climber. It only lasted for a couple of days, but I knew that this cannot be the end. I wished for continuation.

4 years later; when I was more of a climber and less of a normie; I came back to continue our story. This place welcomed me with a hug from an old friend. From the first steps, until the emotional end I felt that I cannot close this chapter: I wanted more. 

Alas, life happens, and you cannot imagine what the next year will bring. You dream about the warm weather, the sea, the cliffs, and the welcoming locals. You try to move on, carry on, but always finding reasons to stay put. But deep down you know: there is more out there for you.

Fast forward once again. It’s February 2022. You have no idea who you are, your whole word just flipped upside down. You want to escape from the cold. Somewhere deep down you have a crazy idea. Let’s go back to Malta and see how things have changed. Let’s text someone who we’ve never met, but he might remember you from way back internet connections. Collect some like minded people and get on a plane. 

The weather was hectic like my mood without my morning coffee. We did our best to enjoy every moment. Meeting with friends from the past and with people without knowing what the future will bring. Not knowing that one of the new people you just met will be your biggest help in a couple of months.

Again back to the monotonous life, the daily grind, that nagging feeling that something is missing, but I could not put my finger on it. Then suddenly everything clicked. 

A random message out of the blue on 10th October 2022 and suddenly your life is a hurricane zone. 1,5 months later you are standing in the sun and feeling excited about embarking on a new life in Malta. 

I spent a little bit more than 2 years on this rocky, sunny, chaotic island. My life and my climbing style changed a lot. 

From a full time coach I became a gym manager.

From a mostly boulderer I transformed into a sport climber. 

Instead of balancing on small crimps, I started to use kneebars. I spent my weekends upside down in a cave, hanging out like a bat. 

The climbing community is not as big here as it is in Hungary, but I didn’t mind this at all. After working with people for years, I preferred to spend my off  days with fewer people.  I was really lucky from the beginning, because I met these amazing human beings who made me feel at home and become my third family. They helped me to regain some of my self confidence and start lead climbing again. They showed me around the island, from the best beaches to secret underwater caves, taught me which wind direction is the best for certain crags (still no clue, but they tried their best).  Of course we spent most of our Sundays in Mellieħa cave, but a few of them were willing to check out other places too. Malta is blessed with amazing sea cliffs, caves and short sport routes. You can always adapt to the weather and find the perfect spot to climb.

Amy’s Crag recommendations:

During a strong north west wind Mellieħa cave is amazing – if you love tufas and overhangs. Whilst not necessary, it helps if you are confident to climb around 7b, or love to project on hard routes. (Editor’s note: Mellieħa cave is currently closed for climbing due to an Emergency Conservation Order related to archeological finds)

Smoothies cave is the perfect choice for a hot summer’s day.

If you like swimming too, don’t miss out Xaqqa during the regular heatwaves. Long sea level traverses to calm your nerves and feed your adrenaline rush.

After work Mosta Valley or The Wave are a perfect choice for a short and powerful session. 

Are you an early bird who loves crimps? Then pack your sun cream and let’s go to Blieqa! This place is not for the faint hearted, but a clip stick can solve everything.

No driving license? No problem, Mistra is waiting for you!  Start the day at Xemxija Cafe, then 30 min walk and you are in a beautiful vertical crag. Once you get tired, just walk down to the water for a little swim. Sounds like a perfect day, doesn’t it?

Do you like silence? Let’s go to Gozo! The island of Gozo has more than 600 routes, so you can set up your basecamp here and enjoy the countryside with some local wine, besides the incredible climbing.

The biggest crag is Mġarr ix-Xini, where you can find routes from 4a to 8b. Perfect for groups who want to climb together but have different levels.

For slab fanatics Black Slabs (Iċ-Ċnus) is an ideal morning place, but definitely not during summer as it gets the sun for most of the day! The nice flip side to this is that it is very quick to dry after rain.  

Are you an influencer? Wied il-Mielaħ is your place! You can take really epic photos on its beautiful arch!

Do you want some extra adrenaline? Check out our amazing sea cliff routes! You can find single pitch and 3-4 pitches long too. From beginner friendly to some really exposed, hold your breath ones.

Climbing in Malta for me is not just about the view and the moves. It’s also about the people around me. I always know that because of the climbing community I will never be alone in the world. Thanks to these amazing people the world opened up more and dreams came true without even dreaming about them. Thanks to them I am opening the door to a new adventure that makes me feel alive and scares me at the same time. The only reason I’m  confident in doing this is knowing I can come back anytime to this little rocky, chaotic island and it will be like arriving home.
I will always be grateful to be a part of the climbing community. 

It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon.