The six best european DWS destinations that aren’t Mallorca
Here are our top picks for Deep Water Soloing locations in Europe.
Safety first
Before we start extolling the delights of climbing above warm seas, make sure you know the risks and how to properly prepare for them. Remember, the number one rule is never go alone, and if the temperature of the sea is below 15°C, be wary of the dangers of Cold Water Shock.
READ: How to go deep-water soloing
Croatia
In 2006, a team of climbers including BMC Ambassador Steve McClure and Chris Sharma realised the massive amount of potential for amazing deep water solos in Croatia. Steve even made the first ascent of Ring of Fire (8b+) and a likely contender for the world’s hardest DWS climb at the time, which swiftly got a second ascent from Chris.
The four best known areas are located near Split, with one practically in the city centre. Sustipan is the oldest, Kasjuni and Katalinica Brig are great for beginners, and Ciovo Island holds over 100 routes up to 20m high that can be reached by boat from Split. More information can be found on the Dalmatia climbing website.
WATCH: How to Deep Water Solo on BMC TV
Malta
The sheer cliffs of Malta, Gozo and Comino, are the perfect environment for DWS. Couple this with the characteristic Mediterranean combination of warm seas and sunny skies means we’re on to a winner.
While there are a handful of DWS spots on the main island of Malta, the majority of the developed cliffs are to be found on Gozo, the larger of Malta’s neighbouring islands. You’ll have to get a ferry across and it’s likely easier to hire a boat to get to the base of the majority of crags, but it’s definitely worth the expense.
For more information, contact the Malta Rock Climbing Club to rent the guidebook on your trip, or check out the crag locations on the Malta Climbing Club website.
WATCH: Deep water soloing in Malta, Gozo & Comino by Visit Malta
Gibraltar
With a variety of easily accessible limestone cliffs, caves and grottos, Gibraltar is a prime DWS destination. The only thing is it doesn’t get much attention in the press; there's just an extremely psyched group of local climbers keeping the scene alive.
No topos of the areas seem to exist on the internet, but if you’re in the neighbourhood or are planning a trip, just get in touch with one of the local climbers via the DWS Gibraltar Facebook page.
Costa Blanca, Spain
The coastline of Costa Blanca hides away a number of primo areas and lines. Many of the small DWS bays are often accessible only by water, but there are a number of others that are much easier to get to.
As Costa Blanca offers a huge amount of sport climbing, you'll often find very few people venturing out to the DWS spots, meaning most are often quiet havens away from the crowds with lots of climbing fun over the refreshing Mediterranean Sea.
You can find information about these areas in the 2007 Deep Water guidebook written by Mike Robertson.
Portugal
There are a few different locations for DWS in Portugal, but you have to search them out. The best-known is likely to be the horseshoe shaped coastline of Azores, which is home to a number of superb cliffs of volcanic rock. Primarily known for the huge cliff-diving potential, it’s also becoming established as a venue for those that love the heady delights of climbing above the sea without a rope. It’s an incredible DWS destination in the summer. Just remember to time the tides properly, and to rent a boat or raft to reach the climbs.
Another location was established in 2004, when a team of UK climbers headed to the cliffs of Point Garcia near Sagres in southern Portugal, to put up a collection of steep juggy classics, over a range of difficulties, which were low in height and high in quality. Neil Gresham joined forces with Mike Robertson, Julian Lines and Charlie Woodburn to put up over 30 new routes from F5 to F7c, which are all documented in the Dromedary bar in Sagres. The approach is easy and the rock is solid, making this venue as friendly as they come.
Sardinia
While there is a huge amount of climbing on the mainland, not much has been done yet to develop the incredible potential just waiting to be developed along the nearly 2,000km of coastline on Sardinia. Many of the already established areas require a boat to access them, but depending on where you are staying on the island, it might be worthwhile to find a local, get the inside info, and hire a rib for the day.
Capo Testa in the north, Capo Caccia and Tavolara Island towards the north west are the recommended areas to have a look at, while on the east coast there is developed areas around Cala Luna towards Cala Sisine, which are high cliffs only accessible by boat, further south from here along the east coast there is the arch by Cala Goloritze – a walk or swim from the south side of the beach – and other good spots include Cala ‘e Lua and S’Archittu. Find out more on the Climbing Sardinia website
Getting to Europe by train
Seat61 has a plethora of information, ready-planned for you to make your train journeys to Europe plain sailing. Seat61 has great visuals of public transport routes to help you plan your low-impact travel. We fully recommend checking out the routes available and booking in advance to get the best deals on cheaper tickets.
WATCH: BMC Travel Insurance | Built for the mountains
Related Content
Rock Destinations
Planning an adventure? Remember to pack BMC Travel Insurance. We’ve got your back: from bouldering in France to trekking in India, sport climbing in Kalymnos to new routes in the Himalaya. Here are five reasons why BMC Travel Insurance is built for the mountains.
Mountaineering Destinations
Want to know everything you need to know about how to climb the Breithorn - one of the classic "4,000ers". Mountain Guide Andy Perkins offers his insider tips.
Rock Destinations
Here are five of the best places to go for a weekend of nerve-testing scrambling.
Mountaineering Destinations
The Matterhorn is surely the world’s most iconic peak. Its commanding, isolated position at the head of the valley is unique in the Alps and its claim to being one of the world’s most beautiful mountains is justified. Mountain Guide Tim Blakemore offers his top tips on reaching its summit successfully.
Mountaineering Destinations
We asked five experienced climbers for their top pick of Europe's alpine routes to get you inspired...
Mountaineering Destinations
Five of Chamonix's leading ski guides tell us their favourite beginner ski tours in and around Chamonix.
Article
Here are a few of the most gruelling, exhausting, rewarding and brilliant challenge walks Britain has to offer.
Mountaineering Destinations
What's the best 4,000m peak in the Alps for beginners? We asked five British Mountain Guides who are based in the Alps this question - Tim Blakemore, Jon Bracey, Matt Helliker, Andy Perkins and Tania Noakes. All of them picked a peak in Switzerland - testament to the concentration of excellent peaks of that altitude there.
Mynydda
Heading to the Alps this summer? Six Chamonix mountain guides explain their favourite routes, all packed with high adventure but with moderate technical difficulty.
Rock Destinations
Thought sport climbing was all about tiny holds on short routes? Think again. Here we've got five top European venues to recommend you:
Mountaineering Destinations
Get the inside knowledge: Chamonix-based Mountain Guides Will Sim and Stuart MacDonald offer the wealth of their experience for those thinking of ticking the highest point in Western Europe.
Mountaineering Destinations
Are you brave enough for our top five hardest black ski runs in Europe? Ski on - if you dare.
Dringo Creigiau
Here are Steve's McClure's top 8 crags for kids:
Cerdded Bryniau
Forget ghost stories and horror movies - a simple walk in the story-stuffed British wilds is the best way to get your skin crawling.
Mountaineering Destinations
Mountains have always meant more to humanity than just lumps of rock. We take a look at five summits with mysterious, magical or mythological significance.
Rock Destinations
Planning a winter sport-climbing escape? Leave the crowds and polish behind with these five best-kept mid-grade Spanish sport secrets. Dos cervezas por favor.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Live near London and want to climb outside? Unusual, specific skills are required to access, protect and enjoy the capital's nearest real rock climbing areas. The sandstone outcrops on the borders of Kent and East Sussex are softer than virtually any other climbable rock. Here are the top five skills you need to get started.
Dringo Creigiau Dysgwch Sgiliau
Here's all you need to know about deep water soloing
Mynydda
A bit of Scottish winter climbing history, plus a range of classic routes from Grade II to V, complete with big stunning photos and brief descriptions. You're welcome.
Mountaineering Articles
Where are you currently getting your mountain inspiration from? Are the walls in your house lined with photos and paintings of stunning peaks? Your social media feeds endlessly presenting you with trails and skylines to add to the list of high places to explore? We're here to add to that by giving you five more films to keep your inspiration levels up. Enjoy the watch.
Dringo Creigiau
Grab a brew, get comfy and enjoy our top five trad climbing films from the BMC TV channel to inspire your next tradventure...
Organisation
The BMC have partnered with HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking search engine. The partnership includes a revenue share on member hotel bookings as their Official Accommodation Provider for all BMC events. This partnership means that all BMC members will receive discounted accommodation via the HotelPlanner platform.
Hillwalking Destinations
Find out everything you need to know about making the leap from walking to scrambling, learn the essential skills and check out our top five UK scrambles.