Summer nights are a perfect time to socialise under the stars in the sky, but winter nights call for something altogether different: the warm comfort of four walls holding the warm hearts of close friends. But what to do when inviting friends over is not an option? Here’s where you might want to go.
1. Somewhere to eat, drink, mingle and chat
Depending on the atmosphere you and your friends tend to enjoy, you can hit the pub with beers in hand, talk the night away across a table in a restaurant or gather and mingle in a wine bar, for example. Malta is certainly not short of venues for friendly gatherings.
2. Somewhere to play
Bring some excitement into the occasion with some competition, team work and plain good fun. There’s lots you can do when it comes to getting playful. Try bowling, laser tag and one of Malta’s many escape rooms with a group of friends, for example. Or play squash with that one friend, just for the heck of it. Meanwhile, billiard and table soccer never grow old. Nor does playing cards. Just get to a bar or a games room.
3. Somewhere to discover
More of a daytime activity, learn something new by organising a group visit to a museum, get adventurous visiting the catacombs, or explore science at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. You never know enough and you’re never too young or too old to discover new things! And you have a talking point for when you go for beer or a hot chocolate afterwards.
4. In the sheltered outdoors
If you are more the outdoorsy type, you can still do outdoorsy stuff in sheltered warmth. Malta and Gozo are not short of caves that provide a nice combination of indoor and outdoor exploits. Organise a gathering at a cave such as L-Ghar il-Kbir in Siggiewi, Il-Hofra in Mellieha or il-Mixta Cave in Gozo - you can even be there in the rain. Make a fire to make it extra cosy and welcoming.
5. In a rented space
You can always rent a space for that special birthday or even a sleepover. Options range from Airbnb to a Gozo farmhouse. Just pitch in a few euros each and do what you want. Advise your host if you plan to have several people over or plan on throwing a party.
That’s plenty of options, isn’t it?