Fed up of the trips and tours tailored for tourists and feel you need to immerse yourself in a more authentic experience? Here are five ways to do just that.
Join a bingo night
Might not sound all that exciting but it can be a memorable experience! Bingo is quite a thing in Malta. Granted, little old ladies tend to be the greatest fans of the game, but you can discover so much more. Join a bingo night and be amused by the poetry employed in calling out those numbers and the serious scratching of those numbered cards. Simple fun is guaranteed at a good game of ‘tombla’.
Play boules
Perhaps you prefer a little more action? Then play boules at the local boules club klabb tal-bocci (boch-chi). One of the country’s traditional sports, there’s a club in almost every town and village. Get the authentic experience at any of them most evenings or go to the Bugibba Bocci Club which guarantees a game with locals and foreigners who have taken to it and mastered the skill. Speak to them - they might be available to share notes.
Go to the horse races
Get really into the excitement at the horse races which are held at the purpose-built Marsa Race Course. Here, you’ll be mingling with fanatics. Expect a highly competitive, rowdy atmosphere! Horse racing was introduced to the islands by the Knights of Malta and the Maltese took to it with passion. Horse races also form part of a traditional feast in Rabat known as L-Imnarja on 29th June - a traditional race taking place every year since the mid 17th century. Not to be missed if you enjoy this kind of thing!
Volunteer in an animal shelter
Spend even more time with animals, but this time do so in the environment of an animal shelter. You’ll feel good by doing some good and you'll meet other volunteers who are also keen to make a positive change, so it’s really a win-win-win situation. As a first time volunteer, you are likely to get the nicer jobs like walking the dogs, rather than cleaning the pens, which is also a plus, since you get to do the fun part and explore Maltese countryside as you go.
Go camping
Most tourists don’t forgo their paid-up tourist accommodation in exchange for sleeping on a blow-up mattress in a tent, yet waking up with grass between your toes on a cliff, with a stunning sea view, and surrounded by trees is priceless. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the ‘real’ side of Malta, as some of the locals like to do, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. It will certainly be a memorable part of your trip!
What other non touristy things have you tried and would recommend to others?