While Malta is known for its long, heady summers, winter brings reprieve from the sweltering sun, while still offering many warm days and mild evenings. How best to enjoy it? Here are some ideas.

1. Country walks

Get your walking shoes on and explore the Maltese islands’ natural landscape. While much of the local countryside is arid and dries out in summer, the valleys and garigue starts to come into its own during the winter months: lush landscapes, green gorges and sparkling seas make the islands a sight to behold for nature lovers. The islands’ best walking routes include spectacular cliffs overlooking the sea, shrubland and abundant glens. And, you might even stumble upon a relic from the islands’ rich history, such as a countryside chapel or farmhouse. Not sure where to go? Check out the top recommended walking routes by the experts. 

2. Enjoy the sea

With the sea around the islands being as much a part of Maltese identity as the limestone rock beneath, why not enjoy all that it has to offer? If you crave to experience life under the sea, Malta boasts a wealth of wrecks and marine life, making it one of the most sought-after diving destinations in Europe. Moreover, sailing is a much-practiced activity, with the competitive sailing months running from autumn through to early summer. You could also hire a boat for a leisurely trip around the islands, where you will get to enjoy the hidden side of Malta, Gozo and Comino, and discover all of their secrets. 

3. Al fresco travel

If you’re tired of walking, you can enjoy the cool breeze while you tour the islands either by bicycle or quad bike. Gozo is quite hilly, so only attempt to cycle around it if you’re quite fit, whereas Malta offers some flatter land, particularly towards the south of the island. If cycling isn’t your thing, touring the islands, particularly scenic Gozo, on quad bike is lots of fun. You can book a day tour or just rent a quad bike and go it alone, though do be mindful of road safety instructions and keep to proper roads and defined paths to avoid mishaps.

4. Rock climbing

Rock climbing and abseiling are terrific sports to try out in Malta in winter. With a wealth of breath-taking locations – over 1,300 established rock climbing routes in Malta, Gozo and Comino, in about 30 different climbing areas – the islands are ideal whether you’re a beginner or more experienced. Choose between rugged coastline sea cliff walls and slabs, sea level traverses, valley limestone walls and rock outcrops indented with caves – just don’t look down!

5. Rent a farmhouse

Explore the quieter towns, Malta’s village cores or the subdued peace of Gozo by renting a farmhouse and embedding yourself within the community. Rental rates, especially on the smaller island of Gozo, are particularly affordable during the off season. Many offer a fully serviced house of character, replete with outdoor pool and open space. In Malta, the northern areas of Mellieha (especially the area known as the Santa Marija estate), Siggiewi or the southern towns of Marsaxlokk and Birgu offer great properties. In Gozo, the towns of Gharb, Xewkija, San Lawrenz, or Ghasri will help you retreat to the comfort of your rented farmhouse for a weekend or longer to recharge, away from the hustle and bustle.

6. Discover the past

The Maltese islands are known as much for their history as they are for their beaches. In fact, most heritage sites on the islands, particularly the outdoor ones, lend themselves better to a visit in the winter months: they are less crowded, and the weather is milder, encouraging you to walk around the site. Visit Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples in Qrendi to discover the history and culture of the ancient temple builders; don’t miss Ghar Dalam in Birzebbugia, where the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta was found, or Ggantija Temples in Gozo, which are older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Giza! Indoor museums are also better enjoyed in the low-season: the fascinating Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, the St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat, or any of Malta’s magnificent museums can be enjoyed to the full when you’re not jostling for space with hundreds of other tourists. 

7. Enjoy the nightlife

Beat the crowds to the bars by heading to some of Malta’s nightlife hotspots, where you can enjoy a drink (or two) in a vibrant, thumping atmosphere and adequate waiter attention! There’s loads to do when the sun goes down: from hitting the numerous pubs and bars in Valletta to letting your hair down on the dance floor in one of the clubs in Paceville, Malta’s nightlife centre. If you’re feeling lucky, roll the dice at one of the island’s casinos – just remember that if you’re Maltese you need to be 25 or over, while if you’re not local, you need to be 18 or over to get in.

8. A taste of culture

With this year marking Valletta as the European Capital of Culture 2018, there’s tons to see and do both in and outside the capital. The curtain has come up on theatre season, with plays being put up at small and larger theatres such as the Manoel Theatre, MITP (also in Valletta) and the Salesian Theatre in Sliema. Many local exhibition spaces are also showcasing works by local artists while musical concerts are in full swing.  For ideas on where to go and what to do during your visit, check out our events calendar .