Malta’s full of adventurous activities to do and great places to visit – here’s a list you can check off for an amazing summer holiday.
1. Enjoy the waves
Malta’s greatest asset is the sea that surrounds it, and an adrenaline-packed water sport activity will really get your blood pumping! Water sports are practiced at most public and private beaches, and there’s all sorts to choose from, including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing and jet skiing. Alternatively, seafaring types can take to the waves on the vessel of their choice – be it a self-drive speedboat or something more luxurious, like a chartered yacht.
2. Hop aboard a kayak
Not a speedboat or yacht person? You may be more at home aboard a kayak or canoe. The pace may be slower, but you’ll really get a chance to view the coast up close, including the flora and fauna that lives right at the water’s edge. Local companies organise everything from day trips to full kayaking holidays and courses – even if you’ve never rowed before, you’ll be a pro in no time.
3. Attend a festa
Village feasts take place throughout the year but are especially prevalent in the summer, when multiple feasts take place every weekend. They’re religious events, each focusing on a different patron saint, so festivities focus around the church – from beautiful outdoor decorations to processions. Other highlights include band marches, a boisterous atmosphere and, of course, marvellous firework displays that light up the skies.
4. Watch the sun set on the beach
A local beach at sunset is truly spectacular – just add a bottle of wine and the person you fancy for instant romance. One of the best beaches for this is Golden Bay, which promises gorgeous views of the sun setting over the cliffs below. This beach is pretty busy during the day, but it calms down in the evening, so we recommend heading over at about 6pm to secure a strategic spot.
5. Take on a rock climbing challenge
Abseiling and rock climbing are very popular in Malta, and the terrain is ideal for both. Some climbing walls look directly out at sea, providing the already exciting activity with an extra layer of adventure. Rock climbing can be practised by beginners as well as advanced climbers, given appropriate conditions – in both instances, it’s recommended that you book a tour or join a club for your own safety.
6. Attend a music festival
The Maltese absolutely love music and will jump at any opportunity for a party. As a result, lots of music events take place throughout the summer, with highlights like Malta Music Week (a week-long series of events at a variety of venues) and the subsequent Isle of MTV – but there are plenty of other festivals and events held throughout the season, no matter what kind of music you’re into.
7. Hike around Comino
Comino tends to get very busy during the summer months, but it’s still worth making the trip there if you enjoy hiking. The island is largely untouched, and a morning hike will give you the chance to explore this unchartered terrain – take a dip at Santa Marija Bay on the other side of the island to cool down afterwards.
8. Check out Malta’s many movie locations
Various locations around Malta have been used as the backdrop for films and TV series, including ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Troy’, ‘Gladiator’, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ and ‘By the Sea’. Make a bingo card of the locations in Malta that you’ve seen on screen, and see how many you manage to check out during your trip here.