time to explore with esplora
your maltese autumn bucket list
Autumn is somewhat of a short-lived season for Malta, as the transition from summer to winter isn’t exactly the smoothest. But we’re definitely not complaining! As long as we get to hold on to the warm, sunny days for that little bit longer, we’ll be grinning from ear to ear. We’ve taken the liberty of jotting down a few activities to keep you busy this season
try out kite surfing
As you may have noticed, the sun is still shining and the sea is, what many may refer to as unseasonably warm. Though completely normal for Malta, we do occasionally have a few windy days throughout the season: perfect for kite surfing! A combination of wakeboarding, windsurfing, paragliding and surfing, the wind-powered watersport is an adrenaline rush, to say the least. Master the basics and impress your friends with your jumps, freestyle tricks and long ‘downwinders’. Make sure to get in touch with reputable local kite surfing companies, before heading over to the north of the island for some fun.
it’s picnic time
It’s t-shirt and a light denim jacket weather, thus making it perfect for picnics in picturesque natural landscapes. The countryside throughout the island springs to life with the onset of this season, with several plant species flowering at this time of year. Why not level up and go for a nature walk in Selmun or Pembroke, before spending the rest of your afternoon feasting and basking in the sunshine. Regardless of where you’re staying on the island, we guarantee perfect picnic spots in your vicinity. If greenery and flowers aren’t your thing, why not make your way to Golden Bay and have a picnic on the sand, instead?
quadbike in gozo
Gozo, the second largest island in the archipelago is known for its tranquility and serenity. Though you may have wandered through Gozo’s streets before but have you ever experienced the rugged landscape and spectacular coastline on a quad bike before? We’re going to go ahead and assume that your answer is no. Despite its small size of just 67 kilometres squared, there’s an abundance of sights to see, including valleys, bays and countless hidden gems. Many organised quad bike tours include the ferry from Ċirkewwa in Malta and lunch, too. Just a note: many companies require drivers to be over the age of 21.
climb some rocks
Did you know that Malta has over 1,500 rock climbs, distributed in 30 different locations all over the islands? After all, rocky terrain and sheer cliffs characterise much of the landscape, making it ideal for this adrenaline-pumping adventure sport. Not exactly an experienced climber? Not to worry. Climbing opportunities range from traditional and sport climbing, to bouldering, deep-water soloing and easy-to-handle abseiling. Many locations and crags are rather peaceful and surprisingly quiet, as there are very few local climbers. Get in touch with local rock-climbing groups and companies to set your super exciting afternoon up!
head over to the beach
One of the perks, besides the warm water is that beaches across the island are less packed. Locals are no longer spending summer days beach-hopping and for many a tourist, it’s off-season. This makes Autumn the perfect on-season for those who crave a quieter visit to the beach. Despite the often great weather, winds do tend to pick up during these months, making it a tad dangerous to go down for a swim. Though we wouldn’t recommend risking it, we would definitely encourage you to take your chances! Bring along a packed lunch, your swimming gear, a pair of headphones and a positive attitude.
go scuba diving
The sea surrounding the Maltese Islands is known for its eclectic and riveting diving spots. Arguably one of the most sought-after diving havens, the clear blue, calm waters not only make for an intriguing experience but also, a safe one. There are countless diving spots all over the islands, at both recreational and technical depths; ideal for first time divers, as well as more experienced ones. The Um El Faroud shipwreck, found in Wied iż-Żurrieq, is one of Malta’s best-known dive sites. Another honoruable mention is the fairly new dive site, the Azure Window, which collapsed into the water in 2017. Grab your gear (or rent it) and head on an adventure.
visit some caves
Put on your explorer hat, it’s time to visit some naturally formed caves. There are countless grottos and catacombs tucked away all over the islands, some of which can be accessed by car and other that can only be accessed by boat or swimming. One of the better-known caves is Għar Dalam, a spectacular 145 meter cavity. An archeologists dream, many animal and human remains, as well as tools have been discovered within the cave. Some other caves you should make time to visit are Calypso Cave in Gozo, the alleged cave referred to in Homer’s Odyssey and Coral Lagoon, one of the most stunning and also one of the best-kept secrets of the Maltese islands.
check out some towers
This one is for the history and culture buffs! For centuries, the Maltese coastline has been dotted with lookout posts and watchtowers, mostly built by the Knights of Malta during the 17th century. The positioning of such towers was planned so that one could see both neighbouring towers, which acted as an early warning system against invaders. In addition to the powerful history behind each and every tower, many offer beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding areas, making them well worth a visit. The towers span the entirety of the coast, so we would recommend visiting a few in the same area. Check out St. Agatha’s Tower in Mellieħa, Ħamrija Tower in Qrendi, Xlendi Tower in Gozo for some variety.
