Want to experience Malta beyond the beaches and baroque churches? Skip the tourist trail for an hour and follow the sound of clinking metal balls, lively banter, and cheering from a village club. You’ve just found Boċċi, one of Malta’s oldest and most beloved traditions.

Boċċi is Malta’s version of bocce, a game that dates back to Roman times and was introduced to the islands during the rule of the Knights of St John. The aim is simple: get your ball as close as possible to the small target ball, known as the jack. The atmosphere, however, is anything but simple. Expect animated debates over a few centimetres, dramatic underarm throws, and plenty of laughter.

What makes Boċċi special is not only the game itself but the setting. Many Maltese clubs are attached to a small bar or café where locals gather for coffee, a cold Cisk, a ftira, or a couple of pastizzi while watching the match unfold. It is one of the easiest ways for visitors to experience authentic Maltese life.

You do not need any experience to join in. Most clubs are happy to let curious visitors try a few throws, and the game is suitable for all ages. A match can be surprisingly strategic, with some players focusing on precision while others specialise in knocking opponents’ balls out of the way.

Malta has more than 30 active Boċċi clubs, and these are among the best places to watch a game or play a round yourself.