The Best Outdoor Activities in Malta
dingli cliffs, malta
Since time immemorial, humans have been driven by the need to achieve more. Whether it’s conquering other territories, engaging in outdoor activities in islands like Malta, or buying lottery tickets online hoping to hit the jackpot, there’s no denying the fact that curiosity and hope keep us looking forward to better experiences.
So, if you are searching for the best outdoor activities in Malta, you are in the right place because we have a whole list for you.
At the heart of the Mediterranean lies the archipelago of Malta, a group of islands known for their distinctive features, which serve as tourist attractions around this location.
This island country is known for its warm weather, stunning countryside, and rich culture and history, making it a popular destination for adventure lovers. It’s also famous for hosting one of the most beautiful coasts around the Mediterranean Sea.
With that in mind, here are the outdoor activities you should engage in while in Malta:
Cycling
Malta is very beautiful, and what better way to take all this in than through a cycling tour? Cycling allows a more intimate interaction with the destination and its people. Malta and Gozo islands are relatively small. Therefore, exploring them on a bike is possible even if it’s your first time.
Cycling will allow you to experience the narrow village streets and narrow countryside lanes between rubble walls, and you can visit historical and cultural sites along the route. You can also cycle along the coastline to experience the beauty surrounding the Mediterranean and occasionally make stops to swim.
You can rent a bike in all major towns and explore on your own or book a guided tour. See these popular cycling routes.
Malta South West – 27 km
Start from Rabat, Girgenti, Qrendi, Żurrieq, Buskett Gardens, Rabat
Malta North West – 34 km
Start from Rabat to Dingli, Baħrija, Mġarr, Mosta, Mdina, Rabat
quad bike tour
Xwejni Bay, Gozo. Photo credit: Malta Tourism Authority/UK
If you want to experience Malta similarly to when cycling but want to avoid cycling fatigue, hire a quad bike or join a guided quad bike tour. You can roam around the narrow streets where vehicles won’t fit as you explore hidden gems.
Climbing
Malta is a paradise for climbing enthusiasts. With over 1300 climbing routes, you will indeed find something you love and dare for first-time climbers. You can enjoy a variety of climbing styles like traditional climbing, bouldering, sport climbing, deep water soloing, abseiling, sea-level traversing, and more.
Malta’s weather makes climbing an all-year-round activity. You can even take rock climbing classes for every level.
hiking
għajn tuffieħa
Malta’s beauty and diversity offers visitors stunning sceneries that can be enjoyed through hiking. Most popular hiking routes in Malta will take you through many cultural and historical sites, greenery, cliffs, and the beach.
If you are familiar with the area, you can go hiking alone, but booking a group guided tour for tourists is recommended. This is because the guides know all the best attractions along the route, and you also avoid getting lost.
Snorkelling
photo credit: Visit Gozo
Water activities are popular for Malta locals and tourists, and snorkelling tops this list. The crystal clear waters allow perfect visibility so novice and experienced divers can enjoy snorkelling.
Although you can go snorkelling anywhere on the island, the northwestern and eastern coasts are the most popular. Snorkelling allows you to observe marine life and natural formations up close.
Scuba Diving
Malta’s waters are a haven for underwater exploration fans, from the extensive marine life to the many tales of WW2. Malta played a significant role in WW2, and many wreckages of ships and aircraft used in the war can be found underwater in Malta, Comino, and Gozo. You can also explore caves and tunnels to experience nature’s wonders underwater.
Boat Trip
Boat trip from marsaxlokk
If you want a relaxing adventure, a boat trip is ideal, especially if you are visiting Malta during summer. The weather can get unbearably hot, so activities like biking or hiking are impossible.
A boat trip lets you enjoy beautiful views of Malta as the crew pampers you. It will also cover more ground, stopping in the best swimming spots to allow you to cool off. Blue Lagoon and Ghajn Tuffieha Bayome are popular swimming spots where boat trips usually stop.
Other Water Sports
Malta is a haven for water sports. Try kayaking and canoeing if you don’t mind sweating while exploring. You’ll benefit from exploring hidden coves only accessible from the water and secluded beaches. You can also go jet skiing, flyboarding, banana rides, windsurfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddling.
Final Thought
Malta is a beautiful country with so many activities to do. Whether you are a thrill seeker or just want to relax and enjoy, Malta has something for you. Although most of these activities allow you to explore on your own, it’s best to join a guided tour if you are new or at least have a friend with you. This way, you can get help when you get into an accident or get lost.
