Malta offers a huge range of land and water-based sports and activities for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This article’s aim is to provide you with an insight of sports Malta and direct you to all the top sports on the Island.
Sports Malta facilities
Malta’s pleasant climate creates the perfect location for all year-round sport events and activities. With so many great sport facilities and activity options to choose from it’s easy to find a sport or activity whilst holidaying in Malta or Gozo. Malta’s largest sports centre – The Marsa Sports club -complete with an 18-hole golf course, miniature golf, squash and tennis courts, cricket ground and swimming pool has plenty of options for visitors who can join on a weekly basis. Non-members can also rent golf clubs and play golf for a small fee. You will find that most of Malta’s hotels have pools saunas and gyms. Many have tennis and squash courts too and some hotels may also offer water sport activities. So whether you want to try something new or pick up a sport again, it should be possible.
Popular Sports
- Malta’s national sport is football and it’s played on various pitches around the islands. The National Stadium is in Ta’ Qali.
- Horse riding is also a very popular activity and horse-racing is one of Malta’s top spectator sports. Horse racing is held every Sunday between October and May.
- Bocci is the Maltese game of bowling which is an extremely popular activity. You will also find tenpin bowling locally too.
- Both clay pigeon and skeet shooting are available with competitive or practice shooting occurring on Sunday mornings.
- The Malta Amateur Athletics Association organises a surprisingly large number of different events which include road races, cross country, track and field events.
- The Malta Marathon attracts a number of talented long-distance runners from around the globe and it is held annually at the end of February.
Naturally, water sports are an important part of the Maltese sports scene and easily accessible too. You will find a lot of water sports equipment to hire at most of the major beaches. Popular activities include paragliding, wakeboarding, canoeing, water skiing, diving and windsurfing with jet-skis and sea-kayaks available too.
From April to November numerous sailing regattas are held including the exciting Rolex Middle Sea Race in October.
Other local events include team sports such as rugby, basketball and hockey, with wrestling, fencing, table tennis, climbing abseiling judo, cycling and judo also available. There’s always something happening so whether you want to compete yourself or watch some thrilling action instead, take a look at our events calendar to see what’s on and where.
Land-based sports
The wonderful views and comfortable climate make Malta the perfect location for walking, hiking, cycling and touring. If you are feeling slightly more adventurous opt for a Jeep Safari which will provide breath-taking off-road views of Malta’s stunning scenery and unspoilt Mediterranean life. Transport yourself to another world and discover medieval towns, rugged coastal landscapes, beautiful Baroque architecture and early temples. Fill your camera and your memories while you explore Malta.
For the more adventurous among you there is rock-climbing or caving. Families might like to opt for go-karting. Regular land-based activities like horse-riding, golf and tennis are plentiful too. Whatever activity you choose there are numerous organised clubs and informal groups who will welcome you. If you prefer something a little less challenging, you could opt for snooker, bowls or even relax in a health spa or use a gym.
Water based sports
Malta boasts some of the warmest, clearest waters in the Mediterranean making it a magnet for divers. Malta’s maritime and top dive sites past can be found lurking in the sunken wrecks that lie below the surface but even snorkelers can experience the wonderful sea life underneath the waters with such excellent underwater visibility. If you are looking for a more relaxing activity you can try fishing or simply relax on one of Malta’s beautiful, undeveloped beaches or explore the quiet, unspoilt sandy coves or rocky outlets instead.
Boating activities
The Maltese Islands and waters are ideal for sailing and yachting and naturally Malta has a rich maritime heritage. There are many schools which provide lessons for would-be sailors but if you prefer you can relax on board one of the harbour cruises and let someone else do the hard work. Visit http://www.maltayoungsailors.com/euromed/ for more information.
Remember, the sea can be unpredictable so always check local conditions, so you can compete in safety.
Winter training opportunities in Malta
Malta has an Olympic sized National Pool and other facilities available for winter training and can host teams who want a dedicated, training location for swimmers, water polo teams and water-based sport squads. Malta’s climate is ideal for all-year round water sports such as sailing and water polo. Visit the top things to do in the winter in Malta.
Whether you are a spectator or participant, sports Malta have never been so accessible, varied or fun.
