Get active in Malta!

Forget lying by a pool – get outside, get active and explore the sun-drenched Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo

Kayaking is a great way to get active in Malta (Visit Malta)

Basking in the Mediterranean sun, the Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum; there’s over 7,000 years of history to explore… and on Malta, exploring is one of the best bits.

The island’s diverse landscape lends itself to fun activities – from rambling to kayaking to rock-climbing – that bring its history to life. Retrace the steps of Saint Paul (who was shipwrecked here nearly 2,000 years ago), cycle to a sea-nymph’s cave and see the heritage left by the crusading Knights of St John as you paddle around the coastline they once defended for Christendom.

And on your potterings around the island, you’ll wander through hidden valleys and stumble across bustling villages built of honey-coloured stone and wild waysides carpeted with fennel, clover, wild iris and myrtle; you’ll arrive at dramatic cliffs plunging into waves and pass the rocky scrubland of the inland garrigue.

For a change of tempo, cross the waters to visit Malta’s charming little sister: Gozo is a tranquil haven – smaller, greener, and more rural. But while baroque churches and old farmhouses dot the countryside, the terrain you’ll find underwater is just as fascinating: some of the Med’s best dive sites lie off Gozo’s coast.

For an escape from the crowds, Comino (between Malta and Gozo) is a paradise for snorkellers, divers, windsurfers and ramblers. The tiny island is car-free and, apart from one hotel, is virtually uninhabited – in winter particularly it’ll just be you and the scent of wild thyme in the salt-tanged air. Malta and its sister islands give you the chance to indulge in outdoor living at its best, so what are you waiting for?

Free to wheel

Cycling is another great way to experience a little Maltese magic. Take to two wheels and explore Malta and Gozo along the newly launched SIBIT cycling routes. SIBIT (Sustainable Interregional Bike Tourism) has a network of routes and hotels where you can pause your pedalling for some real home comforts.

The SIBIT routes across Malta and Gozo are perfect to combine getting active with seeing the sights. Three grades of trail run over the islands. On Malta, this offers you the chance to visit the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim near Qrendi (among the most ancient religious sites on Earth) and the President’s summer residence Verdala Palace and Buskett Gardens near Siggiewi.

In between (historically and geographically speaking) are ruins, Roman villas, plus villages like Mqabba in the heartland of Malta’s limestone quarries and breathtaking views over Dingli Cliffs and the Blue Grotto.

The Gozo Coastal route (graded ‘medium’) runs 42km across the island. Bikeable highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed prehistoric Ggantija Temples; the natural window found in Wied il-Mielah; the fortified city of Cittadella as well as the salt pans at Qbajjar. For more information, visit www.medinbike.com.

Rural ramblings

If you prefer two feet to two wheels, step it out along Malta’s walking trails. The islands offer walkers some of the most sensual views anywhere in the Mediterranean. The only thing you need to do is to decide what sort of views you want, and lace up your walking boots!

To get you started, the MaltaGoesRural Project is underway; nine walks all over Malta are planned. The first two to launch are the Fawwara Walk – starting at the impressive Dingli Cliffs and ends in Wied iz-Zurrieq – and the Girgenti Walk starting at Buskett and ending in the centre of Siggiewi. There are detailed route cards for all the project’s walks, all well-marked and colour coded for ease of use: head to www.facebook.com/MaltaGoesRural for more information.

Try something new?

Cycling and walking aren’t the only ways to get multi-active in Malta; the islands also offer a panoramic range of snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and especially rock climbing experiences. If you’re tempted by the latter, Malta offers some of Europe’s best climbing cliffs and a package to suit you, whatever your ability. There are various styles of climbing you can try at over 1,500 sites, including routes you can swim to, conquer, then safely jump down into the refreshing azure waters to cool off – the ultimate adventure-holiday money shot!

If being on or in the water is your idea of heaven, the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino naturally have a deep well of aquatic opportunities for you to jump into. Snorkel in the cool azure waters and sunlit coves or dive down to wrecks, paddle a kayak or let the sea breezes blow you to Calypso’s Cave – according to myth, the beautiful sea-nymph kept the Greek hero Odysseus captive on Gozo for seven years. Or, if you prefer your oceanic adventures with a bit more adrenaline, you could try water-skiing, para-gliding and para-kiting.

But whatever experience you choose to try, your visit to these Mediterranean marvels will be an unforgettable trip that will be as enjoyable as it is active.

Routecards can be found at: www.facebook.com/maltagoesrural

Find out more at: www.visitmalta.com