The proximity of the Mediterranean Sea to all points on the Maltese Islands and long hours of sunshine make it a haven for all water-sports enthusiasts. The typically mild winters also allow the pursuit of other leisure activities such as rambling, gardening and enjoying the lively theatre scene.
Leisure activities
There's plenty to do in Malta, and nothing is ever far away.
TV, Radio and DVD
The Maltese electrical system is 240 volts and three pin plugs are used, as in the UK. The PAL video system is used in Malta so equipment from the UK and most of Europe is suitable.
Television
There are 6 Maltese television stations:
- TVM – the national television station, which airs several English language films and news in English
- Smash TV – a privately-owned channel which is largely dominated by discussion programmes
- The Community Channel – airing community notices
- The Education Channel – showing interesting educational and cultural programmes, many of which are in English
- Super One TV – owned by a political party which broadcasts magazine programmes interspersed with local discussion programmes
- Net TV – another political party channel.
A number of English language programmes and films are shown together with the Maltese language fare.
There is one cable television company, Melita Cable, which offers a number of viewing packages, including UK channels. You can contact them at Embassy Complex in St. Lucia Street, Valletta, or by phone on (+356) 3100 0030 or (+356) 2149 030.
The situation regarding satellite reception in Malta is rather anomalous. Satellite dishes and digital decoders are widely available and free-to-air channels can be received using such equipment. However there is no system whereby you can officially pay for channels which are not free-to-air. A number of people receive these channels "illegally" by unscrambling codes to the encrypted channels. The channel distributors are twigging on to this practice and rescrambling them, and it becomes a race between the coders and the hackers, which can be extremely irritating if you want to watch a certain programme. You're better off sticking to cable until the situation changes.
Radio
Radio is popular in Malta mostly as a distraction during traffic snarl-ups. Many of the stations broadcast programmes in English and DJs play UK and European hits. The main radio stations are:
- Capital Radio (88.7 FM) – Eighties nostalgia music and modern pop
- Bay Radio (89.7 FM) – chart toppers
- Super 1 Radio (92.7 FM) – magazine programmes and some hit music
- Radio 101 (101 FM) – magazine and discussion programmes and some hit music
- RTK (103FM) – religious programmes.
DVD compatibility
Like most of Europe, DVDs in Malta are coded for Region 2.
Golf
The 18-hole, par-68 Royal Malta Golf Club is situated on the grounds of the Marsa Sports & Country Club in Marsa. The golf club houses comfortable facilities including a pro shop, bar, restaurant and a driving range.
It’s best to make reservations as the greens tend to get crowded on certain days. Beginners or golfers who are keen on working on their handicap can book lessons. A round of golf (18 holes) costs €50. See the Maltagolf website for more information.
The government has proposed another two golf courses on Malta and Gozo. These plans are being vehemently opposed by environmentalists and the central planning authority still has to pronounce itself on the matter.
Walking
Much of Malta is built up, but Gozo is greener, and you can find some charming country walks on both islands. You can observe some fascinating geological features, majestic coastal cliffs, historical and archaeological sites, coastal towers and small wayside chapels. The Ramblers Association of Malta (RAM) was set up in February 2005. It organises guided walks and promotes rambling as a healthy antidote to stressed-out living.
The Malta Tourism Authority has also published a booklet showing ten countryside walks in Malta and Gozo. The booklet with relative maps can be downloaded from the Authority’s website.
Gardening
Hot and dry weather conditions notwithstanding, in springtime the Maltese countryside blazes with the colours of red clover and poppies, golden crown daisies and the ubiquitous Bermuda buttercup.
This colourful effect can be replicated in private gardens but it is best to plant drought-resistant plants as rainfall is sparse. Cacti and succulents are the best bet and can provide an exotic effect. Other plants which are endemic to the Mediterranean region also flourish, while herbs such as rosemary, thyme, bay and oregano do very well.
Bougainvillea is widely grown, as are vines, which are chosen both for the small, sweet grapes which they produce as well as for their rapid growth and attractive foliage.
Olive oil production is enjoying a renaissance of sorts in Malta. There are various schemes where, if you wish to grow your own trees and make your own oil, you can obtain financial assistance, technical help and information on raising, picking and pressing your olives.
Cinema
Cinema theatres show all major films in their original English version. Release dates are the same as those in Europe.
The St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity in Valletta shows art house and independent films, and dubbed foreign language films. The local newspapers and magazines provide listings and reviews of all films being shown in theatres.
Sports
Most Maltese people tend to prefer to enjoy sports in a vicarious manner – following the ups and downs of the foreign teams they support. This is not to say that the facilities for different disciplines cannot be found on the islands. There are plenty of activities which sports enthusiasts can enjoy, including tennis, football, horse racing, bowling and cricket. Naturally, watersports are very popular.
Diving
The waters around the Maltese archipelago are a diver’s paradise, with a variety of underwater environments to explore. Natural harbours, sheltered bays, craggy creeks, unexpected reefs and a good number of wrecks provide a diving experience for both the novice diver and the most seasoned deep sea explorer. Most dive sites are just a flipper flick away from each other making for a variety of possible dive options.
Dive centres are peppered all over the island. Many of them provide courses leading to internationally-recognised diving qualifications by bodies such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC).
Wine
Wine-making in Malta dates back to Roman times. The hot and humid climate is conducive to the rapid ripening of grapes. The indigenous wine-producers have refined their techniques and production methods and are coming up with good quality wines, some of which are being exported.
There are four big wine-producing companies and a number of smaller outfits making creditable house wines. Recent years have seen the formation of wine-clubs which organise tasting and food-matching sessions and excursions. Both local and imported wines are inexpensive.
Boating
The Phoenicians are known to have been one of the first settlers in Malta, where their sailing traditions have been retained. The prevailing winds and the fine weather make the place an ideal starting-point for sailing and yachting.
Sailing schools provide instruction for all levels and it is possible to hire vessels for sail. You need a licence for all sea vessels.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Malta-Syracuse race are the highlights of the sailing calendar. The Royal Malta Yacht Club on Manoel Island organises the races and other events and social dos.
Windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing and jet-skiing are other popular sports. Equipment can be hired in the St. Julians and Mellieha bays.
Fishing
You don’t need a licence to fish in Malta – just access to a dinghy, boat or vessel of your choice. Alternatively, head off to a quiet secluded spot somewhere along the 82 miles of coastline and do some angling.
The waters are home to a teeming variety of fish – the lampuka or dorado is a national favourite. Snorkellers and divers can also catch octopi and sea urchins and scoop out the prized roe for pasta sauce.
If your catch is meagre, there’s always the Sunday fish market in the seaside village of Marsaxlokk or the fish hawkers who set up shop in the major towns and villages.
Hunting/shooting
Hunting in Malta is restricted to bird-shooting, there being no other form of game to pursue. Shooting and trapping is allowed on 160 Sq. km of the Maltese Islands and there are some 12,000 shooters and 3,000 trappers battling it out for feathered prey. There are no resident bird species so hunters rely solely on migratory birds.
Hunting is a matter of great controversy in Malta, as bird-lovers claim that too many birds are being shot down even if they are protected species and the hunting season is closed. Hunters naturally rebut these allegations.
You need a licence to own a gun or rifle in Malta. Clay pigeon shooting is catching on and there is a club in Bidnija for this activity.
Bull-fighting
There is no bull-fighting or any other form of animal fighting which is legal in Malta.
Caravanning
There is an organised, official camp site in Armier, Mellieha. You can also camp on the islet of Comino, though you have to take your own tent and supplies. Since Malta is so small caravans are not really necessary and most people who do have one don’t drive it around but park it in one spot as a sort of semi-permanent summer home.