The Islands of Adventure For people who want to do a little more than just swimming, sunbathing or relaxing.
MALTA AN MUCH MORE... Islands always conjure a sense of escapism and adventure, and nowhere is this felt more than in Malta, and its sister islands of Gozo and Comino. The archipelago offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy favourite sports and pastimes, as well as try their hand at something new, against a stunning backdrop of an ancient landscape and heritage unrivalled in the Mediterranean. By choosing Malta for your getaway, you can fill every day of your holiday with an astonishing variety of activities. So, if some of your vacation companions wish to skydive, while others fancy a cliff-top bike ride, Malta can please everyone. You will find that you can indulge in practically any sport or activity within just a few minutes of your accommodation, wherever you're based on the islands. And Malta itself lies only a short flight away from most of Europe's major cities. Once you've arrived, you'll be assured of a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, among a people renowned for their time-honoured hospitality. Whether you're seeking a healthy break for sport, or wish to enjoy a quiet respite, you will find time slips by before you've exhausted the wealth of possibilities on offer in Malta. CHOOSING AN ACTIVITY... It goes without saying that Malta offers a vast range of water activities. But there's more to the islands than meets the eye. The islands are always in tune with the latest trends, so whatever your sporting interest, however out of the ordinary, we feel sure that a club or centre somewhere on the islands can meet your needs. We have not listed all the possible activities here, but you can obtain up-to-date information on clubs and centres from us. The following can give you a taste of what you can expect to find. BEFORE YOU START... Sailing schools and diving schools are licensed and staffed by qualified instructors, but if you intend to dive, skydive or take up another action sport while on holiday in Malta, please do check that your holiday insurance covers you in case of an accident or emergency. Also, some sports, such as scuba diving, require a medical certificate before you can participate. These are easily obtainable on the islands for a small charge. Your instructors will advise you beforehand and tell you all you need to know to start you off on any activity. Many activities, such as walking and windsurfing, are organised more informally. We will be happy to direct you to a suitable centre or recommend a group to contact. The advantage of joining a regular, local club outing is that it is a social occasion, and the Maltese are bound to draw you into conversation and make you feel part of the team. Most sports facilities and centres cater for all ages and abilities. So if you've always wanted to try something new, why not experiment while holidaying on the islands? Or if you haven't had time back home to practise your favourite sport or pastime, take up the challenge again among new friends.
ON, IN AND UNDER THE OCEAN WAVE... The waters around Malta and its islands are renowned as some of the most limpid in the Mediterranean. Underwater enthusiasts and surface sportsmen and women alike will be able to enjoy the marine life and the rocky coastline with peace of mind. Divers of all levels will find Malta offers an exciting underwater experience. Several centres offer wreck diving, and all will make sure that divers, whether novices or advanced, have a memorable dive, often setting out from one of the islands' hidden beauty spots. To experience the water world without an aqualung, you could simply pack a snorkel. This is a favourite pastime and one, which allows you time to explore the myriad creeks and inlets at a more relaxed pace. For a snorkeling paradise, take a boat trip to Comino's 'Blue Lagoon' where the sea turns a shimmering, vivid turquoise. But if speed is what excites you, then look out for the many jet-ski centres near the main resorts. You will need to follow the safety regulations and give way to your counterparts under sail, but otherwise, the ocean is yours! Water-skiing is another more accelerated and exhilarating way to spend time on the water.
FOR LAND LOVERS... A lesser-known aspect of the Maltese archipelago is its stunning interior and landscape. A short distance from the beach resorts, you will find paths and lanes which crisscross the countryside taking you well away from the hub of activity. Rock-climbing and abseiling are fast gaining in popularity in Malta. A short walk from many beauty spots will bring you to some spectacular rock faces with superb sea views. Several organised groups will be happy to welcome you to their regular climbs. If you prefer your feet on terra firma, then autumn through to spring is the best time to enjoy trekking, rambling and mountain biking. At this time of the year, the islands are covered with a carpet of wild flowers and herbs in bloom. Explore the myriad alleyways of the many sleepy villages where traditional crafts are still practised. Amble around medieval Mdina, the Citadel in Gozo or the splendid baroque streets of Valletta, or try biking along some of the scenic coastal paths.
If you feel like a game of tennis, a round of golf or a work out in the gym, you will find no shortage of centres on the islands. Most four and five-star hotels offer sports and recreation facilities. THE ISLANDS BY AIR... If you wish to get your bearings on the islands from a different perspective, then take to the air! Few things come closer to the ultimate in holiday freedom than sky diving, one of the most exciting sports around! It offers enjoyment, exhilaration and limitless challenge for men and women of all ages. You can experience the excitement of free-fall skydiving after just a couple of days ground training, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.
Paragliding, which is on offer at many resorts, both sandy and rocky, gives you the thrill of flight and the opportunity to catch a rare bird's eye glimpse of the landscape. But, if you prefer to stay in your seat to see the islands, take to the air on a sightseeing trip by helicopter. MORE INFORMATION ON... |
Imagine
an island in the middle of the Mediterranean where you
can water-ski in the morning, hike along quiet cliffs in
the afternoon and then take dinner under sail on an
evening cruise. All this, and more, is possible in just
one day of a holiday on the Maltese Islands. Blessed with
a mild climate all the year round, and boasting some of
the clearest waters and most stunning sea and landscape
in the Mediterranean, the archipelago is an ideal
destination for those who want to live their holiday to
the full.
For
those who prefer nature's own power, windsurfing and
sailing is a must in Malta. The islands have been a
maritime base for centuries and nowhere will you find
sailing more enticing than in Malta today. The islands
play host to some of the Mediterranean's most challenging
races and the world's most serious yachtsmen and women.
The mild climate means that you can haul up sail all year
round. Malta's yacht marinas offer the seasoned sailor a
port of call, while the many sailing schools and charter
companies can satisfy the sea legs of the novice and the
more experienced. Choose from bareboat charter or
accompanied cruising, or simply enjoy a lesson with a
group from one of Malta's many sailing clubs. If you want
to feel at one with the water, then why not try a hand at
paddling your own canoe!
But
to really appreciate the countryside at its best, nothing
compares to horse riding as a way to explore the byways
of Malta and Gozo.