Winter weather can be schizophrenic in Malta. But overall, the clouds over this small outcropping of an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean have their silver lining, as we can experience four seasons in one week.
Another peculiarity of a Maltese winter is the temperature difference between inside and outside; while northern Europeans hunker indoors for warmth and get little sunlight-induced vitamin D in the winter months, people in Malta do the opposite. We tend to go outside to escape the cold inside our houses, as we rarely have adequate heating. However, the outdoors is the place to be, as the wonderful Mediterranean light of the islands, stormy days or not, can make us feel more energized now than during the heat of summer.
With the generally good weather in Malta in winter, there are plenty of reasons to head here to escape the big freeze up north. Malta in winter is the best time to go out and most activities can be enjoyed all year round. As you can see, this list of suggestions includes a lot of time well spent outdoors.
1. Walking: Try the north of Malta for the swaths of countryside you thought were missing from these somewhat urban islands. Walk along the old British fortified ‘Victoria Lines’, or hike the nature trail near Red Fort, Mellieha. Covering most of northern Malta, the newly designated Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park has much to offer walkers and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture its unique flora. The cities are also good walking tours with a large dose of cultural heritage. There are organized cultural visits that you can also join; Ask at the Tourist Offices. Cities like Valletta, Birgu and Mdina are much less crowded in winter and cafe life is still active at this time of year.
two. Winter’s sun: Malta won’t offer the same “winter sun” experience as the Caribbean, but the stone of the islands takes on a deep honey-yellow hue in the winter sun, which still has energy even in January, if you choose a sheltered location. place.
3. Cycling: increasingly popular here, despite the islands’ urban sprawl. But Malta and Gozo offer challenging cycling to satisfy the keen cyclist. Head north if you like hills. Gozo, the sister island of Malta, has steep ups and downs. For more on the flat, try the South of Malta.
3. Navigation: practically a year-round sport in Malta. The ancient sailors among us sail almost regardless of the weather: the competitive sailing months are from fall to early summer. While sailing schools and hotels tend to teach and rent boats only in the summer, you can ask around, find a friendly skipper, and get out on the water in the winter too. If you don’t know the waters, even if you are an experienced sailor, get some advice.
Four. Heritage Trails: these aren’t really officially defined as such, but you could, for example, do a combination of walking, driving and cycling to get around the south of Malta (the Three Cities in the Grand Harbour); the southwestern coast and the temples (Blue Grotto, Wied-iz-Zurrieq, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra); the fishing villages (Marascala, Marsaxlokk); Victoria Lines walk (starts at Fort Mosta); Dingli and Buskett Cliffs; Walks through the Bahrija and Bidnija area in search of ancient olive trees, views and countryside. And all Joy, of course.
5. Rock climbing: There is nothing better than this for a new sport for this winter. It is as much about skill and strategy as it is about strength, and Malta offers an exciting setting to challenge you or as a backdrop. Meet the enthusiasts, make new friends, or just join them for a day of climbing if you’re on vacation here. Search online to find the clubs that will welcome you on a climb as an away.
6. Frame: You may have to pick up your brushes and run to them in the shower, but it’s not too cold to sit outside in winter, and you’ll get great colors and light to work with.
7.Photography: As with painting, this is a good winter hobby that provides great conditions for the natural light photographers among us. No heat haze, amazing tones and depth of perspective. Some deep shadows, but nothing the pros can’t work out naturally or in Photoshop later!
8. Short runs: Malta has a host of night classes for adults, clubs and societies – choose from everything from tango and fencing classes to your regular high school courses. Many groups and clubs, like the tango one, for example, are happy to receive occasional visitors and not just regular customers.
9. Conferences:Spring and summer are more for incentive trips, but winter is for conferences. Almost all four and five star hotels in Malta offer in-house conference rooms. The islands are the ideal departure point from northern European cities and are a beacon of warmth for those living in northern climes. It is no wonder that Malta is a key destination for conferences.
10 Lovebird escapades: most of the most exclusive hotels offer very attractive discounts for winter weekends. Many have spa facilities these days as well. Malta is close enough with only a two to three hour flight time from most European capitals to spend a winter weekend.
eleven Gozo Country House Breaks: Rentals abound, at good prices, as tourists are fewer this time of year. Take advantage of a weekend with friends in a bigger place, even if you won’t be using the pool in winter. Unlike some Greek island resorts, Gozo doesn’t really shut down gloomy outside of high season.
12 Cultural events: Last but not least, Malta and Gozo have a lot of artistic activities in winter. Most weekends, there are two or three good things that collide, that’s how tight the schedule is. It’s theater season in a big way. So don’t think it’s a July summer arts festival thing. Bother to go out and you’ll be spoiled for choice, from opera to stand-up comedy.
