12 reasons to visit Malta during the winter holidays
GamingThe winter weather can be schizophrenic in Malta. But in general, the clouds over this small outcrop of an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean have their positive side, as we can experience four seasons in one week.
Another peculiarity of a Maltese winter is the difference in temperature between inside and outside; While northern Europeans take refuge indoors to warm themselves 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 homes, as we rarely have adequate heating. However, outside is the place to be, as the islands’ wonderful Mediterranean light, stormy days or not, can make us feel more energetic now than during the heat of summer.
With the generally good weather in Malta in winter, there are many reasons to head here to escape the big frost in the north. Malta in winter is the best time to go out and most of the activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. As you can see, this list of suggestions includes a lot of time well spent outdoors.
one. For walk: Get a taste of northern Malta to enjoy the swaths of countryside you thought were missing from these somewhat urban islands. Walk the old British fortified ‘Victoria Lines’, or hike the nature trail near Red Fort, Mellieha. The newly designated Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, which covers most of northern Malta, has a lot 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 the 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 island stone 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 urban sprawl of the islands. But Malta and Gozo offer challenging cycling to satisfy the enthusiastic cyclist. Head north if you like hills. Gozo, Malta’s sister island, has steep ups and downs. For more information on the flat, try Southern Malta.
3. Navigation: practically a year-round sport in Malta. The ancient sailors among us sail almost regardless of the weather – competitive sailing months are fall to early summer. While sailing schools and hotels tend to teach and rent boats only in summer, you can ask around, find a friendly skipper, and go out on the water in winter too. If you don’t know the waters, even if you are an experienced sailor, get some advice.
Four. Heritage trails: These are not really officially defined as such, but you could, for example, do a combination of walking, driving and cycling to tour the south of Malta (the Three Cities in the Grand Harbor); the southwest coast and the temples (Blue Grotto, Wied-iz-Zurrieq, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra); the fishing villages (Marascala, Marsaxlokk); Victoria Lines Hike (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 of Gozo, 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 hike if you’re on vacation here. Search online to find the clubs that will welcome you on a visiting climb.
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 still outside in winter, and you’ll get great colors and light to work with.
7.Photography: As with painting, this is a nice winter hobby that provides great conditions for the natural light photographers among us. No heat haze, jaw-dropping tones, and depth of perspective. Some deep shadows, but nothing that professionals can’t resolve naturally or in Photoshop later!
8. Short races: Malta has a host of adult evening classes, clubs and societies – choose from everything from tango and fencing classes to your regular high school courses. Many groups and clubs, like the tango club, 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 starting point from northern European cities and are a beacon of warmth for those who live in northern climates. It’s no wonder Malta is a key conference destination.
10. Lovebird getaways: Most of the more exclusive hotels offer very attractive discounts for winter weekends. Many have spa facilities these days as well. Malta is close enough with only two to three hours of flight time from most European capitals to spend a winter weekend.
eleven Gozo country house breaks: Rentals abound, at good prices, as tourists are less at this time of year. Take advantage of a weekend with friends in a bigger place, even if you are not going to use the pool in winter. Unlike some Greek island resorts, Gozo doesn’t really close gloomily outside of peak 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 is the season of theater in a big way. So, don’t think it’s a July summer arts festival thing. Head out and you’ll have plenty of options, from opera to stand-up comedy.