If soaking up the sun on a beach in Malta is not your cup of tea, look no further. Here are six fun and wholesome activities you can enjoy with friends, family or all by your lonesome self, away from the sweltering heat of the Maltese islands.Visit the Malta Aquarium
1. Visit the Malta Aquarium
Malta’s one and only aquarium is located in Qawra, a coastal village situated in the north of Malta. The aquarium boasts of a variety of Mediterranean species of fish and aquamarine creatures found swimming in the Maltese coastal regions and Mediterranean sea, as well as tropical species found outside of the European seas. Expect a colourful array of sea creatures, as well as a spin on Maltese culture and history, including an exhibit of the anchor rumoured to belong to the shipwreck which brought St Paul to our island, as well as the island’s Catholic faith. It is, however, not limited to exhibiting fish, as one may also view reptiles and amphibians. A must-see for children and all those who have a secret marine-biologist, tucked away inside of them.
2. Escape to Scavenger Escape Rooms
There’s no age limit for this one- it is as exciting for kids as it is for adults. Form a team of two to six people and head over to the Qui-Si Sana seafront in Sliema, where new adventures await you. Choose between three differently themed rooms; the Egyptian Adventure, the Mozart Mystery and the Secret Surgery rooms, all rated easy, medium and hard respectively. You have sixty minutes to crack the mystery- the sooner you figure out the puzzles, the higher the chance of breaking their records. Guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping!
3. Cool off with a Ġelat
Ġelat is a Maltese word for everyone’s favourite summer (and let’s be honest, winter) treat- ice-cream! Favoured by adults and kids alike, there’s nothing more refreshing than a tasty, ice-cold ice-cream. One of the best places that offers such a snack is Sotto Zero, located in Bugibba. This ice cream parlour has a wide variety of flavours available, including sugar free, vegan and lactose free options. If you don’t fancy making the trip during the day, head over to Sotto Zero for a late night treat, as they are open until the very early hours of the day. Kinder bueno ice-cream, anyone?
4. Bowling- right up your alley!
Get competitive and head over to the busy town of St Julians, to Eden Superbowl, for a game of bowling with family and friends. There’s nothing like an intense game of bowling accompanied by a few drinks, or watching your kids cheer gleefully as they attempt to drop all the skittles. And if that’s too boring for you, why not try the disco bowling feature? Available every Friday night, get lost in the game accompanied by music and cool glow in the dark effects of the lanes and the balls. Also, once you’ve worn out the game, why not head over to the arcade section for some old school arcade games? A truly fun and unforgettable experience.
5. Lose yourself in St John’s Co-Cathedral
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Brave the crowds of tourists in Valletta’s Republic street and head over to the square, where, facing the Law Courts, you will find the visitor’s entrance to what is known as one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe. One of the many gems that the Order of Saint John gifted us, it is a full immersion into the art, history and culture that Malta’s capital city has to offer. It was Grand Master Raphael Cotoner himself who ordered that the interior of the church be decorated so as to compete with Rome’s finest churches, and tourists and citizens alike believe that he has succeeded. Inside the Co-Cathedral, one will find a marble floor, housing a series of tombs belonging to 400 Knights of the order, and a crypt containing the tombs of various Grand Masters, including one belonging to Valletta’s name sake, Jean Parisot de Valette. Make sure to pass by The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio, the most famous work of art in the church.
6. Saunter around the Silent City by Night
A personal favorite- this fortified city is located at the top of a hill within the Northern Region of Malta. It is said that due to it’s elevated position on the island, it is always a few degrees colder than the rest of Malta, making it a must-see for those who suffer in the heat. It’s equally beautiful by day, yet by night, a peaceful silence overwhelms the city. Explore the narrow side streets, enjoy the various types of cuisine it has to offer, or just admire the views in silence- you are sure to fall in love with the Medieval city. You could always book a tour through FunMalta Night Tours (follow this link-https://www.funmalta.com/night-tours) and let a proffessional guide you and show you all there is to Mdina’s rich history. Bonus tip- visit the Fontanella Café for a taste of some of the most scrumptious cakes on the island, because, who doesn’t love cake?
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