CLIMATE
Malta has a typically Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild, with the occasional short chilly period brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.
Summers in Malta are hot, dry and very sunny. Temperatures can reach up to 84 degrees fahrenheit (30 degrees celcius) but the heat tends to be tempered by sea breezes. In spring and autumn a very hot wind from Africa occasionally brings unseasonably high temperatures and humidity. However, Malta never gets any frost or snow.
FOOD
The Islands’ cuisine is influenced by the people who made their home here over the centuries, from the Arabs, Italians and Spanish to the French and British. Traditional Maltese cooking has distinct touches of the Sicilian and Moorish with rich sweets, pastries and deserts of ricotta, almonds and figs as well as tomato and wine sauces with pasta, rabbit and fish. Wines from Malta’s vineyards are particularly popular There are many restaurants that serve traditional Maltese food such as Bragioli (Beef Olives), Fenek (Rabbit) and Timpana (Baked Macaroni). One can also find French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, American, Chinese and Mediterranaen as well as steak or seafood restaurants and a number of international fast food chains.
LEISURE
With the never-ending sun, sea and sights there is no shortage of fun and wholesome things to do in Malta.
The varied environments and facilities in Malta allow for a wide range of sports to suit all tastes. For starters, the lush, beautiful landscape makes for great walking, hiking, and trekking. For those who are not into walking but would like to see the scenery can do so from the back of a powerful riding horse. The Maltese have a long tradition of horse riding and horse racing. In fact, the oldest polo club in Europe can be found in Malta. Those into more vigorous activities can see the Malta’s countryside by bike.
Tennis and squash facilities are always within close proximity from literally everywhere. One can play outdoor tennis almost every single day of the year. For both tennis and squash, most hotels have in-house facilities and courts, but there are also several world-class sports clubs.
Football is definitely one of Malta's favourite sports, if not THE favorite sport of Malta. In fact, the oldest Manchester United supporters' club outside of Great Britain can be found in Malta.
After a long day out on the trek, on a bike, in the squash court, or on the football pitch, there is nothing more relaxing and fulfilling than a heavenly hour at the spa.
With the beautiful blue Mediterranean on all sides of the Maltese islands, all forms of water sport and recreation have flourished. The temperate climate guarantees warm waters all year long. Relax on the beach and bask in the sun or indulge in any water sport. Beach resorts often rent out jet skis and equipment for windsurfing and paragliding. Diving is also highly popular with varied and colorful water wildlife as well as the number of sunken wrecks around Malta. The islands also play host to important regattas every year - a must-see for sailing enthusiasts.
BEACHES
The islands of Malta and Gozo have a number of beaches which are perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming. The most popular tend to be sandy beaches, but there are also rocky beaches. A list of popular sandy.
Ghadira Bay
Located in Mellieha, Ghadira Bay is the biggest stretch of sand on the Maltese islands. Although Malta and Gozo do not have the large beaches other countries have, they are very picturesque and the water is as beautiful and as clear as any found in the Carribean. ‘Ghadira’, which means lake in Maltese, has fine golden sand. It’s a great beach for games, such as water polo, as the sea is quite shallow and one has to walk quite a bit away from the beach before reaching any depth. This is the most popular beach in Malta, so expect to find large crowds in the height of summer. The beach is usually dotted with colourful umbrellas. Lidos are located along the beach and you may rent umbrellas and beach chairs at reasonable prices. On presentation of your student card you will receive discounts at the ‘Costa Del Sol Lido’.
Armier Bay
Armier Bay is situated in the locality of Mellieha. It consists of two beaches, the largest known as Gharmier and the other as Little Armier. The sea water in this bay is crystal blue, just like the sea at the Blue Lagoon in Comino, which is situated just opposite. Armier Bay is the perfect place for a Beach BBQ or to watch the sunset over the island of Gozo.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is well secluded and is set in a natural cove. It is located in the northern part of Malta close to Cirkewwa. This beach is excellent for snorkelling and is popular with a younger crowd as there are often parties at the weekends. Despite being relatively isolated, there are plenty of facilities available.
Gnejna Bay
Gnejna is a very pretty bay in the Western part of Malta near the town of Mgarr. The shallow waters and sandy beach make it perfect for sunbathing. Probably the biggest benefit of Gnejna is that it’s usually mostly locals who bathe there. If you are looking for a quiet beach this is probably one of the best locations.
Ghajn Tuffieha
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, located just East of Golden Bay, is one of three bays carved out of the cliffs. There are no paved roads that can take you down to the beach from the cliffs and it is only accessible on foot by steep steps. As a result, the beach does not get crowded.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is the northern most sandy beach of three; the other being Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay. The bay lies on the north western coast and offers one of the best ‘golden’ sandy beaches in Malta set in a secluded cove and always a Malta holiday hot spot for ‘sun worshippers’. Sunbeds and umbrellas are readily available for hire while snack bars & refreshment kiosks situated around the beach. A bus service runs to and from Golden Bay and there is also ample parking. Golden Bay is ideal for sunbathing and swimming with water sports available and even horse riding nearby.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is located at the bottom of a rich and fertile valley on the northern side of the island of Gozo. The village of Xaghra, located on one of the hills of Gozo, overlooks this valley. It is about a forty minute walk from Xaghra to the bay. The bay can also be reached from the village of Nadur. The terraced walls built by the farmers give the valley an appearance of a quilt when viewed from the high ridges surrounding it.
The beach is quite wide and sandy. It is a particular golden-reddish sand which makes this beach different from all others in Gozo and Malta. Its full Maltese name is Ir-Ramla il-Hamra, “the Red Sandy Beach” in English. The beach is popular with both Maltese residents and tourists, and part of it is a Natura 2000 site.