From walking to watersports, Yolanda Zappaterra asks three tour operators to give their recommendations for active holidays in Malta
1 ‘My kids were like mountain goats at the climbing’
What’s the brief? A family with older kids is seeking a water‑focused adventure holiday in Malta that includes a variety of activities and time to relax. They’re keen to do some diving, at both beginner and experienced levels, and want activities that will be suitable for everyone.
Sue McDonald, marketing co-ordinator, Activities Abroad
We suggest: I’d recommend our Gozo Island Adventure family activity holiday. I experienced it with my own family nearly six years ago, and we’re still talking about it! It really was a perfect family holiday destination, and literally an outdoor adventure playground, with an abundance of family-friendly activities on land and at sea, like snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, climbing and abseiling.
A lazy boat day offered another viewpoint of the island, and jumping into the turquoise Mediterranean from the back of the boat was a fantastic experience
The kids loved the scuba diving, and the kayaking was just stunning, gliding across water so clear and blue that you could see the sands and rocks beneath you at every stage. A lazy boat day offered another viewpoint of the island, and jumping into the turquoise Mediterranean from the back of the boat was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed the climbing and abseiling, and although the kids were like mountain goats at climbing and left me well behind, I managed to impress them with my abseiling skills and definitely earned some ‘cool mum’ points!
Book it: Activities Abroad offers a seven-night Malta-Gozo Island Adventure from £1,195 (ages 12-plus) and £1,095 per child (ages 6-11), including B&B accommodation, three lunches, two dinners, six activities and transfers. Flights are extra.
activitiesabroad.com
2 ‘Malta offers easy and varied walking’
What’s the brief? A couple interested in the history of Malta and Gozo are looking for a holiday with lots of opportunities for walking, with ample time to explore several cultural locations and soak up the atmosphere.
Calvin Yates, senior overseas product manager, HF Holidays
We suggest: A week-long guided walking holiday in spring or autumn, when the weather’s ideal for walking, would be perfect for this couple. Malta has incredibly picturesque landscapes and easy, varied walking with lots of history and culture to discover. The coastal paths have obvious appeal, but the rural inland walks take in many interesting remains of the island’s heritage, including neolithic temples, 4th-century catacombs and Roman ruins.
The coastal paths have obvious appeal, but the rural inland walks take in many interesting remains of the island’s heritage, including neolithic temples
Our tour offers guests a choice of two walks on all four walking days. Option one tends to be ‘easier’ and is usually 5-7 miles, with up to 700 feet of ascent in a day. Option two is 7-9 miles and up to 1,400 feet of ascent. All are led by a knowledgeable HF Holidays leader. As well as coastal and rural routes, some walks take in historic villages like Marsaxlokk and Marsascala, or ancient Mdina, the original capital of Malta.
Book it: HF Holidays offers a seven-night half-board Complete Malta Guided Walking Holiday from £999 including return flights, four days’ walking and a full day’s sightseeing.
hfholidays.co.uk
3 ‘Outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round’
What’s the brief? A solo traveller is looking to spend time with a friendly group exploring the heritage and natural attractions of Malta and Gozo through a range of land and water-based activities. They want a budget conscious holiday that also offers a chance to interact with locals.
Joanna Reeve, head of business development and partnerships EMEA, Intrepid Travel
We suggest: I’d recommend a week exploring the islands on our Highlights of Malta & Gozo guided trip. Malta is a destination that has it all, from active adventures to historical sights, culture and delicious food and drink, and because it has mild winters and a great climate, outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. There’s a lot to choose from, like kayaking, hiking, swimming and diving, and the towns are easy to explore on foot.
We have a kayaking excursion around Comino Island that lets you get up close to the island’s jagged cliffs, caves and sandy beaches
A group dynamic gives solo travellers the chance to meet other travellers and locals, but also to spend time exploring by themselves when they want. And there’s so much to explore and do. We have a kayaking excursion around Comino Island that lets you get up close to the island’s jagged cliffs, caves and sandy beaches, or there’s a day of hiking on Gozo’s best trails.
Guides help connect travellers with locals and to explore places they may not have found by themselves or felt comfortable visiting alone. And staying in small local hotels is the icing on the cake.
Book it: Intrepid Travel’s seven-night Highlights of Malta & Gozo tour starts at £1,345 and includes accommodation, transport, selected meals and activities, but excludes flights.
intrepidtravel.com
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PICTURES: Visit Malta; Pete Bullin; Shutterstock/Radiokafka