The best sport spots and adventures in Malta – travel tips, packing lists and first-hand experience from DOMISPORTS.
Comino · Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving · Best time: Apr–Nov
The tiny island between Malta and Gozo is a water playground: turquoise lagoon, caves and reefs packed close together. By kayak you circle Comino in a few hours and find coves the boat-trippers never see. Kayak instead of excursion boat — discover your own coves.
Gozo · Scuba Diving, Climbing, Hiking · Best time: Year-round
Malta's little sister is the sportier destination: sea cliffs and limestone climbing above the water, plus dive sites like the Blue Hole you enter straight from shore. Pleasantly mild in winter — ideal for off-season training. Blue Hole for divers of all levels — entry right from the rocks.
Gozo · Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Kayaking · Best time: Apr–Nov
Dwejra's underwater architecture is one of a kind: through the Blue Hole you descend into a sunken archway, with tunnels and chimneys in the limestone all around. Strong territory for snorkel and kayak too — the best of it starts right off the rocks. Blue Hole PADI dive from ~€45 — one of the top dive sites in the Med.
Malta · Kayaking, SUP, Snorkeling · Best time: Apr–Nov
Sport with a World Heritage backdrop: kayak or SUP across the Grand Harbour past fortress walls from the age of the Knights. Sheltered harbour water and short distances — and after the tour you're back in town within minutes. Grand Harbour kayak at sunset — the bastions glow golden.
Malta · Hiking, Climbing · Best time: Year-round
Malta's highest sea cliffs: the walls drop more than 200 metres into the sea, and up top you walk panoramic paths from viewpoint to viewpoint. Free, unspoilt, and home to the island's best sunsets. Sunset walk along the cliffs — free and spectacular.
Malta · Scuba Diving, Snorkeling · Best time: Apr–Nov
Malta's most famous shore dive, right by the Gozo ferry terminal: two purpose-sunk wrecks — the tug Rożi and patrol boat P29 — plus tunnels, caves and the Cirkewwa Arch bottoming out on sand at 27 metres. The shallower reef sections work fine on an Open Water cert; take a guide for the wrecks. The Rożi (1992) and P29 (2007) were sunk on purpose for divers — you reach both from shore, no boat needed.
Malta · Snorkeling, Cliff diving, Swimming · Best time: May–Oct
A natural rock pool on the Delimara peninsula near Marsaxlokk: crystal-clear water for snorkelling, plus flat limestone ledges to jump into the blue from various heights. No sand, no sunbeds, no bar — but arguably the coolest swim spot on the main island, with a small cave at its western end. The pool got famous thanks to Titti, the cliff-jumping dog from Marsaxlokk — but keep clear of the edge, parts of the cliff are crumbling (warning signs since 2022).
Malta · Kayaking, Windsurfing, Sailing · Best time: May–Oct
Malta's biggest sandy beach is the north's watersports base: rent sea kayaks, windsurf gear and sailing boats right on the sand, with dedicated sections of the bay reserved for watersports. From the kayak you paddle the coast towards Marfa — shallow, sandy and, thanks to standing-depth water, the most relaxed entry point on the island. The water stays waist-deep far into the bay — perfect for first tries on a kayak or board, though August brings full-on beach crowds.
Malta · Climbing, Hiking · Best time: Oct–May
Malta's climbing classic: a green limestone gorge near Żurrieq running out right above the sea with views of the Blue Grotto. Malta and Gozo pack around 1,100 sport routes according to the current guidebook, and Wied Babu is the best-known wall of them all — lead experience or a local guide is a must. Birds nest in the gorge in spring — respect sector closures, the Malta Climbing Club posts current info.
Malta · Hiking, Swimming · Best time: Sep–Jun
Two sandy bays split by a headland with an old watchtower — and around them, across Majjistral Nature Park, runs one of Malta's longest coastal walks. Hike the clifftops towards Gnejna, drop down the steps to Għajn Tuffieħa's red-sand bay and jump in to cool off. Easy going, but brutally hot in midsummer — start early then. The roughly 200 steps down to Għajn Tuffieħa filter out the crowds — it's far quieter than Golden Bay next door.
Malta · Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming · Best time: Apr–Oct
Malta's most relaxed sea-kayak run: from Mistra Bay you paddle 4–5 kilometres along caves and WWII relics on the cliff coast out to the uninhabited St. Paul's Islands. The channel crossing to the island is only about 100 metres wide — doable with zero experience. On the island there's a swim stop, so bring a snorkel for the crystal-clear water. The guided tours launch from Mistra Bay — the crossing to the island is only about 100 metres wide, which is why complete beginners manage it fine.
Malta · Hiking, Swimming · Best time: Oct–May
Malta's only national park runs six kilometres of cliff coast from Golden Bay to Anchor Bay — the coastal trail over the clay slopes to Għajn Tuffieħa is the main island's longest continuous coastal hike. Barely any shade, but open views all the way to Gozo, and you finish with a swim at one of the two sandy bays. Bring sturdy shoes — the ground gets rough in places. On Sundays from October to May the park runs guided ranger walks — sign up in advance.