5 fun activities for Maltese families to try this spring
11 April 2015, published by LITTLEROCK.com.mt
The flowers are out, the sun is shining brighter and warmer, and it is simply the perfect time to enjoy the Maltese countryside. Spring is that time of year when you can enjoy the outdoors while the grass is still green and the sun is not yet scorching hot nor the day likely to be ruined by too much wind or rain. Here are some ideas how you can enjoy the great outdoors as a family or with friends.
Camping
It is probably the closest you can get to "getting away from it all" on this tiny island. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, friends and family without any of the distractions. It is amazing how creative you can get on how to spend your time, and how much longer and fuller the day feels from spending it hiking, cooking over the camp fire, fishing, swimming (for those more adventurous) and generally having a good time. You need equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, but do not invest in camping gear until you are sure you feel comfortable with pooping outdoors and sleeping under the stars; borrow the gear from a friend or rent some to start off.
Where: L-Aħrax is a great place for camping, with stunning views, the shelter of trees and access to the sea, but remember to obtain a permit from the Mellieħa Local Council, which you can do online. If you feel more adventurous, take a boat to Santa Marija Bay in Comino; there is the added comfort of toilets and showers for campers as well as a police station and a chapel! Whatever you do, always remember to pack sunblock, wet wipes and insect repellent to ensure you stay comfortable.
Walk the trails
If camping feels too much of a stretch, taking a coastal walk or one of the numerous trails across the Maltese countryside is an adventure all in itself and also a perfect opportunity to switch off. You get to see Malta in a new way, particularly if you are used to driving everywhere, and you will be surprised how many hidden gems lie in the nooks and crannies of this tiny rock; the beauty can be truly stunning. Ensure that the trail you pick is of a difficulty level you can handle, particularly if you have children and taking a coastal walk, since these often involve some climbing across rocks using all four limbs.
Where: For starters, walk along the path behind Għajn Tuffieħa Bay across the clay hills towards Ġnejna, or you can choose any one of these Malta and Gozo countryside walkmaps by Visit Malta, which you can download and print.
Picnic
Include a picnic in your day out to keep everyone happy after you've worked up an appetite. Pack in some typical Maltese goodies such as Maltese bread, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, olives, capers, bigilla, and a variety of other dips. A spinach and tuna pie could also be a fantastic addition to your picnic basket, and always include plenty of fruit and nuts, which are great snacks in case somebody gets peckish before it is time to lay out the picnic cloth.
Where: Find a place where the kids can play while the adults can chat or snooze under a tree. Buskett seems to be a favourite for picnics and offers opportunities to walk and explore as well as play ball, however it can get crowded so you can just set off for your favourite piece of countryside.
Day trip
If your day trip might include elderly grandparents or younger children and you are concerned that the countryside may not be comfortable enough for them, a themed day trip can create a lot of excitement for family members of all ages.
Where: For example, you may want to create a theme of seeing those tourist attractions you never get to see because you live here, such as Heritage Malta sites or theme parks such as Popeye Village or Mediterraneo. A day trip to Gozo can prove a very varied experience which includes several stops to make sure everyone is happy.
Museums
Make your outing educational by planning visits to all the museums, perfect for those spring days when the wind and rain may come, or alternatively you can include one family museum visit a month and combine it with a family dinner or a picnic in the area. To avoid tantrums and sulking pouts from the kids who might consider museums "boring" you can get all the family involved by making a list of all the museums and getting each family member to throw dice and take it in turns to pick their preferred museum. If you wish, you may include the numerous public gardens, historic homes and old villages on the list, and you'll be sure to arouse the interest of every member of your family.
Where: Despite being small, Malta has much to offer in this department. We recommend clicking here for some ideas where to go.
Create a family project
It's always fun to spend time together as a family working on a project and it can be a very bonding experience (unless you kill each other first!). Let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you. If you want to explore your creative talents, consider producing a short play or movie; everyone can get involved in writing the script, acting, set creation and finding the perfect costumes. Or consider participating in a community service project; walking dogs from the sanctuaries can be a wonderful way to bring children into close contact with animals particularly if you cannot keep a pet of your own. Or maybe you have an organisation close to your heart that you can help support; simply ask the organisation if there is something your family can help with.
Camping
It is probably the closest you can get to "getting away from it all" on this tiny island. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, friends and family without any of the distractions. It is amazing how creative you can get on how to spend your time, and how much longer and fuller the day feels from spending it hiking, cooking over the camp fire, fishing, swimming (for those more adventurous) and generally having a good time. You need equipment such as tents and sleeping bags, but do not invest in camping gear until you are sure you feel comfortable with pooping outdoors and sleeping under the stars; borrow the gear from a friend or rent some to start off.
Where: L-Aħrax is a great place for camping, with stunning views, the shelter of trees and access to the sea, but remember to obtain a permit from the Mellieħa Local Council, which you can do online. If you feel more adventurous, take a boat to Santa Marija Bay in Comino; there is the added comfort of toilets and showers for campers as well as a police station and a chapel! Whatever you do, always remember to pack sunblock, wet wipes and insect repellent to ensure you stay comfortable.
Walk the trails
If camping feels too much of a stretch, taking a coastal walk or one of the numerous trails across the Maltese countryside is an adventure all in itself and also a perfect opportunity to switch off. You get to see Malta in a new way, particularly if you are used to driving everywhere, and you will be surprised how many hidden gems lie in the nooks and crannies of this tiny rock; the beauty can be truly stunning. Ensure that the trail you pick is of a difficulty level you can handle, particularly if you have children and taking a coastal walk, since these often involve some climbing across rocks using all four limbs.
Where: For starters, walk along the path behind Għajn Tuffieħa Bay across the clay hills towards Ġnejna, or you can choose any one of these Malta and Gozo countryside walkmaps by Visit Malta, which you can download and print.
Picnic
Include a picnic in your day out to keep everyone happy after you've worked up an appetite. Pack in some typical Maltese goodies such as Maltese bread, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, olives, capers, bigilla, and a variety of other dips. A spinach and tuna pie could also be a fantastic addition to your picnic basket, and always include plenty of fruit and nuts, which are great snacks in case somebody gets peckish before it is time to lay out the picnic cloth.
Where: Find a place where the kids can play while the adults can chat or snooze under a tree. Buskett seems to be a favourite for picnics and offers opportunities to walk and explore as well as play ball, however it can get crowded so you can just set off for your favourite piece of countryside.
Day trip
If your day trip might include elderly grandparents or younger children and you are concerned that the countryside may not be comfortable enough for them, a themed day trip can create a lot of excitement for family members of all ages.
Where: For example, you may want to create a theme of seeing those tourist attractions you never get to see because you live here, such as Heritage Malta sites or theme parks such as Popeye Village or Mediterraneo. A day trip to Gozo can prove a very varied experience which includes several stops to make sure everyone is happy.
Museums
Make your outing educational by planning visits to all the museums, perfect for those spring days when the wind and rain may come, or alternatively you can include one family museum visit a month and combine it with a family dinner or a picnic in the area. To avoid tantrums and sulking pouts from the kids who might consider museums "boring" you can get all the family involved by making a list of all the museums and getting each family member to throw dice and take it in turns to pick their preferred museum. If you wish, you may include the numerous public gardens, historic homes and old villages on the list, and you'll be sure to arouse the interest of every member of your family.
Where: Despite being small, Malta has much to offer in this department. We recommend clicking here for some ideas where to go.
Create a family project
It's always fun to spend time together as a family working on a project and it can be a very bonding experience (unless you kill each other first!). Let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you. If you want to explore your creative talents, consider producing a short play or movie; everyone can get involved in writing the script, acting, set creation and finding the perfect costumes. Or consider participating in a community service project; walking dogs from the sanctuaries can be a wonderful way to bring children into close contact with animals particularly if you cannot keep a pet of your own. Or maybe you have an organisation close to your heart that you can help support; simply ask the organisation if there is something your family can help with.
