Adventure Holidays In Malta

The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino. They are situated virtually in the centre of the Mediterranean, directly south of Sicily. As a result, the weather is consistently hot and sunny. For those who want to take holidays in Malta to relax by the sea, the islands are blessed with powder-sanded beaches and served by clear, temperate waters.

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is often the centre of social activities, but many large and popular events take place in different locations around the island.

Culture and history also play an important part in Malta and history buffs will find more than enough ruins, temples and examples of fine architecture to keep them interested for the duration of their stay. However, there is another side to Malta holidays that involves visitors pitting their wits and strength against the natural wonders that occur here.

Climbing the dizzy heights on Malta is one attraction. Climbing and bouldering now have renewed popularity on the Maltese islands, particularly on Gozo and Comino. The routes, which were neglected until recently, were originally pioneered by the British Army. Since then, climbers have returned to take advantage of the spectacular sea cliffs and the inland limestone crags. Climbing is most popular on Gozo, where there are six main areas dedicated to the sport.

Comino is better known for its bouldering opportunities, with two main sites consisting of huge, sandstone boulders overlooking the water. The coastline is not the only place to look here though, with some inland bouldering opportunities available.

The coastline also offers opportunities to enjoy underwater caverns and for coasteerers to explore. The limestone cliffs that rise up to 150 metres above the Mediterranean also serve another purpose. The natural development of land-based features is also reflected underwater, creating a submarine world of caves and tunnels. Gozo is known to divers all over the world who rank it alongside some of the word's major reefs and locations in Egypt as a place they must visit. In addition to the cliffs, the seas around the Maltese Islands are peppered with reefs and wrecks that act as home to a startling abundance of marine life including seahorses, eagle rays and sharks. The visibility in these waters is superb, remaining clear in depths of up to 40 metres.

Coasteering is an emerging pursuit that has its roots in the past. Extremely popular in Malta, it entails climbing, jumping and swimming around the dramatic coastline. Climbers continue until the climb becomes impossible, before jumping into the clear, blue waters and looking for the next suitable point to begin climbing again. It's a strenuous yet exciting way to explore the coastline and reveals caves, archways and other hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Saint Julian is an area well served by high-end accommodation and hotels. Those who prefer to self-cater might like to look to the old town of Valletta, where there are a variety of luxurious Malta villas to choose from. Many of the villas in Malta's capital are old, renovated townhouses, decorated with elegance and comfort in mind, reminiscent of the days of the Knights of Malta. Many of these apartments and villas in Malta come with their own pools and are within easy access of local amenities, so adventurers can refuel by dining out on local cuisine or cook at their home from home, to suit their own preferences.

Malta is a location Mark has written about in depth and holidays in Malta are often the subject of his reviews. Mark covers tourism and travel for most main European destinations.