Malta offers a wide variety of sporting facilities. Many of the larger hotels, aware of the current trend towards health and fitness, have recently added gyms and other facilities for the use of their guests. Facilities often include tennis courts, squash courts, weight rooms and saunas. Most hotels also offer water sport facilities, including scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing.

The MARSA SPORTS CLUB has some of the best facilities on the island. This large sports center is about 2.5 miles (4 km) south of Valletta and lists among its numerous features, an 18-hole golf course, 19 tennis courts (two of which are clay) 5 squash courts, cricket ground, polo field, 2 golf piste, gymnasium, swimming pool, and a 4-lane AMF bowling alley as well as catering facilities. Visitors may join the club on a daily or weekly basis whilst vacationing in Malta. Located near the Club are a horse racing track, as well as soccer and rugby fields.

SCUBA DIVING

Malta offers some of the best scuba diving conditions and instruction in the world. Many water sports centers and diving schools offer lessons and scuba diving equipment rentals. Their addresses and locations are available from any Malta Tourist Office (Offices listed elsewhere in this site).

WINDSURFING

Windsurfing boards can be rented at practically every major beach in Malta. Windsurfing is a very well established sport in Malta. Two international competitions, the Sicily-Malta Windsurfing Race in May and the International Open Class Boardsailing Championships in September, attract contestants of international caliber.

SAILING AND YACHTING

Sailing regattas are held regularly between April and November. These include the Comino Regatta in June, the Malta-Syracuse race for keelboats in July and the Rimini-Malta-Rimini Yacht race in August. Good facilities for boat rentals and yacht charters exist throughout the island. The Marina in Ta' Xbiex is well-established for stern-to-quay accomodation and the construction of new marinas is ongoing.

The Valletta Yacht Club at Manoel Island [Tel:(+356) 331131] will be pleased to advise interested parties about yacht charter available as well as details about local and international competitions in the Malta area.

PARAGLIDING

This sport is available at Golden Sands, Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Qawra, St. George's Bay and St. Julina's.

SOCCER

Soccer ("Football" in Malta) is the country's most popular sport. The season begins in September and runs through May, when the league championships are held as well as other competitions. The National Stadium at Ta' Qali recently constructed, has been the venue of many international competitions. The local Football Association Headquarters are in Valletta [Tel: (+356) 222697].

LAWN BOWLING

Maltese lawn bowling, "Bocci", is very popular at the local level and one can play it in most villages. One can also contact the Federation of Lawn Bowling (Bocci) [Tel: (+356) 696787].

TEN PIN BOWLING

A ten pin bowling alley is open all week at St. George's Bay, St. Julina's.

HORSE RIDING

There are several riding schools in the area near the Marsa race track. Some hotels too offer horse-riding facilities.

HORSE RACING

Horse racing is Malta's top spectator sport. Races are held every Sunday, between October and May. Right to nine races are held, all trotter, except for one flat race. The race track is located at Marsa.

CLAY PIGEON/SKEET SHOOTING

This is a very popular sport in Malta with competitive/practice shootings taking place on Sunday mornings. Those who have an interest in participating should contact the Secretary at the Shooting Federation [Tel: (+356) 444747].

ARCHERY

Archery is organized by the Malta Archery Federation [Tel: (+356) 244351] at the Marsa Sports Club. The International Archery Tournament is held in April.

RUNNING/ATHLETICS

The Malta Marathon is held in mid-February and attracts several long-distance runners from around the world. A ladies' half-marathon is run concurrently. The Malta AAA also organizes a great number of events such as road races and track and field events culminating in the Athletic Championships at the Marsa Stadium Track in May.

OTHER SPORT FACILITIES

In addition to the previously mentioned sports, Malta boasts a wide selection of other sporting events sponsored by the National Associations, including Judo, Basketball, Cycling, Table Tennis, Hockey, Waterpolo, Swimming, Wrestling and more.

For further information contact the Malta Olympic Committee, 138 C. St. Christopher Street, Valletta [Tel: (+356) 241382].

(SOURCE: Malta Fact Sheet; Malta National Tourist Office, USA & Canada)