Sports and fitness in Malta

Football

Football is the national game: the Malta Premier League, the national team at the Ta' Qali National Stadium and a club in almost every town. Local clubs welcome new members and youth nurseries run everywhere.

Swimming and water polo

Water polo is a summer passion with a league played in sea pitches at Neptunes (Balluta), Sliema and Valletta; the National Pool at Tal-Qroqq and private gym pools serve year-round swimmers; open-water swimming is popular from the rocky foreshores.

Diving and water sports

Scuba diving (wrecks, reefs, caves), snorkelling, sailing (Royal Malta Yacht Club, Rolex Middle Sea Race), kayaking, windsurfing at Għadira and stand-up paddling.

Running, cycling and hiking

The Malta Marathon (February/March), seafront runs along Sliema and Buġibba, road and mountain cycling clubs (traffic is the main hazard), and walking on the Dingli cliffs, Marfa Ridge and Gozo's coastal paths.

Tennis, golf and more

Marsa Sports Club (golf, tennis, cricket, squash), tennis clubs in Sliema and Marsa, padel courts across the island, horse riding, climbing at Għar Lapsi and the Victoria Lines.

Gyms

Chains and independent gyms in every town; membership typically €40–90 a month (editorial range).

Facilities and events

The Ta' Qali National Stadium and sports complex, the Marsa Sports Complex, the Cottonera Sports Complex and the Gozo Sports Complex are the main public facilities; major events include the Malta Marathon, the Rolex Middle Sea Race and international football and futsal fixtures. See the directory.