The Maltese Islands
A Mediterranean Destination for Culture, Climate and International Sport
Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands — Malta, Gozo and Comino — offer a unique blend of culture, heritage, natural beauty and year-round outdoor living. Though compact in size, the islands are rich in character and history, making them an attractive destination for visitors, athletes and international event organisers alike.
Over the years, Malta has evolved into a destination that combines deep cultural roots with modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity and a welcoming community, creating the ideal environment for tourism, international sport and major events.
A Living Cultural Landscape
The Maltese Islands boast over 7,000 years of history, making them one of the most culturally rich destinations in the Mediterranean. Layers of civilisation — from prehistoric settlers to the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, the Knights of St John and the British — have all left their mark on the islands.
Amongst the historical sights are:
- Valletta, Malta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its baroque architecture, historic fortifications and vibrant cultural scene.
- Mdina, the island’s ancient capital – also referred to as The Silent City, a beautifully preserved medieval city.
- Prehistoric temples, Ħagar Qim, Mnajdra and Ġgantija (Gozo) are amongst the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world
- Historic deep natural water harbours, fortresses and picturesque coastal towns
Easy Access to the Mediterranean
Malta is easily accessible thanks to Malta International Airport, located just a short drive from Valletta and within convenient reach of the island’s main towns, sports facilities and coastal areas.
The airport connects Malta with major European cities through a wide network of airlines operating year-round routes, ensuring efficient travel for visitors, teams and event organisers. Malta International Airport offers modern passenger services, efficient arrivals and departures facilities, and easy onward connections through taxis, car hire and public transport.
Due to Malta’s compact geography, most destinations across the island can be reached within 30 to 45 minutes from the airport, making logistics simple and efficient for both leisure visitors and international events.
A Mediterranean Climate Made for Outdoor Living
One of Malta’s greatest natural advantages is its climate. The islands enjoy a subtropical Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm summers, mild winters and abundant sunshine.
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Malta offers excellent conditions for outdoor activities, tourism and sport across most of the year.
Autumn is particularly appealing. During October and early November, temperatures typically range between 18°C and 25°C, providing comfortable conditions for training camps, competitions and outdoor exploration. The sea also remains warm from the summer months, making it ideal for swimming and water sports.
A Proven Host of International Sporting Events
In recent years, the Maltese Islands have strengthened their reputation as a reliable host for international sporting events, supported by modern infrastructure, favourable climatic conditions, and a compact geography that enables efficient event delivery. The successful hosting of the Games of the Small States of Europe in 2023 highlighted Malta’s organisational capability while showcasing the country’s growing portfolio of sporting facilities. Together, modern sports infrastructure, natural advantages, and experienced organisers continue to position Malta as an attractive destination for international competitions across disciplines including athletics, swimming, water polo, sailing, weightlifting, and squash.
Key venues across the islands support both international competitions and high-performance training. In Marsa, the Matthew Micallef St. John Athletics Stadium, Malta’s national athletics venue, features a World Athletics-certified track and regularly hosts major athletics competitions. Adjacent to it, the new Marsa Sports Complex is developing into a multi-sport hub offering a diverse and expanding range of facilities for high-performance training and competition, including dedicated venues for squash and weightlifting.
Aquatic sports are supported by Malta’s national swimming facilities, including the Cottonera Indoor Pool Complex and the Tal-Qroqq National Swimming Pool, both of which provide modern infrastructure capable of hosting international swimming and water polo competitions throughout the year.
Beyond its built facilities, Malta’s natural environment plays an equally important role. Surrounded by open sea and benefiting from consistent wind patterns, the islands are often regarded by sailors as the “wind factory of the Mediterranean.” These reliable conditions, combined with sheltered harbours and deep coastal waters, create ideal environments for sailing events. Malta regularly hosts competitions ranging from the prestigious Rolex Middle Sea Race to international dinghy regattas such as the EurILCA Europa Cup, while also attracting Olympic sailors who train in Malta during the winter months, taking advantage of the favourable sailing conditions.
A Culinary Experience Rooted in the Mediterranean
Food forms an essential part of life in the Maltese Islands. The local cuisine reflects the islands’ Mediterranean character and centuries of cultural influence.
Blessed with an abundance of excellent local produce, surrounded by a sea rich in fresh seafood, and shaped by recipes passed down through generations, food and drink lie at the heart of Maltese culture. It is therefore no surprise that the islands offer a remarkably diverse and memorable culinary scene.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Fresh seafood, generally sourced locally and served fresh.
- Rabbit stew (fenek), one of Malta’s most traditional dishes.
- Pastizzi, a popular Maltese pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas.
- Seasonal produce, olive oils and Mediterranean specialties
Dining experiences range from family-run village restaurants to internationally recognised fine-dining establishments, offering something for every visitor.
Discover Gozo
Just a short ferry crossing from Malta lies Gozo, the archipelago’s smaller yet distinct sister island. Known for its natural beauty, rural landscapes and strong sense of tradition, Gozo offers a more tranquil atmosphere while still playing an increasingly important role in Malta’s tourism and sporting landscape.
Gozo’s dramatic cliffs, rolling countryside and scenic coastline create ideal conditions for outdoor sport and adventure activities. The island has become a popular destination for triathlon training, trail running and endurance races and water sports.
At the same time, Gozo retains a strong cultural identity, with charming villages, historic churches and traditional festivals that reflect the island’s deep-rooted heritage. Landmarks such as the Citadel in Victoria, beautiful coastal landscapes and world-class diving sites add to Gozo’s appeal.
Together with Malta, Gozo continues to contribute to the development of the Maltese Islands as a diverse and dynamic destination for sport, culture and outdoor activity.
A Warm Welcome in the Heart of the Mediterranean
What truly sets the Maltese Islands apart is their people. Visitors frequently remark on the warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Maltese, which create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and relaxed.
Malta is a bilingual country, with English widely spoken alongside Maltese, making the islands particularly accessible for international visitors, athletes, and event organisers. Combined with Malta’s compact geography and strong service culture, guests quickly feel at home.
A Destination Ready for the World
Whether hosting international competitions, welcoming training camps or offering visitors a rich Mediterranean experience, the Maltese Islands continue to demonstrate their versatility.
With excellent accessibility, modern facilities, a rich cultural heritage, outstanding cuisine and a favourable climate, Malta and Gozo provide an ideal environment for tourism, sport and international events throughout the year.
At the heart of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands offer a destination where culture, sport, cuisine and hospitality come together to create an unforgettable experience.
