Sustainable Travelling in Malta

Kayaking at St. Thomas’ Bay

Living in Malta for years, I’ve watched the island change. Sure, you still see the tour buses heading to Mellieha Bay and the crowds walking around Paceville. But beneath the surface, I believe something good is happening. We are moving away from the "sun, sea and alcohol" mass tourism towards something slower and quieter.

Off-season tourism

Summer in Malta can be intense. The buses are full, the beaches are packed and in commercial areas like Sliema the occasional power cut happens because everyone is blasting their AC at once. That’s why I always tell friends to visit between October and May.

The island turns green, the temperature is perfect for hiking and you get to see the local life that is sometimes invisible in August.

Adventure over party

If you really want to understand Malta’s coast, you have to get off the concrete promenade. My favourite sustainable activity? Renting a kayak at St. Thomas Bay in Marsaskala.

Instead of booking a loud boat tour, we rent kayaks in Marsaskala and paddle south towards Munxar Cliffs or even St. Peter’s Pool. It’s quiet, it’s a workout and you see the cliffs from an angle most tourists never witness. Tip: Bring a hat and plenty of water. There is zero shade out on the open sea, even in spring!

Eating local

Instead of eating imported food in a hotel chain, we try to shop at the farmers' markets in Ta’ Qali or the Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk. Buying local supports the farmers who are fighting to keep Malta’s agriculture alive despite the construction boom.

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