YOUR GUIDE TO MALTA
Lifting the lid on the winter sun golf destination you may not know a huge amount about…
Yes, Malta. There’s every chance you haven’t ever considered a golf trip to this Mediterranean island because there’s a chance you didn’t even know it has a golf course. Well it does, and it is really nice. There’s just one, but if you’re after more than just pure golf on your trip, this island has so much to offer.
And here’s the other key appeal; its climate. Malta averages 12 hours of sunshine a day in summer and six in mid-winter. You won’t be surprised to learn summers are hot, dry and sunny (with a cooling sea breeze), but what really impresses are its mild winters (expect 21°C in November) and low annual rainfall (568mm). This is a year-round tourist destination that enjoys at least as good a climate as Belek, Sicily or North Africa.
It might only have one course but that one has more pedigree than most others in the world! Royal Malta was founded in 1888 by Lieutenant General Sir Henry D’oyley. This army man’s final posting was as Governor of Malta. He arrived on the island in 1888 and within one month had founded Royal Malta. It was refurbished around the time of its centenary, with fairways now Bermuda and a new watering system ensuring it is in superb nick. The bunkers were redesigned by David Llewellyn, professional here between 1978 and 1981 and best known for winning the 1987 World Cup with Ian Woosnam.
The club describes itself as ‘a quiet and green oasis in the heart of the island… 18 holes in stunning, historical, landscaped grounds’ and that’s an accurate summary.
A stream cuts across a number of holes while a storm water canal features on the closing pair, but the real highlights are a trio of short holes on the front nine. The par-3 5th is 213 yards and requires an accurate long iron or more and is then followed by arguably the best of Royal Malta. The 6th plays to a long green guarded by hidden bunkers left and right, and the pin is likely partly obscured by a historical arch. The mid-length 7th plays from a raised tee to a raised green – with a swimming pool behind it. Drinks can be bought at a bar through the recess in the wall.
The 10th is another notable hole, with a solid drive to clear the water hazard that bisects the middle of the fairway, then an approach towards a raised, slender two-tier green overlooked by a 15th Century chapel.
Royal Malta will not disappoint for your golf fix and neither will the island generally.
An island paradise
Let’s start in the crystal clear blue waters that surround the island that are such a magnet for scuba and snorkel enthusiasts. We scuba-dived with Watercolours in Sliema and it was incredible. Discerning scuba divers will love it but if you are trying it for the first time you will appreciate the instructors’ advice and warmth even more.
Neighbouring Gozo (you get there by a regular and cheap ferry from Ċirkewwa) is a top diving destination too and it also has much more to explore. It needs a full day in fact. From there you can get another short ferry to Comino, which is a tiny island but is home of the legendary Blue Lagoon.
In the capital Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage City – you should tour St John’s Cocathedral, with its intricate interior (including marble tombstones) and tales of rascal painter Caravaggio.
Take a ‘dgħajsa’ – a gondola-shaped boat – to get to the The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) and lunch in exquisite harbour-side fish restaurant Don Berto.
If you can tear yourself away, discover the Three Cities using Rolling Geeks, self-drive electric cars with pre-programmed GPS that does the driving for you and also does the guided tour at the same time.
Mdina, the ‘Silent City’, was Malta’s first capital and boasts breathtaking medieval architecture. It’s hardly surprising to learn Harry Potter was filmed here.
We stayed in four of Malta’s key areas. Sliema is a vibrant area with idyllic cliff-edge restaurants to explore in the evening. You know how there is usually one standout restaurant with three tables on the water’s edge in your holiday resort that is booked all week? Here, you have about 15 to choose from, so you can always dine by the water.
Sliema is walkable from St Julian’s, which is an even more lively seaside town that’s also known for rocky beaches. Bars and clubs fill the streets of Paceville but our favourite was the Spinola Bay area, where lots of cute boats bob away in the water as you eat and drink from, yes, yet more wonderful seaside restaurants and bars.
Bugibba is known for the liveliest nightlife, with pubs, sports bars, and pizzerias around a palm-lined square but don’t be put off – it is nothing like the flesh pots of Marbella et al.
Our favourite base was actually inland, in the middle of the island, adjacent to the Presidential Palace and San Anton botanical gardens. The five-star Corinthia Palace is a simply gorgeous place to stay, combining classical architecture with modern-day luxury. Villa Corinthia is the main hub, offering high-class food and wine, but we actually preferred The Summer Kitchen, an al fresco brasserie. The bedrooms are classy and spacious while the Athenaeum Spa is fabulous and the fitness centre world class.
You might now be thinking this one course golf break seems surprisingly appealing. We couldn’t agree more.