Winter weather can be schizophrenic in Malta. But overall, the clouds over this small outcrop of an archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean have their upside, as we can experience four seasons in one week.

Another peculiarity of a Maltese winter is the difference in temperature between inside and outside; while northern Europeans hunker indoors for warmth and get little sunlight-induced vitamin D in the winter months, people in Malta do the opposite. We tend to go outdoors to escape the cold inside our houses, since we rarely have adequate heating. However, the outdoors is the place to be, as the wonderful Mediterranean light of the islands, stormy days or not, can make us feel more energized now than during the heat of summer.

With the generally fine weather in Malta in winter, there are plenty of reasons to head here to escape the big frost in the north. Malta in winter is the best time to go out and most activities can be enjoyed all year round. As you can see, this list of suggestions includes a lot of time well spent outdoors.

1. Walking: Try the north of Malta to enjoy the swaths of countryside you thought these somewhat urban islands were missing. Walk the old fortified British ‘Victoria Lines’, or hike the nature trail near Red Fort, Mellieha. Covering most of northern Malta, the newly designated Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park has much to offer walkers and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture its unique flora. The cities are also good walking tours with a heavy dose of cultural heritage. There are organized cultural tours that you can also join; Ask at the Tourist Offices. Cities like Valletta, Birgu and Mdina are much less crowded in winter and the cafe life is still active at this time of year.

2. Winter’s sun: Malta won’t offer the same ‘winter sun’ experience as the Caribbean, but the islands’ stone turns a deep honey-yellow hue in the winter sun, which still has power even in January, if you choose a sheltered location. place.

3. Cycling: increasingly popular here, despite the urban sprawl of the islands. But Malta and Gozo offer challenging cycling to satisfy the keen cyclist. Head north if you like hills. Gozo, Malta’s sister island, has steep ups and downs. For more on the flat, try South Malta.

3. Navigation: Pretty much a year-round sport in Malta. The ancient sailors among us sail almost regardless of the weather: the competitive sailing months are from fall to early summer. While sailing schools and hotels tend to teach and charter boats only in the summer, you can ask around, find a friendly skipper, and get out on the water in the winter too. If you don’t know the waters, even if you are an experienced sailor, get advice.

4. Heritage trails: these aren’t really officially defined as such, but you could, for example, do a mix of walking, driving and cycling to tour the south of Malta (the Three Cities in the Grand Harbour); the southwest coast and the temples (Blue Grotto, Wied-iz-Zurrieq, Hagar Qim, Mnajdra); the fishing villages (Marascala, Marsaxlokk); Victoria Lines Walk (starts at Fort Mosta); Dingli and Buskett Cliffs; Walks through the Bahrija and Bidnija area in search of ancient olive trees, views and countryside. And all of Gozo, of course.

5. Rock climbing: There is nothing better than this for a new sport for this winter. It’s as much about skill and strategy as it is about strength, and Malta offers an exciting setting to challenge yourself or as a backdrop. Meet the enthusiasts, make new friends or just join them for a day of climbing if you’re vacationing here. Search online to find the clubs that will welcome you on an away climb.

6. Chart: You may have to pick up your brushes and run to them under the shower, but it’s not too cold to stand still outside in winter, and you’ll get great colors and light to work with.

7.Photography: As with painting, this is a good winter hobby that provides great conditions for the daylight photographers among us. No heat haze, amazing tones and depth of perspective. Some deep shadows, but nothing the pros can’t resolve naturally or in Photoshop later!

8. Short races: Malta has a host of adult evening classes, clubs and societies – choose from everything from tango and fencing classes to your regular high school courses. Many groups and clubs, like the tango club for example, are happy to receive occasional visitors and not just regular customers.

9. Conferences:Spring and summer are more for incentive trips, but winter is for congresses. Almost all of Malta’s four and five star hotels offer in-house conference rooms. The islands are the ideal starting point from the cities of northern Europe and are a beacon of warmth for those who live in northern climes. No wonder Malta is a key conference destination.

10 Lovebird escapades: most of the most exclusive hotels offer very attractive discounts for winter weekends. Many have spa facilities these days too. Malta is close enough with just two to three hours flight time from most European capitals to get you through a winter weekend.

eleven Gozo Country House Breaks: Rentals are plentiful, at good prices, since tourists are fewer at this time of year. Take advantage of a weekend with friends in a bigger place, even if you are not going to use the pool in winter. Unlike some Greek island resorts, Gozo doesn’t really shut down gloomily outside of peak season.

12 Cultural events: Last but not least, Malta and Gozo have an abundance of artistic activities in winter. Most weekends, there are two or three good things colliding, that’s how tight the schedule is. It’s theater season in a big way. So, don’t think it’s a July summer arts festival thing. Bother going out and you’re spoiled for choice, from opera to stand-up comedy.