1. To improve your Maltese

Mela, there’s always a good time to start learning Maltese and where better than in an authentic boċċi club? Most patrons will assist you if you ask what a particular word means. If you want to learn Maltese quicker, then immersing yourself in amongst the locals at a boċċi club is always a safe bet!

Yes, you’ll learn some profanities too but isn’t that where everyone starts when they’re learning a new language?

2. For delicious free bar snacks

From ħobż biż-żejt, to horse-meat, rabbit, bigilla with dip, or a delicious kawlata to warm you up on a cold evening, when you go to your local bocci club, you’ll be well fed!

Or at least when I visit my local one – San Gwann Boċċi club – everyone is always offered dishes and plates of food unannounced, helping stem the tide of tipsiness after knocking back a few pints of Cisk (or the low-carb alternative Cisk Excel).

3. Affordable drinks

Are you price-precious pertaining pints? Then hit up your local boċċi club so you won’t be ‘paying through the nose’ for the perfect pint of Cisk.

Why venture to Sliema strand, or Portomaso? You’ll certainly remember your night at the local bocci club. Or maybe you won’t because the locals will buy you a drink and give you a game of pool. Support your local bocci club, they’re the equivalent of the working men’s clubs in the UK.

4. Learn a new sport: Play Maltese Boċċi

If you’re familiar with boules, then you’ll have a good understanding of how to play boċċi. Two teams of four face off, and play with heavy metal balls on a hard or ash surface.

Boċċi traditionally is played out in a social setting in clubs, both among the locals and in front of curious tourists who are intrigued by the sport. In Malta, there are more than 30 boċċi clubs, and numerous federations host competitions.

5. Watch the World Cup/Sports with your mates

With the World Cup looming, most venues will be packed like a tin of sardines and most bars have had their tables reserved. Avoid the crowds, meet your pals, and grab a drink at your local bocci club to watch the 2022 Fifa World Cup.

Italy hasn’t qualified this year-round, so it’s likely the vast majority of the island will be cheering on England to bring football home…

6. Hide from other expats and iGaming crowds

Malta’s pretty damn small. Everyone seemingly knows everyone. And it’s hard to go for a walk without seeing someone that you know.

Fancy a quiet night out? If you want to escape your usual spots and avoid being seen by co-workers or colleagues, the Boċċi is the ideal hideaway. Pull up a pue and read a book, or chat with the locals. Everyone needs a break from their friends sometimes.

7. Avoid your partner after an argument…

Had an argument with your husband, wife or partner? Why not head on down to the local boċċi club? Let the dust settle and get some sage advice from a wise old man sitting in the boċċi club. There’s always one guy that’s willing to offer some words of wisdom.

**Cover Photo Credits To San Gwann Boċċi Club*

Tag a friend you’re going to take to your local boċċi club