Things To Do In Malta When It’s Raining
Maltese people have grown accustomed to back-to-back heatwaves, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever rain. As the colder and wetter season slowly makes it way to Malta and after a very wet couple of weeks, you might be wondering what there is to do other than hitting up a beach. Well, quite a lot actually.
Here are some ideas for what to do if you’re in Malta and it’s pouring.
1. Head underground and rediscover Malta’s history
The best thing about this is that it’s actually not just for tourists.
With so many places of historical interest and folk tales attached to them all around the island, you might’ve forgotten just how awesome some of Malta’s temples and museums are. This is the perfect opportunity to revisit them.
The Hypogeum
An underground complex of temples dating back more than 6,000 years? The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni feels like it was literally built for people to visit it when it’s raining, and it’s the best place to tune everything else out and get lost in its humbling surroundings.
Photo by Daniel Cilia
Għar Dalam
A prehistoric cave in the south of Malta, Għar Dalam’s remains actually go way back than The Hypogeum’s. If you’re into long-exitinct animals (we’re talking up to 10,000 years ago) and feel like being as sheltered as possible, this is the place to be. The cave is some 144 metres long, and even though only the first 50 metres are accessible to visitors, that’s more than enough to keep the rain at bay.
Photo by Frank Vincentz
St. Paul’s Catacombs
Tucked underneath the northwestern town of Rabat is an extensive system of underground galleries and tombs which date back over 1,000 years. Two catacombs are open to the public, but the total amount of catacombs that make up the entire St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s complex extends way more. You really get a sense of that expanse when you’re down there, and whether you’re a tourist visiting Malta or you’re a local who only visited this place years ago on a school trip, the catacombs are a Maltese bucket-list. And hey; the rain won’t get you down there.
Photo by TripFreakz
2. Go for some indoor fun
Rain gives everyone the opportunity to feel young again. Also, if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to check out that one indoor activity with your friends, you might’ve just been handed your excuse on a silver platter.
Bowling
One of Maltese teenager’s first outings with friends, bowling is fun no matter what age you are. The Eden Superbowl in Paceville is one of the island’s only bowling alleys, and if it happens to be a Friday, its Disco Bowling is where it’s at.
Cinema
When all else fails, a cosy night watching the latest film will never disappoint. You can go for the biggest box-office breaker of the moment, or purposefully choose a bad film to laugh at. Whatever you choose, this one’s a solid and evergreen option… especially when the weather outside is grey.
There are multiple cinemas all over Malta, including Eden Cinemas just across the street from Superbowl, actually.
Laser Tag
If you need to kill some time while it’s raining outside and feel like you’re a teenager all over again, think a dark room, a couple of good friends, laser guns, and a hell of a good time.
Head to St. Julian’s Baystreet for the closest thing to being in a video game we’re going to get until they properly improve VR technology. You’ll find LaserMaxx on the shopping centre’s top floor.
3. Check out one of the many quaint cafés around the island
Where do we even begin?!
Malta is dotted with amazing coffee shops, and if you were to try them all, it would probably take you days. More days than it actually rains in Malta, in fact.
From the heartwarming Jacob’s Brew in the south to the absolutely adorable Flora’s in the heart of Naxxar, you’ll soon realise you’ll be spoilt for choice.
4. Satisfy your appetite
Is it just us, or does rainy and cold weather open up a sudden appetite?
Thankfully, Malta’s all about that #ComfortFood, and we’ve got a long list of amazing burger joints to satisfy your needs. If you were thinking of going even bigger, check out how Malta does cheat meals. From decadent pizzas to towering ice creams, we’ve got you sorted.
If you’re looking for something a little healthier, check out places like Emma’s Kitchen for some comforting food while the rain patters at the glass door.
5. When all else fails, wine is the perfect companion for a cold or rainy day
It’s always wine o’ clock for a lot of people out there, but add some rain and proper cold (read: less than 15°C), and that glass or two suddenly becomes even more attractive.
Wine bars are another phenomenon which has definitely kicked off in Malta, so you’ll yet again be spoilt for choice.
Valletta has some of the best wine bars on the island (not to mention how beautiful the capital city gets on a cold and rainy night), but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Places like Sistina in Gżira and Vinum in Mdina will have you braving the trip to discover Wine Nirvana.
Tag someone you’d love to do these things with next time it’s raining in Malta!
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