There's nothing quite like summer in Malta. Temperatures rise, tourists flock, and beaches become so overcrowded that guarding your patch of untainted sand between dips can resemble a scene out of Gladiator. How else can one enjoy the summer in Malta, you may ask? We've got you covered.

Play ready steady cook

Challenge some friends to the ultimate cook-off. Set a budget, split up into teams and swap a bag of ingredients, then host friends to judge the winning dish. The team to come up with the best plate wins a free round of drinks.

6am kayak

Dodge sunblock-polluted bays by getting a head startto the day and venturing out into clearer waters. Rent a couple of kayaks and row out into the horizon. You can also explore some caves, stop for a snorkelling break or tan in the middle of the ocean.

 

Midnight skinny-dipping

Not much to clarify here. Every once in awhile, it's important not to take yourself too seriously. Head down to Surfside, Exiles, Golden Bay or Ghadira, swim a safe distance away from potential onlookers and enjoy letting loose.

 

Create your own outdoor cinema

There's nothing quite like a movie under the stars. Drag some bean bags, carpets and scented candles out onto your roof or backyard, rig up a projector and enjoy a classic Rom-Com with friends. We highly recommend flavoured popcorn to enhance the experience!

Bargain-hunt atil-monti

Retail therapy is always fun. But when retail therapy costs less than 10 Euro it's positively exhilarating. With a 50 Euro budget, you may well return home with a lifetime supply of bikinis or trunks. Along with that, you get to enjoy the vendor's marketing techniques too. "TAD-DONUTS. DONUTS SHAN U TAJBIN!" What's not to love?

 

Fish and feast

When the cloudy September skies approach, there's no need to put an end to the summer fun. As a matter of fact, that sticky, humid weather is practically an invitation for you to prepare the fishing bait and unearth your old rod. Get creative mixing insects, worms, snails or anything else you deem appropriate, dangle it off your line and wait for that tug. An acoustic playlist and a thermos of tea make for great companions. When you finally achieve victory, whip your catch onto a grill and enjoy indulging in the fruits of yourlabor.

 

Rent quad bikes in Gozo

Enjoy panoramic views of Gozo with friends and explore hidden gems while riding quad bikes! This ride is super easy to master and a thrill to ride, rentals can range from 3 hours to a whole day. In short, it's the ultimate Gozo weekend adventure.

Go camping

Farmhouses in Gozo are great for luxurious getaways, but nothing beats a goodol' tent. Awaken the scout within you and hit Dahlet Ix-Xmajjar in Mellieha, a campsite situated just 30m from the sea. Gather around a campfire, roast some marshmallows and get an unfortunate friend with an acoustic guitar to assist you in chanting your own renditions of "Wonderwall" and "Hey Jude" at the top of your lungs.

 

Play hide-and-seek in the dark in Mdina

It may be the Silent City, but that's neverstopped anyone! Make your way to Mdina with a group of friends, indulge in some chocolate cake from Fontanella, and then split up into teams of two, hiding in creepy alleys or up trees. Prohibit torches for that extra degree of badass.

Karaoke

Challenge your friends to a karaoke battle! Allow your opponent to select a song from any era or genre and belt out the tune as if your life (or James Corden's carpool karaoke career) depends on it.

Re-watch all episodes of 'That 70's Show'

Few things are as therapeutic as watching re-runs of an old classic, in bed, with a tub of Ben and Jerry's cookie dough ice-cream in hand.

Get watermelon carving

Don't limit carving to Halloween and pumpkins. Get creative with some watermelons, this summer, and see what you can come up with!