BJJ in Malta

August, 2023

Island with arabic touch

Duration: 7 days, 7 nights

Location: Malta, MAL

Costs: Flight 200$, Airbnb 420$ p.P.

Discover a new country for this year summer vacation.

Between Italy and Africa are the Islands of Malta.

First time there for a week getting around and did some diving and of course BJJ

Getting here

A 2 hour flight from Zürich brought us over to Malta.

Another option would be the ferry or a cruise ship.

BJJ

During my time in Malta I was able to train some BJJ.

Avant Garde welcomed me to train with them and I managed to join in some classes during my week there.

They are offering a wide schedule with several classes every day.

The gym is around 250qm divided in 2 rooms with mats and a strength area next to the entrance.

The training is built up nicely, some warm ups running, followed by drills and a technical part and at the end positional sparring and open sparring rounds.

It was a pleasure to train with those guys and I`m thankful to learn from them and share the mats.

Where else to train: BJJ Team Malta, Checkmat and Gracie Barra

Food and drinks

Maltese cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean flavors, influenced by Italian, North African, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. With its rich history and coastal location, Malta offers a variety of dishes that showcase fresh seafood, hearty stews, and delicious pastries. Here are some iconic Maltese dishes you should definitely try:

Pastizzi: A popular local snack of flaky pastry filled with either ricotta or mushy peas.
Rabbit Stew: A traditional Maltese dish showcasing the island’s culinary heritage.
Seafood: Enjoy fresh fish and seafood dishes, reflecting Malta’s coastal location.
Lampuki Pie: Also known as fish pie, this dish is made with lampuki (dolphin fish), tomatoes, capers, olives, onions, and herbs. The filling is encased in a flaky pastry crust, creating a savory and satisfying dish.
Bragioli: Bragioli are beef olives stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, breadcrumbs, parsley, bacon, and sometimes egg. They are slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
Local Wines: Sample local wines from Maltese vineyards, including the unique Girgentina grape.

Gbejniet: These are small round cheeselets made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. They come in various flavors, such as plain, peppered, or marinated in olive oil and herbs.
Kawlata: This hearty vegetable soup is made with a variety of seasonal vegetables, including cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. It often includes pork or beef and is flavored with garlic and a peppery tomato sauce.
Timpana: Timpana is a baked pasta dish with layers of macaroni, minced meat, eggs, and a tomato-based sauce. It’s often encased in a pastry crust and served as a main course.
Imqaret: These are deep-fried date pastries made from a mixture of dates, orange zest, and spices. They are a popular sweet treat in Malta.

When visiting Malta, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these traditional dishes and experience the unique flavors that the Maltese cuisine has to offer.

What to do

Malta offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From historical sites to beautiful beaches, here are some things to do in Malta:

Explore Valletta: The capital city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its historic architecture, museums, and forts.

Visit the Blue Grotto: Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave formation with crystal-clear blue waters.

Discover Mdina: Mdina, the «Silent City,» is a charming walled city with narrow streets and medieval architecture. Explore its historic sites and enjoy the panoramic views from the city walls.

Gozo Island: Take a ferry to Gozo, Malta’s sister island, to explore its stunning landscapes, including the Azure Window (formerly), Dwejra Bay, and the picturesque village of Xlendi.

Relax on the Beaches: Malta offers beautiful beaches such as Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Ramla Bay on Gozo. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Go Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters around Malta make it a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Explore underwater caves, wrecks, and marine life.

Enjoy Water Sports: Engage in activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing at various coastal areas.

Take a Harbor Cruise: Embark on a harbor cruise to see the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from a different perspective.

Popeye Village: Experience the quirky charm of Popeye Village, originally built as a film set. Enjoy family-friendly activities, including boat rides and interactive experiences.

Good to know

English and Maltese are the official languages, making communication easy for most visitors.

Due to Malta is in the EU I didn’t need a visa.

Malta has a bus and ferry system, Bolt and UBER is also availible.

The currency is the Euro (EUR).