Leisure Activities for International Entrepreneurs in Malta: Sports, Sailing, and Social Clubs – Lifestyle Activities

Picture this: After a 12-hour day at your Maltese home office, your laptop is still warm and the sun is shining outside. You’re probably wondering, “What should I actually do with my free time here?” Good question — because Malta offers far more to international entrepreneurs than just tax breaks and EU passports.

I’ve lived on the island for three years and I can promise you this: Leisure time here is different from what you might expect. Forget endless hours lounging on the beach (gets boring after two weeks). Instead, theres an ecosystem of sports, sailing, and social clubs that fits perfectly with your business lifestyle. The trick? You’ll meet most of your future business partners not in the office, but on the tennis court or out at sea.

Sports for International Entrepreneurs in Malta: More than Just After-Work Fitness

Malta covers just 316 square kilometers, but its sports scene is surprisingly diverse. It’s not the island heat (which can be brutal) but the international community living and working here that makes the difference. Where’s the best place for an entrepreneur to plug into the sports world?

Tennis and Golf: The Classic Business-Networking Sports

The Marsa Sports Club is your first port of call. Founded in 1905, today its a mix of Maltese families and international expats. The annual fee is €1,200 (as of 2024), giving you access to tennis, squash, and cricket courts plus an 18-hole golf course right by the sea.

The secret at Marsa: The waiting list is long, but as an international professional employed locally, you stand a better chance. My tip? Get introduced by an existing member. It speeds up the process dramatically.

What does this mean for you? Tennis and golf here are business sports. You’re not just exercising — you’re building connections. Every third opponent is either an entrepreneur or works in finance. That’s no accident.

Fitness and CrossFit: A Pragmatic Alternative

Not interested in club politics and long waiting lists? Then the modern gyms are your best bet. Energie Fitness (multiple locations) is €45 per month and fully air-conditioned — a real blessing in the Maltese summer.

Even better: CrossFit Malta in Gzira. This is where the young international crowd works out, many of them iGaming entrepreneurs and tech freelancers. The community is strong, training times are flexible (which matters with your irregular schedule), and you’ll pay €120 per month for unlimited classes.

Watersports: Kitesurfing and Paddleboarding

Malta is an island, so make use of the sea. Kitesurfing is best in Mellieha Bay, especially from March to November. The Golden Bay Kitesurfing School offers three-day courses for €280; after that, you can rent equipment for €40 per day.

Paddleboarding is more relaxed and less dependent on wind. Starting from €25 for two hours — perfect for early morning sessions before your workday starts. Many use it as moving meditation — a great way to decompress after stressful negotiations.

Sailing and Yacht Clubs in Malta: Your Entry Into the Maritime Elite

Sailing in Malta isn’t just a sport, it’s a social event. The island has three major marinas and several yacht clubs, each with its own character and community. But a word of caution: There are strict hierarchies and unwritten rules.

The Three Major Marinas: Msida, Ta Xbiex, and Grand Harbour

Msida Marina is the largest and most international. With 600 berths and modern facilities, it’s also the most expensive. A 40-foot berth costs €4,200 per year, which gets you 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, and high-end restaurants right on the dock.

Ta Xbiex Marina is smaller but more exclusive. This is where the superyachts of Russian and Arab high-net-worth individuals are moored. As a newcomer, you’ll need a recommendation or will face longer waits.

Grand Harbour Marina is located in the heart of Valletta, with a spectacular backdrop but trickier logistics. Parking is limited and the narrow access roads aren’t ideal for beginners.

Royal Malta Yacht Club: Tradition Meets International Elite

The Royal Malta Yacht Club (RMYC) is the top address for ambitious sailors. Founded in 1873, today it’s a mix of Maltese sailing dynasties and international entrepreneurs. The joining fee is €2,500, annual membership €850.

The catch? You’ll need two sponsors (already members) and have to prove your sailing experience. My advice: Start with the Jolly Roger Sailing Club in Marsamxett. Less prestigious, but an easier entry, and many RMYC members began their journey there.

Chartering vs. Buying: What Makes Sense?

Owning your own yacht is tempting, but do the math: A 35-foot used yacht costs at least €80,000, plus €15,000–20,000 per year for marina fees, insurance, maintenance and repairs. For 20 sailing days a year, that’s €1,000 per day — excluding the initial investment.

Chartering is often more practical: A Bavaria 37 is €350 per day in the low season, €550 in peak season. For 15 days a year, you’ll pay a maximum of €8,250 — and you have zero worries.

The smart alternative? Syndicate ownership. Eight to ten people share a yacht, each gets five to six weeks a year. Costs: €15,000–25,000 up front, plus €3,000–4,000 annually. Works well if the group clicks.

Social Clubs in Malta: Where International Business Contacts Are Made

Clubs are a way of life in Malta — a legacy of British history and the islands small population. As an international entrepreneur, you get access to a network that goes far beyond sports. But which clubs actually matter for you?

Business Clubs: Union Club and Casino Maltese

The Union Club in Valletta is Malta’s oldest gentlemen’s club (founded in 1826) and still runs on Victorian rules. Phones are banned, women only allowed at certain times, and you need to be proposed by two members. Sounds a little old-school? It is. But this is where Malta’s political and economic elite meet.

The annual fee is €1,500 plus a €500 joining fee. The application takes 6–12 months, but as an international executive with local business you’re likely to get in.

More modern and international is the Casino Maltese (not actually a casino). Here, bankers, lawyers, and entrepreneurs mingle in a more relaxed atmosphere. Annual fee: €800, with a much more flexible dress code and etiquette.

International Clubs: British High Commission and German-Maltese Business Association

As an EU citizen, you have access to several national clubs. The British High Commission Club is particularly active, hosting monthly networking events and with over 200 members from various sectors.

The German-Maltese Business Association (GMBA) is smaller but highly focused on business development. Quarterly dinners with guest speakers, a major annual conference. Membership: €200 per year, opening doors to the German-speaking business community.

Rotary and Lions: Classic Service Networking

Malta has five Rotary Clubs and three Lions Clubs. As an entrepreneur, the Rotary Club of Valletta will likely be of particular interest — English-speaking, internationally minded, meets on Thursdays at the Phoenicia Hotel.

Admission takes 3–6 months, you’ll need a sponsor, and annual fees are €600. The benefit? You systematically build a local network while getting involved in social projects — a big boost for your reputation locally.

Lifestyle Activities as Networking Boosters: Where Sports Meet Business

The secret to networking in Malta isn’t soulless business lounges — it’s shared activities. This is where business relationships form naturally and authentically. But how does it actually work?

The Malta Marathon and Charity Events

The Malta Marathon in February attracts 3,000 international runners every year, many of them business expats. The event is perfect for informal networking — sweating together creates a stronger bond than exchanging business cards in a sterile setting.

Even more effective are charity runs organized by local organizations. The Presidents Fun Run in December brings together Malta’s elite: politicians, businesspeople, diplomats all run for a good cause. Entry fee: €25, value for networking: priceless.

Wine Tasting and Meridiana Wine Estate

Malta produces surprisingly good wine, and the wine scene is small enough that you’ll quickly see familiar faces. Meridiana Wine Estate in Ta Qali hosts monthly tastings for 40–60 participants — mainly international professionals interested in culture and networking.

Cost: €35 per event, including six wines and finger food. The laid-back setting makes conversation easy, and most people are regulars — after three events, you’ll know the majority by name.

Poker and Bridge: Traditional Games with a Business Twist

The Malta Bridge Club in Gzira is surprisingly international and business-oriented. Bridge may seem old-fashioned, but many finance professionals and lawyers play here regularly. Wednesdays and Saturdays are for Duplicate Bridge, €10 entry fee, great for networking.

Poker works similarly, though it’s more informal. The Portomaso Casino hosts Texas Hold’em tournaments on Mondays and Thursdays (€50 buy-in), with a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Leisure Time in Malta: What Really Works

Theory is nice, but how do you actually go about it? Here are my tried-and-tested strategies for getting started in Malta’s social scene — without falling into the usual expat traps.

Timing Is Everything: Seasonal Particularities

Malta has two distinct leisure seasons. From June to September, the island is overrun with tourists, and many clubs either take a break or scale back activities. The best time for networking and new activities? October through May.

• October–December: Ideal for club applications — everyone is relaxed after the summer
• January–March: Peak season for sports events and business networking
• April–May: Perfect weather for watersports and outdoor activities
• June–September: Focus on indoor sports and air-conditioned venues

The 3-Month Strategy: Systematically Building Your Social Network

Don’t make the mistake of wanting everything at once. Follow this tried-and-true sequence instead:

1. Month 1: Sign up at a gym, go regularly, start making contacts
2. Month 2: Pick a sport (tennis, sailing, golf) and try introductory courses
3. Month 3: Apply for club membership or join an association

This order is important: You’re building a routine systematically and avoid burning out. Plus you’ll save money — many pricey club memberships turn out to be a poor fit if you sign up too early.

Budget Realities: What Does Leisure Really Cost in Malta?

Let’s be honest. An active social life in Malta costs more than most expats initially expect:

That’s a lot, but it’s a fair estimate for a quality social life. You can save by being more selective — but realistically, integrating for less than €3,000 a year is tough.

Insider Tips: How to Connect Faster

After three years here, I know the shortcuts:

• LinkedIn Malta Groups: Join the Malta Business Network and Expats in Malta — events are announced here before they go public
• Facebook Events: Follow Whats On Malta and local clubs — there are often last-minute spots at exclusive events
• Hotel bars as networking hubs: Hilton, Phoenicia, and InterContinental all offer regular business drinks — no membership required
• Volunteer work: Malta Community Chest and other NGOs are always looking for helpers — the best way to make local contacts

Avoiding Common Expat Mistakes

I see these mistakes over and over again:

“I join five clubs at once” — guaranteed overwhelm, and you’ll only scratch the surface socially

“I wait for invitations” — Malta is proactive, you have to make the first move

“Talking business while playing sports is unprofessional” — Here, sport is business; it’s part of the culture

What’s the bottom line? Malta offers incredible opportunities for international entrepreneurs — but only if you understand the system. Sports and social clubs aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re essential for business success. The investment pays off — but only if you’re strategic about it.

The most important advice? Give yourself time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your Malta network won’t be either. But if you make the right choices, in a year you’ll have a social life your friends back home will envy.