Whatever sport tickles your fancy, you'll probably find it on the Maltese Islands. Particularly within the past decade, the influx of foreigners settling in Malta have brought with them some hitherto unusual sports to the islands - think slacklining, pole dancing and even capoeira! However, the traditional sports of Malta, like horse racing, originate from the times of the Knights. Other popular sports, such as football and basketball, arrived with the British Occupation. 

As far as sports facilities go, Malta has a national football stadium, basketball pavilion, athletics stadium and swimming pool, while several sports complexes cater for netball, handball, volleyball, gymnastics, squash and several other sports. Golf enthusiasts should head to The Royal Malta Golf Club. Still, from badger karting to flyboarding or rock climbing, everything is possible (almost)!

Here's a look at the more traditional sports you'll find on the Maltese Islands.

Boules (Bocci)

Probably the most traditional of Maltese sports, you will find a Bocci club in every town and village. The game is similar to boules but has some unique characteristics, and it remains very similar to the original game introduced by the Knights in the 16th century.

Horse racing

It was also the Knights who introduced this sport, and encouraged it among the locals in the 16th century. The Imnarja horse race, originally from that period and revived in 1869, is still a huge event to this day; and is held in Rabat on 29th June. Meanwhile, horse racing is a regular event all the year round at the specialised race track in Marsa.

Football

Football is another local favourite, this time introduced by the British in the 19th century. The Maltese are so fanatical about the game that they avidly support foreign teams during the World Cup and various leagues, so they don’t miss out on the fun when the Maltese national team invariably fails to make it through. Nonetheless, almost every town and village has a football club and a football field.

Water polo

Join an islander’s passion for water with his passion for football and waterpolo must be a natural favourite, particularly for those who live on coastal towns, where a waterpolo pitch will be as commonly found as a bocci club. Other popular water sports include windsurfing, kitesurfing, paragliding, water skiing, wakeboarding and scuba diving.

Regatta

People from coastal towns and cities are also inclined towards a traditional rowing race - the regatta - which is a national event held on 31st March and 8th September as part of the celebrations to commemorate the departure of foreign occupation. Thousands of spectators flock to witness the grand events held at the Grand Harbour!

Il-Gostra

More of a game than a sport, but the competition is well and truly on, and only those of great fitness and skill will be able to make it! Running up a greasy pole to grab a teeny flag at the end of it is no easy feat, and the crowd goes wild with excitement as each participant almost gets there … and ends in a splash!

Clay pigeon/skeet shooting

Whether it’s shooting clay pigeons or hunting real birds, the Maltese seem to be rather trigger-happy! Hunting and trapping are restricted but skeet shooting ranges are scattered all around the island.

Motor Sports

Motor Sports in Malta may not be traditional, but the sheer number of fanatics surely means it deserves a mention. Starting in the 1950s by enthusiasts in the British Forces, today the Hal Far Race Way sees it all, from sprints to drag racing, in all kinds of vehicles imaginable. Hill Climbs, off-roading and karting are also very popular. Oh, and don't miss the Mdina Grand Prix if you're in Malta in October!

So which challenge are you taking?