Photo by Micaela Parente on Unsplash
It’s time to start planning our summer holidays and while we should be thinking about the number of flights we take in a year, my love of travelling is one that I am struggling to come to terms with, and I imagine others also struggle.
That’s why with One Sky Collaborative , our focus will be on reducing our footprint, on taking small steps and making smarter choices.
One of those smarter choices can be to travel closer to home and one country in Europe that we have yet to visit is Malta. I went looking to see how we could plan an eco-friendly holiday to Malta and I’ve listed four top tips.
Eco-Friendly Holiday Tips
Malta is one of Europe’s most beautiful holiday destinations but as with any popular spot, it’s vulnerable to environmental damage caused by excessive tourism. If you’re trying to minimise your environmental impact, you may be wondering how to plan an eco-friendly visit to the island. Here are four tips for keeping your Maltese holiday eco-friendly.
1. Use public transport
As a keen cyclist and active travel advocate, I was impressed with the number of dedicated cycle lanes and quiet roads, especially in the more rural areas, which are suitable for cycling. There are also several cycling routes that provide over 1000kms of wonderful cycling around Malta, offering a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty, historical sites, and villages. Surely there’s no better way to have an eco-friendly holiday than by travelling by bike?
That being said, Malta is a relatively small island with a high population density, so the roads can be quite busy in certain areas, especially during peak traffic hours. Additionally, some roads may be narrow and winding, making them less safe for cycling. While I might be ok, I would have to consider my family
It’s also worth noting that the hot and humid climate in Malta during the summer months can make cycling quite uncomfortable, particularly during the middle of the day. So, while cycling in Malta is certainly possible and enjoyable for many people, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and take appropriate precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Malta is a small enough country that you can visit every corner of it during a single holiday, and many visitors opt to rent a car so they can do exactly that. The trouble is that cars aren’t very eco-friendly. To reduce your environmental impact and to avoid the potential dangers of cycling, maybe consider using Malta’s bus network instead which is extensive enough to help you reach all the must-see attractions.
There are more than 2,000 bus stops dotted across the island, and if you invest in an Explore travel card at the start of your holiday, you can make fantastic savings compared to buying a ticket for each individual journey. Be sure to also check out the hop-on, hop-off buses which make it easy to tour multiple landmarks within a single day.
Photo by Anastasiya Dalenka on Unsplash
2. Plan an agritourism experience
Agritourism is the process of touring agricultural locations while on holiday to learn about farming in the local area. Agritourism experiences often allow you to spend time working on a farm to learn about cultivating the land or rearing livestock. It can provide a source of income for farmers, as well as create jobs in related industries such as hospitality and tourism. It can also help to diversify a region’s economy and increase its competitiveness. It’s a brilliant way to find out about the lives, culture and traditions of locals while gaining insight into the land’s native produce. You can also expect to learn about the ecological challenges that farmers face and lend support in protecting the local environment.
An agritourism experience is a fantastic way to get in touch with nature in Malta and support local farmers who are invested in protecting rural areas and maintaining sustainable farming practices. For more information on agritourism in Malta, check out Malta Sunripe.
3. Volunteer at an animal sanctuary
Among Malta’s best cultural hotspots are a number of animal sanctuaries where you can donate your time to help take care of animals in need and support fundraising efforts. It’s a brilliant way to build a deeper connection with Malta and the locals who dedicate their spare time to protecting the island’s wildlife. Spending a day on an activity like this is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the local community and reflect on the impact that humans have on animals and the natural world.
Photo by Rick Barton on Unsplash
4. Look out for water refill points
I love topping up my water bottle from fountains while on holiday and with tap water in Malta being completely safe drink there’s no need to buy bottled water during your visit and contribute to plastic waste. Instead, bring a reusable water bottle and look out for WaterPoint Outlets which supply cold, fresh water straight from the mains supply for just 15 cents per litre. You can fill a container as large as five litres in a single transaction, so it’s easy to stay hydrated when you’re out and about, although you’ll need a drink after carrying a five litre container of water
Consider Malta’s environment to maintain its beauty
It’s vital that we all take steps to minimise our environmental impact if we’re to protect our favourite holiday destinations for generations to come. By making your trip to Malta eco-friendly, you can do your bit to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
