Conrad Retreat, Gozo

Sailing - a passion.

SPORTS

Over the last 20 years, underwater diving has become the leading sports attraction for many visitors, who are well catered for by the local dive centres.

Sailing clubs are not as widespread as dive centres, inspite of the obvious ideal conditions. However, the Royal Malta Yacht Club (click picture) and the Malta Sailing School provide good services.  For visiting yachts, facilities are very good and the number of berths has been increased, making Malta and Gozo an ideal place to visit or for wintering. Established yacht chandlers and boat yards also provide a good service.

The predominately rocky shoreline provides many interesting sites, and the clear blue waters have excellent visibility (see below). An ideal introduction to scuba diving. During the summer season, you can find most facilities on the main beaches and at beach clubs; windsurfing, jetbikes, water skiing, parasailing etc. Some services can be on the pricey side, and it may be worth checking out a few locations first.

An 18 Hole Golf course is available at the Marsa Sports & Country Club. Clubs and trolleys can be hired and short term membership is also available. NOTE: THIS IS ON MALTA!  Please ask our Driver who will be happy to take you there and back - for those who prefer, you can leave the golfers and have a day in Valetta.

A Diver's paradise

Clear Waters Around Malta and Gozo – An Introduction

It is the excellent underwater visibility, the unique topographic structure of its underwater landscape and the healthy flora and fauna which qualify the islands as the ideal place for this wonderful sport.

The clarity of the sea around the islands is to be found in very few other places. The waters are still extremely clear and clean and for that reason certain rare species of fish can be found - even the Anthias Anthias - which unfortunately have vanished from other parts of the Mediterranean. The visibility under water in Malta is influenced by the individual diving site, the weather and the sea situation. But thanks to the overwhelmingly rocky coasts and the unpolluted water the visibility on average is 30 meters/90 feet

Underwater Photography - Malta At Its Best. Because of the very good underwater visibility there is no other diving destination in comfortable and easy reach which offers such good conditions for underwater photography as can be found in Malta. The natural colours, especially all shades of orange and red, come out naturally in depths up to 1 12 meters (3-36 feet), even without flash. The FUAM conducts competitions in underwater photography in which everybody can participate against payment of a small fee.

Bizarre Underwater Landscape of Caves and Grottos.  The rather strong topographic structures of the Maltese Islands continue also underwater. So, in this most bizarre underwater landscape of the Mediterranean, one finds an abundance of caves, holes, grottos and crevices all of which offer ideal living conditions, for a rich animal life. They are the main attraction of Malta as a diving place. Caves equal in size to a large sports hall are not unusual. Besides these natural hiding places, there are some wrecks of ships and aircraft around Malta which also have become the home of many fish, crayfish and a multitude of other animal life. And of course they have become a most interesting target for diving excursions. Click the picture to view/download more details.

ARTS

Painters / Photographers ! When you have seen all the photographs and images of the island, are you not inspired? Whether you are a pro or just a hungry amateur, some time in the sun with such possibilities must aid that creative process. Plus, enter the competition to paint / draw / sketch Conrad Retreat and the lucky winner (plus partner) will receive a FREE week in 2010 (details upon request - send your details via the bookings / comments form). No age limit! 

Writers, poets and the like! Best time for you literary lot (like the arty ones) is March to May and September to November. The weather is beautiful and the countryside awash with flowers. Its quiet - no kids but still lots to do when you're not being creative.

CRAFTS Well, too much really to explain here. However, from pottery to glass and from lace to hand made carvings - take your choice. You will find examples of Gozitan lace in the Farmhouse enhancing Irish linen. The Craft Village is well worth a visit and then you can carry on to the Inland Sea, take a boat and have lunch - perfect day!

Lace Making is alive and well. You will find ladies "of a certain age" on doorsteps crafting their work and they are always happy to answer questions and of course sell you something. Anyway, she probably has a grandson in Manchester or Leeds! (Hint)

Pottery is wonderful. Some great items can be found - but search around. Don't go for the first thing. Ask to see the workshop and have a walk around - once you get chatting you'll find find all sorts of things and you can even order something special - if you have the time!