Go karting

There’s something extremely exhilarating about thrashing a kart around a twisty track, feeling the thing drift around the corners with your backside just a few centimetres off the tarmac. And thanks to a number of circuits that offer the activity it’s a real possibility when you’re on your break in Malta.

The best place to head is Badger Karting, a joint venture between the Pater Group and Badger Co Ltd, set up in 1999 with a mission to increase karting activities for Maltese locals and tourists alike. It worked, it’s still going strong more than a decade later and it makes for a great afternoon or evening out!

The Badger Karting raceway has 30 petrol-powered karts, with the more powerful Pro Solid version capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kmh). You can book sessions to blast around 17 different possible track layouts.

Karting is the ideal ‘speed’ sport on a compact island like Malta because it does not require too much space to create a circuit. At Badger Karting, there is a good variety of packages to choose from, catering for all levels and budgets. The track is open from 5pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 1pm to 6pm at weekends and on Public Holidays.

For a guide on pricing, a typical session, such as the Time Trial which involves a 15-minute qualifying session followed by a 10-minute race for the fastest eight drivers costs €25 per person. Be aware that a minimum of 12 participants is needed to make up a group.

If you can scrape together six people though you can book a Mini-Prix session. This involves a five-minute qualifying session followed by a 10-minute race and costs €30 per person in the 9 horsepower Emirates karts or €40 per person in the more powerful 13-horsepower Pro Solid Karts. Happy Hour deals are also available so check the website for discounts.

Badger Karting also has its own clubhouse and bar offering hot and cold snacks along with the normal variety of booze and non-alcoholic drinks. The roof of the building has also been designed as a Viewing Gallery, providing you with the opportunity to watch your family and friends in action on the track.

The track can be found in Ta’ Qali, which is in the centre of the island due west of Valletta about halfway between Mdina and Birkirkara. Bus numbers 51, 52 and 53 run through Ta’ Qali from the main hub in Valletta.