Best Gyms in Malta for Digital Nomads: CrossFit, Weightlifting & Budget Options

Staying fit while working remotely in Malta is easier than you might think. The island has a surprisingly robust fitness scene, from hardcore CrossFit boxes to budget-friendly gyms and everything in between. Here's your complete guide to working out in Malta as a digital nomad.

Top Premium Gyms in Malta

🏋️ The Gym (Msida & Multiple Locations)

The Gym is Malta's largest fitness chain with multiple locations across the island. Their flagship facility in Msida is a massive 3,000 sqm space that's become the go-to spot for serious lifters and fitness enthusiasts.

• Monthly membership: €45-55/month
• Day pass: €12
• Hours: 5:30 AM - 11:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (weekends)
• Olympic weightlifting platforms
• Full range of cardio equipment
• Sauna and steam room included
• Free parking available

🏋️ Powerhouse Gym (St. Julian's)

Located in the heart of the nightlife district, Powerhouse is popular among expats and digital nomads. The gym offers a solid mix of free weights, machines, and functional training equipment.

• Monthly membership: €50/month
• Day pass: €10
• Weekly pass: €30
• Well-maintained equipment
• Air-conditioned throughout
• Central location near coworking spaces

🏋️ Evolution Health & Fitness (Sliema)

A boutique fitness center in Sliema offering personalized training and a more intimate gym atmosphere. Great for those who prefer less crowded spaces.

• Monthly membership: €55-65/month
• Personal training: €35-45/session
• Smaller, less crowded environment
• Quality equipment
• Nutrition consultation available

CrossFit Boxes in Malta

Malta has embraced CrossFit wholeheartedly, with several excellent boxes across the island. Here's where to get your WOD fix:

🔥 CrossFit Malta (Mriehel)

The original CrossFit affiliate in Malta, CrossFit Malta has been operating since 2012. They offer a welcoming community for all levels and regularly host visiting nomads.

• Monthly unlimited: €95/month
• Drop-in: €18/class
• 10-class pass: €150
• Classes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Olympic lifting programs
• Experienced coaches with international certifications
• Free trial class available

🔥 CrossFit Sliema

Conveniently located for those staying in the Sliema/St. Julian's area, CrossFit Sliema offers a friendly atmosphere and flexible scheduling.

• Monthly unlimited: €90/month
• Drop-in: €15/class
• Weekly pass: €50
• Morning and evening classes
• Open gym hours available
• Nomad-friendly with short-term memberships

🔥 CrossFit Valletta

The newest addition to Malta's CrossFit scene, located just outside the capital city. Modern equipment and programming.

• Monthly unlimited: €85/month
• Drop-in: €15/class
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Gymnastics and mobility classes
• Competition team training

Budget-Friendly Gym Options

Not everyone wants to spend €50+ monthly on a gym. Here are Malta's best budget options:

💰 Bodyflex Gym (Multiple Locations)

Bodyflex offers basic but functional gym facilities at very competitive prices. Perfect for digital nomads watching their budget.

• Monthly membership: €25-30/month
• Day pass: €5
• Basic free weights and machines
• No frills, but clean and functional
• No contract required

💰 Lion's Den Gym (Birkirkara)

A no-nonsense bodybuilding gym popular with locals. Basic equipment but great atmosphere.

• Monthly membership: €30/month
• Day pass: €7
• Focus on free weights
• Old-school gym atmosphere
• Friendly local community

💰 Hotel Gym Day Passes

Many hotels in Malta offer day passes to their fitness facilities, which can be a good option for occasional workouts:

• Hilton Malta (St. Julian's): €25/day (includes pool)
• InterContinental Malta: €20/day
• Westin Dragonara: €30/day (includes spa access)

Specialized Training Options

🥊 Boxing & MMA

Fight Factory Malta (Birkirkara) - The premier combat sports facility in Malta offering boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.

• Monthly unlimited: €70/month
• Drop-in: €15/class
• Morning and evening classes
• Beginners welcome
• Competition training available

🏃 Functional Training

F45 Training Malta - The popular franchise has locations in Malta offering high-intensity circuit training.

• Monthly unlimited: €120/month
• Trial week: Free
• 45-minute classes
• Heart rate monitoring
• Team-based motivation

🧘 Fitness Studios

Basefit Studio (Sliema) - A modern boutique studio offering spinning, HIIT, and barre classes.

• Class packages: €10-15/class
• Monthly unlimited: €99/month
• ClassPass partnership
• Book via app

Gym Comparison Table

Tips for Digital Nomads

🎒 Short-Term Options

If you're only in Malta for a few weeks, here are your best options:

• Day passes: Most gyms offer day passes from €5-15
• Weekly passes: CrossFit boxes often have 1-week unlimited options
• ClassPass: Available in Malta with many studios participating
• Negotiation: Some gyms offer pro-rated monthly rates for shorter stays

📍 Location Matters

Consider where you're staying when choosing a gym:

• Sliema/St. Julian's: Most gym options concentrated here
• Valletta: Limited options; consider gyms in nearby Floriana
• Gzira: Good access to Sliema gyms via promenade walk
• Northern areas: Mellieha has limited options; consider home workouts

⏰ Best Times to Train

Malta gyms get busy at predictable times:

• Early morning (6-8 AM): Moderate crowds, mostly serious gym-goers
• Mid-morning (10 AM - 12 PM): Quietest time, ideal for nomads
• Lunch (12-2 PM): Moderate
• After work (5-8 PM): Peak hours, very busy
• Evening (8-10 PM): Crowds thin out

Outdoor Fitness Options

Malta's Mediterranean climate makes outdoor training appealing year-round:

🏃 Running Routes

• Sliema Promenade: 3km flat seaside path, popular morning route
• Valletta Waterfront: Beautiful harbor views
• Ta' Qali National Park: Car-free paths, good for intervals

🏋️ Calisthenics Parks

• Sliema Seafront: Pull-up bars and dip stations
• Gzira Promenade: Basic outdoor gym equipment
• St. Julian's Bay: Workout station near Spinola Bay

What to Bring

Don't forget to pack:

• Lightweight workout clothes (Malta is hot!)
• Good running shoes for outdoor cardio
• Resistance bands for hotel room workouts
• Swimming gear (many gyms have pools)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Malta gyms require contracts?

Most gyms in Malta are flexible with digital nomads. Many offer month-to-month memberships with no long-term commitment. Always ask about short-term options when signing up.

Can I pay with a foreign card?

Yes, most gyms accept international credit and debit cards. Some smaller gyms may prefer cash or bank transfer for monthly payments.

Are gyms air-conditioned?

Premium gyms are fully air-conditioned. Budget gyms may have limited AC or rely on fans. This matters a lot in summer when temperatures exceed 35°C.

What's the gym etiquette in Malta?

Similar to most European countries - wipe down equipment, re-rack weights, don't hog machines during peak hours. Maltese gym-goers are generally friendly and welcoming to newcomers.

Are there women-only gym times?

Some gyms offer women-only hours or sections. Evolution Fitness in Sliema and certain F45 classes cater specifically to women.

Can I freeze my membership if I travel?

Most gyms allow membership freezes for 2-4 weeks. Ask about this policy before signing up if you plan to travel frequently.