Picigin, an amateur sport played in shallow water where cooperating players attempt to keep a small ball from falling in the water, originated in Split in 1908 and since 2005, the Picigin World Championships have been held there. Picigin has even been declared a Croatian immaterial cultural good. Split is a great place for beach activities and swimming, with plenty of clear, safe, beautiful beaches easily accessible from the town. If you get tired of the beach, there are lots of nice hikes to explore in the hills.
Discover pandolo, a traditional Istrian social and sporting game played in Slovenia and listed in the country’s register of intangible cultural heritage. To play, 2 teams, each with 3 players, compete to take over a territory. The players use a wooden bat known as a maca to knock a wooden stick or pandolo as far as possible from the base within a marked playing area. Aside from traditional sports, Ljubljana was awarded the European Green Capital 2016 thanks to its green spaces and walkability, so there’s plenty of spaces to walk and play. Additionally, it has been awarded the Access City 3rd prize twice (2023 and 2015), 2nd prize in 2018 and received a special mention in 2012. While visiting, why not hike up to Ljubljana Castle for stunning views of the city?
Bratislava was host of the first nohejbal or futnet world championships in 1994. Futnet is played on a court divided by a low net with 2 opposing teams made up of 1-3 players, who try to score a point by hitting the ball with any part of their body except for the hands and making it bounce in the opponent's area in a way that makes it difficult or impossible for the other team to return it over the net. The first recorded mentions of futnet date back to 1920s Czechoslovakia (now Czechia and Slovakia) and Slovakia is still one of a small number of countries who play futnet. If you fancy a change from ball games, head over to Kamzík Hill, reachable by public transport from Bratislava. It’s a great place for hiking and biking or picnicking with friends. Or explore one of Bratislava’s other parks.
Malta has their own sport called boċċi, a type of metal ball game, similar to boules or pétanque and, thanks to Malta’s mild winters, you can play boċċi, hike, swim, or do other outdoor activities all year round. Malta is also a fantastic place for hikers with its moderate terrain and stunning coastal views. While in Senglea, pay a visit to Gardjola Gardens, which other offer spectacular views of the Grand Harbour, making them an ideal place to relax and recharge. If you head over to nearby Paola, you’ll find Tony Bezzina Stadium, a multi-use stadium. When the Hibernians football ground was inaugurated there on 9 November 1986, they became the first Maltese club to have their own football pitch.
