Why Malta should be on your travel list

I have a personal love affair with Malta and have visited this tiny country in size but big at heart at least 20 times. 

Riviera Beach Malta

Malta is truly one of the great jewels of the Mediterranean Sea. This small island nation  lies around 80 km (50 mi) South of Italy and around 286 km (176 mi) East of Tunisia. Malta is an official member of the European Union and also a Schengen signatory (allowing you to come and go freely if you are within the EU or an EU citizen).

So what makes Malta so great? Well, simply said, it offers an amazing array of historical sights, dating back 8000 years in some cases, an incredible landscape, wonderfully warm waters to swim in, amazing natural phenomenon, luxury accommodation, it’s a foodie paradise, has great nightlife and is is probably one of the most laid back, relaxing places you can visit in Europe. The island is a true melting pot of cultures with Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans having established a presence there in the past. The islands were also heavily influenced by Arabic culture (which you often see in the architecture), the French and the British. 

So let's break it down.

There are only a few places in the world where you can get a combined feeling of historical significance, strong rooted tradition, sun and sea, great food, peace and quiet, a party atmosphere, modern amenities, a great choice of hotels and bars, and a multinational environment in one place. Malta, despite its small size has all of these and more to offer. There are few places that have managed to stick to their traditions, yet open up their hearts to visitors, but once again Malta has achieved this.

If you want to visit the country properly I would recommend you take at least 10 days there. It gives you the time to visit some of the key sites and also take some time off to relax.

Spinola Bay (St. Julians) Malta

Here are some fun facts about Malta.

• The language spoken in Malta is a mix of Arabic, French & English, however the majority of locals speak Maltese, English & Italian quite fluently.

• It is the most catholic country in the world with over 90% of the population identifying themselves as such. This is supported by the fact that this little island nation counts nearly 360 churches and chapels.

• You will not find any mountains, rivers or forests in Malta. It has an arid Mediterranean climate.

• It is a hotspot for making famous movies! This includes Gladiator, Assassins Creed, Troy, the first season of Games of Thrones, Popeye, Captain Philips and The Da Vinci Code.

• It counts three world heritage sites today, but is expected to obtain more due to its amazing historical background. Today the recognized UNESCO sites are: the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

• Malta is not an island, but an archipelago with 3 islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. 

How to get around the islands of Malta?

You can discover Malta in several ways. 

• Book a tour with an recognized guide

• Order a Bolt car to take you to wherever you are going (cheaper than taxis) 

• Use the bus service (it’s pretty efficient but slower)

• Hail a taxi: You can find these at major hotels, the airport and other key sites.

• Rent a bike (be aware that Maltese roads are being adapted to cyclists but that most are not suited for bikes)

• Rent a scooter (In Malta they drive “Mediterranean style” so be careful)

Where can I find nightlife in Malta?

• Most of the nightlife is centered in St. Julian around Paceville Piazza, which is now a suburb of the capital Valletta. You’ll find plenty of clubs, bars, pubs and outdoor parties concentrated in this area. There is also a small beach to chill out on, a cinema and some shops that are open late.
  

Mdina Old Town

What are the best places to visit in Malta?

There is a lot to see in Malta and you would be surprised what you come across by going out for regular walks (take care in the summer when it’s hot!).  However, here are some must-see tourist attractions you should not miss according to me:

• The Blue Grotto: Take a small boat into the magical blue grotto and discover the amazing water color and amazing cave system. Be aware that on days when the sea is choppy the boats do not go out due to the high risk of an accident. 

• Hagar Qim: which is just down the road from the blue grotto and is a very impressive megalithic temple complex and one of the earliest known freestanding stone buildings on Earth.

• Mdina Old Town: An impressive city originally built by the Phoenecians which has also seen many other armies pass its way. The city is out of a fairy tale with all buildings having been constructed out of the same stone and it is dotted with hidden churches, monasteries and other ancient buildings.  Take the time to have a coffee at the de Mondion restaurant which offers breathtaking views over the landscape around the town.

• The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, which is a Neolithic Cult Site and one of the oldest in the world.

• The Island of Gozo: If you want to find great sandy beaches and quiet towns then Gozo will bring you to new levels of relaxation.  The island seems far away from Europe’s hustle and bustle and moves at its own pace. Have a coffee on the main square in the town of Victoria, it’s worth it.

• Catacombs: There are quite a few catacombs that are open to visitors, when in Rabat, take the time to discover the two that are located near the church, including St. Paul’s Catacombs.
  

One of Valletta's three cities

• Explore the 3 cities that make up modern Valletta and make use of the local little passenger ferries to jump between them. There is so much to see here, from hidden streets, churches, little shops, underground bars and more.

• Go to the beach: despite its rocky coastline (almost all around), Malta offers some amazing beaches you must take a chance to visit. Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa) on the island of Malta is a favorite of mine. Surrounded by cliffs it’s a great place to swim in the warm waters, has great sand and even a restaurant built into the cliffside where you can enjoy a romantic dinner as you watch the sun set. It also has (paid) sunbeds and umbrellas which is handy. I personally did not like St. George’s Beach in St. Julian (near the party zone) as it's often crowded, dirty and pretty small. Of course you can also choose to go to a more rocky (and fun) beach such as Daħlet Qorrot, but beware of the rocks. 

Which hotels do I recommend in Malta?

To be honest I’ve been at least twenty times but have stayed at three hotels, all in St. Julians.  The first hotel is one of the most luxurious, namely the Malta Hilton (see review here). I have also spent some time at the Radisson Blu Resort which is more of a mid-range hotel - comfortable, friendly staff and a good breakfast, but it’s a little dated. Finally I spent quite some time at the Hotel Argento. It’s also more of a family style middle class hotel tucked away in a narrow street, however the staff here were unbelievably friendly and helpful, breakfast was pretty amazing and rooms were comfortable.

How far away are hotels from the airport?

It depends on where you booked a hotel, but you should count between 20 and 45 minutes to get to your hotel on the island of Malta by car. For Gozo you should count 1.5 to 2 hours approximately because you need to cross to the other island by ferry. 

Sunset over Gozo Island

Is it easy to get to the island of Gozo?

You will need to take the ferry across. These run 24/7 but are often full during rush hour times so you may need to wait for the next one if you have not obtained a ticket. More information on the ferry crossing is here. You can also catch a fast ferry from Valletta (passengers only) but this crossing is more susceptible to weather conditions.

Is Malta safe?

Overall, yes. Despite its historic splendor, Malta is a modern European state with an established police force. Simply apply the same rules as you would in any other country and remain vigilant - there is of course some crime in Malta, as there is anywhere else. Take the usual precautions in crowded areas - put your wallet and phone in your front pockets for example. 

Is Malta family friendly?

Yes! Malta is very family friendly. Many hotels have kids pools available, there are a lot of interesting sights for kids to enjoy (e.g. Popeye village) and many beaches such as Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Paradise Bay have shallow seawater. You can also take them on boat and snorkeling trips. Many restaurants also offer kid menus. 

When is the best time to visit Malta?

The busiest time of year is during the summer months (June to September) when Malta sees mass-tourism. The temperatures are at their highest then, reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day.  Winter months tend to be calmer but also cooler with average temperatures around 19 degrees celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit).

What currency is used in Malta?

Malta is part of the Eurozone, so the currency is Euro. All credit and Maestro debit cards are also generally accepted but ensure you notify your back in advance if you are traveling from outside of Europe.

Is tipping required in Malta?

You can always tip extra if you are happy with the service of course, but ensure you take a look at your bill first, a service fee may have already been added. If not then between 5 and 10% is customary.