Malta has got to be one of the most underrated countries in the Mediterranean! Boasting scenic views, clear waters and amazing food, this little gem is growing in popularity but at a slow pace. Tourists are slowly flocking here in their hundreds to experience its fresh and vibrant culture.
After spending five days in Malta, I’ve put together this Malta travel guide so you can get the full Maltese experience. So whether you prefer to lounge on the beach, visit historic sites or experience some of Malta’s hundreds on holidays, Malta has something for everyone.
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Why you should visit Malta
Malta is a tiny but mighty little country in the Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa. Surrounded by beautiful bays and coast lines this little nation offers some of the best beaches in Europe. It brings in passionate divers and sun seekers in abundance. Malta also boasts some of the oldest historical sites in the world making it a haven for history lovers!
What to expect in Malta
Quiet streets
There are lots of villages and towns that appear quiet and quite “sleepy-ish”. The locals tend to stay indoors, go to the country or head on over to the bays thus leaving the streets quite empty (even in low season).
Friendly people
I think I smiled and said hello to more people in those 5 days than I have in the past three months in London. Everyone seems to be happy, willing to help and to offer you a ton of information and advice. Like the old lady who voluntarily promoted and almost dragged us to a fish restaurant that was absolutely DELICIOUS!
Lots of churches
I knew there would be a lot of churches in Malta due to their strong Christian faith and practices, but I didn’t realise just how much! The churches are beautiful and really fuse together the culture and history of Malta. There’s also no shortages of shrines dotted around the country with some lighting up beautifully at night.
Expensive
Being in Europe it comes as no surprise that Malta is expensive. From the food to the attractions, in order to have an eventful holiday, you need to be prepared to dig a little deeper into your pockets.
Small country
Public transport in Malta is very easy to use and can easily take you from one end of country to the other in a day (that’s how small Malta is!)
Some advice whilst your in Malta
- Opt for black taxis over white taxis as they tend to be cheaper.
- Drink bottled water only. If you go to any restaurant and ask for tap water they will always tell you it’s unsafe.
- Book all your excursions from your hotel or trusted company not via street sellers.
- Beware of zebra crossings. Not all drivers stop for you to cross so take your time and be alert!
- If you plan on visiting the Hypogeum, book your tickets atleast 2-3 months in advance. The Hypogeum is very popular and only allows entry to a limited number of visitors per day (less than a hundred!)
Doing it the Maltese way
Languages spoken
The Maltese language is unique to say the least. The dialect is a mixture of Arabic and Italian which is very apparent in village and street names and when you listen carefully to the locals. English is Malta’s second language and a lot of people speak it so it’s very easy to communicate with them.
Weather
At the time we went (mid March) it was warm but quite windy too. Be aware during high season (May – August) temperatures can soar with record temperatures of up to 50 degrees!
Traditions and holidays
There are too many to name (or remember)! Depending on the time you go you’ll most likely enter into a holiday phase. Gather as much information from your hotel and the locals so you can be part of the action.
Best things to do in Malta
1. Check out the bays
Malta has a lot of bays and there are no shortages of things to do there! From diving and swimming to lounging about and eating, it’s got it all. Sitting back and watching the boats and yachts is just as fun and you can get your hands on some local delicacies.
My top recommendations are St. Pauls bay, St. Julians bay, Malleiha bay and the coastline of Sliema.
The best way to explore the coastline is via the Habour cruise. This will take you along the coastline of Sliema and Valletta as well as the three cities of Malta: Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. We were able to get this cruise for free as part of our hop on hop off bus tour with Captain Morgan so definitely look out for that.
2. Visit Valetta
Valetta is the capital city of Malta and is filled with beautiful narrow streets and an array of things to do. Even in low season, Valetta is busy and full of tourists. The city is much more commercial than the villages and towns but it is THE place to go if you want to splash out on a shopping spree. Valletta is where you’ll find the Upper Barraka gardens, St. Johns Co-Cathedral (which is BEAUTIFUL) and the Triton Fountain.
3. Spend some time in Marsaxlokk
This has got to be my favourite place in Malta and I only wish I had more time to explore it. This quiet fishing village has some of the best fish, straight from the sea to your plate. The water is a beautiful balance of blues and greens, the boats are colourful and the local life is serene and cheerful. You can’t afford to miss out on visiting here! Also, on Sundays there’s the famous fish market, so you’ll want to try your best to attend that.
4. Relax at Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay beach is the most popular beach in Malta. With its (somewhat) golden sand, clear waters and beautiful views, this beach is a haven for sun loungers! Due to its popularity it gets pretty busy and packed. We went during low season on a day the temperature was 23 degrees and it was fairly packed.
5. Go to Bugibba Square
Dine out and take in the hustle and bustle of Bugibba Square. It’s quite a commercial and touristy area with a few restaurants and shops to browse through.
6. Enjoy nature at the San Anton Garden
The San Anton garden is beautiful! You can wander around and relax in a peaceful and serene space. Check out the small array of marine life from black and white swans to turtles and fishes to name a few. And if you start feeling a little peckish there’s a lovely cafe in the garden called the Kitchen Garden where you can sit back and enjoy a few treats.
7. Visit Popeye Village
What better way to bring back childhood memories than a little trip to the famous Popeye Village in Malleiha. This is where they filmed the 1980 Popeye movie starring Robin Williams. The film set was never taken down and was left up as a tourist spot instead!
8. Find peace in Mdina
Mdina is stunning to say the least. This walled medieval and Arabic inspired village really has a sense of calm and takes you back to a different realm in time. There are plenty of places to shop and eat and it offers a beautiful view over Malta. Top tip: Make sure to experience the village both during the day and night!
9. Visit the historical temples
The Hypogeum is possibly the most popular temple in Malta, but others include the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples. There are too many temples to remember and I hardly scratched the surface. Just make sure to do you research before visiting and book a tour way in advance!
10. Enjoy the Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs are located in the village of Dingli. They are the highest point of Malta and offer a breath taking view of the open sea. You’ll probably want to experience a Maltese sunset from here as you watch the waves crashing beneath you. Absolutely stunning!
11. Experience the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a natural grotto in the southern coast of Malta and it has the most stunning water! You can do a boat ride through the caves and enjoy the natural beauty of the flora and sea water. This place is extremely popular so it can get pretty busy during the high season. The best time to go is early morning when the sea is calmer as rough seas could cut your boat trip short.
12. Spend some time in Comino
Here you’ll be able to experience the famous blue lagoon where you can take boat trips and swim to your hearts desire. Comino is definitely a must for water sport enthusiasts as it offers a wide selection of activities!
13. Take a trip to Gozo
Gozo is such a beautiful and calm island and much different to Malta itself. I spent a day in Gozo and I wish I had more time to explore it as it offers a very different perspective of Maltese life.
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Till next time! Fatima x
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