Malta – best destination for the whole year!

Over the millennia, Malta belonged to several nations. There were British, Spaniards, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, Romans, Carthaginians, Phoenicians … The turbulent past of this state is a guarantee that there will be no problems with the cultural program, and ideal beaches will satisfy even the most demanding travelers. We have collected all the most important information about holidays in Malta, which will help you to perfectly organize a trip to this island, regardless of the season.

Photo by Micaela Parente

Malta Public Transport

The main transport is the bus. These buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, accessible, but there is one drawback – drivers do not always follow the schedule. From mid-June to mid-October a single ticket costs 2 EUR, for the rest of the time – 1.5 EUR. At night, one trip will cost 3 EUR. The price of an unlimited travel card (Tallinja card) for a week for an adult is 21 EUR, for a child is 15 EUR. More information you can find here.

Lifehack: in Malta for two hours in one direction you can transfer to another bus for free.

If you plan not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to see the sights, it makes sense to rent a car (note that there is left-hand traffic in the country!). You can rent through both local and international distributors. The local distributors usually have higher prices, but they already include insurance in case of theft and an accident. Carefully read the contract before signing it – there are cases when local companies perceive a higher amount than it should be. Toyota Aygo or equivalent will cost you about 70 EUR, Chevrolet Aveo – 100 EUR per day.

Photo by Ostap Senyuk

Maltese cuisine

The traditional cuisine of Malta is a mixture of European and Arab traditions. They pay great attention to fish and seafood, vegetables and spices. In general, the dishes of Malta resemble the cuisine of nearby Italy.

From traditional dishes you should try stuffed eggplants (brungiel mimli), roast meat with potatoes (pal fil-Forn), snack from bread with tomatoes (hobz biz-zejt), beef rolls (bragioli), goat cheese (gbejniet), traditional dessert imkaret (imqaret). Fish and seafood dishes are also on the menu, but, contrary to the expectations of tourists, they are quite expensive.

What to do in Malta in the low season? (November – April)

Photo Zoltan Tasi

Malta is not only for a beach holiday. This island is such a mixture of epochs and cultures that there will be a lesson for everyone – from history lovers to party lovers.

Winter in Malta is mild and humid (average temperature is + 15ºС). Therefore, if during winter you have an overwhelming desire to warm yourself without leaving Europe, Malta is the best option. Even at this moment, there is clear and sunny weather prevails. Another argument is that the cheapest flights to Malta can be purchased for November and March, while the prices for hotels during this period are significantly lower than summer ones.

It is not recommended to swim and sunbathe at this time, but the weather is quite acceptable for diving in a suit. In winter, you can visit any sights from the cities of Malta, starting from Valletta and Mdina, and ending with the expanses of the island of Gozo.

Valletta

The capital of Malta, the city-fortress, founded by the knights of the Order of St. John in the XVI century. By the way, this is the first city in Europe, which was built according to pre-planned drawings. This thing was done for a reason – thanks to the well-thought-out building, the sea breeze penetrated all the streets of the city and created the effect of air conditioning.

The main sights:

• The military museum in Fort St. Elmo, where the legendary battles are shown every month;
• Cathedral of St. John;
• Paul’s Shipwreck Cathedral;
• The Palace of the Grand Master, where the Presidential Administration is located;
• The building of Auberge de Castille, where is the Cabinet of Ministers;
• Freedom Square, on which the Palace of Ferreria and the Royal Opera House are located;
• Show “Malta 5D“, in 45 minutes you could know about the history of the country.

You can get from the airport to this city by buses X1, X2, X3 and X4, taxi or just take a walk.

Mdina

If you do not pay attention to parked cars, it is easy to imagine that you are in the Middle Ages. In the ancient capital of Malta, time seems to have stopped. Currently, only about 300 people are living there, Mdina is also called Silent City. Therefore, over the past few years, flows of tourists are coming to Mdina. This is due to the popular series “Games of Thrones” – this is where several of his series was filmed.

The main sights:

• Cathedral of St. Paul – the most important temple of the country;
• Carmelite Church;
• Torture Museum.

If you take a walk among the streets of Mdina, pay attention to the door handles. From Valletta, you can get buses No. 51, 52 and 53, from Sliema and St. Julians – No. 202 and 203.

Gozo and Comino Islands

Photo by François Kaiser

A full-day cruise, which includes both islands, costs about 50 EUR with meals.

Gozo is the second-largest island in the archipelago.

Main sights:

• The Azure Window;
• The citadel, where is located the archaeological museum;
• Megalithic temple Ggantija – one of the oldest buildings in the world;
• Valley Wied il-Għasri, which is famous for its beautiful views.

On the island of Comino is the tower of St. Mary, from which you can see the island of Gozo and the lagoon. On the days when the flag raised, the tower is open to visitors.

Cliffs Dingli

One of the most picturesque corners of Malta. From the rocks up to 253 meters you can admire an amazing view. You can get here from Sliema and Rabat by bus number 202.

Popeye Village

Photo by Magdalena Smolnicka

This village was built in the bay of Angkor, as a decoration for the shooting of the musical about the sailor Popeye. Now there is an amusement park with a cinema, souvenir shops, playgrounds, and costume shows. If the weather is good, you could go on a sea cruise.

From Sliema, you can get by bus number 222, from Valletta – number 41.

Fishing Village Marsaxlokk

Photo by Remi Yuan

This is one of the oldest ports of Malta. There are restaurants with fresh seafood and fish (on Sundays there is a fish market). Modern fishermen, like many generations before them, go to the sea in bright Luzzu boats, decorated with painted eyes, designed to protect the ship and its crew from danger.

From Valleta, you can get by bus number 81 and 85.

Interesting events in Malta:

• Changing of the Guard. If you find yourself in Malta at the end of the month, do not miss the traditional and impressive sight – the changing of the guard. It can be seen every last Friday of the month at 10.30 am on St. George’s Square in Valletta. The orchestra of the Armed Forces of Malta marches down Republica Street and announces the change of the Main Guard at the Palace of Valletta.
• March 1-5, 2019. The annual Malta Carnival this year will be held in early March. The center of events will traditionally be Valletta, but the festive events will be held in other cities.
• Every year in April, the International Fireworks Festival is held in Malta.
• On May 2-5 in Malta, one of the largest European electronic music festivals Lost & Found will open the season of parties.