Malta Travel Guide
Explore the beauty of Malta with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover its history, culture, food, and more. Plan your itinerary now and make the most out of your trip!
- Introduction to Malta
- List of Places to Visit in Malta
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Malta
- Best Things to Do in Malta: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Malta
- Food and Drink Scene of Malta
- Where to Stay in Malta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Malta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Malta
- Best Time to Visit Malta
- Do’s and Don’ts of Malta
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Malta: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Malta
- Where to Go Next from Malta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Malta
Malta, a small archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, is a cultural gem. The island country boasts a unique blend of Roman, European, and Arabic influences, making it one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. It is well-known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
List of Places to Visit in Malta
Malta is packed with beautiful places to visit that cater to every traveler’s taste. Here’s a list of some of the most popular attractions in Malta:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Valletta Waterfront - a 19th-century warehouse complex that has been converted into a promenade
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral - a Baroque-style cathedral in Valletta that houses the famous painting “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist”
- The Grand Master’s Palace - the official residence of the President of Malta
- The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum - an underground, prehistoric burial site that dates back to 2500 BC
- The National Museum of Archaeology - houses the largest collection of artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric period
Natural Attractions of Malta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Blue Lagoon - a stunning natural pool with crystal clear water and sandy beaches
- Comino Island - a secluded island famous for its untouched beauty, rugged cliffs, and secret caves
- Mellieha Bay - a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with its sandy beach and calm waters
- Dingli Cliffs - the highest point on the island, offering impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea
- The Blue Grotto - an enchanting natural cave system that can be explored by boat.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Malta
Malta has numerous hiking and biking trails that showcase its natural beauty. Some of the best routes for hiking and biking include:
- The Victoria Lines - a network of fortifications that runs for around 12 kilometers
- Wied il-Mielaħ - a picturesque valley located in the northwest of Malta
- Buskett Gardens - a peaceful woodland area located in the center of the island
- The Siggiewi Woodlands - a natural area with a mixture of wooded and cultivated land
- The Three Cities - a scenic walking tour of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa.
Best Things to Do in Malta: Activities and Tours
If you’re looking for activities in Malta, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of the top things to do in Malta:
- Visit the captivating medieval city of Valletta
- Hike to the top of the Dingli Cliffs
- Take a boat tour through the Blue Grotto
- Relax on the beach at one of the island’s many resorts
- Explore the fortified city of Mdina
Week-Long Itinerary for Malta
To make the most out of your visit to Malta, consider this suggested week-long itinerary:
Day | Activity |
---|---|
1 | Explore Valletta, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral and The Grand Master’s Palace |
2 | Visit the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, followed by a swim in Blue Grotto |
3 | Spend the day relaxing on Mellieha Bay or visiting the nearby Ghadira Nature Reserve |
4 | Take a day trip to Gozo and visit the stunning Azure window and the town of Victoria |
5 | Hike the Victoria Lines and explore the Three Cities |
6 | Enjoy a boat day trip to Comino Island, with swimming and snorkeling |
7 | Visit the fortified city of Mdina and explore the surrounding countryside |
Food and Drink Scene of Malta
Malta’s cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures with a unique Maltese twist. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Pastizzi - a savory pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas
- Rabbit Stew - a traditional Maltese dish made with rabbit, tomatoes, wine, and garlic
- Kapunata - Maltese version of Ratatouille, made with aubergines, zucchinis, onions, olives, and fresh tomatoes
- Ftira - a traditional Maltese bread filled with tuna and onions or traditional Maltese sausage called “Pastizzi ta’ l-Qniepen”.
Local Beverages
- Cisk - the most popular lager beer in Malta, Cisk has a light, crisp taste and is perfect for Malta’s sunny climate
- Kinnie - a Maltese soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs
- Malta Guinness - a non-alcoholic malt beer, perfect for those who want a beer without the alcohol.
Where to Stay in Malta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are numerous options for staying in Malta, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the top places to stay in Malta:
- Hotel Phoenicia - a grand 5-star hotel located within the city walls of Valletta
- The Waterfront Hotel - a modern 4-star hotel located in the popular Sliema district
- Two Pillows Hostel - a stylish and hip budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Valletta
What to Buy in Malta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Malta is a great place for shopping, with plenty of souvenir shops and local markets selling unique items. Here are some top things to buy in Malta:
- Maltese Lace - a delicate traditional handicraft that comes in various patterns, perfect for a tablecloth or bedspread
- Filigree Jewelry - a traditional Maltese style of jewelry made from twisted wire threads
- Maltese Wine - Malta has a burgeoning wine industry, and local wines like Chardonnay and Merlot are well-worth trying
- Honey - Malta’s unique geographical location gives it a diverse range of wildflowers, making for some delicious honey.
Local Culture and Customs of Malta
Malta’s culture is a unique blend of European and Arabic influences. Here are some of the customs and traditions that are important to the Maltese people:
- Religion - the vast majority of Maltese people are Roman Catholic, and religion plays an important role in society
- Siesta - like many Mediterranean countries, Malta observes a mid-day siesta, where many businesses close for a few hours during the hottest part of the day
- Festas - these annual village festivals celebrate the town or village’s patron saint and are really popular with locals and visitors alike.
Best Time to Visit Malta
The best time to visit Malta is from April to June or September to November. These months offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. July and August can get very hot, and the island can get very crowded with tourists. However, these summer months are perfect for beach-goers.
Do’s and Don’ts of Malta
Here are some dos and don’ts that are important to follow when visiting Malta:
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Take advantage of the incredible cuisine and locally produced beverages
- Make the most of Malta’s warm weather and stunning scenery
Don’t:
- Forget to take sunscreen
- Swim in prohibited areas as it may be very dangerous
- Take photos of locals without their permission
- Overtly display affection in public, as this is considered taboo in Maltese culture.
Safety and Health
Malta is generally a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should always be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Here are some safety and health tips for Malta:
Safety in Malta
- Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas
- Avoid walking alone at night in unlit areas
- Take care when swimming or sunbathing on the beach
- Be aware of traffic while walking on roads, as cars may drive on the opposite side of the street.
Health in Malta
- Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially in the summer months
- Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn
- Be aware of sea urchins while swimming
- In case of an emergency, dial 112.
Getting to Malta: Transportation Options and Logistics
Malta is easily accessible by air and sea. Here are some transportation options for getting to Malta:
Airports Near Malta
The main airport is Malta International Airport, located 5km south-west of Valletta, capital city of Malta.
Bus Stations Near Malta
Public Transport is operated by Arriva Malta and offers 80 different routes covering around 450km per day, seven days a week.
Other Options
Malta is an island country, so there are no cross-border trains. However, there are ferries available to go to Gozo or Sicily.
How to Get Around in Malta
Malta is a small island, and public transportation and taxis are readily available. Here are some options for getting around:
- Public buses - Malta has a vast network of public buses that go across the island
- Taxis - available from taxi stands and can be booked in advance
- Car rental - many international car rental companies operate in Malta.
Where to Go Next from Malta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have more time to explore, some popular nearby destinations and excursions include:
- Sicily - Malta’s closest neighbor, and it’s just a short ferry ride away
- Italy’s Amalfi Coast - Beautiful resort towns and stunning beaches
- Athens, Greece - the birthplace of democracy, and home to many ancient wonders.
Conclusion
Malta is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. From historical sites and natural beauty to delicious cuisine and exciting activities, there’s something to suit every taste. Plan your trip to Malta today and start exploring this beautiful island country!
Malta Image Gallery
![Map of Malta with regions colour-coded](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Malta_Regions_map.png/100px-Malta_Regions_map.png)
![Golden Bay](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Sudika_Golden_Bay.jpg/100px-Sudika_Golden_Bay.jpg)
![Fort St. Angelo in Birgu, rebuilt by the Knights Hospitaller, who still enjoy limited extraterritoriality there](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Malta_-_Birgu_-_Fort_Saint_Angelo_%28Upper_Barrakka_Gardens%29_01_ies.jpg/100px-Malta_-_Birgu_-_Fort_Saint_Angelo_%28Upper_Barrakka_Gardens%29_01_ies.jpg)
![Bilingual sign banning smoking](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/20/Malta_-_St._Julian%27s_-_Triq_San_Gorg_-_Spinola_Palace_Garden_04_ies.jpg/100px-Malta_-_St._Julian%27s_-_Triq_San_Gorg_-_Spinola_Palace_Garden_04_ies.jpg)
![Malta Public Transport operates a fleet of modern buses coloured white and green](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Malta_Buses.jpg/100px-Malta_Buses.jpg)
![The unique buses of yore can still be seen around the island, outside of regular service](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Malta_bus_img_4616_%2816176998212%29.jpg/100px-Malta_bus_img_4616_%2816176998212%29.jpg)
![Ghasri lighthouse](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Faro%40G%C4%A7asri.jpg/100px-Faro%40G%C4%A7asri.jpg)
![A Valetta ferry about to dock](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Il-Belt._Valletta_to_Sliema_Ferry._Proc%C3%A9s_1.jpg/100px-Il-Belt._Valletta_to_Sliema_Ferry._Proc%C3%A9s_1.jpg)
![Church in Xaghra](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Statues%2C_niches_and_monuments_in_Xag%C4%A7ra_06.jpg/100px-Statues%2C_niches_and_monuments_in_Xag%C4%A7ra_06.jpg)
![Valletta Carnival](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Carnival_in_Valletta_-_Show.jpg/100px-Carnival_in_Valletta_-_Show.jpg)
![Pastizzi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Pastizzi.jpg/100px-Pastizzi.jpg)
![Qargħa Bagħli Mimli (Stuffed marrows)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Qarg%C4%A7a_Bag%C4%A7li_Mimli_%28Stuffed_marrows_-_Maltese_Style%29.jpg/100px-Qarg%C4%A7a_Bag%C4%A7li_Mimli_%28Stuffed_marrows_-_Maltese_Style%29.jpg)
![Kinnie](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Kinnie.jpg/100px-Kinnie.jpg)
![Boats in Marsaxlokk](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Marsaxlokk_Boats_-_Vivid_-_panoramio.jpg/100px-Marsaxlokk_Boats_-_Vivid_-_panoramio.jpg)