Malta Travel Guide (Europe)

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!