We loved their language, their culture, their love for life and their pride for their country. Not only the local people, but the types of other travellers as well. Theres more toMalta as a nation than just theisland Maltaitself. Three of these things will fill you up. Shimshar (2014): Theos first trip with his Maltese seafaring family goes terribly wrong when the ship sinks while Alex, a medic on a Turkish merchant vessel, helps rescue African migrants. Is Malta Worth Visiting? | 2023 - A Broken Backpack Despite all of the local things we did, we never made it to a festa in Malta. Winter temperatures in Malta are mild, with average highs of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 50 degrees. Maltese, however, is still the countrys primary language spoken by the vast majority of the Maltese population. Smoking can happen on the buses also. We found our apartment through ShortLetsMalta.com and they have a great selection of properties around the country with no annoying fees and excellent service. Unlike many other Mediterranean destinations,a holiday in Maltaoffers you a lot of possibilities even outside of the high season. I was excited to visit Malta and get to know its culture because it seemed like such a unique European destination. Explained: How are Europe's travel rules changing after February 1? Gozo is an excellent location for families, couples and elderly who prefer having a peaceful holiday with beautiful beaches and countryside views. Keep in mind that off the beaten path in Malta relates strictly to the amount of other tourists as on this tiny island chain, youre never far from developement and traffic. The language here is as unique as the island itself. There are endless places to visit, things to do, and dishes to eat youll never be bored on this Greek island. The journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes and is typically pretty easy. When theyre freshly baked and you bite into them while theyre still warm, you get a taste of what I can only describe as heaven. If possible, look for a taxi station instead of catching one on the street. You should also visit the Tarxien Temples in the same day as the Hypogeum. The buses themselves are clean and air-conditioned. Start planning your trip Best Time to Visit Best Places to Visit 01 / Top Sights & Places If youre like us and are from North America, dont bring your crazy tipping habits to Malta! Its true, the proximity to the African deserts and the limestone foundation of these islands means that there is hardly a tree, river or green space in sight. Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022 ranks the worlds must-visit countries, cities and regions to provide a year's worth of travel inspiration. We will definitely be back one day. You can negotiate the price and lower it by a few euros. Get the most out of your visit to Malta with Malta Uncovered guidebooks full of local knowledge and up-to-date for 2023! We visited in the shoulder season from the end of March until the end of May and we had great weather. what is malta like? Yielding (giving way) at roundabouts is also routinely ignored. Typically it is always nice to leave a little something on the table, but the notion that youre required to tip 10 or 20 percent does not apply here and you only have to tip if the service is good (which isnt often in Malta to be honest). Its quite obvious in the winter months that Malta is a place for retirees. Every town, village and city in the country has at least one day of festa (sometimes 4 or 5 throughout the year) and the days coincide with the patron saint. This is a known issue in Malta and one of the reasons I didnt want to drive there. In the off-season, most foreigners you see are retired and over the age of 60. 10 Must-Knows When Travelling to Malta For the First Time Visit Malta has put together some maps and sign-posted 7 amazing walks on Malta, while Visit Gozo Walks has created 10 walks. Some Maltese people are tippers, and some are not. Malta's rich history plays out in its diverse flavors. Especially when driving around Maltas main urban conurbation (incorporating Valletta, Sliema and St Julians),its worth channeling a confident approach to getting behind the wheel. If youre visiting in high-season and renting an apartment or hotel short-term, youd probably have to add about $50 / day onto this budget for a couple, simply because your accommodation costs would be so much higher. Malta is a hidden European gem and we cant believe that more travellers dont talk about this place. Thats right, one of Maltas best dive sites goes into the nearby blue hole, through a small cave and under the enormous stone arch of the Azure Window. Valletta just didnt have affordable apartment options and we didnt know how wonderful Gozo was until we visited. Birgu has been settled since the time of the Phoenicians in the Middle Ages, but the current city dates back from the time of the Order of Saint John (of the famous Knights of Saint John). Outside of Maltas most built-up areas, driving is much less stressful, and having a car makes getting around Gozo and to Maltas more remote beaches and destinations much easier. You can also take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta for 1.50 or 2.80 return (10 minutes). A Cisk (pronounced Chisk) beer in a restaurant is usually around 2 2.50, but you can get beer for as little as 1.50 during happy hour. What else can we say about Maltese people that we havent already said in this guide? The Maltese are renowned for their hospitality, friendliness and generosity. 9 Things to Know Before Visiting Malta - Travelsewhere The famous underground tombs of the Hypogeum isthe most expensive site to enter at 30, but other sites like the Inquisitors Palace in Vittoriosa, Gar Dalam in Birebbua and the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta will only cost you around 5 or 6. This characteristic is deep-rooted inMaltese cultureand makes for a very warm and welcoming experience. It lists all of the buses and timetables so that you can get anywhere you want on the island without having to ask directions (although if you do, the locals will be happy to help). When youre connected to WiFi, open the app, zoom over the entire archipelago and then type OK maps into the search. If you go for traditional rabbit stew or steak, youll pay around 25 ($28). The Idyllic Island of Gozo Fishing port on the Island of Gozo. On hot days, the rocks around Sliema are crowded with people, but youll always find a place to sit and enjoy the sun. Most archeological sites only preserve parts of a citadel, but here much of the city is on display. That way, youll be up to speed and armed with cultural and historical culinary insights as you explore local restaurants, island vineyards and food markets across Malta and its smaller sister island of Gozo. Why should you visit Malta instead of any other Mediterranean holiday destination? I personally am not really a fan of rabbit, so it wasnt something we often ordered (although I tried it 3 times), but our Maltese friends and likely most visitors would agree that its a delicious dish. Is Malta Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons to Love It (or Not) I stayed atSlimiza Suites (unfortunately, its rating dropped recently), but higher-rated options include Marea Boutique Hotels and Amery House. Yes, I would like to receive emails from you with Malta travel tips. It means that if youre not one of the first people to go on the bus, you might have to wait for the next one. French, British, Italian especially Sicilian and Arabic flavors all overlap in the diverse food traditions here. The sea is a bit cooler and hasnt warmed up yet during the spring, but its still swimmable and the weather isnt too hot. Malta is the main island where most of the tourist attractions can be found while Gozo has a more relaxed and nature-like atmosphere. Read More Things to See & Do in Malta Whether you're a history buff, a night owl, an adrenaline junkie, or simply a rambler wishing to be bowled over by natural splendour, the list of things to do in Malta is endless. There is a very low risk of contracting any serious disease for those visitingMalta. The 90 day visa-free travel is valid for 180 days, so if you are in for 30 days, out for 30 and back in again for 30, youll still have 30 days left after that. The people you encounter while travelling through a country can have a profound impact on the way you view a destination. The site is ginormous, and it takes the better part of a day of exploring to see it. They are honest, kind and have a great sense of humour. Your email address will not be published. He contributes to numerous other media sites regularly and shares his expert knowledge of travel, online entrepreneurship and blogging with the world whenever he can. 3. When choosing where to stay on this island, it all comes down to what youre planning to do on your vacation in Malta. 40 Amazing Things to do on Gozo Island, Malta Last updated: January 3, 2023 Gozo, Malta A detailed travel guide featuring 40 of the best things to do on Gozo Island, Malta. Getting from one point to another will take longer than it should, and you should just be aware of it. 2. The cheapest bottle of wine we found was around 2. In the midrange level there are about 40 or 50 hotels between $55-$110 / night and about 50 more in the $110 $160 range. For those travellers, places likeMellieaandSt. Pauls Bayare much better places to look for accommodation. Using Malta as a case study, it provides an account of the convoluted path of constitutionalisation and constitution-making during its time as a British Crown Colony until it gained independence in 1964. If you prefer to base yourself in the capital Valletta, check out hotels like Tanos Boutique Guesthouse and Paulos Valletta. If you want to experience true joy, you absolutely must try some pastizzi in Malta. Did you find my Malta tips helpful? It is just over 110 miles south of the Italian island of Sicily, 241 miles east of the Northern African country of Tunisia, and 283 miles north of Libya. You can really visit Malta at any time. The fact that English is Maltas second official language obviously helps and takes away a language barrier that many guests to other holiday destinations face time and again. A language barrier can be frustrating to deal with when traveling, so thats one less thing to worry about in Malta. Maltese is a mix of Arabic, Italian, and English. Booking.com had some pretty good deals in Malta & Gozo though, and we always like using their service. September. Malta has a very low rate of violent crime, but there are occasional reports of rental cars being broken into at beach car parks, especially if theyre adjacent to a more remote stretch of sand. From Sliema to Valletta (and vice versa) and from Valletta to the Three Cities, you can (and should) take a ferry instead of a bus since it only takes about 5 minutes to get from one point to another. Thank you! Most Maltese people probably prefer the latter. 5 Day Malta Itinerary - Flip Flops Included Gorgeous natural harbor with lots of historical significance. Lock your car and dont leave anything of value inside. Valletta and the island of Gozo were so beautiful that we kind of wished that we chose to live in one of those places for our two month stay. We cant talk about visiting Malta without mentioning its two other islands, Gozo and Comino. Wine bars are a great place to enjoy the evening and meet some locals. Dress respectfully when entering a church having a shawl to cover shoulders is a good idea and hats and sunglasses should be removed. A 5000-year-old subterranean necropolis only rediscovered in 1902, Maltas al Saflieni Hypogeum is one of the countrys essential sights. The worlds most powerful passports for 2021 have been revealed, Stargazing 2023: When and where to see planets, comets and eclipses this year, 10 places to escape the cold and find winter sun in Europe, Maltas best eating and drinking experiences, European road trips: 15 of the best journeys across the continent, 12 best places to celebrate LGBTIQ+ pride in Europe for 2022, How to visit Malta on a budget: from cheap eats to scenic streets, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Whereas some of the Northern European countries can get quite cold in October, the south is generally very pleasant. Valletta is definitely the best place to find events. The language in Malta is called Maltese and is deeply rooted in Arabic, similar to that spoken in Lebanon. They are well-connected to other parts of the island by public transport, which is why many travelers choose to base themselves in one of the two cities. Keep your wits about you, even (or especially) after a cocktail or two. DO go to Sicily by ferry if you have an extra day. You wont be offending anyone and that is considered generous. Even some small pastizzi shops and kebab shops will accept visa, but most of the time youll be expected to pay cash at smaller places like that. Read our Privacy Policy. Disclaimer: GoatsOnTheRoad.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As such, its extremely popular and to protect the fragile, centuries-old interior, entry is limited to 80 people per day. At the very least, you may arrive in the city after a victory from the local football (soccer) team when the place is alive with chants, horns and hordes of people partying. There are 359 churches (313 in Malta and 46 in Gozo), each town has a patron saint and most Maltese use religious phrases in their day-to-day speech like Bless you, praise god etc. They are well-connected to other parts of the island by public transport, which is why many travelers choose to base themselves in one of the two cities. The temples only take about an hour to explore and are very interesting. REALLY! You have utter freedom and flexibility to go wherever and whenever you want. Malta in January: What is it Like? - Sound Mind Travel With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation for several days or even a weeklong stay.. Summer weather is great for those looking for a beach and sun holiday and winters are mild, with relatively high temperatures and still a relatively high amount of daily sunshine hours for those looking to escape the dark, sub-zero winter months back home. The rocky coastlines, deep canyons and limestone coloured cliffs make for some truly breathtaking sights in Malta, but dont expect forest, jungle and waterfalls. From diving in Gozos Blue Hole and Cominos Crystal Lagoon to snorkeling in Maltas St. Peters Pool, all three islands provide more than enough places to take an adventurous dip. Traditional Maltese platters with cheese, meat, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, beans and bread are usually around 14 ($15.70) and can pretty much fill up two people. There are also numerous boat tours available from Triq it-Torri street in Sliema. At the top end of the budget scale, the sky is the limit. Go for it! Based in an Arabic similar to that spoken in Lebanon, but laced with Italian, French and incredibly vulgar curse words, learning the local tongue is difficult, but fun and much appreciated by the Maltese. You can follow the trails and find your way using the maps they provide and the coloured signs, but sometimes the signs have disappeared or were never placed properly, so its best to use Google Maps as a back-up. They offer day trips and the journey only takes 90 minutes. Vodofone is one of the top providers and as a traveller, youll likely by a SIM card (15) and pay as you go. In Sliema, check out Azzopardi Fish Shop and Nanas Fresh Fish. Required fields are marked *. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-maltauncovered_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'maltauncovered_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-maltauncovered_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The highest concentration of holiday resorts and hotels can be found aroundSt. Julians,Buibba/Qawra, andSliema, which are all situated along the Northern coastline of Malta. As mentioned earlier, if youre on a really tight budget you can get a pastizzi (flakey pastry filled with cheese and spinach, mushy peas or meat) for around 30 cents. Oh, pastizzi, you wonderful flaky pastries. I've been to many other countries before round the med including Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, Turkey, Greece, France, Monaco, Spain etc. In fact, one of my favorite things about Malta is that you might find a pool ladder to help you get into the beautiful water where you least expect it. The relatively short distances, convenient bus routes and road signs make it relatively easy to find your way around usingpublic transportor a hired car if you prefer to explore the islands by yourself. There are a few ways to visit these islands: Cruises from Sliema youll see plenty of signs in the ferry area promoting these cruises (and dont forget to use these helpful cruise apps if you choose to take one). To get there, take bus #81 or #82 from Valletta. You can either ask the locals or if youre more adventurous have a look at satellite imaging on Google Maps and find your way! *Your emil address will not be published. Veggies are affordable and theres a wide variety of western and local foods. You'll find prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving and a history of remarkable intensity. The Meteora monasteries are unlike anywhere. Beyond the traffic issue, you need to be ok with driving on the left side of the road and driving alongside Maltese drivers (which requires some courage). Here's the best places to visit in Malta! 2018-2023 My Path in the World. I visited Malta a couple years back but I wish I spent more time on Gozo rather than just a day trip. Some ofMaltas best beachesare located along the Northern and Western shorelines of the island, most notablyMellieha Bay(the islands largest beach),Golden BayandGhajn Tuffieha. Give yourself at least a full day to explore. Note: kids under 6 years old are not permitted inside the Hypogeum. And some more traffic. Now were kind of reaching for cons, but one annoying thing about living, travelling and visitingMalta is that the water is borderline undrinkable from the taps. The app will then allow you to access the map offline and even track where you are on the screen. If you want to travel around Malta (which I fully recommend), both Sliema and Valletta (the capital)are cities from which you can take day trips. The city of Rabat gets its name from Semitic origins and translates directly to suburb as it was once the suburb of Mdina, the old capital city. Most pubs (as well as dedicated sports bars) have a satellite dish perked on their roofs and most display what sports events are shown on chalkboard notices just outside their premises. Our absolute favourite bottle was the Marsovin Primus, but at 35 in grocery stores, we only had it when it was a free sample during our wine tour. Car rental prices are some of the lowest in Europe, and having your own ride offers more convenience and efficiency than relying on Maltas extensive but sometimes slow bus service. 10 Reasons to Visit Malta - What Makes Malta So Special? - Go Guides See: Best Apartments in Malta on Booking.com. Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2023! Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. From Triq it-Torri street in Sliema, there are dozens of boat tour companies offering everything from snorkel trips to sailing excursions around the island. Things to know before traveling to Malta - Lonely Planet Malta is a great place to explore on two legs, especially around Valletta and in the hilltop walled city of Mdina. Combine these interesting temples with a trip to the Hypogeum and a walk around the city of Tarscen. Note: This is also the location for one of the Game Of Thrones episodes. In most hotels and apartments you will have download speeds of around 20mbps when running a speed test, which translates to around 2mbps of actual peer-to-peer downloading speeds. Its not just about the most popular beaches in Malta, however. 10 Reasons to Visit Malta What Makes Malta So Special? There are too many people and not enough buses. Cinemas and theatres reopened on 7 June, but bars and nightclubs are still closed, and boat . Jump To: Must-see Places | Off The Beaten Path | Pros | Cons | Health | Weather | MORE Malta BLOGS. For more information and tips for visiting Maltas festas, read here. Maltese people are extremely hospitable, theyre always interested in travellers, they speak English very well (English is an official language of Malta), and they love to go out for wine and cheese platters! Experience the best activities, attractions, and places to visit on Malta's laid-back sister island. To get to Gozo on arrival at Malta airport, you can book a direct transfer which takes you straight from the airport to the ferries in the Northern most tip of the island of Malta (a place called Cirkewwa). Ultimate Malta Solo Travel Guide: Why Visit and What to Expect The cliffs are truly a majestic sight, particularly if viewed from a boat while cruising or sailing, but also from the top as the views are breathtaking. Travelers no longer need to complete a digital Passenger Locator Form (PLF) but must present either a vaccine certificate, a recent negative PCR test or COVID recovery certificate upon arrival. Nature is like an artist working on landscapes; using small brush strokes on a canvas, taking millions of years to paint, and Must-have Experiences While Visiting Malta: lots of beautiful properties for around $220, Best Hotels, Guest Houses & B&Bs on Booking.com, 29 Club House, Triq Il-Forti Manoel, Il-Gira, Malta, Visiting Crete in 2023: Complete Travel Guide, 15 Best Places To Visit in Montana in 2023, Visiting Meteora Monasteries: Travel Guide To Greeces Mythical Landscape.