A Mediterranean Majesty
While you may have never heard of these three small islands in the Mediterranean—between Sicily and Libya—you may recognize it inherently from Game of Thrones. This relatively unknown status is truly what makes Malta a lovely secret vacation spot to enjoy beautiful weather year-round without breaking your budget.
Malta offers its visitors copious pleasures and attractions including stunning beaches, delicious restaurants, lively nightlife and a tantalizing history. With status as part of the European Union, it also makes it very easy to visit for a quick weekend or even a longer stay, if you already have access to the Schengen Zone.
The Island
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Having been under British rule from 1800-1964, the Maltese have adopted English as an official language alongside their native language of Maltese. No surprise then why It has long been a favorite vacation spot among the British. The country, however, has more recently developed into a hub for the online gaming industry. This has allowed for an influx of young expats to come to Malta to enjoy the great quality of life while living cheaply.
Residents tend to live on the northeast side of the island of Malta, with a few towns on the north and south parts of the island, as well as on the nearby island of Gozo. These towns are quite small, comparable to a Parisian arrondissement, with no real markers between the towns.
The capital city, Valletta, is an ancient fortified city dating back to the 16th century. Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Valletta is a masterpiece in itself - buildings and churches epitomize Baroque architecture through their iconic Maltese balconies and beautiful gardens overlooking the port. St. John's Co-Cathedral is the city's most iconic landmark that you must make time to visit. The domed cathedral houses an incredible painting by the Baroque master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio which he painted while living in Malta.
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While the capital city of Valletta is beautiful, the nearby towns of Sliema and St. Julian's tend to attract more young people who are looking for a mix of shopping, culture, and nightlife. Sliema houses the real tourist and shopping center, where you can see many of the day trips and tours offered while walking along the port. St. Julian's features the nightlife district, called Paceville, where all the bars and clubs are located on the same street making it perfect for a night out on the town. Valletta and Sliema are connected by ferry and by bus, although the ferry is a more scenic and often faster route.
The town of Mdina (sometimes spelled L-Imdina in Maltese) is located about 20 minutes inland from the coastal towns and is definitely worth visiting. Sometimes called "The Silent City" because it does not allow cars within the city walls. Not a surprise considering it was first inhabited around 700 BCE.
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Malta is a mecca for lovers of cliff jumping, snorkeling, kite-surfing and all water sports, activities and excursions. While there are many points to go swimming off of rocks near the urban center, the beaches are located towards the north side of the island. St. Paul's Bay and nearby Mellieha feature beautiful beaches with clear blue water and diving centers the let you discover the marine life.
Don't forget to visit the smallest island, Comino, to see the stunning Blue Lagoon, a small bay with shallow, azure-colored water. The beaches along the Blue Lagoon tend to get quite crowded, so if you're looking for a quiet day on the beach, avoid visiting on the weekends or public holidays. In the Sliema harbor, you will find many tour operators offering day-trips to the two other Maltese islands, Comino and Gozo, where you can visit the Azure Window—a place you might recognize specifically from Game of Thrones.
Staying in the urban center is recommended for those looking to get a more rounded experience of both history and landscape as well as enjoying the local nightlife. However, if lifting your hand to order a drink is the most work you want to do during your holiday, stay near St. Paul's Bay and Mellieha to enjoy the luxurious resort towns and relax on the beaches.
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The Basics
It is traditionally a Catholic nation, making it rather conservative in its approach to social issues, but is otherwise quite laid back. You'll also find that many locals speak Italian, as the national language derives from both Italian and Arabic, making it difficult to understand as a foreigner. Luckily, most of the locals speak English, albeit with a strong accent.
Many consider Malta to be the country with the best climate in the world. Like many other Mediterranean destinations, Malta heats up in July and August, making May and June the best months to visit. Visiting Malta in early summer gives you the chance to enjoy all the attractions without all the crowds of tourists who visit in later months.
Don't forget that since Malta is also part of the European Union, you'll need to exchange your money to Euros before visiting! It's easily accessible and central location, makes traveling to Malta very easy from mainland Europe and the United Kingdom.
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Getting Around
The easiest way to travel in Malta is by E-Cabs, the Maltese equivalent of Uber. The prices are lower than traveling via white taxi who inflate their prices for tourists. It's also possible to rent a car, but remember that the Maltese drive on the left side of the road, and road conditions are not up to standard with other European nations. Drunk driving is also frequent.
Where to Stay
There is a wide selection of hotels and other accommodations in Malta. Whether you're looking to stay in a cozy beach bungalow or at a picturesque holiday resort just steps from the beach—Malta is the perfect destination for any budget. In order to get the best packages, discounts and deals, plan your visit during the late fall or early spring. Some noteworthy hotels are:
The Corinthia is a collection of hotels across Malta with sophisticated rooms and flawless service. Their St. George's Bay hotel is close to both the artificial beach of St. George's Bay and is within walking distance from Paceville, an informal district with a plethora of nightclubs, bars, pubs and restaurants.
The Meridien is a Starwood luxury hotel located on the northeast coast of Malta near Balluta Bay, a fantastic area between the cosmopolitan neighborhood of St. Julian's and Sliema. It's close to both the shopping in Sliema and the nightlife of Paceville, not to mention it has an indoor and outdoor rooftop pool.
