Malta is the mystical land of knights and intrigue
Malta is a veritable open air museum and if you love European history, you have found your very own breathing library of reference.
A remarkable little island, Malta is actually part of an archipelago, with just three islands inhabited. The other two islands being Gozo (Għawdex) and Kemmuna (Comino).
Valetta is the modern capital – and I use that that term loosely. It is still ancient but has modernized, particularly in modern years with the city wrapped in scaffolding for a few years.
This was because its ancient palazzos were converted to swanky boutique hotels, partly in anticipation of a European City of Culture juggernaut that hit the town in 2018.
Summer months are very hot but the roast subsides by evening when, at sunset, the cool Mediterranean breezes blow in welcome relief. Eating out and enjoying the nightlife is something the Maltese do very well.
Great Travel to Other Parts of Malta
Pronunced ‘mar-sah-schlok’, Marsaxlokk is a quaint and memorable fishing village in the south of the island.
Cottonera (Three Cities- aka Vittoriosa), Bormla (aka Cospicua) and finally, Isla (aka Senglea). These three towns amassed together by fortifications remaining from the 16th century. This was the area of the victorious Great Siege occurred when 8000 Maltese beat 30 000 Ottermans. And so, it was named the Cottonera lines
In the center of the island you will discover The Silent City, as it is known. Mdina — is Malta’s beautifully preserved old capital (pronounced ‘im-dina’).
Any travel plans in Malta should include Sliema, another well known town. It is just north of Valletta. Joggers and walkers love the coastal walking area and it’s famous for the rock beach. This is entirely rock and not made up of rocks. An interesting place to visit. .
The food is really good in Malta, and trying the local dishes is a delight. Mainly seafood, pasta, breads, savory pastries, eggs and cheese dishes abound. Flavored with light sauces with most of the meals.
Some Sicilian and English influences to be found too. Not surprisingly, given the close influences. And, of course, with some Spanish flair on the side.
Getting around the island is pretty simple. You can use the hop on hop off bus around the entire island or rent a car. Driving there is on the left and if you’re not used to that, it can be challenging.
Also the road signage is predominantly Maltese and the GPS is not great on the island. But it’s small so getting lost is not a tragedy. Valletta is the capital and the main city but you have many other places to explore.
When to go
Going to Malta in the early spring is perfect if you want to enjoy it with less crowds and temps that are warm but not July baking.
In fact, you are good until June and the early season timing means you should do well on the costs of hotels as well.
The famous Maltese festas generally happen in these months as well, so you get the bonus there too!
July, August and September are the humid and mass holiday maker times. Many cruise ships come in for the day and offload their populations of 3-5 thousand passengers into an already crowded Valletta during the summer months.
If you stay on the shoulder seasons of April to June and the early and late autumn months, you’ll get great scenery and lots of greenery.
Winter is wet and cold, in Malta and I would not say pleasant to explore as a tourist
Daily costs of travel in Malta
Moderate.
A very expensive city to travel if you are looking to do it in a mid-range category of accommodation and food
Low end hotel or hostel – €20-30 per day
Food – €10-20 per day per person
2 drinks per day €4-10
€40 : Suggested Daily Budget for ‘bare bones’ travel (hostel rooms, public transport, food from stalls or supermarkets etc) with a few sightseeing highlights per week
€ 80+ Suggested Daily Budget for ‘average’ travel (Mid-range hotels, food from the occasional restaurants and stores, sight seeing attractions and transport .
