Malta is a small, sunny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, between Sicily and the north coast of Africa. With a blend of European, Mediterranean, and African influences, Malta has a unique personality and history. From the 1500’s to the 1800’s, the Knights of St John crusaders built churches, castles, palaces, fortresses, walled cities, and gardens. This island nation offers everything from unspoiled and secluded beaches to party beach towns and high-end shopping. Here are our quick travel info tips for planning a visit to Malta.
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Travel Info: Malta
WHY VISIT
A unique, budget-friendly island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with lots of sunshine
Unspoiled, secluded beaches
An excellent destination for backpackers and hikers
Foods, history, and architecture reflect influences from many different cultures
Scenic landscapes all around the islands, the blue of the Mediterranean Sea, secluded beaches, honey-colored walled fortress cities
Water sports paradise, boating, sailing, windsurfing, surfing, sea kayaking
RECOMMENDATIONS
Where to Stay:
Valletta for sight-seeing
Sliema/St. Julian’s for high-end hotels, shopping, and nightlife
Mellieha for beaches; great for backpackers
Marsaskala/Marsaxlokk for budget-friendly fishing villages that include beaches, boardwalk, restaurants, castle fort; great for hiking, backpackers
We recommend The Barrister Hotel for a stay in Valletta
Try the local Maltese wines and Cisk beer, inexpensive and delicious
WHAT TO SEE
Valletta, for history and sight seeing, watch the cannon being fired twice daily, noon and 16.00 in the Upper Bakkarra Gardens
Marsaxlokk, an authentic working fishing village
St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta
Visit Mdina, the old capital, with a labyrinth of narrow stone streets and views of the island from the ramparts
The beaches at Mellieha Bay
Visit Popeye’s Village, a set built specially for the 1979 movie Popeye: the Hardy Sailor, now an amusement park
WHAT TO DO
From the northern part of Malta, take a ferry to Gozo, for deserted beaches and rolling green hills
Book a Maltese Wine and Chocolate Pairing for a fun, quick outing in St. Paul’s Bay
Have a meal at a café set up on one of the “streets of steps,” where the steps go down hill straight to the sea, like at San Paulo Naufrago
Take a Food Tour incorporating cuisines influenced by both Sicily and northern Africa, and uniquely Maltese
Rent a car or hire a driver for a day to visit different parts of the island, your hotel can arrange a driver, or use the ride share app Bolt
WHAT TO KNOW
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European (CET), +6 hours from New York City (EST)
Plug-in Adaptor: type G, the same as the UK, 3-pronged plug-in
Language: Maltese and English, also some Italian
Weather: Summers are hot and dry, winters see some rain but also plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures
Good to Know: Tap water is safe to drink, but does not taste great
KEY PHRASES
Hello: Ħello
[hello]
Please: Jekk jogħġbok
[Yek yoh-jbok]
Thank You: Grazzi
[grats-ee]
Yes: Iva
[ee-va]
No: Le
[lay]
Two Pints of Guinness, please: Two Pints of Guinness, jekk jogħġbok
Cheers: Saħħa!
[sah-ha]
Saħħa!
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