Visit Malta- popular tourist destination and known for its warm climate and breathtaking landscapes that serve as locations for major film productions.
The archipelago is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, such as the Megalithic Temples of Malta.
The tiny Maltese archipelago, floating on the cusp of Europe and Africa, has been coveted and invaded throughout its history.
The Knights of St John (later of Malta) bequeathed palaces, fortresses and the glorious golden capital Valletta, while the British left red telephone boxes, iced buns and a predilection for tea.
It was the islands’ earliest settlers who left the most spectacular legacy: the extraordinary megalithic temples, unparalleled elsewhere in the world.
Malta, the largest island, has the most cosmopolitan resorts and the edge in cultural treasures, while sleepy Gozo and tiny Comino offer unspoilt countryside and a gentler pace.
You should know about Malta:
Capital: Valleta Currency: Euro Languages: Maltese, English Population: 411.277
Visa for Malta
Malta is in the Schengen area. Visas are also not required for citizens of EU and EEA countries. Other nationalities should check www.foreign.gov.mt.
The most wonderful places to visit in Malta
Valleta
Sometimes called an “open-air museum”, Valletta was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Valletta is also the sunniest city in Europe.
The city is noted for its fortifications, consisting of bastions, curtains and cavaliers, along with the beauty of its Baroque palaces, gardens and churches.
Dwejra, Gozo
Gozo is known for its scenic hills, which are featured on its coat of arms. The Azure Window, a natural limestone arch, was a remarkable geological feature until its collapse on March 8, 2017.
The island has other notable natural features, including the Inland Sea and Wied il-Mielaħ Window.
Gozo offers tranquillity and a peaceful way of life. The island is relatively untouched, and has natural beauty and scenic spots.
Driving isn’t necessary in Gozo, since public transport is very reliable. Since prices are lower, Gozo is ideal for budget travellers.
Mdina & Rabat
Mdina, the old capital city of Malta, is one of the most beautiful and well preserved European medieval towns, selected as a setting for movies like Game of Thrones, Troy, and Gladiator.
The structure and plan of the city streets are practically the same today as they were a thousand years ago.
It was home then and still is up to this day to Malta’s noble families who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards.
Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is now known as the ‘Silent City’ probably due to emptiness in Mdina after moving the capital to Valletta in the late 16th century.
Rabat, the neighboring town to Mdina, is much larger and well-known for its urban commercial marketplaces and archeological sites.
The Citadel, Rabat/Victoria
The Il-Kastell of Victoria is an evocative place to wander – this tiny medina (walled city) almost seems to grow out of its rocky outcrop.
It was built after a particularly devastating raid on the island, when almost every Gozitan was carried off to slavery;
there was a time when the entire population of around 3000 used to sleep here at night. Sweeping sea views can be enjoyed from its battlements.
Vittoriosa’s Backstreets
Vittoriosa – known locally as Birgu, its name before the Great Siege of 1565 – is the most fascinating of the Three Cities.
This petite town, perched on its small lip of land, has stunning views all around it and perfectly preserved ancient streets within.
It was the original home of the Knights of St John, but it’s no museum – this is a living, breathing city with a strong sense of community.
You’re in luck if you’ve timed your visit to see Birgu by Candlelight in October.
Comino, Malta
Situated between Malta and Gozo, the smaller island of Comino is a paradise for snorkelers, divers, windsurfers and ramblers.
Only 3.5 square kilometers, Comino is car-free and apart from one hotel, is virtually uninhabited. The island’s main attraction is the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon– generally, most of the lagoon is relatively shallow reaching around 1 – 1,5 meters in depth. At some places, however, are possible depths exceeding 10 meters.
If you take a look under the water’s surface while swimming in the crystal clear lagoon, you will find that the sea is actually full of life.
Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
The Ħaġar Qim temples are beautiful, a masterpiece of prehistoric masonry, and considering they were built between 3600 and 3200 BC, still very well preserved.
They were excavated in 1839 but old documents and paintings before that date confirm that people knew of its existence.
Marsaxlokk
In this enchanting little fishing village, traditional, brightly painted luzzus bob in the blue bay.
Maltese families pour in on Sundays to visit the famous fish market on the quays, and then to linger in one of the excellent seafront restaurants.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola
ts name is taken from the place-name of the Hypogeum, a structure hewn out of rock, three storeys high and was used for two purposes –
burial (several thousand individuals, along with personal ornaments and pottery items have been found) and also as a place of worship.
Climate of Malta
The climate of Malta is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall.
More than three-fourths of the total annual rainfall of about 22 inches (550 mm) falls between October and March; June, July, and August are normally quite dry.
The temperature is very stable, with the annual mean in the mid-60s F (about 19 °C) and monthly averages ranging from the mid-50s F (about 12 °C) to the mid-80s F (about 29 °C).
Food and Drink
Malta’s undisputed national dish is stuffat tal-fenek—rabbit stew. Wild rabbits were not indigenous to the Maltese islands.
They were introduced by the Phoenicians, who brought some of their stock to the islands to ensure a supply of fresh meat.
Braġioli These ‘beef olives’ are a thin slice of beef wrapped around a stuffing of breadcrumbs, chopped bacon, hard-boiled egg and parsley, then braised in a redwine sauce.
Ftira Bread baked in a flat disc and traditionally stuffedwith a mixture of tomatoes, olives, capers and anchovies.
Ġbejniet Small, hard, white cheese traditionally made from unpasteurised sheep’s or goat’s milk.
Kinnie The brand name of a local soft drink, flavouredwith bitter oranges and aromatic herbs.
Pastizzi Small parcels of flaky pastry filledwith ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They’re available inmost bars or from a pastizzerija (usually a hole-in-the-wall takeaway or kiosk).
Food and Drink, Restaurants in Malta
When should I go to Malta?
🚗 April, May, June, September and October are the balmiest months, with lower prices, sunshine and fewer crowds.
💃🎻 The Malta Firework Festival is at the end of April, and in June there is the Film Festival and Għanafest, which celebrates traditional music.
🏖 Summer is hot and lively, with the Malta Arts and Jazz festivals in July.
Look out also for the Notte Bianca in October, when Valletta stays up particularly late.
Surroundings of Malta
Boat Regular water taxis run the short distance between Valletta and Sliema, and Valletta and the Three Cities.
Larger car ferries shuttle between northern Malta andGozo (see www.gozochannel.com).
Bus The popular bus network covers the country; routes generally operate from 5.30am to 11pm.
See
www.publictransport.com.mt for route and timetable information.
Car Considering the low rental rates it may make economic sense to hire a car, but beware that the Maltese drive in a way that can be politely described as ‘after the Italian style’
Diving in Malta
You can dive in Malta throughout the year. January and February are the coldest months, but air temperatures even then average 13oC with the water being around 16oC.
Visit Malta when are warmest months for diving from June to November, when water temperatures range from 20oC to a maximum of 26oC in August.
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