Hello everyone! As the website suggests, my name is Natasha Cipriani. I am a 22 year old grad student from Toronto, Canada. If you want to learn more about me, head to the About Me section, because this article is all about one of my favourite places, Malta! However, as you can tell, this blog is just beginning and I wanted to introduce myself 🙂

Looking for a cole’s notes version of this article? See below for some quick facts as well as my top recommendations. Keep reading on for more insight!

QUICK FACTS

• Where is Malta? In the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy
• Population: Just under 500,000
• Language: Maltese and English
• Currency: Euro
• Cost of travel: $$
• Best Weather: During the summer months of May-October
• When to go: In August during the Feast of Saint Mary
• Where to stay: Qawra or St. Julian’s
• Best cities to visit: Mdina and Valetta
• Best beaches: Mellieha Bay and Blue Lagoon
• Must sees: Megalithic Temples and the Mosta Dome

So, some of you may be wondering… what and where the heck is Malta?! Being half Maltese (and half Italian <3), I grew up answering this question more than I can count, so let me beat you to it. Malta is an archipelago (including Gozo and Comino) just south of Sicily in the Mediterranean sea. Malta itself is only 316 square kilometres, with the other islands being much smaller in size. It is known for it’s great history as a naval base as well as it’s legacy of housing the once shipwrecked Paul the Apostle and thus the Christian prominence on the islands.

Being so close to Italy, most assume that Italian is spoke there. However, the national language is Maltese, which in fact is closer in similarity to Arabic. But don’t fret my English speakers, as English is also taught in elementary school. Therefore, almost everyone speaks English and much of their signage is in English as well.

Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe, and I would highly recommend it to any type of traveller. With a population of only about 500,000, community is a very important aspect of culture there. I am so proud of my Maltese heritage, and hope this post assists others in learning more about the country, and hopefully visiting it one day!

WHEN TO GO

Malta’s warm and less rainy months are between May-October. Otherwise, the temperatures do not dip below 5C, but the rain and mugginess make it feel much colder.

Further, the summer months, particularly the end of July and August, are when the feasts for Catholic saints are. The most important of them is the Feast of Saint Mary, which falls on August 15th, and is not to be missed. The days leading up to the festival include setting up the surrounding streets of the Mosta Dome (the church where the feast is celebrated) as well as the church itself in beautiful decor. Further, there are firework shows almost every single night during these weeks, as well as amazing ground firework shows usually held near the Dome. The Maltese are very proud of their firework productions, and volunteering to run the shows is seen as an honour.

Therefore, while this time of year is the most exciting and eventful, those who are weary of crowds or fireworks should avoid Mosta primarily during the night as the city is filled with thousands of people on the nights when there are feast celebrations.

HOW TO GET AROUND

While I mentioned that the island is very small, where you stay during your trip is still important. The infrastructure for vehicles can be frustrating (imagine hills of winding roads that only get you a few kilometres from where you initially were) and the rising population has increased traffic. Further, while they have a great public transportation system that takes you all over the island, bus times can be infrequent or unreliable. A one-way ticket costs 2 Euro, but packages can be purchased that will lower the price.

While renting a car is a great option, I will forewarn you that Maltese driving is not for the faint of heart. There roads contain few traffic lights but rather mostly roundabouts. They also left-hand drive there which may be confusing to many. Further, parking can be difficult to find at times.

A last alternative to renting or public transportation is to use their form of Uber, eCabs. While you may have to wait slightly longer than you would for an Uber, their service is fantastic and the cars are clean. Further, you can either pay through setting up payment on the app or with cash in person. The prices are fairly reasonable as well (e.g. St. Julian’s to Valetta is 15-20 Euro one way).

WHERE TO STAY

The following section lists places to stay that are very walkable, are main hubs of public transportation, and have easy access to eCabs:

St.Julian’s: I would recommend this location for first-timers and young adults. This location is known less for it’s access to local beaches (there is only one tiny beach called St.George’s Bay, which I personally am not a huge fan of) and more for it’s very high tourist population (probably more Italians here than in Italy), fantastic nightlife, and great shopping. If you are okay with no large beaches but still having access to clear and beautiful water, this location is ideal.

This past summer, I stayed for a few days at the Corinthia Hotel and really enjoyed it. The rooms were spacious and had great balconies. Do note though – bring both two and three pronged European adapters as there are only a couple of each in the room which may be a problem if you are a family of three fighting over who gets to charge their iPhone next (try a universal charger: https://amzn.to/2U4Mw7B). Also, there are no outlet’s in the bathrooms besides an outlet for beard trimmers. This situation was the case for other hotels I visited in Malta, so keep it in mind wherever you stay.

There are many pools that sprawl the hotel, and you will never have a problem finding a chair. For those that prefer to swim in the sea like myself, the hotel has limited but relaxing seating on a rocky area with great access to the sea. Be warned that their pool area is very large with many steps, so it may be slightly inconvenient for elderly people, especially those who want to swim in the sea.

Further, like many hotels in Malta, Corinthia offers all-inclusive or breakfast only packages. We chose the breakfast-only option and found it very convenient to have a great buffet selection each morning. I loved the fresh omelette station and the amazing staff who would always remember my mom’s request of peanut butter each morning before we arrived.

And, for all my millennials, the wifi strength almost everywhere in and around the hotel is great, so no need to camp out in the lobby for an hour each day to Snapchat your super amazing trip to your besties.

Bugibba/Qawra: I would recommend this location to families and those who want to relax but still want things to do nearby. These two areas are only about a 5 minute drive/ 20-30 minute walk from each other, but have different accommodation characteristics. If you want a traditional hotel experience, stay in Bugibba, where the main street is lined with various medium-sized hotels. In Bugibba, finding a beautiful, new AirBnB condo would be your best bet.

In either case, you will probably end up in the Bugibba square – a decently sized piazza filled with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. There is also a beach area in Bugibba whereas Qawra is similar to St.Julian’s in that the hotels have access to water, but no sandy beaches.

I have not yet stayed in Bugibba as my family enjoys hotel stays. In Qawra, I have stayed at both Qawra Palace and Seashells Resort. I recommend both options. Both hotels have been recently renovated, offer all-inclusive options, have large pools (Seashells has an adults-only pool as well as a water slide at the all-ages pool), as well as access to the sea. In my opinion, for the value, I would return to Qawra Palace as it is more affordable than Seashells but holds the same amenities and value. But, head’s up Millennials, you will most definitely have to head to the lobby’s at these hotels for good wifi :((

While wifi alone may suffice for you, this time around I decided to purchase a data SIM card that I was able to use not only in Malta but in the other countries I visited (blog posts coming soon!). I was blown away with how easy it was to set up as well as the fantastic service I had throughout my entire 30 day trip. And the best part – this 12 GB card only costs $45 (for Canadians that is a steal)! You can find the exact card I used here: https://amzn.to/2zBPeZk

Valetta: I would recommend this location to those who care less about the beach and more about getting to know the city’s history and culture. While near water, this area is not swimmable as it is often trafficked with excursion boats and may not be accessible (the land in Valetta is elevated high above sea level at some points).

Being the capital of Malta, Valetta is home to great churches, museums, and other historical landmarks. It too has great restaurants and shopping. You can get lost in the many narrow streets or find yourself climbing the many very long hidden stairways.

WHAT TO DO

Shopping

In all honestly, if you were planning on a shopping spree vacation, Malta may not be the best place. Yes there are places to shop, but most Maltese admit to online shopping or spending a weekend in another European country to find what they want. In any case, here are a few options if you can’t fight the desire to get your shop on:

1. The Point, Sliema: Malta’s largest retail mall.
2. Sliema: Just a short walk from The Point, you will find a few streets lined with retail stores.
3. Bay Street Shopping Complex, St.Julian’s: I definitely would not consider this a ‘complex’, but it does have a good selection of retail shops to choose from.

(The Point and Bay Street)

Nightlife

Malta by far has to be my favourite destination to party. You will find my top picks below. For those not interested in the party scene, spending a relaxing evening at a local piazza, discovering a new artist at a restaurant or public area, or dancing the night away at your hotel under the moonlight are equally as fun.

1. Paceville, St.Julian’s: Once you go to Paceville, you may not want to party anywhere else. Seriously, it’s that much fun. In the heart of St.Julian’s, Paceville is a street lined with various bars, lounges, clubs, hookah bars, and so much more. What I love most about Paceville is that there is no cover to get into clubs, and thus bar or club hopping allows you to find your favourite destination of the evening. For me, most nights would begin around 11:00 pm with a pre-drink at one of the many bars (try Peppermint or Republik). Or, if you’re looking for a super cheap option and a way to make friends, buy your pre-drink from a grocery or convenience store in st.Julian’s and hang out at St.George’s Bay where all the partiers are hanging out before they head to Paceville (2 minute walk away). Then, head to one of the many clubs on the street (things start to get packed around 1 am). My favourite is Hugo’s Passion, but Havana’s is also very popular. Get ready to hear not just top 40, but hits from the early 2000’s (oh how I’ve missed you, Akon).
2. Cafe Del Mar, Bugibba: This stunning location is a go-to pool spot in the day, but transforms into an amazing club scene at night (often times with night swims!). This international company is known for bringing some of the world’s best DJ’s to Malta (David Guetta and Oliver Heldens have been there during my travels). Overlooking the sea, this chill outdoor environment is unlike any other.
3. Gianpula, Zebbug: Gianpula is home to 9 different nightlife venues where you can party outdoors, indoors, on rooftops or in a ‘cave’. This party area reflects more of a Vegas style nightlife, with large stages, strobe lights, and fog machines. Further, the music is usually EDM and House in genre. This area is difficult to get to if you are staying in tourist spots like the ones I mentioned, so getting there by car is your best bet.

(Cafe del Mar and Havanas in Paceville)

History

The amount of history embedded into this little island is truly hard to comprehend. Whether you are interested in religion, politics, natural history or the economy, Malta can supply you with a rich past of each. I highly recommend doing more research of your own to discover historical places that align more with what you’re interested in, but here are a few of my favourites:

1. Explore the islands Churches: As mentioned, Malta is very proud of their Christian religion and what better way to pay homage than through beautiful places of worship. Malta alone has over 300 churches and each one comes with beautiful and often miraculous stories. My favourite church to visit is the Mosta Dome in Mosta (the first two photos below). Be sure to visit it’s back room which holds one of the two bombs that pierced the church in 1942 when over 250 parishioners were inside but did not go off. Also, visit the underground war shelter below the church (there is a small fee of about 3 Euro to explore the church and shelter). Another church I love which is not as well known is the tiny Speranza Chapel, also in Mosta (the bottom two photos). This Church is known for it’s story of housing a young Maltese girl during a Turkish invasion in the 18th century, in which it is said that a spider web was weaved over her in a cave behind the church to hide her from pursuers.

2. Megalithic Temples: Malta is home to a few various prehistoric temples, built between 3600 BC and 700 BC. Further, they are known to be the world’s oldest free-standing structures on Earth and a few of the temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are six temples spread across Malta and Gozo. Because they are all fairly far apart from each other, I would recommend choosing a few that interest you the most. I quite enjoyed Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples (5 Euro adult admission fee) and the Tarxien Temples (6 Euro adult admission fee).

3. Valetta: Being the capital of Malta, this UNESCO Heritage city is filled with a great deal of historical sites. You will definitely need an entire day and a map of the city to get through it all. Those interested in war history will love this city as it is full of remnants of it’s use as a fortress by the Knights of Malta. Some of my favourite landmarks in the city are the Saluting Battery (pictured below) and Fort Saint Elmo.

Other special mentions:

• Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola: an underground Neolithic structure built during the Saflieni phase (3300 – 3000 BC). You NEED to book this months in advance! The tour is 35 Euro for an adult admission. And, do not be confused with the 5 Euro admission that is almost always available. It is only an audio/visual experience in a room that shows you a glimpse of the structure (i.e. you don’t actually get to explore it with this admission).
• St. Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat: an underground Roman cemetery in use up to about the 8th century AD. There is a 5 Euro adult admission fee.
• Domvs Romana, Mdina: a Roman house built in 1st century BC that was later added onto in the 11th century with a Muslim cemetery. There is a 6 Euro adult admission fee.

Beaches

Being situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta of course is known for its beautiful beaches. However, Malta has the best of both worlds in having an equal share of both rock and fine sand beaches. Below are some of my favourites:

1. Blue Lagoon, Comino: While this beach is not on the island of Malta but rather on it’s sister island, Comino, it deserves an honourable mention. Here you will find some of the clearest water you have ever seen! It is primarily a rocky beach, with a small sandy area that you can swim out to. However, be warned that this has become massively overrun with tourists, so get there early or during off-peak seasons.
2. Mellieha Bay, Mellieha: If you’re looking for a traditional beach landscape, with beautiful sand, clear waters and lounge chairs, this is it. While it is not a beach that goes on for miles in either direction, it is the largest fine sand beach on the island. Rent a chair and just relax the day away. They often have blow-up water activities in the water during the summer, which can be a fun activity for any age.
3. Ramla Bay, Gozo: This beach is also not on Malta but on Gozo. However, its magnificent red-orange sand makes it a sight to be seen. Similar to Mellieha Bay, this is a traditional beach, with the usual amenities and views.

Other special mentions:

• St. Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk: While I wouldn’t technically consider this a beach, this super cool spot is a must see. The watering hole is great for diving and snorkelling.
• Golden Bay, Manikata: Another very popular traditional sand beach location.

Cuisine

Maltese cuisine is very reflective of it’s Mediterranean location, and takes inspiration from Italian and Spanish cuisine as well as English. The Maltese love their pizza, pasta, meat, and delicacies. Below are a few must-try’s:

1. Pastizzi: Pastizzi are have a flaky crust similar to phyllo pastry and are most commonly filled with ricotta cheese or peas and meat. These delicious oval shaped snacks are similar to spanakopita. My favourite place to get them in Malta is from Sphinx, which has three locations on the island. The order-and-go locations have amazing prices (about 30 cents per pastizzi!). Be sure to try the traditional pastizzi as well as unique fillings such as chicken. Another very popular destination is Crystal Palace in Rabat.
2. Rabbit: Of all the meats, the Maltese love their rabbit the most. While most have not tried rabbit, I would say it tastes similar to the dark meat of chicken. The Maltese have made this food their own, and put many different spins on the dish such as adding different spices or making rabbit stew. I recommend trying the rabbit at Xara Palace in Mdina (be sure to sit upstairs on the patio for an amazing view!).
3. Hobz biz-zejt: this delicious sandwich is made with sourdough bread dipped in olive oil and filled with tuna, tomatoes, garlic, onion, and capers. This sandwich is also often compartmentalized and added onto with other items such as cheese and beans as pictured below. 

Other special mentions:

• Gelato: With ice cream and gelato being my favourite food, I couldn’t not mention the amazing varieties they have on the island (think ricotta and fig, buffalo mozzarella, and your favourite childhood chocolate brands such as Kit Kat). Be sure to check out Con Gusto and SottoZero in Bugibba or RivaReno in St.Julian’s.
• Pizza: If you like thin wood-oven pizza, Malta is the place for you. I enjoyed the Napoli pizza at Cibo, Sliema, or the square slabs you can find along Paceville after a night of partying.
• Pasta: You could eat only pasta in Malta and not get bored of the flavours and varieties you will find. Try the carbonara from Zero Sei in Valetta (make a reservation!) or any of the fish pasta plates at Sottovento in Birgu.
• Coffee: The Maltese love their morning coffee, and are passionate about how it tastes. For an amazing cappuccino, try Mellows in Mosta (great latte art as well!) or the iced Americano Blanco at the Qawra Palace cafe.

Excursions

1. Private Boat Trip to Blue Lagoon: While this can be a bit pricey, it is truly a bucket list activity. On my second trip to Malta, my family organized a boat trip where we spent the day travelling around Comino and visiting the various beautiful spots on the island. The best part about a private tour is that the guide takes you to the various spots when there are less tourists, and sets you up to dive into the water far enough away from other tourists (snap a photo like mine below with a much needed underwater case: https://amzn.to/2PbP8fU). While Blue Lagoon of course was gorgeous, my favourite part was when we were taken to Crystal Lagoon and swam into the surrounding caves where the water was crystal clear and the sand was the perfect shade of white . It is a moment I will remember forever and something not to be missed out on. I unfortunately did not book the trip so I do not know the company we booked through, but a Google search yields many options.
2. Hop-on Hop-Off Tours: For those who do not have a car, are strapped for time, or just want to group together seeing all the island has to offer, these tours are a great option. City Sightseeing Malta offers two tours within Malta and one on Gozo. The North tour takes you to Bugibba, Qawra, St. Julian’s, Sliema, Valetta, Mdina, Ta’ Qali, Mosta, and Golden Bay. However, I would personally choose the South tour as all of those destinations above are easily accessible by bus, and there is a likely chance that you will be staying in one of those cities and thus can explore at your own leisure. The South starts in Valetta (there is free transport from Sliema or Bugibba to Valetta) and goes to Vittoriosa, Marsaxlokk Fishing Village, Pretty Bay, Play Mobil Fun Park, Blue Grotto, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, and back to Valetta. The highlights for me on this tour include the beautiful and quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk, lined with various great seafood restaurants. Also included is the amazing Blue Grotto which is a cluster of seven caves of which the main one holds a massive picturesque arch that is about 30 metres in height (be sure to stay at this destination longer and book a quick boat tour). Lastly, as mentioned above as a must see, this is a convenient way to also see some of the temples the island has to offer.
3. Mdina: While this city itself is not an excursion and does not require a tour to be visited, a day trip here will make your Malta trip complete. This walled city served as a protection base during the Medival period and housed noble families, reflected by the grand and elegant buildings. It is also said that this is where St. Paul lived after being shipwrecked on the island. Known as the ‘Silent City’, walking around Mdina feels like an escape from the world. The buildings and walls are so high that they keep you in awe as you wander through the narrow streets. Be sure to explore the whole city and do not miss the amazing view of the country at the lookout point. For a great view and some food, eat at Xara Palace as mentioned, or Fontanella Tea Garden.

Other special mentions:

• Blue Grotto private charter: try and book a private charter so that you can stop in one of the many caves and swim in the fluorescent blue water!
• Ghar Dalam, Birzebbuga: this site is home to a prehistoric cave as well as the remains of now extinct animals and evidence of the first human settlement in Malta. The cave itself as well as the nearby museum are very interesting. There is a 5 Euro adult admission fee.
• Azure Window Ruins, Dwejra: this spot was once home to a magnificent 28 metre tall natural arch that unfortunately collapsed during a storm in 2017. However, it is still a beautiful part of the island to visit and is also home to an amazing rock pool.

And there you have it! I really hope all of this information is helpful to those thinking of or visiting Malta in the future. It truly is a special little island full of magic ❤ Please comment below with any questions and I would be glad to help 🙂

Looking for more personalized services such as specific itinerary suggestions or planning for your upcoming trip? Email me for more information!

xo,

Natasha