Is Malta Worth Visiting?

Discover Why Malta Should Be Your Next Travel Destination!

Are you unsure where to go on holiday for the upcoming year? Think about Malta! Is Malta worth visiting?

Of course! This island nation has everything a traveller might want, including stunning scenery, a fascinating history, colourful festivals, spectacular coastlines, picturesque cliffs, and serene countryside views. Malta boasts beautiful, crystal-clear seas, making it an ideal destination for swimming and other water activities.

Is Malta Worth Visiting

It is undoubtedly one of the most alluring places on earth. Why Malta of all the lovely places on Earth, you ask? Over seven millennia of history have shaped Malta's enduring appeal, making it a remarkably fascinating and diverse place to visit.

We will walk you through the best reasons to visit, what should be known to visitors, where to stay, and must-have travel advice.

Is Malta Worth Visiting? - An Itinerary Of the page

• 15 Reasons To Go To Malta
• What A First-Time Visitor Would Expect To Ask
• Where Should You Stay In Malta
• Travel Tips For A First-Time Visitor Visiting Malta
• Questions about whether Malta is worth visiting

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15 Reasons To Visit Malta

Malta is a stunning archipelago that is just as fascinating and captivating as it sounds. Here are 15 reasons to visit this breathtaking location, ranging from its rich history to the several natural beauty it offers to visitors.

1. Discovering the Remarkable Landmarks of Malta

Is Malta Worth Visiting | Malta's Huge Rotunda Parish Church Of Mosta

Malta is home to many historical sites that are rich in culture and history. You can take a wonderful trip through time and enjoy these architectural marvels from the outside or inside. The following must-see locations in Malta ought to be on your itinerary:

• Valletta: The nation's capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the Grandmaster's Palace, St. John's Co-Cathedral and other important sites
• Mdina: Often referred to as the "Silent City," this historic walled city provides a window into Malta's mediaeval history.
• Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples: Two of the world's oldest freestanding temples. They date back thousands of years.
• The Churches of the Islands: Renowned for their historical significance, exquisite architecture, and centuries-old customs.
• The Blue Grotto: A group of sea caverns on the southern coast that offer breathtaking views of the vibrant blue and green waters.
  
• The Three Cities: Senglea, Cospicua, and Birgu are ancient fortified cities with breathtaking architecture and a fascinating past.
• The Mosta Dome: The Rotunda of Mosta is renowned for both its exquisite interior design and its enormous dome, which is among the largest in the world.

2. Malta’s Wealth of Museums

The National Museum Of Archaeology In Valletta

Malta's museums offer an engaging look into the rich artistic, cultural, and historical heritage of the islands. Each museum provides a different perspective into Malta's rich and varied past, showcasing everything from Roman mosaics and prehistoric artefacts to vintage cars and tunnels used during the war.

• National Archaeology Museum: This museum displays prehistoric Maltese artefacts, including the renowned "Sleeping Lady".
• Palazzo Falson: Located in Mdina, this mediaeval palace museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks, antiques, and historical artefacts.
• National War Museum: The museum showcases Malta's military history from the Bronze Age to World War II and is located in Fort St. Elmo, Valletta.
• Museum of Fine Arts, or MUŻA: It houses a large collection of European and Maltese artwork that spans the Middle Ages to the Present.
• Malta Maritime Museum: Displays on shipbuilding, naval combat, and trade in a former British naval bakery in Birgu (Vittoriosa).
• Domvs Romana: An ancient Roman villa discovered in Rabat, it contains mosaics and artefacts that reveal the island's pre-Roman past.
• War Rooms at Lascaris: Hidden beneath Valletta are these tunnels and chambers, which are now a museum exhibiting wartime operations.
• The Palace Armoury: Located in Valletta's Grandmaster's Palace, it houses an extensive collection of the Knights of St. John's weapons and armour.
• St. John's Co-Cathedral: Among Valletta's most famous sights are Caravaggio's masterpieces and the ornate interior.

3. Discover Unique Experiences Around Every Corner

Is Malta Worth Visiting | A Local Maltese Village Feast

There are countless interesting experiences to suit every interest in Malta. Discover unique experiences in every region of this island nation, ranging from natural beauties to historic places.

• Maltese Festas: Village celebrations with colourful parades, traditional music, and breathtaking fireworks show.
• Warm Maltese Hospitality: Get to know the Maltese people, who are renowned for their hospitality and warm disposition.
• Diving Sites: Dive into Malta's crystal-clear, blue seas to discover underwater caverns, shipwrecks, and reefs.
• Historical Megalithic Temples: See the oldest freestanding buildings in the world, such as Mnajdra and Haġar Qim.
  
• Horse-drawn Carriage Rides: Take a traditional karozzin on a picturesque tour of Valletta and Mdina.

4. Explore Beyond Malta with Day Trips to Gozo and Comino

Is Malta Worth Visiting | View Of Ramla Bay Beach In Gozo From Mixta Cave

While there is much to do in Malta, day visits to the neighbouring islands of Comino and Gozo are strongly recommended. Gozo is well known for its calmer, more rural atmosphere, providing a relaxing getaway with its gorgeous scenery and little towns. On the other hand, Comino offers a more daring experience because of its breathtaking natural beauty and fantastic swimming and snorkelling sports, a small slice of paradise. Important locations to Visit in Gozo:

• Ġgantija Temples: These 5,000-year-old megalithic temples display remarkable prehistoric history and architecture.
• The Citadella: Victoria's walled city, which offers breathtaking views and fascinating architectural sites.
• The Dwejra Area: With its striking coastal formations, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock, it's a great place to swim, dive and take photos.
• Gozo's Blue Hole: a well-known diving location that is well-liked by snorkellers and divers alike, including gorgeous underwater landscapes and pristine seas.
• Blue Lagoon at Comino: Well-known for its azure seas and picturesque surroundings, this place is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling.
• Quaint, Historic Villages: With tranquil lanes and colourful Maltese architecture, Gozo's little villages are perfect for strolls.
• Beautiful, Diverse Beaches: Gozo has beautiful beaches with sandy shores and rocky coves that make excellent snorkelling and swimming locations.
• Diverse Outdoor Experiences: Gozo offers a varied scenery with gently undulating hills, lush valleys, rocky coasts, and tranquil farmland.

5. Explore Malta’s Natural Beauty

Beautiful natural scenery and tranquil green areas abound in Malta. The island provides a variety of outdoor experiences that are ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and the great outdoors, from verdant gardens to towering cliffs.

• Buskett Gardens: The Knights of St. John planted this rare wooded area in Malta for strolling and birdwatching.
• Barrakka Gardens Upper: This garden in Valletta offers sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and is a tranquil place.
  
• Ghajn Tuffieha Bay: A stunning beach ideal for lounging and swimming, encircled by untamed cliffs and undulating hills. SUNSET
• Dingli Cliffs: These cliffs are perfect for trekking and provide stunning views of the Maltese landscape and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Exploring the Villages: Maltese villages provide a glimpse of traditional Maltese life with their quaint streets and tranquil life.
• Coastline Adventures: Explore sea caves, secret beaches, and towering cliffs along Malta's untamed coastline.
• Lush Valleys in Winter: The valleys of Malta and Gozo are transformed into lush winter settings, perfect for picnics and hikes.
• The Mdina Bastions: They offer a panoramic perspective of the entire island, including views of the shore and agricultural areas.
• Tower of St. Agatha: Known as the Red Tower at Mellieha, it offers striking views of the northern coastline as well as Mellieha Bay.

6. Malta’s Year-Round Festival Highlights

Carnival In Malta With Colourful Parade Floats

Malta’s theatre scene is vibrant and diverse, with numerous performances taking place throughout the year. The Manoel Theatre in Valletta, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe, hosts a variety of shows ranging from classical plays to contemporary performances.

• Notte Bianca (October): The city transforms into a lively festival of performances, music, and art during Valletta's cultural occasion.
• Valletta Baroque Festival (January): Performing magnificent baroque music in historical settings, this festival honours Malta's rich cultural heritage.
  
• Il-Karnival Ta' Malta (February): Parades, dancing, music, and spectacular costumes celebrate Maltese history and ingenuity.
• The Three Palaces (October): A cultural event showcasing classical music and artistic brilliance.
• Malta Jazz Festival (July): A yearly jazz celebration in Valletta features outstanding performances against a breathtaking Grand Harbour backdrop.
• Malta International Arts Festival (June): A celebration of music, dance, and visual arts in both modern and historic settings.
  

7. Iconic Films Shot in Malta

Malta's beautiful scenery and ancient landmarks have made it an amazing background for numerous well-known films and TV shows. Productions ranging from contemporary blockbusters to ancient epics have taken place on this stunning archipelago, showing its varied and enthralling surroundings.

• Game of Thrones: A number of sequences from the first season were shot in Malta and Gozo. Release during 2011.
• Gladiator: An epic historical drama film highlighting the beautiful scenery and historic sites of Malta. Release during the year 2000.
• Troy: Shot amid the picturesque beach towns and historic temples of Malta. The epic historic war film was released in 2004 by Warner Bros.
• Bond Films: "The Spy Who Loved Me" was released in 1977.

8. The Magic of Malta’s Festive Seasons

The old Capital Mdina Decorated For Christmas Time.

Malta becomes a fascinating cultural oasis in the off-season, especially around Christmas. The island comes to life with colourful decorations, dazzling lights, and lively marketplaces, providing both locals and tourists with an enchanted experience rich in culture, religion, and customs.

• Cribs: Maltese cribs are intricately crafted and displayed in homes, churches, and public places.
• Church Functions: The Maltese tradition of Midnight Mass and carols accompany Christmas church services.
• Pantos: These performances offer family-friendly humour and music in a pantomime setting.
• Decorations Homes and Outside: Lights, wreaths, and elaborate Nativity scenes decorate homes and public areas.
• Maltese Christmas Parties: Christmas parties are a staple during the festive celebrations, with gatherings, traditional food, music, and dancing.

9. Enjoy a Splendid Shopping Experience

Malta is not only known for its historical sites and beautiful landscapes but also for its vibrant shopping scenes. Tourists can enjoy shopping in lively markets, charming streets, and modern shopping centres, providing an exemplary retail experience. Here are some markets and shopping areas to explore:

• Streets: Republic Street in Valletta and Tower Road in Sliema.
• Markets: Marsaxlokk Fish Market, Valletta’s Merchant Street Market, and the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village.
• Shopping Centers: The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema, Bay Street in St. Julian’s, Tigne' Point in Sliema and The Mercury Shopping District

10. Delight in Malta’s Culinary Scene

Savory Maltese Pastizzi With Ricotta, Peas, And Anchovies

With a vast range of delicious choices to suit any palate, Malta's culinary landscape is a beautiful combination of Mediterranean and local flavours. Traditional Maltese cuisines as well as international cuisine are available. Must-try meals include.

Malta's national dish, stuffat tal-Fenek, is a slow-cooked, delicate rabbit prepared with tomatoes, vegetables, and wine.

• Pastizzi: A traditional local savoury. They are filling either ricotta (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or curried peas (pastizzi tal-piżelli in Maltese).
• Lampuki Pie: A traditional fish pie made with lampuki (dorado or mahi-mahi), which is a pie made with pastry and veggies that makes a hearty dinner.
• Maltese Bread (Il-Ħobż tal-Malti): Is sourdough bread that is crunchy and typically prepared in wood ovens. Olive oil, tuna, capers, onions, and tomato paste are added, and the bread is rubbed with them.
  
• Ftira: Ftira is a leavened, ring-shaped Maltese bread with contents such as tuna, sardines, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, capers, and olives.
• Kapunata: An assortment of stewed eggplant, tomatoes, green peppers, and olives are combined in this Maltese take on ratatouille.

What A First Time Visitor Would Expect To Ask

First-time visitors to Malta usually have many questions about the island and how to make the most of their trip. Whether it's exploring Malta's historical landmarks, enjoying its natural beauty, or delving into its rich culture, here is what a first-time Malta visitor might expect to ask about.

Is Malta Budget-Friendly to Visit? - Is Malta Expensive to Visit?

Malta can be both a budget-friendly and a luxury destination. The choice is yours! A number of factors determine which one is right for you, including your personal preferences, travel style, and budget. Holiday costs are mainly divided into these categories: flights, accommodations, transportation, dining, and attractions. Besides spending money, you can also acquire discount cards, and there are plenty of free things to do.

Malta can be relatively affordable compared to some other Mediterranean destinations, but you can stay on budget by planning and booking in advance to take advantage of the best deals.

Who Should Visit Malta?

Regardless of age, Malta is a perfect destination for everyone. Whether you're a family with kids, a couple, elderly, or just a group of friends, you can have a blast in Malta. The island has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, an adventurer, a businessperson, or just someone who enjoys exploring at a leisurely pace, Malta has it all.

People Enjoying The Sun At Golden Bay

Is Malta Great to Visit with Friends? - Taking My Friends to Malta

Visiting Malta with friends is an absolute blast! There is a wide range of activities available for groups, including water sports, hiking, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife. I'm just scratching the surface here. It is ideal to book your events as far in advance as possible for a group to ensure that your activities can be accommodated.

When Should You Visit Malta?

People always ask, "When is the best time to visit Malta?". The answer isn't straightforward because it depends on what you want to experience in Malta and your availability. There is always something happening on the islands throughout the year. It depends on your interests and how busy you want your trip to be.

The summer months are peak season in Malta, so booking in advance is strongly recommended. If you travel during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), you will find a more cost-efficient way to book flights, accommodations, and attractions. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are smaller, making it an ideal time for a more relaxed visit.

How Safe Is Malta for Tourists?

Generally, Malta is safe, but you still need to be aware of unnecessary events like pickpocketing. You should always be aware of your surroundings and keep a mobile phone with you at all times.

Today, most people pay by card, so keep your cash to a minimum. Often, you can get by with just your phone for contactless payments. You should always keep small changes on hand for smaller purchases or when card payments aren't accepted.

Malta's transport services, including buses and taxis, are reliable and frequent, making it easy to reach your accommodation at any time. Best to inform yourself before coming over. Taxis can easily be booked via phone or ride-hailing apps.

Malta Public Transport Bus Known As Tal-Linja

How to Travel To and Around Malta

The primary entry point to the islands is Malta International Airport (MLA), which links Malta with a multitude of locations throughout Europe and beyond. The airport provides a variety of transit alternatives to get you to your hotel and is ideally situated close to Valletta, the capital.

Malta is reachable by sea from Sicily, in addition to having an airport, making it accessible to visitors from continental Europe.

Once in Malta, navigating the island's vast and effective public transit network is simple. The primary means of transportation consist of:

• Public Transport: Most of the islands are covered by the bus network, which runs frequently between cities, tourist attractions and villages.
• Ferries: To easily reach the other islands, frequent ferry and boat services run between Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
• Taxis & Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis are easily accessible and can be reserved using applications or phones.
• Renting a car: Individuals who want to explore the island at their own pace. At the airport and around the island, there are many rental companies.

where to stay in london

When you plan a trip to Malta, finding the right place to stay is essential. Maltese accommodation options range from luxurious seaside resorts to charming boutique hotels and budget-friendly options. From the vibrant nightlife of St. Julian's to the historic allure of Valletta, Malta has something for every kind of traveller. Check out our interactive map below from Booking.com, where you can search for hotels, view availability, and book your stay.

Travel Tips For A First-Time Visitor

Are you making your first trip to Malta? To help you get the most out of your vacation, here are some key recommendations on currency, transportation, language, local food, cultural etiquette, and more.

• Payments and Currency: The Maltese archipelago uses the Euro (€) as its currency. Although most places take credit cards, it's a good idea to have extra cash on hand for smaller transactions.
• A Hub for Foreign Travellers: Malta International Airport (MLA) acts as the primary entry point for foreign travellers. There are good connections to important cities in Europe and beyond.
  
• Language in Malta: Maltese and English are the most common languages. Tourists can communicate easily in English.
  
• Transportation: Buses are economical and reliable modes of transportation. Maltese traffic laws require left-hand driving. Rental cars are available.
  
• The Weather: In Malta, the climate is Mediterranean, but it can be unpredictable. Depending on the season, adapt yourself and read more in detail what you require.
• Local Cuisine: Malta's food is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavours, including pastizzi, rabbit stew, and lampuki pie. Fresh fish, local products, and traditional recipes create a unique gastronomic experience.
• Cultural Etiquette: The people of Malta are friendly and hospitable. It is polite to shake hands and use simple Maltese greetings like "Grazzi" (thank you) and "Bongu" (good morning).
• Emergency Contacts: Keep embassy and consulate contact information handy, along with emergency numbers (112).
  

Virtu Ferries Catamaran Between Malta And Sicily

Having completed our guide to "Is Malta Worth Visiting," we've gathered all the essential information you'll need for your holiday, all in one place. We've highlighted the key factors to help you decide if Malta is the right destination for you and what to consider when planning your visit to this Mediterranean gem. From historical landmarks and natural beauty to practical travel tips, our comprehensive guide ensures you have everything you need to make the most of your trip to Malta.

Is Malta Worth Visiting? Questions People ask before visiting the Maltese Archipelago

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By Albert and Benjamin Magro