The 30 best Hotels in Malta

Out & About

The archipelago of Malta is a complete island, that satisfies the interests of different types of tourist: nature, culture and nightlife lovers. The Maltese archipelago consists of two main islands, Malta and Gozo, the small island of Comino and some smaller islands. The coasts are generally high and rocky, with deep coves created by the submersion of certain valleys that helped creating many natural caves.

Those who love the sea will fall in love: in Malta they will find natural caves, coves, stacks and a Mediterranean flora and fauna. Sandy beaches are hosted by natural inlets, creating a stunning contrast. Moreover, thanks to its central location in the Mediterranean Sea, the archipelago of Malta enjoys sea currents that keep the water always clean.
The best way to visit the beaches of Malta is to rent a boat or take advantage of the organized excursions. The Blue Lagoon, delimited eastbound from the island of Comino and westbound from a small island, is characterized by a large bay that is home to sandy beaches and cliffs. Its waters are ideal for diving. The Paradise Bay is one of the most popular beaches of Malta, located in the north of the island and consists of a long cliff with a small inlet that contains a small sandy beach.

Don't forget to visit the archaeological sites that host the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, buildings dating back to the Copper Age, between 3.500 and 5.000 B.C.They are therefore regarded as the oldest buildings of the world. The megalithic complex of Hagar Qin consists of a room system built with huge slabs of sandstone: the monument was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

La Valletta is the capital, founded in 1566, named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, a French nobleman who was Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Hospitaller. Here you can visit the Royal Opera House, Republic Square with the statue of Queen Victoria, Casa Rocca Piccola and Merchants'street, full of shops and surrounded by churches and palaces of the baroque period.
When visiting the hinterland of the island of Malta it's recommended to walk through the center of Mdina that consists of a main street that divides the town into two parts, including churches, squares, palaces from the Roman and Baroque period and St. Paul's Cathedral.

If you love animals, the "Mediterraneo Marine Park" is the place for you: it is one of the few parks in the world where it is allowed to swim with the dolphins.

What's going on in

During the Maltese carnival everything is a joke and fun! In the "city of the Knights of Malta" -La Valletta-, parades, dances and grotesque masks occupy the streets, squares and houses of new colours and activities. Do not miss the typical Maltese Carnival pastry, the Prinjolata and the excellent Perlini, made with almonds.
Easter is celebrated in the best Catholic tradition.
In late April, the Malta International Fireworks Festival will delight you with spectacular fireworks, typical music, dances and performances in the atmosphere of the Grand Harbour in Valletta.
The month of October is a month full of events: the first two weeks of October the Festival of historic cities is held: 11 days of cultural and historical performances in the main historic sites of Malta. The last two weeks, however, it takes place the Rolex Middle Sea Race, a Classic Regatta that dates back from the 1968, with a spectacular atmosphere.
Finally, every Sunday of the year, you can see a military reenactment of the Knights of St. John in Fort St. Elmo, La Valletta, called In Guardia.

Shopping

The goldsmith's art is the primary voice in Malta's artisan economy. The technique of the gold and silver filigree is very famous and produces pieces such as woven pins, bracelets, earrings and the famous Cross of St. John (the Maltese cross) with eight-points, perhaps the most coveted object by travellers during their stay in the island. The streets that host the highest density of jewellery stores are Republic Street or St. Lucija Street in Valletta.
The traditional hand-made crafts of Malta and Gozo are internationally famous and are still made at home. Continuing with the tradition, Malta's and Gozo's women realize lace work to decorate tablecloths and napkins, handkerchiefs, shawls and stoles, while sitting in the doorway of the house.
The art of glass blowing is very recent, dating back just twenty years ago. Products range from glasses, jugs and vases to statuettes and candle-holders, made from different combinations of shapes and colours. Most of the artisans are concentrated in the Ta 'Qali of Malta and in San Lawrenz in Gozo.
It also produces a huge range of ceramic articles: household utensils and decorative items in bright colours or simple patterns in fine white clay.
The town of Sliema and the Marsaxlokk market are not to be missed.

What's cooking?

The Maltese cuisine reflects the influence of southern Italy, North Africa and the United Kingdom. It's in the less touristy villages that you'll find the most authentic cuisine. the village of Mgarr, for example, on the island of Malta is the right place to find the ancient traditions.
The rabbit (Fenek) is one of the leaders of the Maltese dishes, as well as the Pastizzi (omelettes). The Fenkata is a typical Maltese dinner, based on rabbit, marinated in wine and bay leaves during a night, which includes: spaghetti with rabbit sauce (first course), rabbit steaks (second course) and peanuts as a dessert. A typical fish dish, is the Lampuki, fish fillet topped with tomato sauce and capers. You'll find it only from late summer to autumn, as this fish migrates to this area only in this period.
You may also want to try: meats such as the sausages, the Bragioli (meat rolls) and the tal-Fenek Cake (cake made with rabbit meat), among the fish dishes the Awwija (lobster), Quarnita (octopus), Tamar (mussels) and Tunnagg ( tuna). The Gbejina is a fresh goat cheese, a speciality of the island of Gozo and it's often accompanied with the Maltese bread, called Hobza, crunchy and soft-hearted.
The national drink is the Zinnie, a mix of orange juice and a drop of Martini. The local beer is the Cisk, which tastes a little sweeter than the usual European beers. Among the wines, try the Marsovin Gentle.

Weather

The weather conditions in Malta are strongly influenced by the sea. However, winters are mild, except for a few days of cold wind from the north. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny, mitigated a few hours of the day by the wind coming from the sea.

Practical information

The official languages are Maltese and English. The Italian language is generally spoken especially by younger generations, but is not regarded as official. The Maltese is composed of a structure inherited from the Roman period, and blends Italian with a mix of Anglo-Saxon.
As in almost all the Mediterranean, after lunch shops are closed for 2-3 hours and the cities are almost sleeping. It's better to try to organize yourself in order to visit the beaches by day and stroll in the evening as all the shops open until late, people overflows into the streets and the temperature is more pleasant.
The majority of Maltese are Catholic but about the 20% of the population is active in some group or movement other than the Catholic Church.

So...

This archipelago, located between Africa and Italy, meeting place of different civilizations over the centuries, is the ideal destination for those who love to discover the natural beauty of the area but also its history and culture.