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Jan
10
Malta Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Malta
Trip to Malta
Malta is a small island (well, two islands actually) in the Mediterranean, which has been occupied as far back as 3,000 years ago. Perhaps best known for its notorious group of historical inhabitants, the Knight’s Templar, the history of these crusaders is apparent throughout the island. The capital city of Valetta was planned by the Templars, giving history buffs more than enough to take in and enjoy.
Flights to Malta
Malta International Airport just three miles (five kilometres) south of Valetta and is the first thing most visitors see upon arrival. There are many regularly scheduled flights connecting Malta with most major European cities. The busy summer season sees many charter flights come into action to accommodate the rush, with the national carrier also flying to places like Cairo, Dubai and Damascus. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Malta try Thomas Cook.
Another feature of the summer tourist season is a seasonal ferry that runs between Malta and Sicily or Genoa, taking 3 hours to complete the journey. Regular ferries operate year-round between the two islands of Malta and Gozo. Buses run on the islands, but for sightseeing renting a car is advisable.
Malta
Sightseeing in Malta
Malta epitomises the allure of the Mediterranean, with its rocky cliffs, secluded bays and sandy beaches; all of which get slowly roasted by the year-round sunshine. The spectacular vistas are not the only attractions, however. With a 3,000-year history including the legendary Knights Templar, there is a variety of ancient buildings to admire, like the Auberge de Castille.
The grandiose Palace of the Grand Masters serves a few masters of its own, being home to both the seat of government and a museum. Once inside, the other prominent multi-use building - St John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum, is sure to pry open anyone’s jaw with astonishment at the Baroque styling of the chapel construction.
To take in the natural views en masse, with the grand harbour as the centre point, make your way up to the Upper Barakka Gardens and take in the vistas with your eyes and the salty air with your lungs.
Fun by night – Eating, drinking and partying
Despite the fact that Malta is a tiny country in the Mediterranean, and a Catholic one to boot, party animals need not despair. There is a district called Paceville, where the Maltese congregate for their bacchanalian proclivities. Just west of St Julian’s, hedonists can enjoy rowdy weekends here fueled by cheap drink.
Malta produces its own grog, and the most well known of the local lagers is Cisk, with the usual suspects like Heineken, Carlsberg and Guinness also readily available. Wash the beer down with local food including staple seafood dishes, with many culinary aspects having been borrowed from neighbouring Italy.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Malta is not a place to come to spot celebrities popping in and out of Louis Vuitton shops. Most of the shopping to be had here is more of the souvenir variety. Visitors to Malta are usually here to check out the historical sights or relax on the beach and take in the atmosphere.
There are a number of excellent sights to seen around the island, with Hagar Qim topping many itinerary lists with its title as one of the oldest buildings in the world. The subterranean Hypogeum is a sight to behold, as is Calypso’s cave.
Daytrips
While Camino Island is probably the most uninhibited island of the Maltese archipelago, it offers fun and exciting day trips for snorkellers, windsurfers and divers. With only one hotel on the entire island, visitors are offered quiet retreats free of any modern nuances, including cars. Camino is only 3.5 square kilometres and its white sand beaches can be reached by speed boat or cruise tours from Malta itself.
After the main island of Malta, Gozo is the second largest island and a sharp contrast of the other Maltese islands. A 25-minute ferry ride from the mainland is all it takes to reach Gozo. The island offers visitors an array of restaurants where diners can enjoy everything from local and European dishes to Chinese and Indian cuisine.
For a more relaxing and nature loving experience, Gozo’s fishing villages of Marsalforn and Xlendi give visitors the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions. The local villages are the true essence of Gozo and are where village bars cater to locals and visitors who wish to pass the time over good food and drinks.
Must-see attractions
Malta’s capital city Valletta has several must see attractions for visitors and tourists to enjoy. For those that rise early enough on Sunday, the War Museum at Fort St Elmo rolls out a military parade equipped with period costumes and decorations. The Museum of Archaeology is another must see venue of Valletta as it houses a variety of ancient artefacts.
For those interested in an educational experience while strolling along the streets of Valletta, the In Guardia and the Alarme historical re-enactments offer walkthroughs and full overviews of Maltese history. Other historical and educational attractions include the Knights of St John’s sites, WWII Mgarr War Shelters and the Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa.
More entertainment related venues include carnivals and live concert performances. Harbour cruises are quite popular among tourists along with exploring the rural areas around the island. With over 350 churches spread throughout the island, there are more than a few opportunities for a full religious experience. The famous Mosta Church possesses Europe’s third largest dome.
The medieval city of Mdina is a must-see as it offers visitors a chance to enjoy cathedrals, museums and history. Be sure to stop by the Mdina dungeons, where remnants of war culture and torture are still present.
Best time to go
Although Malta’s Mediterranean climate provides a comfortable stay for visitors throughout the year, April to June is an ideal period of time to go. During these months tourism is at its lowest, enabling some good deals on travel and accommodation.
During the summer months, the beaches are usually packed with vacationing Europeans from cooler climates. August to November is also an ideal time to visit as the summer rush is over and the winter holidays have not yet approached.
Rainy day suggestions
On rainy days in Malta, art lovers can seek solace at the National Museum of Fine Arts, where an extraordinary collection of art is on display for most of the day. The Medieval Palazzo Falzon houses quite possibly the largest collection of antiques on the island.
St Johns Cavalier Art Centre also offers a number of walk around exhibitions that can keep visitors busy through a stormy day. For couples and honeymooners, the Fontanella Tea rooms offer a cosy and romantic atmosphere and chocolate cake that must not be missed.
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