When it comes to holidays that are packed with stunning scenery, ancient architecture, and captivating culture, it doesn’t get much better than the archipelago of Malta. Home to some of the oldest buildings in the world, as well as clear azure waters, and a great nightlife scene, Malta is one of those places you can keep going back to again and again. So, whether you want to hike, dance, eat or swim on your holiday, this is the place to do it!
How to Get There
But Malta is an archipelago, I hear you cry! This is true. But it is totally possible to get there without flying. In fact, getting to Malta by ferry or water taxi is a great way to explore other countries at the same time. Malta is served by several major ferry routes and is also a hugely popular destination for many of the large cruise ships. Malta (Valletta Waterfront) can be reached by the following ferry companies:
- Virtu Ferries – From Pozzallo in the south of Sicily and Catania in the east of Sicily.
- Grimaldi Ferries – From Civitavecchia, 80km north of Rome, and Catania in Sicily.
- Viamere – From Genoa and Livorno in the north of Italy.
- Grandi Navi Veloci – From Palermo in the north of Sicily and Livorno in the north of Italy.
You can also get a train from Rome to Catania before catching the ferry from Catania to Valletta. Once you’re in Malta, the bus, train, ferry, and taxi systems all work super well, and you will have no problems exploring the archipelago.
What to See
There are so many things to see and do in Malta that visitors need at least 5-7 days to fit everything in. Spend a day on the island of Gozo where you can dive to see the famous fallen Azure Window or spend a day soaking up the sun by the Blue Lagoon. For a taste of Hollywood, head to Popeye Village where the 1980 Popeye film was made, and finish the day watching the sunset at Single Harbor. If it’s nightlife you’re after, then put the fishing village of St. Julian’s on your itinerary, where there are plenty of places to eat and dance the night away.
Malta is home to some of the oldest buildings in the world, with the Hypogeum, Tarxien Ruins, and the Megalithic Temples all predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza by at least 1,000 years. It is no surprise that these structures have put Malta on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, so it is well worth paying a few of them a visit while you’re here.
The Popeye Village is well worth a visit
When to Go
Malta is blessed with a fantastic climate, but if you want to guarantee warm, sunny weather that isn’t too hot, then your best bet is to go during spring and early summer, between April, May, and June. This is the time when the weather is sunny but not excessively hot with the added benefit of fewer tourists. The temperature is usually around 20°C and the evenings are cool and relaxing.
The peak season is between July, August, and September, when the temperatures can reach a balmy 30°C, although this can feel tempered by the fresh sea breezes. Tourism is obviously booming during this time, so if you want to avoid crowds, you might want to come at a different time.
Where to Stay
Depending on your vacation requirements, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. The northern coastline is home to villages such as Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay and Bugibba which are some of the more popular tourist resorts in Malta. Suitable for a wide range of holidaymakers, these resorts are well-located for beaches, tours, and sight-seeing.
Also located on the north coast is the resort of Sliema which is renowned for its shopping facilities. It is not located near any beaches which makes it a great place to explore Malta on a budget.
The beautiful beaches of Mellieha Bay can draw quite a crowd so it is no wonder that this place can get a little busy! Not too great for nightlife but perfect for anyone looking for sunny beaches, good dining options, and a relaxed vibe.
From ancient civilizations to exciting nightlife, Malta has everything you could need and more from a vacation destination. There is so much to see here that you will probably need to keep coming back for more!
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