Maximize the island magic of Malta from its food and history to its scenery and culture with these local-approved tips and tricks.
If you ’ve been lucky enough to visitMalta , you have n’t forgotten it . How could you ? You ’ve witnessed the centuries - honest-to-god colossal crenelation and fortifications plan to fend off encroacher — with assorted succeeder — who fought to occupy the island country . You ’ve tasted scrumptious culinary art leave behind by said invader . And you ’ve likely found yourself winding through devious , narrow-minded street with blind intersections , hedge make bold driver as you take the air .
Your auricle could never forget thevillage festivals , with the percussive explosion of minor munition at unpredictable hours ; the shouts of revelry ; the gilding - bedight , pedestal - pose Catholic nonpareil statues , who might be guard a severed top dog or be riven with arrows . And you might encounter all that on a stroll around a distinctive locality .
seem to make the most of your check on this magicalisland nationbuilt on 5,000 or so years of history ? We ’ve pass from our personal travels and the perspectives of local to partake in the trickster code to thisMediterraneanjewel – and you ’ll regain no tourist traps here .
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Your trip isn’t complete until you…
See : The surprisingly ornate ( gold aplenty ) 16th - centurySt . John ’s Cathedralin bouncy Valletta , with its elaborate altars , nine chapels , its carved marble floor housing 400 tombs of the Knights of St. John , statuary , and artistry objects . Do n’t miss the various Caravaggio paintings ( and check out the creative person ’s notorious history ) , such as the famed “ The Beheading of St. John the Baptist . ”
contact : The paries at the innumerous castles , forts , and church , and feel the grit and heft of clock time . So many buildings are centuries old in Malta that if you stay for calendar week at a time , you might say , “ Oh , another 15th - century church — that ’s nice . What ’s for lunch ? ”
Smell : The dank , deep - cellar aroma of the fabulousHypogeum , the three - level clandestine burial - and - adoration complex that , at 3,500 years sure-enough , predates the Pyramids . If you ’re over six feet marvelous , take in out for some of those scurvy ceilings : You might bring back some ancient moss in your hair . The equally old and nearbyTarxienmegalithic ruin are outdoors , and you may take photos there , unlike inside the Hypogeum .
Barrakka Gardens and the steps to the Grand Harbor, Valletta|Gatsi/Getty Images. florentina georgescu photography/Getty Images
Hear : So many languages on the streets , on ferries , and in restaurantsthat you ’ll agnize that the tower of Babel has a rival . Latvian , French , Italian — you’ll hear these language and more as you venture through town .
gustatory modality : A cornucopia of Italian , French , British , and Arabic cuisine . Fresh fish dishes , yield - salad bowls , and Caprese salad that will make you realize you ’ve neverreallytasted a Caprese salad before — everywhere you turn on Malta , you ’ll bask retiring , delicious fare .
Things to do for historians with appetites
Malta ’s incredibly rich story is perhaps as much of a draw as the island commonwealth ’s singular Mediterranean geographics — the seas , coves , inlet , and harbour are all part of its conjuration . And the fish dishes that are deliver by those becharm seas are tantalizing as well .
“ Malta is a historical treasure trove — imagine , we used to be in a mansion that was more than 400 years quondam , ” Malta resident Steven Vella , an environmental anthropologist , says . “ One can go around the island finding all the different archaeological and historic sites and museum . If you look closely , history may even be lived ! And do n’t forget to speak to the locals . ”
Sara Falconi , another local and cultural heritage manager , draw Malta as a “ complex , compressed , and enthralling melting pot , with some aspect of a advanced city and some aspect of an old Mediterranean Greenwich Village . ” Put simply , it ’s find a little something for everyone , tamp down into a compact , scenic package . “ What I love the most are its few secret natural treasure that still carry an intense magnetism and a unequaled push . ”
Barrakka Gardens and the steps to the Grand Harbor, Valletta|Gatsi/Getty Images. florentina georgescu photography/Getty Images
10 am - Start your morning at theMalta National Aquarium . The largebus terminalnear the extraordinary medieval entry gate in Valletta gives you access code to most points on the island . Head over to the National Aquarium and gaze at the colorful nautical life exhibit , arranged into zones , like the Mediterranean species and tropical waters . The reptile showing have giant lounge lizard and beautiful poison frog . The fish tank also shoot a line an on - land site bistro sleep together for its — you guessed it — Pisces the Fishes dishes .
12 pm - Take in the arts atMuza ( Malta National Museum of Art).It ’s an well-off jalopy ride back to the National Museum , which houses four main collections of paintings and sculptures , as well as periodic facility . If you did n’t eat at the Aquarium , do have luncheon in theMUZA eatery , which serves a mouth-watering range of local ( read : external ) dishes . I had an oh - so - upright grouper and entree , which partner off perfectly with an Aperol Spritz .
1:30 premier - Get a adept puff of air atChocolate District . Get to this café / retail jazz group , which smells so good of burnt umber , you ’ll want to deplete the countertops . It offers a great choice of local drinking chocolate , and in the piddling café you’re able to get strong espresso drinks , cakes , pastries , and even chocolate liqueur .
Inside the Malta National Aquarium|Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley
3 pm - Hop on the ferry to theThree Cities . First , take the easy walking from the central Valletta plaza to the Barrakka Gardens look out on and take in the monumental Ft . St. Angelo across the Grand Harbour below . Then steer down theBarrakka Liftand take aferryover to the Three Cities : Cospicua , Birgu , and Senglea . You ’ll then be able to well stroll the waterfronts of the towns of Cospicua and Birgu , and yawn at the ancient church and other historical monument . And if you ’re in the mood for an Aperol Spritz , Café Rougein Cospicua is an ideal point .
7 pm - delight a feast for the eyes and belly atDon Berto . Gaze at the boats , take pleasure in people watching , and nosh on a full-blooded alimentary paste , pizza or mollusk dish , washed down with a serious glass of red . Or try one of the other many novel Mediterranean dishes — many appetizers and sides for your dining pleasure .
Things to do on a day trip to Gozo
Gozo , the nearby neighbor island to Malta , is a bit more serene than Malta itself , but you’re able to easily fill a 24-hour interval with castle - hopping , Mediterranean dipping , and gape . The island is so photogenic your selfie stick might break from overuse . ( But please do n’t render to go viral by shots of you dangling over some historical balcony or jump into a fountain . Respect the refinement you are appreciating ; good manners and kindness are always better than gettingtheperfect dead reckoning . )
Gozo is an gentle ferrying ride out from Malta . Bus service is hearty on both island , and there are pickoff / drop - off stations near many hotel and public spots . Bolt , the ride - hailing inspection and repair on both Gozo and Malta , works much like Uber or Lyft . Renting a motorcar is also an option , but the roads on both island are minute , and driving can be parlous .
A Gozo jaunt is capital for kinfolk who like to wander down ancient passage , saunter around colorful shopping centre with festive feeding and drinking establishment , and plunk into a welcoming Mediterranean after a day of touring . And if you ’re not the swim character , Gozo is home to a number of superlative cliffside spot for gaze at that beguiling sea .
Enjoy a ferry ride in Valletta|Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley
10 am - Hop on the bus and get to theCitadel . You’ll desire to get out to Gozo ’s capital city , Victoria , no matter where you ’re staying . And once there , get yourself to the Citadel , aUNESCO world inheritance site , much of which go out to the early 1600s , though you would n’t guess that by look at it . The castle features fabulous rambling passage , many museums ( some free ) , and a jaw - deteriorate cathedral of beatific objects and graphics , plus a antic trompe l’oeil painting of a domed roof . you’re able to delight a 360 - degree view of Gozo territory from atop the parapet walls .
12 pm - Grab a bite at theBlack Cat Café . Dig your lunchtime chela into some very good grub at the Black Cat , a little café with lots of variety in the soup and sandwich , with vegetable and vegan options admit both European and more familiar American - inhale dish . The pastry are impossible to resist and pair well with their hearty coffee .
1:30 atomic number 61 - Take in the scenery atXlendi Bay . You’ve castle - trekked , you ’ve lunch — and now you need to shake off any noon lethargy by sacrificing your body to the Mediterranean . There are plenty of beaches in Gozo ( namely Ramla Bay and Mgarr ix - Xini ) , but Xlendi Bay offers beautiful cliffside scene and nearby coves to search .
Ft. St. Angelo from the Valletta ferry landing and Cospicua waterway|Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley
3 pm - Stroll to the Xlendi Tower . You’re already in Xlendi : Take the fifteen - minute base on balls to the nearbyXlendi Tower , the two - tale edifice built in 1650 overlooking the entrance to the harbor , intended to cross moon curser and pirates . contain out the sweet views of the striate cliffs and water below . The arena near the column is well worth the step postulate to view its limestone and sandstone formations and ruins .
8 phase modulation - Dine cliffside at the Boathouse . Take a former dinner at theBoathouse Restaurant , looking out at inviting Xlendi Bay . seek and get one of the outdoor tables , ideally one nest against the cliffside in a piffling cave bay . This spot is favorite for both visitant and locals and it ’s known for its excellent serving , many tangy Pisces dishes like the traditional local fish soup ( aljotta ) , and foolhardy , well - craft cocktails . Also nigh by is the excellentTa Karolina . At both spot , listen to the lapping water while you happily lick up your dinner party .
Where to stay
Ta ’ Peppi Farmhouse($$$)“Farmhouse ” does n’t do this piazza justice : the changeover to a five - bedroom estate of the realm is precipitously executed . Beautiful grownup rooms , a large kitchen , gather place , and haven - like outdoor dining region — it ’s well appointed . Since it can hold up to 18 multitude , you could get all your administrative assistants , and they can institute theirs , too . The small town square of nearby Gharb is walking distance .
Casa Azzopardi($$$)This guest business firm feature attractively modernised rooms in a handsome old ( but “ old ” is truly relative in Malta ) building . One has a nice terrace with views of Mdina , the ancient walled city and formerly the capital of Malta . Rabat , the town where Azzopardi is place , is also chockablock with history and charm .
Hotel San Andrea($$)The rooms here are somewhat small , but comfortable , with air conditioning and free Wi - Fi . The barren breakfast were great , for both the good food and the harbor view , and the entire Xlendi area was adorable . The hotel staff is favorable and helpful , kindly answering any question you might have .
The Citadel of Victoria and Pjazza Indipendenza on the island of Gozo|CaronB/Getty Images. Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley
What to know before you go
The currency
Malta and Gozo use euro : as of this writing , $ 1 USD exchange for 0.92 euros . you may easily make the commutation at automatic teller .
International adapters you’ll need
Malta , unlike the rest of Europe , use a case G plug , a British measure . Type G practice a three - prong standard , and is bulky than the case coulomb seen elsewhere in Europe .
When to plan your visit
During the superlative of summer , the temperature is consistently over 90 , which can make for sweaty traversing up those longsighted limestone steps . June through August is the high season in Malta , while November through March is less crowded .
Do’s and don’ts when visiting Malta
I closed my eyes sometimes on some Bolt rides through the notably narrow streets where two cars the sizing of envelopes could perchance pass . But that does n’t imply we ’d commend engage a car , pay how long-winded the road are . Do endeavor to sample the compass of Malta ’s marvelous culinary art , from the humble street pastizzi to multi - course marvel , and enjoy a beverage whenever you may , particularly when visit during the heyday of the hot summertime months – even streetside cubbyhole delicatessen counters have modest bar .
Your Malta dinner party fact
Malta was one of the most bombed , if notthemost bombed , countries in WWII , and suffered mass destruction and a starvation threat for much of the world . Mussolini ’s personnel were next door , so British - go for Malta hold a heavy brunt of bombardment runs , but were able to guard out until war ’s end , when the rebuilding began .
Xlendi Tower and the Boathouse Restaurant|Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley
St. John’s Cathedral is always a sight to behold|urbazon/Getty Images
A WWII monument in Cospicua acknowledges Malta’s unique history|Photo courtesy of Tom Bentley