Welcome to Travelling Wellman’s first official blog post!
For those who don’t know us yet, we are a young couple with a serious case of wanderlust and looking to share our enthusiasm for travel with the world. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about the new experiences we’ve discovered!
Malta is actually the first place Mark and I ever travelled together (June 2010) and also the country we most recently visited (August 2017). So look no further for all you need to know before you go to this wonderful jewel of the Mediterranean.
This small country in the Mediterranean is just south of Sicily and is technically made up of 3 islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Each are unique and breathtaking in their own ways. You can visit or stay on the main islands of Malta and Gozo while Comino is reserved for day trips or a swim in the Blue Lagoon.
So, why do we think everyone needs to know about Malta? Well, because we love it and it has something for everyone; no matter what you like to do on vacation, Malta can accommodate…except for snow, of course.
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Full disclosure, we might be a little biased about Malta since Mark’s father grew up there and still has family on the island. Then there’s the fact that this was the first place we ever travelled together. And of course, for me, I didn’t grow up travelling so Malta was the first place I had ever been where I had an active part in planning the trip.
We know there is nothing more overwhelming or as exciting as planning your next adventure. We hope that by sharing our experiences, you will be just as inspired by Malta as we are. And we hope what we share will help you have the best experience while you are there.
If you haven’t heard of Malta you are not alone, until I met my husband I had not heard of this amazing place either. So, even if this is your first time hearing about Malta we think its worth adding to your bucket list.
All suggestions that follow are what I would call a collection of family advice and tips we have picked up personally during our travels. Our recent trip there in August was my second and Mark’s fourth trip so we have taken on just about everything the islands have to offer.
In addition to being a beautiful place to visit, Malta has a long, interesting history with many worthwhile tourist attractions to teach you all about their storied past. Malta is part of the European Union so their currency is the Euro. And although the main language is Maltese, the majority people speak English.
How to Get to Malta
There are ferries that can be taken from Italy to Malta and many Mediterranean cruises make a stop for the day in the Grand Harbour. Mark’s dad recently told us he remembers coming into the grand harbour by boat as a child and thinking it was just the most breathtaking sight.
If boats are not your thing then you will most likely arrive by air where you will land at Luca airport. There are many convenient and affordable ways to get from there to your Airbnb or hotel including the local bus, taxi, or Malta Transfer. We used this service during our last trip and were very impressed. There was a driver waiting with a sign with our name and an air conditioned car (beyond necessary) – all for 14€!
Where to Stay in Malta
If you are looking for the experience of living like a local, which is typically the way we like to stay when we are in Malta, we highly recommend AirBnb. If you can find a place that has an open roof top to hang out on and watch sunsets then you will truly be living the Maltese life!
The other great thing about staying in a home when you travel is you have the opportunity to make some of your meals if you choose. This can be a way to save money and also more excitingly a chance to check out a local market wherever you are visiting.
On my first trip to Malta we stayed in the town of Tarxien but that was for a family Reunion where we wanted to be close to family and the local festa. If you are looking for the best areas to stay while in Malta there are a few options. Valletta is the capital with lots of hotels and restaurants and it is the centre of the transit system; you can catch a bus from there to get you almost anywhere else on the main island.
During our more recent trip we stayed in Sliema which is just a short bus or ferry ride to Valletta. It was also within walking distance to San Ġiljan (aka St. Julian’s) where there was a festa on during our stay. Another option is Three Cities which is right outside of Valletta and offers accommodations that may be more reasonable than the capital.
If you want to be closer to the beach scene, we would recommend the city of Mellieha which boasts some of the most beautiful sand beaches around. You could also stay in the small fishing town of Marsaxlokk and be surrounded by the freshest seafood you’ll ever have.
Getting Around Malta
Malta Public Transit is a system of buses running throughout Malta and Gozo. Their Journey planner is particularly useful to help you get from A to B with ease. If you are planning to use the bus system we recommend getting an Explore Card which is designed specifically for visitors to Malta.
The Malta Explore Card gives you unlimited access to transit for 7 days and only costs about 21 euros for adults and 15 for children. We used it during our last trip and felt it was much easier and less expensive than having to pay the driver for a ticket each time we used the buses.
If you are really adventurous or used to driving on the left you could always rent a car. Driving around the island does offer a faster way to get around, especially if you like the idea of driving through a round-about on the highway (not kidding!).
What Not to Miss in Malta
#1: Valletta
The capital city of Malta is Valletta. If you are already staying there great you are already in the centre of it and if you aren’t no worries all buses eventually lead back to Valletta. Before you get into the city take time to marvel at the newly updated fountain and new city gates as you enter.
Start your day right with a pastry and cappuccino at Caffe Cordina. The inside of this historic caffe is gorgeous so find yourself a seat inside or head outside to people watch in the square to enjoy your breakfast.
You can easily spend hours just wandering the streets; each way you turn has something new to look at. And if you have the chance peak your head into some of the beautiful private court yards. Be sure to stop at the Upper Barrakka with it’s views out over the Grand Harbour, the gardens, and a tribute to fallen soldiers.
If you are looking for a souvenir to take home Malta is known for its silver filigree jewelry and there are quite a few shops where you can find it. Not all items are expensive but shopping around a little you should find a price you are comfortable with.
If you enjoy the art and history of old cathedrals St. John’s Cathedral is worth a visit while in Valletta as well.
#2: Mdina, the Silent City
2. Explore the beautiful lanes and carefully preserved architecture tucked away in the walled city of Mdina. It is also known as the silent city where cars are not permitted on most of the streets; in fact, the streets are so narrow most cars wouldn’t be able to fit down them anyway.
This city was built at the top of a hill so be sure to enjoy lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden (ask for a seat upstairs) so you can enjoy a pastizzi and the views over the wall. Also don’t forget to check out Mdina Glass. You can’t miss the shop on your way in or out of the city and can even find outlets all over the island. They make some of the most stunning glass pieces and figurines! Mark and I collect Christmas ornaments everywhere we go and on our last trip we bought a beautiful little glass angel there.
#3: Gozo
Gozo is accessible from the main island by ferry. While it may be smaller there is still lots to see and do. On our last trip we opted to take the Hop-on Hop-off tour bus since we only visited for the day and it does a good job of letting you see many of the main attractions.
Tip: if you buy your ticket while on the ferry you can get a discount. Also be sure to decide a head of time which stops you want to get off at as you will have to wait 45 minutes until the next bus arrives. I recommend a stop at Xlendi Bay for lunch looking out over the unbelievable blue water and a quick climb up the hill to the look out across the Mediterranean.
The other stops are really more about personal preference. Whether you want to shop for olive oil (which Gozo is known for), see some of their exquisite temples and cathedrals, or spend time at the beach there is a bit of something for everyone.
#4: Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village in the south east region of Malta. It is so beautiful to look at the colourful fishing boats anchored in the water as you enter the port. As you wander you can browse the souvenir market and stop for a freshly caught lunch at La Capanna. From there it is just a short hike to St. Peter’s Pool.
Note: the hike is short but Malta is hot, especially if you are there in the heat of August like we were, so be sure to bring water on your hike. The signs to get there are very clearly marked and the walk which is mostly uphill on the way there is worth it when you arrive and you can buy a beer or a shaved ice before heading to the water.
Mark tells me this used to be much more of a local spot but you will likely have to wait your turn to get your insta- worthy dive off the rocks these days.
#5: Malta Day Cruise
5. If you love the water you will find no shortage of beautiful beaches, bays and other water actives. On our last trip we took a day cruise around the whole island with HERA cruises which in addition to offering a day of cruising the sea, swimming, and beautiful sites there is an open bar and lunch included with the price of the tour.
There are a few to choose from but we opted for the 3 Bays Cruise. This one stopped at Comino so we could marvel at and swim in the bright blue water of the aptly named Blue Lagoon . The cruise was exceptional and as we made our way around the island commentary about each site was played along with music.
By far the best thing about this cruise though may be the price the whole tour cost no more than 40€ per person. Oh, and did I mention the open bar!?!
Other Great Things to See in Malta
A few other gems you can only find in Malta are Popeye Village (a movie set turned theme park on Anchor Bay) and the Blue Grotto which is a quick boat tour into caves of the most amazing blue water I have ever seen. If you want a deeper experience of this small island’s big history then check out Heritage Malta for museums and sites like the palace staterooms and Tarxien Temples. Both main islands are also dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites with many that are older than the pyramids!
What to Eat in Malta
If you have the opportunity to go to a local market or grocery store I highly recommend it. Our first trip to Malta was in 2010 where I found this chocolate cereal that to this day I still talk about (Mark’s edit: she really does). It was by no means healthy and of course I can’t remember the name of it.
This just shows how much fun finding new food can be even when it is from the grocery store or local market. Speaking of local and considering it is an island, Malta has some of the freshest food I have ever tasted!
This freshness fact includes seafood. I have never had such amazing and fresh octopus, mussels and fish. Malta is definitely the place to eat a fresh catch.
For me there are two absolute do not miss while you are in Malta snacks or treats. The first is pastizzi which is a flakey pastry traditionally filled with ricotta cheese or a meat-pea filling. I always go for the cheese but try for yourself to find the one you like best. I know Mark would happily have either.
The other is delicious Maltese treat is Qaghaq tal-ghasel or honey-rings which is a sweet pastry filled with treacle and spices. I think I ate like 3 packages of these to myself the last time we visited. Enjoying either of these while gazing out on a square in Valletta or over the wall in Mdina just makes it all the better.
If you haven’t tried rabbit before there are many traditional Maltese dishes where that is the staple. So if you have a hankering to know what Bugs Bunny tastes like Malta may be the place for it (Mark’s edit: it’s delicious!).
Celebrate a Festa in Malta
Last but definitely not least, if you have the opportunity to experience a Festa while in Malta you will not be disappointed. Each town has their own which is not necessarily celebrated at the same time as the next town over. Mark and I have had the privilege of experiencing the Tarxien Festa and the one in San Giljan.
Festas are celebrated individually by town parish to honour their patron saint. Be sure to look into the town’s festa if you are planning to attend so you can get an idea of when events will take place. You can expect to see colourfully decorated streets, fireworks, parades, marching bands, vendors selling oh so many yummy sweets and silver filigree, and I know I already said it but FIREWORKS, so many in fact that even if you think you just saw the finale trust me you didn’t.
Another must see is the even more impressive mechanized ground fireworks. They are an amazing spectacle but just be warned they will ruin you for all others fireworks displays.
We hope we have given you a taste of what Malta is like and how much fun you can have on a trip there. We hope to be back there one day soon. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter to be the first to know about new posts!
