Malta

For such a small island, Malta really packs a big punch. Having lived there myself for four years it’s a great year round destination for history, food, and swimming in the sea. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it makes this English speaking island a winner. 

Located in the Mediterranean sea south of Sicily it comprises three islands, the main island of Malta then Gozo and Comino which are both short boat trips away. Steeped in history, Malta is the only country in the world to have received the George Cross award, given to the island due to the heroism and devotion of its people during the beginning of WWII. 

Malta’s capital is Valletta which is packed with sites of historical significance and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Its quirky cobbled streets and narrow side streets make it quite the maze to get around. With so many places to eat and drink, you can wander along the streets and try a variation of food from traditional Maltese, Italian, fresh ish and the always popular Pastizzi shops (local pastry)

St John's Cathedral is a favourite place to visit in Valletta as well as the upper and lower Barraka gardens where cannons are fired each day and is a great place to view the three cities on the other side of the harbour

A quick boat trip across the harbour from Valletta is one of the main areas in Malta, Sliema. With shops, waterfront bars, a casino, beach clubs and hotels, this is a popular place to stay. In summer this area comes alive with beach clubs opening up from around roughly May to October where you can enjoy a relaxing day dipping in and out of the water and having a local Cisk beer.

It’s nice to take a walk along the seaside promenade that goes all the way from Sliema to St Julians and around to the beach area of St George's bay. Restaurants and bars are lined along the promenade so you can take your time to enjoy the sun, you might even end up in the lively nightlife area of Paceville.

Another recommended place to visit is Mdina, the former capital of Malta, also called “the Silent City”. Mdina is a fortified city loved by tourists for its charm and quiet streets. Just a small walk from Mdina is Rabat where you can try tasty traditional Maltese food, including rabbit and visit St Paul’s Catacombs.

For freshly caught fish then a trip to Marsaxlokk (pronounced Marsharshlock) is an authentic fishing port, with coloured fishing boats called luzzu. It’s easy to get to by car or what most tourists do is get on the hop on, hop off bus and make this one of there stops.

Being surrounded by sea, Malta is a hot spot for diving and has many sites that can be visited including shipwrecks. If diving isn’t your thing then a great day out is by boat to the small island of Comino and the blue lagoon. You can swim and snorkel to your heart's content in beautiful clear waters and enjoy a day sailing along Malta’s coast line.

Further afield, only a 30 min ferry journey away is the island of Gozo, Malta’s much quieter little sister where you can stay in a handful of hotels and farm houses. If you make it to Gozo then a trip to Xlendi bay is a must where you can eat fresh fish by the sea.

Only 3 hours away from the UK, Malta really is a great destination choice. There are a wide variety of hotels dotted across the island and it’s not far from each area in a taxi or bus. 

For more tips on Malta Click here and if you are interested in booking a holiday or have any inquiries  please contact info@ninapricetravel.co.uk  Our World | Your Way