By: 4 Old Soles (My Parents)
Malta is a True Hidden Gem!
Malta is a cultural crossroad in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with beautiful weather and inviting locals. It just feels so “old world” comfortable and laid back that you will wonder why more tourists have not found this unique treasure.
Quick Facts About Malta
- The Republic of Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea.
- It consists of two populated islands, Malta & Gozo.
- Malta lies 80 km (50 miles) south of Sicily (Italy) and 284 km (176 miles) east of Tunisia (North Africa).
- The two islands of Malta cover an area of 122 square miles, making it the world’s tenth- smallest country.
- Malta has a population of about 516,000, making Malta the fourth most densely populated sovereign country.
- It belongs to the European Union.
- Malta’s capital is Valletta
- This is the smallest national capital in the European Union.
- The city of Valetta is a World Heritage Site.
- (This is one of the few places in the world where a capital city is considered a World Heritage site.)
- The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English.
A Brief History of Malta
- Malta has been inhabited from around 5900 BC.
- The location of Malta, in the center of the Mediterranean, has historically given it a great strategic importance as a naval base. (There is an outstanding harbor at Valletta.)
- Many different powers having contested and ruled the islands.
- Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St. John, French & British have all ruled the islands of Malta at one point in history.
- These foreign influences each have left a unique mark on the country’s ancient culture.
There are the Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta
- Saflieni Hypogeum (a Neolithic subterranean structure)
- Valletta (the capital) – rich in Mediterranean culture, with an “old world” physical charm and a fascinating Crusader history
- The Megalithic Temples of Malta (some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.)
HOW LONG TO VISIT MALTA?
Malta was a full two-day adventure for us. We spent our first day in Malta, with an emphasis on Valletta. And then the second day was spent visiting the neighboring island of Gozo. Our recent trip to Malta in 2021 was made using TOURS BY LOCALS. This is a fantastic company that directly connects travelers with local guides. For our trip we had the same guide (Marthese Saliba) for both days and I give her our highest recommendations.
VISITING TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO MALTA?
For us, we contacted “Tours by Locals,” choose our guide and discussed our schedule directly with her.
We then flew to Valletta and took a taxi directly from the airport to our hotel – there are no language issues to conquer in Malta. English is widely spoken. Depending on when you arrive, you may have your guide pick you up, but only if you are directly starting your tour. You do not need special help at the airport in Valletta.
TOP THINGS TO SEE IN MALTA?
VALLETTA
The capital city of Valletta is a main attraction. It is a World Heritage city. It is physically and culturally unique and the harbor provides extremely picturesque settings. The narrow streets and pedestrian walkways lined with small shops and outdoor restaurants that represent all the cultures of the Mediterranean, are something to be slowly savored. We were in Malta the first week in September and the temperatures were pleasant. The feel here is very “old world European.”
Valletta was built beginning in 1565 by the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers) and there is a lot of fascinating history here to discover. Therefore, we recommend a walking tour with a local guide to best view and understand this incredible city.
The primary attractions in Valetta are the Auberge de Castille, St. John’s Cathedral, and the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck. Hear tales of Maltese history as you view the Grandmaster’s Palace.
More fantastic sights include: the new Parliament building, the ruins of the Royal Theater, Fort St. Elmo, the Siege Bell War Memorial and the charming Barrakka Gardens with its sweeping views across Grand Harbor.
As you discover these sites, you will also get the chance to learn about Malta’s interesting Crusader past.
WHERE WE STAYED IN HISTORIC OLD VALLETTA
We stayed in the “historic old part” of Valletta, with its narrow streets (some pedestrian only) that are lined with restaurants and quaint modern hotels in converted buildings.
We loved the 13-room Hotel Palazzo Consiglia on Ursula St., 1½ blocks from the main pedestrian street – Merchants Street.
This converted mansion was very charming and well located to walk to a wide variety of dining options. During our evenings we really enjoyed just walking on the picturesque Merchant Street, stopping at an outdoor café to grab a glass of wine, some cheese and other assorted “nibblies” and just people watch as we listened to music playing from the nearby cafes. The ambience here is simply wonderful.
So if you are thinking of staying in Valetta, we recommend checking this hotel out.
THE HISTORIC CITY OF MDINA
The historic walled-city of Mdina sits high up on a plateau and has beautiful views of the island. With only 300 residence and almost no vehicles allowed within the walls, Mdina feels like a city from another time. This “Silent City” with its narrow streets and relaxing atmosphere is a wonderful place to visit and one of the main tourist attractions in Malta.
GOZO
Visiting the scenic and peaceful island of Gozo is a wonderful day-trip when visiting the main island of Malta. This rural island is just a 25 minute ferry ride from Malta and definitely worth the trip. With less than 10% of the population (35,000) of Malta, Gozo has a distinctively different feel. This island is dotted with small villages set among the hills and craggy seacoast.
IT IS VERY PICTURESQUE.
Our time in Gozo was spent driving through the scenic countryside and seeing the pretty seaside villages. We had a wonderful lunch on the water in the village of Marsalforn and really enjoyed climbing to the top of the Citadel in the capital of Rabat.
I hope the information above helped you learn more about the islands of Malta and even convinced you to travel to this wonderful country.
But I have one final incentive. Malta is extremely unique, yet not on most people’s travel radar outside of Europe. I have many well-travelled friends that when I said we went to Malta, I got this “where – what ??” look. And I found it intriguing that we were able to surprise even well-traveled individuals with our stories of Malta and about how much we loved this wonderful little country.
Happy Travels to Malta.
If You Found This Post Helpful, Please Share / Pin It
Thank You!
POPULAR TOURS IN MALTA
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy. As always, I only share products with you that I use and love for my family. Thank you for supporting 10 Traveling Feet.