THE ISLAND OF HISTORY AND ADVENTURES (Part I)

Malta is not just a beautiful island in the Mediterranean, but a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty. It is a place where ancient ruins meet modern resorts, and tradition meets innovation.

Here is what the world's media write about this small country: 'Malta is a treasure of the Mediterranean!,' 'This amazing island captivates with its picturesque landscapes and historical heritage,' 'In Malta, every corner is a real picture!,' 'Crystal clear water and golden beaches make Malta a paradise for holidays,' 'Every moment in Malta is an unforgettable adventure!'

Let's take a closer look at Malta's tourism opportunities, attractions, and activities to properly plan an unforgettable trip.

Tourism with a British Accent

Malta is now considered a trendy tourist destination in Europe. Over the last ten years, tourism on the island has doubled, and now around 3 million visitors visit Malta every year. In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to Malta's GDP was €2.6 billion. This is notable for an island with a population of just over half a million people and an area of only 316 square kilometres. Malta is among the top 10 most densely populated countries in the world.

The most frequent visitors come from the UK, Italy, France, and Germany, with British tourists making up the largest group. Although Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, the 'royal legacy' of 150 years of influence remains visible in various aspects of life on the island. English is widely used in education, government, and business, making it one of the country's official languages. Malta retains elements of the British legal system; cricket and rugby are played here, and British companies are active in business. Malta uses British standard G-type electrical sockets (tourists will need a plug adaptor). On the island, traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road.

Malta was also heavily influenced by British architecture, especially during the colonial period. Many buildings constructed during this time display neoclassical and Victorian elements, including colonnades, large windows, and decorative facades.

However, Malta's trademark is undoubtedly its colourful balconies and doors. According to tour guides, wooden balconies became popular in the late 19th century during the brief French rule, after which the British established a standard of bright green for balconies. Following independence in 1964, balcony colours diversified; they typically match the colour of the flat door, with balconies of various shades visible on the same house. Balconies in Malta are usually narrow and primarily serve decorative purposes but also help shield flats from direct sunlight, preventing them from overheating in warm weather.

Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and four years later entered the eurozone. Today, for tourists from Northern Europe who prefer summer holidays, the only challenge is the heat. Its peak occurs from mid-July to mid-September when average daytime temperatures can reach 35°C with high humidity. In May, it is still too cold for swimming, but late September to October brings what is known as the velvet season: the water remains warm while the coast becomes less crowded. Therefore, choose your travel time according to your preferences.

Fly or Swim?

There are only two ways to reach Malta: by air and by sea. The most convenient option is by air. Malta International Airport is located just 8-9 kilometres from the capital Valletta and serves flights from many countries across Europe and beyond. The largest number of flights comes from Italy (especially Palermo, Catania, and Rome), Great Britain (during the tourist season), Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, etc.), France, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, and Türkiye. Prices for one-way tickets can range from €70 to €200.

Sea transport has its advantages as well. There are ferry routes from Sicily (e.g., Palermo and Catania) and other Italian ports. This can be an appealing option for those who prefer traveling with a car. Sea connections to Malta mainly originate from neighbouring countries such as Italy, Tunisia, and Libya. Typically, these routes allow tourists to conveniently arrive in Malta via ferries while enjoying scenic sea views during the journey. Ferry prices are generally lower than flight prices; however, travel times increase accordingly—up to 5-10 hours.

You can also fly or sail to Malta on your own jets or yachts—if you have them, of course. Nevertheless, most tourists arrive by air at Malta Airport, which has only one terminal. There is no rail connection to the airport; however, road transport is well established—you can reach it by bus, taxi, rental car, or shuttle service. Numerous city buses run to the airport until 23:00, alongside several express and night buses. Some buses have their terminus at the airport; others stop there on their route. A public transport ticket costs €2.5 and is valid for two hours; hence, when you arrive at Valletta's main bus station, you can transfer to another bus without paying extra. The journey between the airport and Valletta takes about 30 minutes.

If you plan to spend a week in Malta and use public transport frequently, it is best to purchase an unlimited pass for €25 (€7 per child) or a 4-day pass for €21. The convenience of taxis in Malta lies in their fixed prices; if desired, you can pay at the booking desk at the airport before your journey. Given the short distances involved, prices are quite reasonable for Europe—for instance, a trip to Valletta will cost €15 while a ride to St Julian's or Sliema will be €20.

By the way, Bolt taxi service operates actively in Malta. If you have its app downloaded on your phone, you can place orders except during rush hour. This service will generally be much cheaper than official taxis.

Diving into Valletta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a true open-air museum that combines rich history, architectural splendour, and vibrant culture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this compact city attracts tourists with its unique attractions. In Valletta—where every street and building breathes history—the capital was founded in 1566 by the Knights of Malta; many unique architectural and artistic monuments from that era have been preserved here.

Being a small island nation means that its capital can also be explored in just a few hours. The streets are arranged strictly on a parallel and perpendicular grid. Upon entering Valletta through the main city gate, you will first encounter the Triton Fountain; adjacent to it lies the central bus station. The main street, Republic Street—dividing Valletta into two equal halves—leads from here. To your right are the ruins of the still-unrebuilt Royal Opera House, which was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1942. Like any main street within the city, Republic Street features numerous cafes, shops, and souvenir stalls while crossing several squares en route to St Elmo Fort. This fort houses a museum dedicated to the island's military history and offers spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding area—making it an ideal location for photographs.

On your way to the fort, you will come across St John's Cathedral—considered a masterpiece of Baroque architecture—which houses Caravaggio's famous painting "The Murder of St John the Baptist." Many Grand Masters of the Order of Malta are buried here; their tombs are crafted from marble. The cathedral's location is easy to identify due to its usual queue.

Nearby lies the Grand Master's Palace—once serving as residence for Grand Masters of the Order of Malta—now home to both the Presidential Office and a museum. You can stroll through its garden along manicured alleys while enjoying views of the city. Additionally, the Malta Museum of Fine Arts resides within a former aristocratic palace showcasing works from both local and European masters.

The top attraction of Valletta is undoubtedly known as the Upper Barracca Gardens—a park situated on the upper level of St Peter and St Paul bastion built in the latter half of the 16th century. This park represents Valletta's highest point offering unforgettable panoramas of Great Harbour, dockyards, and surrounding countryside across the bay. Within these gardens stands a monument dedicated to Grand Masters of the Order; additionally, every evening they host a traditional salute from military cannons that always draws tourists.

Also located here are the Lower Barracca Gardens; although there is no proper park here, you can stroll along the quay and board national boats across for tours of "the three cities." However, be cautious—there's a ticket office at the quay selling tickets (€2) for travel across; yet boatmen do not accept these tickets as payment—informing you at journey's end that an additional €2 is due.

Among Valletta's attractions is also the National Museum of Archaeology housed within a former knights' palace boasting one of Malta's most comprehensive collections of archaeological finds. If time permits, visit Manoel Theatre—built in 1866—one of Europe's oldest operating theatres hosting concerts, operas, and theatrical performances; checking their playbill in advance is advised.

Popular tourist destinations include Maltese cities such as Sliema, Senglea, St Julian's, Rabat, Cospicua, Zabbar, Kalkara, Gozo Island and certainly Malta's ancient capital Mdina.

For those who prefer an active holiday on land, Malta offers numerous walking and cycling routes. Strolling along coastal paths through picturesque villages allows enjoyment of nature alongside local life’s atmosphere. Coastal routes in Gozo are particularly stunning—offering breathtaking views of ocean cliffs.

To appreciate Valletta’s picturesque coastal scenery fully, consider taking a cruise around its beautiful harbour. Board a ferry or boat to sail along its shores while marvelling at fortress walls' splendour alongside historic buildings and bustling harbours—a remarkable way to see Valletta's beauty from a fresh perspective while relaxing.

Let's Go Swimming

Malta is known by many as the pearl of the Mediterranean—renowned for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and magnificent scenery. Beach tourism within this archipelago offers abundant recreational opportunities catering to both relaxed and active holidaymakers.

Regarding beach holidays—there exists both bad news and good news. The 'bad' news is that tourists visiting Valletta will not discover any beaches despite being surrounded by sea; however—with some effort—you may find a few small areas for water access—but do not expect equipped beaches as everywhere consists only of stone slabs.

If you desire a proper beach holiday consider nearby towns such as Sliema and St Julian's which lie just a few kilometres away featuring larger beaches; alternatively small bathing spots may be found across bays while visiting Senglea’s 'three cities'—Kalkara or Bormla—but still—the closest equipped beach remains at Sliema’s Tigné Point where both water access and facilities are provided.

The 'good' news reveals that Malta overall boasts numerous high-standard beaches—for instance—the Blue Lagoon located on Comino Island known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters alongside white sand—ideal for swimming or snorkelling while basking under sunny skies attracting tourists not only for its beauty but also for secluded relaxation opportunities.

Gozo Island hosts one among Italy’s most famous beaches: Ramla Bay; its characteristic red sand coupled with picturesque surroundings renders it popular as a holiday destination where you can relish relaxing swims alongside sampling local treats offered by nearby cafes—a small emerald bay featuring Hondoq Ir-Rummien lagoon remains popular here too.

Mellieha Bay ranks among Malta’s finest beaches suited for families—it features wide sandy shores with gentle water access making it perfect for children; opportunities abound for water sports such as kayaking or parasailing while famous beaches like Ghadira Bay along with Golden Bay or Paradise Bay reside within Mellieha.

Sliema Beach not only provides beach leisure but also possesses a well-developed infrastructure—including many restaurants alongside cafes plus shops rendering it convenient for relaxing holidays along with enjoyable promenade strolls.

The Mgarr area features well-known bathing spots including Qarraba Bay along with Riviera Beach or Gnejna Bay.

Malta also boasts remarkable underwater beauty with numerous dive centres offering training excursions catering both beginners alongside experienced divers alike; underwater caves shipwrecks alongside colourful reefs render diving here truly adventurous.

Malta’s beaches provide diverse water sports options such as kitesurfing wakeboarding windsurfing plus more; local schools offer courses alongside equipment rentals suitable for various water activities while boat trips around islands Malta alongside Gozo serve as fantastic means enjoying beautiful scenery while discovering locations including Blue Lagoon alongside Dwejra Bay—many companies provide day trips featuring swimming alongside snorkelling opportunities.

(to be continued)