A mix of ancient history, beaches and colorful cities, Malta will charm you as soon as you land. Walk around the city swim to a small island or visit movie sets.
A UNESCO World Heritage site in itself, the capital of Malta might be small but is concentrated with history. Walk along the colorful roads, visit St John's Co-Cathedral and watch the Midday Gun Salute at the Lower Barakka Gardens.
This picture-perfect lagoon with a pure color and white sand is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and is a great base if you want to swim to the uninhabited small island of Cominetto.
These religious temples are among the most ancient on the planet, are very well preserved and can all be visited in the same day.
Kids and adults alike will love the Popeye Village, which was built as the film set for the Popeye movie in 1980 and is now one of the major tourist attractions on the island. A small attraction park with colorful old wooden houses and fun games such as mini golf, water slides and a cinema, the whole family is guaranteed a full day of fun.
Ramla Bay in Gozo has been described as Malta's best beach, with red sand and a wide stretch to walk around or sunbathe and relax. For a bit of adrenaline, visit one of the diving centers for an experience under the sea.
Malta gets very crowded in the summer and has a rainy season that starts in November, so the best time to avoid the crowds while still enjoying good weather are the months of September and October.
Citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement can enter Malta with their ID card. Citizens of any other countries will need a tourist visa. While some will be able to get one on arrival at the airport, most will have to apply for a visa prior to arrival.
The local national airline is Air Malta, which flies direct to and from destinations all around Europe and the Mediterranean. Budget flights are also available from various European destinations with airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.
Ferries are available from Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy, through Virtu Ferries, which can also accommodate cars. The ferry does not run every day and it is best to check their schedule prior to organizing your trip.
Hotels are available in all the main touristy areas in Malta; however, another very common method of accommodation is through the rental of furnished apartments.
The island of Malta does not have an operating railway system, so the main mode of transportation is bus, for both short and long-distance transfers.
The bus network is Malta is extensive and covers the whole island. A one-way bus ticket will cost between approximately €1.50-3 ($1.70-3.50), depending on the season and the time of the day. If you are staying for a few days, you have the option of purchasing a weekly ticket for about €21 ($24), which allows you to travel throughout the island.
Driving is a great way to explore the island and get off the beaten path, and renting a car is easy with the presence of all major car rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar. Depending on your country of origin, you might need to get an international driver's license to be able to drive. Please be aware that in Malta, cars drive on the left.
The cost of a cheap meal in Malta will cost about €15 ($17) per person, while a nicer meal will be around €30 ($34). The weekly cost of groceries is around €50 ($56). Credit and debit cards are accepted in all main and major retailers, restaurants and service providers. However, you´ll need to keep some cash on you as there are some exceptions. Services such as public transport, taxis and petrol stations are all to be paid in cash, and if you buy something from a street vendor, you will also need to pay in cash.