Malta Travel Guide: Things to See and Do

Malta

24 Aug

A guide to the island

Malta is the perfect combination of copious sunny beaches, lagoon mixed with countless chronological elements. It is an island worth seeing to the core, and getting lost may be the only way to do so. It is known to be breathtaking, and yet surprisingly, a destination that isn't as famous as other places in Europe.

The art and architecture there are a visual feast. It's no surprise that it piqued the interest of many film directors and producers, and it's been featured in a variety of movies and television shows, including Game of Thrones, Troy, and By the Sea, a romantic drama film that contrasts so beautifully with the scenery.

Malta is a small island, making it an ideal location for anyone with less than two weeks to travel. There are three separate islands to visit: Malta, Gozo, and Camino. While most people were aware of Malta, it did not appear to be at the top of their list of places to visit. It is understandable that it isn't an obvious destination like Italy, Greece, or even the south of France. However, spending time there will convince you otherwise.

Weathered limestone buildings along a quiet waterfront

Grilled fish with lemon and pink peppercorns on a plate

Field of tall grass and yellow wildflowers

Our first exploratory impression of Malta

We would be lying if we said Malta blew us away immediately. At first, it really didn’t make such an impression. The first few days were primarily spent on a historical tour of the capital, attempting to figure out what happened in the past. Valletta, the Maltese capital, is an excellent place to learn more about Maltese culture and history.

Sometimes it gives the impression that the Maltese have been influenced by foreign cultures just by hearing them speak. Indeed, Maltese have their own identity now, but they have been influenced by ancient Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Hence, their language might sound like Italian or even Arabic at times. Maltese culture reflects the numerous cultures that have come over the years. If you are interested in history, Malta should not be missed. The island is truly a melting pot of history, culture, and, of course, mesmerising beaches and scenery. Malta, despite its small size, has a lot to offer and will completely enchant you.

Malta main island

Malta is the largest of the Maltese archipelago's three main islands. Valletta, its capital, is a bustling, busy city dotted with cathedrals, palaces, and forts dating back to the 16th century, making it ethnically diverse and fascinating for history enthusiasts.

Given its size, the picturesque Malta could be visited completely in two weeks. Even so, while explaining, it couldn't be overlooked in a few words because we feel that each one of the islands deserves its own spotlight. So, primarily this piece will be mainly focused on the mainland

Our Maltese journal

While exploring different cities, one can have many unforgettable experiences, but every now and then it's nice to get away from it all and visit somewhere more distant, and visiting Malta is definitely one of the more refreshing options.

We believe that renting a car would be the best way to fully explore Malta. Because the island is small, and this you would get to see and visit many sites in a short amount of time.

Not just the landscape, but the architecture is also in one of its own classes. It appears to be from ancient times, which explains why so many films have been shot here. Malta is a place where you can see life as it used to be decades, if not centuries ago. Every day, fishermen bring out their brightly coloured boats, giving the impression that you've been transported into a historical film, which is an incredible experience.

Malta might be small, but it is rather idyllic, and we feel that some places, such as Malta itself, should be exhibited through a picture journal since words alone aren't enough to emphasise the beauty. We picked some of our favourite moments from our visit to give you a sense of what this country has to offer. We fell in love with Malta and were astounded to witness such stunning scenery all at once. Let's travel through our journal and discover more about this dreamland.

Narrow Maltese street with a parked van and limestone houses

Ornate church interior with gilded arches and pews

Limestone facade with a closed wooden balcony and a shuttered window

Where to eat

Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant
Is-Serkin - Crystal Palace Bar (amazing pastizzi)
LOT 61 (An amazing speciality coffee)
Josephine (coffee, healthy food options, located in the gorgeous Corinthia hotel)
Coffee Circus (rooftop)