Malta is the best place to relax by the sea. Accommodation in Malta: hotels, villas, guesthouses, hostels, apartments. Where to stay. Treatment and healing power
The main features of the island of Malta, photos of which you will see in this article, are secluded bays, amazingly blue water, medieval citadels, as well as magnificent churches built in the Baroque style. Every year, tourists from all over the world visit the coast of Malta to get acquainted with the architectural monuments of the island, enjoy the taste of seafood or take a walk through the colorful villages. Holidays in Malta can be safely recommended to every person. Do you prefer to sunbathe without rushing? In this case, the beaches of this resort will be the ideal solution for you. Those who choose active entertainment should go sightseeing on the island.
The Maltese archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea, includes 3 islands - Comino, Gozo and Malta. Moreover, the latter is incredibly colorful and miniature, as you can see by finding the island of Malta on the map. Its length is 27 km and its width is 14.5 km. This state was previously owned by the Arabs, the Romans, Napoleon, and the Queen of England. Therefore, to explore all its attractions, tourists will need more than one week, although we can safely say that the time spent is worth it.
Malta in autumn
The climatic conditions of autumn in this place have varied characteristics. Holidays in Malta in September are not suitable for everyone. The velvet season begins here, which can both please and sadden. From time to time we have to complain about the rapid changes in weather associated with the proximity of the Mediterranean winter. Although, overall, a holiday in Malta in September is incredibly romantic and hot.
In October the temperature is not so high, although there is still the opportunity to enjoy the echoes of summer. The number of cloudless, clear days is becoming less. This is due to an increase in the amount of precipitation. Although they are short-lived and, apart from increased humidity, do not cause any other inconvenience. It is likely that showers are not the most joyful phenomenon for people, but the same cannot be said about nature. After a hot summer, it comes to life before our eyes, becoming covered with colorful flowers and greenery, which excites the imagination of vacationers on the island of Malta. A holiday here in October suggests that tourists will think through their wardrobe more carefully than usual. You can't rely on temperatures alone. It is also necessary to take into account the piercing winds, due to which the coolness is perceived more sharply, and the periodic absence of the sun. You need to take with you a windproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, trousers and a pair of raglans and a long-sleeve sweater.
The climatic conditions here in November are ambiguous. From this month all the islands begin to “cool down”. Autumn is finally taking shape. But we must remember that in this place it is different from ours. During the day it is still very warm, and the sun occasionally appears in the sky. By the way, in November the duration of sunshine is equal to that recorded in the summer in the northwestern region of Europe. There is a huge advantage in traveling to the island of Malta at this time - a vacation, the prices for which are usually quite high here, becomes more affordable at this time (a week's trip can be purchased for 25,000 rubles). The hills and valleys are covered with greenery, and bougainvillea and hibiscus begin to actively bloom near the houses of local residents. Pumpkins, pomegranates and olives are ripening in vegetable gardens and orchards. In general, nature does not plan to go to bed. Rather, on the contrary, after the downpours that hit the archipelago, it seems to be getting a second wind, which is why Malta is beautiful this season. Holidays in November will bring pleasure to all nature lovers. Although you should still take warm clothes with you.
Valletta
It’s hard to imagine a holiday in Malta without a visit to Valletta, the capital of the republic. It's best to start exploring the city with a walk from the City Gate to St. John's Cathedral, where every corner is gilded, intricately carved or painted. Next, board a horse-drawn cab and take a ride along the fortress walls, admiring the stunning panorama of the Grand Harbour. By the way, the driver will tell you the whole history of the island in a half-hour ride. The final highlight will be a boat trip on a “sea taxi” around Valletta. There are a great many of these long, colorful boats here.
It is also exciting to travel on rare Bedford buses that carry passengers around the city. The Maltese got these orange and yellow cars after the British, just like the postal stands and red telephone booths. The Maltese are simply in love with these buses! They are everywhere: on towels, refrigerator magnets, ashtrays, mugs... The central bus interchange is located at the City Gate, where it is convenient to start your journey to the knightly fortresses (Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa). In addition, it is not difficult to get to the ruins of megalithic temples, which are at least a thousand years older than the pyramids of Egypt. And, of course, to Mdina - the first capital of Malta, which has a huge number of souvenir shops selling delicate lace, Maltese glass, elegant silver jewelry, as well as models of sailing ships.
There are also secluded rocky beaches near Valletta. They can be easily reached by renting a bicycle. Diving is especially good here, since the clear local waters contain the remains of once sunken ships, colorful fish rush past in flocks, and octopuses can be found in the rocks.
Sights of Malta
If we talk about holidays in Malta, then all kinds of excursions are its highlight. A description of all local attractions could take more than one article.
Particularly noteworthy are the megalithic ancient temples (for example, Ggantija, which is located on the island of Gozo), the Ar Dalam and Hypogeum caves, the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha (in Rabat), as well as the temple in Mosta.
Those who are still more drawn to nature should go to see the cliffs of Ta"Cenc and Dingli Cliffs, as well as Azure Window - an amazing natural arch. Among the most unusual attractions are the tracks of prehistoric carts in Ta"Cenc, Clapham Junction and on the territory of San Gwann.
Gastronomic pleasures of Malta
If you are planning a holiday in Malta, be sure to try rabbit cooked in wine sauce. Each restaurant prepares it differently, depending on the wine used. But the best way to experience the flavor of local cuisine is to find yourself in the capital’s bus terminal, where the square contains a huge number of stalls stuffed with buns, national sweets, and pies. These treats cost pennies, but at the same time they allow you to fully experience Malta “taste”.
Beaches of Malta
The sandy beaches of the island stretch along the entire coast, turning into a gently sloping, pleasant sandbank at the border with the sea.
The most popular beach is Mellieha Bay. In addition, it is the longest: its length is fifty meters of pure golden sand. It is located near Mellieha, in fact, and received its name in his honor.
On the western coast, it is worth paying attention to Golden Bay Beach - a sandy bay, which is located between two capes.
But on Ain Tuffeeha you will have to go down the stairs from the hotel to find yourself on the beach. This is, of course, an excellent workout for the muscles, but for a holiday with children this option may not be the most convenient.
To get to Jneina Bay, you will need to drive through the town of Mgarr, which is famous for its market, as well as sellers who are willing to offer discounts. The beach is bordered by white flat rocks in the shape of platforms, and this gives the entire landscape a special charm. The combination of the bright azure sea and snow-white rocks is striking in its beauty.
In the central part of the coast there is Paradise Bay - a very small sandy beach. There is a ferry nearby to Gozo. At this point you will also find stairs from the hotel to the beach.
In the town of Birzebbugia in the south-eastern region of the coast of Malta there is a very quiet and lovely Priti Bay - a great place for a secluded, relaxing holiday.
Right on the beach you can buy or rent beach accessories (beach mats, sun loungers, swimsuits, towels and umbrellas), quench your thirst with all kinds of non-alcoholic soft drinks or cocktails, dine in a restaurant or have a snack in a cafe.
Among the entertainments on the beaches of Malta, the most popular are boat trips on water skis, canoes and scooters, as well as parachute and paragliding flights. Children will love banana rides.
Excursions and entertainment
Tourists will appreciate the widest range of opportunities for active recreation. Until mid-autumn, the Maltese Islands offer scuba diving, sailing, canoeing and jet skiing, paragliding, parachute jumping - it’s difficult to list everything. Fans of the sea will be able to go on a cruise to admire the beauty of the secluded corners of the country and see a lot of interesting things in a short time. But you need to hurry: the navigation season closes at the end of September. Those who are not limited in time can choose bus excursions to explore the archipelago, as well as independent trips in a rented car. Malta is an island museum, striking in its abundance of monuments of forgotten civilizations, which testify to the diversity of its entire history.
But if you are one of those people who welcome everything unusual and new, then you will be interested in a half-hour excursion by train, whose route runs past the main historical attractions, including: the Greek Gate, the Roman Villa, the Monastery of St. Dominic.
Splash-and-Fun, amusement park
Located in Bahar ich-Chak, between St. Paul's Bay and Sliema. The park consists of a theme park and a water park, which contains the largest water slides in this area of the Mediterranean. There are also 2 swimming pools with sun umbrellas and sun loungers. The park features a railway, models of prehistoric animals, roller coasters, carousels, and bouncy castles in which children can jump to their heart's content.
Mediterraneo Marine Park, marine park
It is located near Splash-and-Fun. Here the underwater world is represented by sea lions, Black Sea dolphins, as well as many fish in a huge aquarium. The park hosts performances several times a day, in which sea animals are active participants.
Popeye Village amusement park
The park is located near Mellieha, near Anker Bay. In 1980, a film about the sailor Papaya was shot in Malta. After filming, all the scenery was preserved, and the set was turned into Popeye Village Park. This place has a swimming pool, roller coasters and water slides, a lazy river, a children's railway, many attractions, children's electric cars, and a cinema center.
Animation shows and free skating are held here for children. Visitors, weather permitting, are invited to take a 20-minute schooner tour along the bay coast.
Language classes
Many people go to Malta to combine their vacation with learning another language. The resort offers a huge variety of activities, regardless of the level of experience and age of people. In addition to general courses, there are also specialized ones - for example, for people traveling abroad or students.
The openness of the island's residents to foreigners makes it possible to instantly overcome the language barrier - in prim England it is more difficult to step over oneself. Not every Maltese speaks the language perfectly, so they perfectly understand the difficulties we face.
The schools are taught by islanders, as well as invited teachers from the USA or England - this is necessary when you dream of learning to speak without an accent or training your ear for pronunciation.
Why is Malta so popular among language learners? To begin with, it is worth noting that the prices here are humane. So, the general course will cost you 100 euros per week, and the intensive course will cost you 144 euros. You can live in hostels or in a family, with the latter option costing 120 euros per week, and cheaper in winter. In addition, in your free time, the whole of Malta is open to you: beach holidays, ancient cities, seaside cafes are always at hand. Thus, a trip here is the most enjoyable method of learning a language.
- It is prohibited to appear on the beach in this place without a swimsuit.
- It is customary to tip here.
- It is prohibited to enter the church wearing beachwear or a hat.
- In Malta you cannot smoke in public places. At the same time, citizens can report those establishments that do not comply with this ban.
- Residents of Malta go to bed at 20:00. Life in cities comes to a standstill after dark.
- Hotels in Malta have two and three pole sockets. There is no need to bring an adapter from home; they can be purchased on the island.
- On the island of Malta, prices are quite high - a six-day hotel stay starts from 1,800 euros, and you don’t have to take money with you - there are ATMs everywhere.
Possible dangers
Too hot sun can cause heatstroke. Therefore, you need to use any available methods of protection: creams, a hat, sunglasses - all this can be purchased near the beach. There is no need to sunbathe between 11:00 and 17:00, when the sun is especially harmful.
At sea, due to inattention, you can get a huge number of cuts from underwater sharp stones. There are especially many of them on rocky beaches. In order to return home without wounds and rested, you need to buy rubber slippers.
Nocturnal jellyfish, sea urchins and fireworms are often found close to the beach in shallow waters. Communication with these creatures can cause a lot of trouble. Although you can eliminate a jellyfish burn yourself: you need to moisten the wound with sea water, then remove the poison and carefully rinse with vinegar.
Holidays in Malta: reviews from tourists
Vacationers have varying opinions about the island, although this is mainly due to what time of year they find themselves here. So, from the beginning of spring to mid-autumn, those who come here are delighted with the wonderful climate, turquoise water and excellent recreational opportunities. But those who want to spend a holiday in Malta in October-November have different reviews - the rainy season begins here, which makes few people happy. Although at this moment nature “wakes up”, beginning to delight the eye with all its colors. In addition, there is an excellent opportunity to leisurely explore the island with all its many attractions.
Most tourists prefer to relax on sandy beaches. Despite the fact that sand then has to be shaken out literally from everywhere... In addition, sandy beaches are the most crowded, because there are not so many of them. In Malta, sandy beaches are not found everywhere. The longest of them is located in the Mellieha resort area. The city of Mellieha is located on a hill, and below there is a strip of sandy seashore, forming a bay. The entrance to the sea here is very gentle, so the resort is ideal for families with children. You don't have to worry about the kids when they are frolicking in shallow water. All entertainment and famous attractions are located at a distance from Mellieha; in general, the surrounding area of this resort is sparsely developed. But there are all conditions for leisurely walking. And getting to neighboring Gozo and Comino is easy. Perhaps active and fun-loving tourists will find it a little boring here, but families with children will find it just right. The same suitable conditions for a quiet holiday with family and children can be found in the resort towns of Chirkeva and Marfa, although the beaches here are not so long.
On the southern coast of the island lies the sandy beach of the Golden Bay resort. There is only one hotel nearby, but you can get to the beach by transport from neighboring towns. The coast here is sandy, but there are areas covered with pebbles and rocky cliffs. There are fast currents along the coast. Maltese and European youth love to relax in Golden Bay; there are many water activities on the beach - banana boat rides and parachute flights. There are also bars and restaurants on the beach, as well as rental of beach equipment and equipment for various water sports. This noisy place will appeal to young and active tourists, but it will not be the best choice for those vacationing with children or who love privacy and silence.
Speaking about youth recreation, one cannot fail to mention the resort of St. Julian's - the center of active, party recreation. This is one of the busiest resorts in Malta, which attracts tourists from all over Europe during the high season.
It’s worth coming here for those who can’t imagine a holiday without vibrant nightlife and delicious food. The Patcherville area is almost full of entertainment venues that attract visitors with neon lights when dusk comes. This resort also offers activities for other categories of tourists. If young people prefer to rock all night to the trendy rhythms of discotheques, then older tourists will choose to relax in rock clubs, at jazz parties or in a wine bar. Connoisseurs of classical music will certainly be glad to have the opportunity to go to a concert in one of the concert halls at fashionable hotels, of which there are many, gourmets will treat themselves to trips to restaurants, and those who want to try their luck will go to the casino.
No one will be bored at the Sliema resort either. Unlike St. Julian's, this is a more respectable and expensive resort, a fashionable suburb of the island's capital. On the promenade of Sliema you can meet not only tourists, but also local residents - the cream of Maltese society have chosen this place for themselves. From Sliema it is easy to get to both St Julian's and the capital of the island, Valletta. This resort is also known as a shopping center. There are many boutiques of famous brands and large supermarkets here. So, if you are planning shopping, it will be the most successful here.
The resort of Marsaskala is a successful combination of entertainment, nature and attractions. Residents of Malta love to come to this small town in the summer to relax on the seashore. The beaches here are rocky and very cozy. This is a comfortable resort with developed infrastructure - there are bars, discos, restaurants and shops for every taste. For lovers of seafood and fish, local restaurants offer an extensive menu of “sea-food”. Marsaskala is close to many historical and cultural monuments. Without wasting time on the road, you can see ancient chapels, a watchtower, a fort and the restored residence of the Maltese nobility.
The towns of St. Paul's Bay, Qawra and Bugibba have practically merged into a single resort area on the north-eastern coast of the island. The coast here is rocky and you can sunbathe on natural stone slabs. Of course, the stone is not as soft as sand, but the sun-warmed surface of the slabs is very comfortable to stretch out after swimming. And the water, due to the absence of sand, is absolutely transparent. Many believe that the most picturesque views of the island open from here. In summer there are many holidaymakers, although this resort is inferior in popularity to Sliema and St. Julian's. But the hotels here are more budget-friendly.
To be precise, the island of Malta is not the only island of the Maltese archipelago, although it is the largest. There is also a very miniature island of Comino, its size is only 2.7 square kilometers. As a rule, people like to come here for a short time for walks. The only hotel on the island is suitable for lovers of water sports. Another island of the Maltese archipelago - the second largest after Malta, the island of Gozo - is a calm, picturesque and very green place. There are only two developed resorts on this island - Marsalforn and Xlendi; other beaches on the island are located near small villages. The hotels of this resort are located along the coast, and in every village you can rent accommodation. When choosing accommodation in Gozo, it is worth checking how far the accommodation is from the beach. Sometimes the beaches are separated from hotels and settlements by mountainous formations, and some will have to be reached by bus. Gozo has many historical, cultural and natural attractions. Among them, it is worth noting the megalithic temple complex of Jangtiya - one of the most ancient buildings on Earth, created much earlier than the Egyptian pyramids.
The island nation of Malta lies at the crossroads of the sea routes of Europe, Africa and Asia. If Italy on the map resembles a woman's boot, then the geographical contours of its closest neighbor Malta are presented in the form of an elegant footprint from the boots of its many guests and conquerors who have ever set foot on this blessed land. Since ancient times, several miniature islands have served as a quiet haven for travelers, merchants and emigrants who roamed the sea. Even the famous pilgrim Odysseus enjoyed the hospitality of the local nymph Calypso for seven long years. By the way, translated from the ancient language of the eternal wanderers of the Phoenicians, Malta is a refuge.
The warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea wash the Maltese archipelago from all sides. The territory occupies several rocky islands. Three of them are so densely populated that the country is now the third most densely populated in the world, although its largest island is smaller than the area inside the Moscow ring road. The remaining islands are uninhabited, so they attract travelers looking for unusual adventures. And even with all its guests combined, the state is still the smallest in the European Union.
The blue lagoons of Malta annually attract millions of tourists from all over the world. Even homebodies in Britain have traditionally escaped their rain and fog to these sunny islands. The mild climate here is enjoyed not only by beach lovers.
Over the past seven thousand years of chronicle, countless historical and cultural monuments have accumulated on the islands: from legends about Atlantis in the archipelago area and knightly symbols of the mysterious Order of Malta, to traces of the presence of Napoleon’s soldiers and British colonialists from the time of Queen Victoria. A fair number of English language schools attract students from all over the world with their reasonable costs and excellent quality of educational programs. The Mediterranean country is also favored by those who prefer active recreation in the fresh air. Here nature itself has created favorable conditions for avid yachtsmen, scuba divers and rock climbers.
There is a growing number of Russians who want to learn English, combining a relaxing holiday with communication among native speakers. For more than a century and a half, the state was a colony of Great Britain, until the 70s of the twentieth century. The Republic of Malta is still part of the British Commonwealth. Therefore, the second official language, after Maltese, is considered to be the language of the great Lord Byron. In the minds of the British, with the light hand of the English poet, the definition of the country as a “garrison greenhouse” was firmly established for a long time, hinting at a hot climate and belonging to a great empire. The poem “Farewell to Malta” was written by him during a visit to the island in 1809.
Scuba divers come to Malta all year round. The minimum water temperature of 14 degrees in winter and 24 degrees in summer is favorable for scuba diving. There are several dozen training schools for beginner divers. The oldest Russian underwater club, Moscow State University, has been taking its amateurs and professionals to the islands for many years, many of whom have diving experience in different parts of the world known for their diving communities. The local rocky coast is famous for its grottoes and beautiful marine architecture in the depths. Underwater caves will not leave the most experienced divers indifferent.
The Maltese archipelago is surrounded by countries on two continents. There are no land borders, only sea ones. To the north, 90 km across the strait, the islands border Italian Sicily. Residents of the southern and western coasts, as before, meet sea caravans from Africa. The ancient trade routes of modern Egypt, Libya and Tunisia intersect here. A little further east live our neighbors on the Greek islands. Loaded caravels of merchants of the Basque country used to sail from the west, now planes of Spanish airlines arrive.
The three miniature islands of Malta, Comino and Gozo are home to the entire population of the Parliamentary Republic, numbering about four hundred people. Other islands have no towns or villages due to their tiny size. The largest of them, Malta, measures 246 square kilometers, which is three and a half times smaller than Moscow. The length of its territory from north to south is 27 km.
The Maltese capital Valletta bears the name of its most famous knight and protector. With his proposal, the construction of a new city began in 1566. This happened immediately after the successful victory of the knights of the Order of St. John over the troops of the Ottoman Empire.
Another major tourist city with the Arabic name Mdina is known for its complete absence of car traffic, which allows its countless Baroque palaces and Moorish fortresses to be preserved from destruction.
Malta does not have a mountainous landscape; the highest point is at an altitude of 253 meters above sea level. However, numerous low but steep rocky slopes attract beginner climbers. A characteristic feature of the landscape is the absence of freshwater rivers. But the coastline is literally indented with rocky bays.
The Maltese language and its speakers have roots close to the Greeks and Italians. Now the local population is rapidly growing due to emigrants from North African countries. It is not uncommon for British grandparents to settle on the islands after retirement. Recently, a lot of marriages between Maltese and Russians have been registered.
Tourists come to Malta not only to swim in the warm Mediterranean waters and sunbathe on sunny beaches. The rich history of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, with its fascinating stories, is fully reflected in the rich culture and luxurious architecture of the Maltese islands, which attracts curious travelers from all over the world.
Current time in Valletta:
(UTC +1)
Local museums contain artifacts that are seven thousand years old. Structures built long before the Egyptian pyramids still hide the history of the mysterious ancient people who lived on the territory of Malta in prehistoric times. Catholic churches preserve evidence of the missionary work on the island of the Apostle Paul, the closest comrade-in-arms and contemporary of Jesus Christ. Italian palazzos surrounded by works of landscape art delight experienced artists. The noble medieval knights of the famous Order of Malta left their traces everywhere, full of mystery and romance.
How to get to Malta
By plane
In addition to the obvious option of getting to Malta from various Russian cities with a connection in Moscow, there are other ways: various European airlines fly from both the Russian capital and from the regions to the capital of Catalonia with connections at their home airports. Below we list these airlines (connection cities are indicated in brackets).
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt am Main): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara.
- Austrian Airlines (Vienna): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar.
- AlItalia (Rome): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Brussels Airlines (Brussels): Moscow.
- Air Berlin (Berlin): Moscow.
- Swiss (Zurich): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
- Air Baltic (Riga): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad.
From Italy and Greece
Air Malta airbuses can be used to travel to Malta from the Italian cities: Rome, Bologna, Catania, Reggio Calabria, Palermo and Milan. In addition, several flights are made daily from Italy by Alitalia and Meridiana airlines. Cost from 130 euros.
There are air connections with Athens. An economy class ticket costs 180-220 euros. Travel time 35 minutes. Direct flights on Fridays and Tuesdays. The same airline Air Malta has one-stop flights on Mondays and Sundays costing from 250 to 350 euros.
Other airlines also operate flights from Greece and Italy to Malta, but with transfers. Sometimes the total flight time can reach 9 hours. (for example, Lufthansa has flights from Athens to Luqa via Frankfurt am Main). In any case, getting to Malta through the Italian cities mentioned above will not be any problem.
On a ferryboat
Ferries operate between the Italian island of Sicily and the Maltese capital. Virtu Ferries ferries depart from the piers of the Sicilian towns of Catania and Pozzallo to Valletta. There are high-speed flights lasting 1.5 hours. There are also less high-speed vessels that transport passengers from one state to another in 3 hours. Ticket prices depend on the season and range from 55 to 100 euros. Children are almost twice as cheap. A catamaran from the Jean de la Valette company, which can accommodate up to 800 passengers, runs to and from the Sicilian seaport. Another ferry service runs from Genoa, Italy.
Having a Schengen visa allows you to travel between European cities and Malta without any border problems.
Search for flights
to Malta
Search for a car
for rent
Search for flights to Malta
We compare all available flight options based on your request, and then direct you to the official websites of airlines and agencies for purchase. The air ticket price you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.
We know where to buy cheap air tickets. Airplane tickets to 220 countries. Search and compare prices for air tickets among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.
We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not charge any commissions - the cost of tickets is absolutely the same as on the website.
Search for a rental car
Compare 900 rental companies at 53,000 rental locations.
Search 221 rental companies worldwide
40,000 pick-up points
Easy cancellation or modification of your booking
We cooperate with RentalCars and do not charge any commissions - the rental price is absolutely the same as on the website.
Climate and weather in Malta
The hot breath of close Africa is felt on the Maltese islands, like in no other southern European country. And only the prevailing north-west wind in winter, bringing with it storms and bad weather, reduces the average number of sunny days per year to three hundred. But even the “cool” winter weather does not prevent tourists from sunbathing and swimming in the numerous outdoor pools warmed by the southern sun on New Year’s holidays. Malta is on the same latitude as Morocco and Tunisia. But warm Mediterranean winds blowing across the islands from all sides soften the climate, permeating the air with sea freshness.
There is no sweltering African heat in Malta, although once, many years ago, a maximum temperature of 43 degrees was recorded here. The usual summer temperature of 28-35 degrees is balanced due to the intense movement of air masses over the islands, which have a very modest size. In addition, they have neither mountains nor skyscrapers, which usually delay the refreshing winds in other southern countries.
Half a year summer
For six months, from May to October, real summer lasts here. Russian tourists, accustomed to closely monitoring changes in temperature and precipitation in order to dress “for the weather,” may forget about their home habits during their stay in Malta. Typical summer clothes - shorts, T-shirts and sunglasses - are not changed even by those who brought with them a couple of suitcases of dresses and shirts. Those who forget to put on baseball caps and hats in the morning are in for trouble in the form of sunstroke and sun-scorched tops. There are no fresh mornings and cool evenings in the middle of summer. Night temperatures of twenty degrees replace the daytime heat of thirty degrees. Only the fresh sea breeze on the coast pleases lovers of walks under the southern stars.
Travelers arriving on an overnight flight are greeted by increased air humidity, which is, however, common in Mediterranean countries. But local residents rarely enjoy fast and warm rain. If a rare rain cloud appears in the bright blue sky, it won’t last long. Ten minutes of rain again gives way to heat. Therefore, you will only need an umbrella here to protect yourself from the sun. By the way, another protection against scorching rays - a thick layer of suntan cream - should not be neglected even in September, when the temperature sometimes warms up above 30 degrees during the day.
Autumn: swimming season continues
Autumn comes to Malta in mid-October. Although it is difficult for an ordinary resident of central Russia to mistake the lush greenery of the surrounding nature and air warmed to 20-23 degrees for boring autumn weather. Our compatriot would rather call this time cool summer days, given the swimming season that continues until mid-November and the absence of heavy rains. The sea cools down very slowly under the hot southern sun. The water temperature in November is almost the same as the air temperature. Twenty degrees does not stop Russian tourists from swimming in the sea.
When visiting Malta, no matter the time of year, don't forget flip-flops or other open-toe shoes with elastic soles for walking along the rocky coastline. Sandy beaches on the islands are very rare, there are only 15 of them. They are mostly man-made. Elsewhere along the coast, people sunbathe on pebbles, sun loungers and artificial pontoons.
Winter: lots of sun and some rain
The so-called “winter rainy season” begins in December. Oh, heat-loving southerners! They do not know the real torrential rains that lasted for several weeks under the gloomy sky of our northern side. Therefore, the Maltese call their rare rain in December-January a whole “season”. And the average daily temperature of plus 15-18 degrees is called winter. But the still bright sun does not allow the sea to cool down. The water temperature from December to February plus 14-16 allows divers at this time of year to explore with interest the clear blue waters of underwater caves rich in marine fauna. In winter, the number of tourists in Malta is significantly reduced, but still decent discounts in this cool but warm season attract many people escaping to warm countries from the Christmas cold of their northern homeland.
And it's spring again
In March, mild winter gives way to the long-awaited spring. Already from the end of February the sun begins to noticeably become hot. The already rare storm winds at sea are ending completely. Nature renews its colors, wildflowers, hibiscus and bougainvillea begin to bloom. The temperature creeps up and quickly exceeds the twenty-degree mark during the day. It's time to get on a bike and, under the cool spring sun, go around the islands, emerald with young foliage. 4/5 of the country is not occupied by cities, but is covered in spring with green fields and blooming gardens.
Cities and regions
Since 1993, Malta has been divided into 68 municipalities, which are combined into 6 districts and 3 regions. The districts are called: Outer Harbor (No. 3) and Inner Harbor (No. 1), Gozo and Comino Islands District (No. 6), Western (No. 4), Northern (No. 2) and South Eastern (No. 5) districts. The centers of the districts are the cities around which they were formed.
Regions of Malta
Cities of Malta
Valletta, La Valletta is the capital of the Republic of Malta, named after its founder - knight, naval commander, Master of the Order of St. John Jean Parisot de la Valletta, who defended the city from the Turks.
Valletta is located on the north-eastern coast of the island of Malta, on a peninsula between Marsamxett and Grand Harbor bays, at the foot of Mount Sciberras.
The first settlements in this area date back to the 9th century BC. e. In the 7th century BC. e. The area belonged to the Greeks from the 6th century BC. e. - to the Carthaginians, from 218 to the Romans, then to the Byzantines, and from 869 to the Arabs. In the 11th century, Malta was annexed to Sicily by the Normans, who at the beginning of the 16th century transferred it to the Order of St. John.
The history of the city of Valletta begins with the victory of the Maltese knights of Jean de La Valletta over the Turkish troops of Suleiman the Magnificent, after which on March 28, 1566, the Grand Master personally laid the first stone of the new city. The construction work, led by the Italian architect Francesco Laparelli da Cortona, took place with donations from the entire Christian world and was carried out in accordance with all the canons of urban planning. Thus, special systems were created to drain wastewater and remove garbage from the city, and the streets were planned so that the sea breeze cleans and cools the air in Valletta. The subsequent development of the city with residential buildings was controlled by a special Department of City Planning that exists to this day. According to the rules, it was allowed to build houses only along the streets, decorate their corners with statues, and install a well in the courtyard to collect rainwater; it was forbidden to lay out gardens in front of the facades. Upon completion of construction, Valletta was surrounded by a ditch 1 km long, 20 m wide and 18 m deep.
Since 1570, the construction of the city was continued by Laparelli's student Gerolamo Cassar, who erected many significant palaces and churches in the Maltese capital. Trade, crafts and art developed in Valletta. In 1798, Valletta was occupied by Napoleon's troops, who were warmly received by the Knights of Malta, which ultimately allowed them to avoid destruction of the city. In 1800, the island of Malta came under British rule, where it remained until 1974. During World War II, the city was heavily damaged by German bombing, but was rebuilt in peacetime. Since 1974, Valletta has become the official capital of the Republic of Malta. Today the city is an open-air museum, full of interesting historical and architectural monuments and attracting a lot of tourists every year.
Mdina is an ancient city in Malta, which was once its capital. The city was formed about 4000 years ago. At the turn of the 2nd-1st century. BC e. There was already a fortified Phoenician fortress on this site. Mdina's heyday came during the Roman period, when its territory consisted of the current city itself and nearby Rabat. It is known that the Apostle Paul visited Mdina, landing here after a shipwreck in 60 AD. e.
The Arabs, having come to power, reduced the size of Mdina, but added more powerful fortifications and a moat to the fortress. The Knights of the Order of St. John occupied Mdina in 1530.
Mdina, which is dominated by buildings in the Norman and Baroque styles, is often called the “Aristocratic City” (Citta Notabile).
It is also worth seeing Rabat - a colorful suburb of Mdina, formed at the same time, but separated by the Arabs from the city in 870 and remaining outside the fortress wall.
Car traffic is prohibited in Mdina.
Sliema is a famous resort in Malta, where the holiday season continues all year round. Sliema is located on the northern coast of the island, in the Marsamxett harbour. Formed in the 19th century as a respectable metropolitan suburb, Sliema today is perhaps the most fashionable Maltese city, a center of tourism and shopping. Hotels of various “star ratings” and levels are also located here - from luxury ones, like Crowne Plaza 5* and Fortina Spa Resort 5*, to small and affordable “starless” private boarding houses.
St. Julian's is a small resort town located between fashionable Sliema and Patchville, next to it to the west, on the shores of Spinola Bay. St Julian's, which grew from a small village around the local cathedral, is today one of Malta's busiest resorts. St. Julian's is best known for its excellent restaurants, of which there are a great many in the city.
Patchville is a small town that has no border with its predecessor, St. Julian's. This is an area of discos and bars, where nightlife begins around eight o'clock in the evening and ends by the next morning.
Marsaskala is a resort town on the shores of the bay of the same name in the east of Malta. Marsaskala is a fairly large settlement by Maltese standards, with a population of about 9,500 people. The name of the city comes from the words “marsa” and “sqalli” and translates as “Sicilian port”.
Cottonera
The Three Cities - Cottonera - is a historic site near Marsaskala, south of Valletta. The three towns are Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, the settlements south of Valletta where the Knights of the Order of St John originally settled in 1530. The first residence of the Grand Master in Malta was located here. Later, the knights erected new fortification lines (the Cottoner lines, in honor of the Grand Master Nicholas Cottoner) that protected all three cities at once. Today Cottonera is the only place in Europe protected by two rows of fortress walls. Cottonera has many interesting architectural monuments.
Qawra and Bugibba are two resort towns in the north of the island of Malta, forming the popular tourist area of St. Paul's Bay. Originally small fishing villages, located near the place where in 60 AD. e. The ship of the Apostle Paul was wrecked, Aura and Bugibba today are comfortable resorts with numerous hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Victoria is the unofficial capital of the island of Gozo, which, together with the island of Comino, forms a separate administrative-territorial unit of Malta. Victoria, with the suburbs of Fontana and Kerch, is the most populous city of the island, located in its center. Originally called Rabat, like the suburb of Mdina, the city was renamed Victoria in 1887 - in honor of the Queen of England, but among local residents and on car signs on the roads you can often find the old name.
A distinctive feature of Victoria is that it has absolutely no hotels marked with “stars” - only private housing for rent. At the same time, there are always a lot of tourists who want to visit Victoria: they are attracted by the local fortress (Citadel), the cathedral, many churches, museums, and two theaters.
Xlendi (or Xlendi) is one of Gozo's two main resorts, located in a picturesque natural bay. Until the end of the 1980s, Xlendi was a small fishing village, but with the development of the tourism industry it turned into a cozy resort town.
Marsalforn is another resort town in Gozo, located in the north of the island. Like other coastal resort towns in Malta, Marsalforn was also originally a fishing village. But echoes of fishing can be found in the resort to this day - there are excellent fish restaurants.
What to see
Malta, being for many centuries at the crossroads of European trade routes, has acquired many cultural, architectural and historical monuments. Therefore, despite its relatively modest size, there is a lot to see on the island.
Below we list the main attractions of Malta. By following the links, you will find more detailed information about the object (history, description), and also find out the cost of tickets, ways to get there by public transport, opening hours, location on the map, photographs and other useful nuances.
Sights of Malta
Museums of Malta
Costume shows
In addition to the classic stone attractions, Malta offers tourists all kinds of costume shows and performances. The most popular ones are listed below.
Where to go in Malta
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Transport
Shops and markets
Private guides in Malta
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Malta in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do in Malta
Excursions
The list of excursions around small Malta is quite impressive. Here's what domestic and Maltese tour operators offer:
Excursion name | Peculiarities | Cost, euro |
Valletta (½ day) | Sightseeing tour of Valletta + film “The Life of Malta” | 31 (adult), 15 (child) |
Gozo Island (full day) | Sightseeing tour of the island of Gozo | 54 (adult), 21 (child) |
Mdina (½ day or full day) | Sightseeing tour of Mdina | 23-45 (adult), 8.50-21 (child) |
Three cities (½ day) | Excursion to Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea | 27 (adult), 14 (child) |
Grand Harbor Cruise (½ day) | Boat trip along the shores of the natural port of Marsamxett and the Grand Harbor | 28 (adult), 12 (child) |
Blue Grotto + History of Limestone (½ day) | Visit to unique caves + show “The History of Limestone” at the bottom of a former quarry in Sijivwi, introducing the traditional craft of the Maltese. | 27 (adult), 12 (child) |
Island of Sicily (full day) | Volcano Etna, Taormina | 114 (adult), 75 (child) |
Tourist train
The Melita Trains Sightseeing Tour is a red trackless train that offers sightseeing tours around Mdina and Rabat. It departs every hour from the Roman Villa (Domus Romana). There is an audio guide in 7 languages. The train covers the 8 km route in half an hour. .
Diving
Diving is a very popular pastime in Malta. The Maltese archipelago, consisting of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, attracts divers from all over the world with the purity of coastal waters (visibility under water is 30-50 m at a depth of 20-30 m), rich underwater flora and fauna, diversity of underwater landscapes (grottoes, tunnels, caves, arches, etc.).
Diving in Malta can be practiced all year round: even in the winter months, the water temperature does not drop below 14°C, while in summer the sea temperature averages 23°C.
The flora and fauna of Maltese waters is extremely rich: there are many species of fish (Mediterranean grouper, parrotfish, red mullet, moray eel, sunfish, stingray, flounder), octopus, seahorses, squid, lobsters, starfish, crabs and cuttlefish. At the bottom there are corals, hard and soft, some varieties of which are practically not found in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea.
The most popular Maltese dive sites are:
- Malta Island: Cirkewwa (Marfa Point), L-Ahrax Point, Delimara Point, St. Paul's Islands, Ghar Lapsi, Anchor Bay, Wied iz-Zurrieq, HMS Maori.
- Gozo Island: Xlendi Cave and Xlendi Reef, Fungus Rock, Reqqa Point.
- Comino Island: Irqieqa Point, Santa Maria Caves, Cominotto Reef.
In addition to these dive sites, there are a number of wrecks (sunk ships).
Independent divers wishing to dive in Malta without an instructor must fill out an application form, present a dive log book and a valid diver certificate (minimum CMAS/2 stars), 2 photographs. All diving schools will help with paperwork.
Dive centers in Malta, united in , offer a wide range of courses, from basic training to advanced training according to international standards to the rank of instructor. The duration of the courses is from 1 day. There are courses on PADI, CMAS and BSAC systems with the issuance of relevant international certificates and dive registration books.
List of diving schools:
Casino
Casinos are another form of entertainment in Malta. Foreign tourists over 18 years of age and Maltese citizens over 25 years of age are allowed to visit them. When visiting for the first time, you must have an identification document. All four casinos in Malta have a dress code: visitors are not allowed in swimsuits, and after 20:00 shorts, sleeveless shirts and open sandals are prohibited. Some casinos give you a jacket and tie to rent upon entry.
List of the most famous casinos in Malta
- Oracle Casino
- Casino at Portomaso
- Casino di Venezia
Teaching English in Malta
Malta is also known in Europe as a country where you can effectively learn English. In recent years, Russians have also begun to come to the island to study English. They are attracted by the absence of visa problems, as well as the cost of training - 30-40% lower than in other English-speaking countries.
Language schools in Malta operate all year round, training takes place according to traditional programs: preparation for the IELTS/Cambrige exams (about 3 months), simple courses of various durations.
Beaches of Malta
In the waters of the Maltese islands there are no ebbs and flows, there are no strong undercurrents or dangerous marine inhabitants, so swimming on its beaches is quite comfortable. Since Malta is a small country, there are no endless beaches here, but small beaches in coves and on the shores of bays are also quite suitable for relaxation. The beaches in Malta are sandy, rocky and pebble, and are also divided into “wild” and “civilized”. Admission to them is free, with the exception of the beaches of hotels and clubs. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee. Follow the links for more information.
"Transport in Malta".Kitchen
Maltese cuisine is a mix of local culinary traditions and cuisines of other European countries (Italian, French), in particular Sicilian, with some shades of Moorish cuisine.
Maltese cuisine is simple and satisfying. For their preparation, seasonal products (fruits, vegetables), meat and seafood are used.
So, the meal begins with a light snack “bigilla”, prepared from vegetables seasoned with marinade and herbs.
Then soups are served - with meat broth, seasoned with fresh and dried vegetables and jbeinit cheese from the island of Gozo.
Maltese cuisine is famous for its stuffed dishes. Thus, the most famous specialties are stuffed octopus “arnit mimli” and “brajoli” - meat stuffed with herbs and eggs. Excellent fish dishes are “lampuki” (dorado) with tomato sauce and “lampuki pai” - a pie with sea bream and vegetables. Another local cult dish is “stuffat tal fenek”, rabbit stewed with herbs and garlic. Exotic lovers should enjoy the Babbouche snail stew.
In addition, it is worth trying the rice casserole with meat and tomatoes “ross fil-forn”, vegetable stew “kapunata”, local ravioli and pastas with various fillings.
Traditional Maltese bread is called “hobza”, and sandwiches made from it are called “hobz biz zeit”.
The meal is completed with Maltese sweets, of which there are a huge number in the local cuisine: pie with eggplant and dates “m'aret”, “cannoli” cakes with various fillings, halva with almonds “helva tat-tork”, nougat “kubbayt”, biscuits with figs and almonds, etc.
In addition to strong coffee and tea, the Maltese drink the national soft carbonated drink Kinnie. The drink has the taste of bitter oranges, herbs and spices (anise, ginseng, licorice, rhubarb). It began to be produced by the Farsons company in Malta in 1952, as opposed to the American Coca-Cola and Pepsi. It is believed that Kinney perfectly quenches thirst.
The cost of a jar or bottle of Kinny is about 1 euro.
Malta is famous for its wines; winemaking has been a traditional activity of local residents since ancient times. The following grape varieties are grown on the archipelago: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Syrah, Gellewza, Girghentina.
The most important wine producers are companies and.
During lunch and dinner, the Maltese usually drink inexpensive table wines: Lachryma Vitis, Special Reserve, Vigne d’Or. In restaurants you can find Dolcino, Red / Green Label, La Vallette, Verdala. Antonin, Gran Cavalier, Marnisi are considered expensive collectibles.
Lovers of sweet desserts should try Casella Moscato.
The cost of a bottle of wine is 2-20 euros.
The main producer of local beer is Farsons. The most popular beer is light Ċisk (“Chisk”). You can also try dark varieties with a more textured taste - Blue Label and Lacto. A cocktail made of beer and lemonade is called Shandy. It is also worth trying another local variety - “1565” from Lowenbrau Malta.
Luna di sera
Shopping in Malta
Malta is certainly not a shopping capital like, say, Milan or Paris. However, it is quite possible to dilute the pleasure of walking through the Middle Ages with shopping.
First of all, Malta has a huge number of souvenir shops and jewelry stores. There are large department stores, interesting stores of household goods and interior items. Valletta has many shoe stores and children's stores.
The town of Sliema is considered a paradise for shopping. The main shops there are located in St. Anne's Square, Tower Street, Tigne Street and Bisazza Street.
You can read more about shopping in this amazing island state in the material " Shopping in Malta ».
Communications in Malta
Within the Maltese archipelago, all domestic calls are considered local. Phone numbers are six digits. You can call from a landline phone in a hotel or apartment, from a mobile phone and from a payphone on the street, most of which are cardphones, a minority of which are coinphones. There are two types of cards - EasyLine and Telecard, of different denominations. They can be bought in souvenir shops, gas stations, department stores, and hotels. You can call abroad from all payphones.
Calls in the evening and on weekends are much cheaper than during business hours. You can also call from the hotel, but it will be significantly more expensive.
Malta's international code is 356.
The international access code is 00, no need to wait for dial tone. For example, a call to Russia will look like this: 00-7 - area code - subscriber number.
- Call to Ukraine: 00-38 - city code - subscriber number.
- Call from Russia to Malta: 8-10-356 - subscriber number.
There are two cellular operators in Malta - and their tariffs are approximately the same. Packages from local operators are worth purchasing if you plan to stay in Malta for a long time or are traveling with a large group.
Malta has a large number of internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots. Thus, the owners of many hotels and apartments provide their guests with a similar service free of charge. In bars and restaurants in resort areas, in order to access the Internet, you need to order something from the menu. McDonalds restaurants also provide Wi-Fi access. The cost of an hour of online work in an Internet cafe will be about 3-5 euros.
A map of Wi-Fi hotspots in Malta can be seen at.
Emergency telephone numbers in Malta
Economy
Safety
Malta is a safe country for tourists. Crime here is almost zero, which is due to long traditions and the small size of the state. However, the old Maltese proverb “When you shake hands with a Maltese, don’t forget to count your fingers” did not arise out of nowhere, so some caution will not hurt: you should not leave valuables in the car, documents and large sums of cash should be kept in the hotel safe, keep a close eye for your things in crowded places.
Most tourists prefer to relax on sandy beaches. Despite the fact that sand then has to be shaken out literally from everywhere... In addition, sandy beaches are the most crowded, because there are not so many of them. In Malta, sandy beaches are not found everywhere. The longest of them is located in the Mellieha resort area. The city of Mellieha is located on a hill, and below there is a strip of sandy seashore, forming a bay. The entrance to the sea here is very gentle, so the resort is ideal for families with children. You don't have to worry about the kids when they are frolicking in shallow water. All entertainment and famous attractions are located at a distance from Mellieha; in general, the surrounding area of this resort is sparsely developed. But there are all conditions for leisurely walking. And getting to neighboring Gozo and Comino is easy. Perhaps active and fun-loving tourists will find it a little boring here, but families with children will find it just right. The same suitable conditions for a quiet holiday with family and children can be found in the resort towns of Chirkeva and Marfa, although the beaches here are not so long.
On the southern coast of the island lies the sandy beach of the Golden Bay resort. There is only one hotel nearby, but you can get to the beach by transport from neighboring towns. The coast here is sandy, but there are areas covered with pebbles and rocky cliffs. There are fast currents along the coast. Maltese and European youth love to relax in Golden Bay; there are many water activities on the beach - banana boat rides and parachute flights. There are also bars and restaurants on the beach, as well as rental of beach equipment and equipment for various water sports. This noisy place will appeal to young and active tourists, but it will not be the best choice for those vacationing with children or who love privacy and silence.
Speaking about youth recreation, one cannot fail to mention the resort of St. Julian's - the center of active, party recreation. This is one of the busiest resorts in Malta, which attracts tourists from all over Europe during the high season.
It’s worth coming here for those who can’t imagine a holiday without vibrant nightlife and delicious food. The Patcherville area is almost full of entertainment venues that attract visitors with neon lights when dusk comes. This resort also offers activities for other categories of tourists. If young people prefer to rock all night to the trendy rhythms of discotheques, then older tourists will choose to relax in rock clubs, at jazz parties or in a wine bar. Connoisseurs of classical music will certainly be glad to have the opportunity to go to a concert in one of the concert halls at fashionable hotels, of which there are many, gourmets will treat themselves to trips to restaurants, and those who want to try their luck will go to the casino.
No one will be bored at the Sliema resort either. Unlike St. Julian's, this is a more respectable and expensive resort, a fashionable suburb of the island's capital. On the promenade of Sliema you can meet not only tourists, but also local residents - the cream of Maltese society have chosen this place for themselves. From Sliema it is easy to get to both St Julian's and the capital of the island, Valletta. This resort is also known as a shopping center. There are many boutiques of famous brands and large supermarkets here. So, if you are planning shopping, it will be the most successful here.
The resort of Marsaskala is a successful combination of entertainment, nature and attractions. Residents of Malta love to come to this small town in the summer to relax on the seashore. The beaches here are rocky and very cozy. This is a comfortable resort with developed infrastructure - there are bars, discos, restaurants and shops for every taste. For lovers of seafood and fish, local restaurants offer an extensive menu of “sea-food”. Marsaskala is close to many historical and cultural monuments. Without wasting time on the road, you can see ancient chapels, a watchtower, a fort and the restored residence of the Maltese nobility.
The towns of St. Paul's Bay, Qawra and Bugibba have practically merged into a single resort area on the north-eastern coast of the island. The coast here is rocky and you can sunbathe on natural stone slabs. Of course, the stone is not as soft as sand, but the sun-warmed surface of the slabs is very comfortable to stretch out after swimming. And the water, due to the absence of sand, is absolutely transparent. Many believe that the most picturesque views of the island open from here. In summer there are many holidaymakers, although this resort is inferior in popularity to Sliema and St. Julian's. But the hotels here are more budget-friendly.
To be precise, the island of Malta is not the only island of the Maltese archipelago, although it is the largest. There is also a very miniature island of Comino, its size is only 2.7 square kilometers. As a rule, people like to come here for a short time for walks. The only hotel on the island is suitable for lovers of water sports. Another island of the Maltese archipelago - the second largest after Malta, the island of Gozo - is a calm, picturesque and very green place. There are only two developed resorts on this island - Marsalforn and Xlendi; other beaches on the island are located near small villages. The hotels of this resort are located along the coast, and in every village you can rent accommodation. When choosing accommodation in Gozo, it is worth checking how far the accommodation is from the beach. Sometimes the beaches are separated from hotels and settlements by mountainous formations, and some will have to be reached by bus. Gozo has many historical, cultural and natural attractions. Among them, it is worth noting the megalithic temple complex of Jangtiya - one of the most ancient buildings on Earth, created much earlier than the Egyptian pyramids.
Where exactly should you go or go in Malta when you come there on holiday? The Maltese archipelago is located 93 km south of Sicily and 300 km from North Africa. It includes six islands, of which two are inhabited: Malta and Gozo (or Gozo in some readings). Comino Island is home to only a couple of dozen residents. The islets of Filfa, Cominotto and St. Paul, to which, according to legend, in 70 AD. e. The Apostle Paul was thrown out after a shipwreck, uninhabited.
Gozo is smaller than Malta. Its length is 14.5 km, width 7.2 km. There is a helipad 2.5 km from the capital of the island, Victoria. There is a ferry service between Malta and Gozo. The most important port of Gozo is Mgarr.
Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago. The calm flow of life of several peasant families is not disturbed by the roar of cars or the noise of civilization. There are ferries between Comino, Malta and Gozo, the journey takes 20 minutes.
The peculiarity of Malta remains that there are no separate areas that are somehow allocated for tourists. There are many hotels, as well as places worth visiting. And many cities somehow very imperceptibly flow into each other. However, we will name the most common and popular resorts.
Famous sightseeing cities in Malta
- Valletta
- St Julian's
- Mdina
- Vittoriosa (Birgu)
- Cospicua (Bormla)
- Senglea (Citta-Inquicta)
- Marsaxlokk
Famous beach resorts in Malta
The hottest time in Malta is from mid-July to mid-September. But already in May people come here for diving and good seaside resorts. In fact, every city on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, whether in Malta or Gozo, can successfully be called a resort. Some of the beaches here are rocky and pebble, but there are also sandy ones, like Mellieha.
- Marsaskala
- Marfa
- Mellieha
- Sliema
- Bugibba
- Marsalforn (Gozo)
- Xlendi (Gozo)
You can read more about holidays at the seaside in Malta in a separate section.
Thermal resorts of Malta
There are many spa centers in Malta. The sun, fresh air and sea have a beneficial effect on the body in a variety of pathologies. Traditional SPA procedures are combined with the latest diagnostic and treatment methods. Main specialization: programs for general wellness of the body, stress relief, recovery from injuries and after operations.
All spa methods are carried out using the healing effects of sea salt and water. Seaweed wraps (algotherapy), therapeutic mud and other methods are also used. Therapy and holidays in Malta are indicated for the following pathologies: diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, osteochondrosis, rheumatism and others), varicose veins, for recovery after childbirth and weight loss.