Malta travel guide

Malta travel guide

Due to Malta’s central Mediterranean location it has long proved desirable from both a strategic and traveller perspective. Since Phoenician times, settlers have used the island as a maritime base becoming part of an eclectic historic legacy spanning some 7,000 years. Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is a UNESO World Heritage Site and once described by Disraeli as equalling any European capital when it comes to noble architecture. But that was before WWII, of course, when poor old Malta’s strategic position did it no favours at all with the subsequent Siege of Malta resulting in the entire island being awarded the George Cross for bravery.

The maltese archipelago has welcomed tourists since the 70s and the island of Malta has been developed accordingly, especially around the coast; rural gozo, however, remains refreshingly untouched.

The Maltese are extremely proud of their heritage and although links to the UK have resulted in British tourists as well as the occasional red phone box, reading up on the island’s history is really worthwhile.

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Things to do in Malta...

The untouched nature of Gozo makes for a super interesting location for divers and snorkelers with shipwrecks and vibrant marine life adding to the allure of see through waters. Xlendi Bay makes for an excellent first port of call for those wishing to learn or dive right in, and as the harbour dive schools are responsibly controlled you can rest assured that Gozo's environment and traditional livelihoods won’t suffer as a result. As Malta boasts 300 sunny days a year it would be rude not to get outdoors and if you're a fan of sea kayaking, mountain biking or just exploring sandy coves and rocky outcrops, Gozo provides the perfect platform for a multi activity holiday. What better way to get active than climbing and abseiling in the morning followed by snorkelling or diving in the afternoon; with Ramla Bay offering a gorgeous location from where to soak up some rays. Clear blue skies juxtaposed against fortified citadels and Mediterranean waves crashing against ancient harbour walls; photographers will want to set their polarising filters to stun as Malta conjures up a sublime canvas with infinite possibilities. Valletta and Mdina on Malta are a dream of markets, piazzas, gardens and cathedrals whereas Gozo's iconic rock formations, such as the Azure Window at Dwejra Bay, provide a visual treat just aching to be captured on film.

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Things not to do in Malta...

The island of Malta has very little in terms of rivers and forests and as such there's not much action on the bird watching front - you’ll be better off heading to Comino to catch a glimpse of the local shearwaters. Of course, Malta's annual Spring Hunt doesn't help much either as it results in the killing of tens of thousands of migratory birds. This sort of 'sport' has nothing to do with culture or tradition.

Forget the past. Malta’s roots can be traced through everything from megalithic temples and subterranean sanctuaries (Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni), to medieval gates and ancient cart ruts. However, Malta's modern day history is just as interesting and if you're wondering how one tiny Mediterranean island was awarded the George Cross then pay heed to the Maltese saying: Bniedem avzat nofsu armat – ‘a well informed person is half way ahead.’

Gamble away your holiday funds. Malta has several casinos that open until dawn and if you happen to find yourself twiddling your thumbs whilst visiting Saint Julian's then popping into try your luck might seem like a good idea at the time. As with all gambling, best advice is only to bet what you can afford to lose and don't even think about channelling your inner Raymond Babbitt if you're in the slightest way tipsy.

Malta travel guide