The Nutshell Guide to Visiting Malta

Published October 24, 2016

An island sprinkled with small villages, reminiscent of when the Knights settled the island, Malta redefines the Mediterranean island experience. With amenities, like cafes fitted for long lunches, secret swimming holes, and perfect wineries, it brings the best of what you want out of an European escape.

There are many reasons to visit Malta. It is untouched, the Maltese are incredibly friendly, and you could spend easily more than a week bouncing between the islands of Malta and Gozo. If you’re looking for a quaint spot for your next vacation to Europe, look no further than Malta.

The Nutshell Guide to Malta

What to Know Before Visiting Malta

• Maltese and English are widely spoken, making it easy to travel.
• The currency is the Euro, and cash is more widely accepted.
• The Maltese drive on the left side of the road!
• The ferry is the best way to get between Malta and Gozo.
• Most shops close for the afternoons.
• There are 300 days of summer, so any time of year is likely to be good. Avoid the heat of the summer, and come early summer or early fall.
• A week’s time would be ideal for visiting, but could easily spend more!

Where to Stay in Malta

• The Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa: Set in the heart of Malta, this historic hotel has deep roots in Maltese traditions. Both luxurious and comfortable, the beautiful hotels has a lovely spa, fine dining, and gardens onsite.

Where to Eat in Malta

• Palazzo Parisio: An old palace that has a restaurant right in the heart of the gardens. Fine dining and classic Maltese dishes are the base of the menu.
• Villa Corinthia: Set inside the Corinthia Palace, this fine dining restaurant has a world-chef and serves modern takes on Maltese cuisine.
• Harbour Club: A good view, and fresh seafood in a cheerful outdoor restaurant.
• Diar il Bniet: A concept kitchen serving farm to table foods, with ingredients sourced right from the restaurant’s farm.
• Jus Restaurant: A cozy restaurant, with dishes like rabbit, fresh fish, and mussels.
• Tal Petut: In Birgu, this family style restaurant has no menu, just a traditonal meal.
• Flora’s: Head here for lovely high tea!

What to Do in Malta

• Visit Mdina: Settled by the Knights, this walled city has expansive views over the island, offering a lovely village to explore by foot.
• Take a drive to Dingli Cliffs to the most western point on Malta. It is the highest point on the island, offering a view over the ocean that is second to none.
• Visit a winery at San Niklaw, that is family owned and has delicious whites.
• Go to the capital city, Valletta (a World Heritage Site). See St. John’s Co-Cathedral, explore the streets, and take in the views over the Three Cities from the Upper Barakka Gardens.
• Time your trip with the Malta Classic, and see vintage cars zip through Mdina.
• Gaze out over the Blue Grotto, or take a boat trip around the coastline to peer up.
• See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples.
• Take an afternoon trip to Comino to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue or Crystal Lagoon.
• Explore the Three Cities, starting with Birgu-Vittoriosa. The town is walkable, and holds historical importance for the Knights who had their inns in the Collacchio Area. Fun tip: take the water taxi from Valletta!
• See where they filmed the original Popeye movie, and take a dip in Anchor Bay.
• Checkout the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk Bay.

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