This may be a small island, but you can expect a holiday to Malta to be jam-packed with adventure. From beautiful beaches and historic sights, to cosmopolitan harbour towns and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone on this hidden gem in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Why not relax in the sunshine on a picture-perfect bay? Or catch a boat out to the nearby Comino island and take a dip in the picturesque Blue Lagoon? If you love history and immersing yourself in local culture, you’ll love the UNESCO-listed capital city of Valletta. You’ll find the famous St John’s Cathedral here, which dates to the 16th century. Silema and St Julian’s boast a wealth of upmarket bars and restaurants that really come to life when the sun goes down.
Things to do
Of course, Malta is brimming with picturesque beaches, like those at Golden Bay, which are just perfect for relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. But this diverse island has so much more to offer than pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. Book your holidays to Malta in summer and you could find yourself at one of the seasonal music festivals, so why not let your hair down? When it comes to culture, there’s no shortage of things to see. Mdina and Valetta are well worth visiting, and there’s lots of islands off the mainland to explore. A trip to tranquil Gozo provides unspoilt beaches and bountiful diving opportunities.
Places to stay
The northern coast of Malta has the island’s longest beach at Mellieha Bay. Just a bit further to the south-east, the large, buzzing resorts of Qawra and Bugibba are tucked side-by-side into St. Paul’s Bay. You’ll find some of Malta’s best sandy beaches hugging the north-western coast at Golden Bay. Malta’s small but elegant capital, Valletta, is filled with narrow historic streets and surrounded by dramatic fortifications. The rocky shores north of the capital are home to the classy resorts of Sliema and St. Julian’s. Head to Malta’s little sister island, Gozo, for a taste of rural peace.
What should I pack?
Malta is known for its sunshine, particularly during the summer months, so make sure you pack plenty of sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget your swimwear and a cover-up for lazing on the beach or by the pool.
You’ll also want to pack some comfortable shoes if you’re planning on sightseeing in Mdina, the ancient capital and Valletta, the modern capital, as well as your camera to snap photographs at the ancient monuments and museums.
If you’re going to be visiting churches and other religious monuments, make sure you pack some modest clothing such as jeans or light trousers and something to cover your shoulders with, as Malta is a Roman Catholic country.
Although Malta is still quite warm during the winter months, it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or waterproof for rainy days or cooler evenings and a small travel umbrella may come in handy.
More Travel Guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Bugibba | Qawra | Sliema
