It’s always a good idea to research a new destination before you embark on an exciting vacation or trip. However, there are some things you can only experience and may never read about to prepare you for a new country or city.
A destination that is rising in popularity is actually the 10th smallest country in the world – Malta. People from all over the world are coming to vacation and temporarily reside on the islands.
As more and more tourists come to experience the beauty and history of Malta, here are some tips on what you can expect during your trip. So you can better prepare yourself for your time in this gorgeous and culturally rich country.
Where is Malta?
Malta is made up of three islands located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Tunisia.
Malta and Gozo are two of the three islands that are inhabited. Comino is the third and smallest island, which is home to the famous Blue Lagoon.
There is an international airport on the main island that has daily flights to the rest of Europe and connections to Africa.
What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Malta
To help you better enjoy your time in Malta and prepare for your trip, below are some essential tips and information.
They Drive on the Left
Once a British territory, Malta drives on the left side of the road like countries in the United Kingdom. This can be quite a shock for those coming from countries that drive on the right side of the road.
It can take some getting used to, especially if you plan to rent a car or scooter to get around the island.
Always remember to look right, left, then right before crossing the street.
The traffic can be a bit intimidating and aggressive compared to your home country. Always drive and cross the street with extra caution while exploring Malta.
It’s Tiny!
Malta is the tenth smallest country in the world. While planning my itinerary for the trip, I overestimated just how long it would take to reach certain destinations. You can easily drive across the island in less than an hour.
Due to its small size, having a base in a city like Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, or St. Julian’s will give you easy access to the rest of the island. You can easily travel to various points of interest throughout the island for full or half-day trips.
Public Transportation is Super Convenient
There is an intricate bus system that reaches all points of Malta. You can access the major bus terminal in Valletta and have access to various bus routes. It’s also super easy to purchase your bus ticket. If you have a contactless payment method, you can tap it right as you get on the bus to pay for your ticket.
Along with buses, Malta is known for its reliable ferries. You can take a ferry from Sliema to Valletta and Valletta to the Three Cities for just a few euros round trip. Keep in mind that these ferries are payable only in cash.
Lastly, there are two ferry routes to reach Gozo. You can take the traditional ferry from Cirkewwa, which allows you to bring cars, or the fast ferry from Valletta, which only allows passengers.
2×1 Happy Hour Specials
A common happy hour special during the evening is two drinks for the price of one. You will see signs all over Sliema and Valletta offering these drink deals, usually between 5 pm and 8 pm.
One thing you should know, though, is that the two drinks must be the same and will both come out at the same time.
So, it’s a good idea to enjoy your happy hour with a friend or loved one who has the same taste in beverage as you. Or you can enjoy two drinks to yourself – no shame in that!
The History is Fascinating
If you have an interest in history, then Malta will surely satisfy your craving for interesting stories about cultures, battles, and the country’s development.
Malta’s history dates back 5,000 years to neolithic times. You can walk through ancient temple ruins, such as Hagar Qim or Ggantija Temples on Gozo.
Or learn about the multiple conquerings of the island and how it changed hands from the Romans to the Arabs to the Knights of Malta to the British and then became independent.
Walking through ancient cities such as Mdina, Victoria, and Valletta is comparable to walking through an open-air museum. With buildings and churches dating back hundreds of years, you’ll surely find many things to admire.
Visit the Sunday Market at Marsaxlokk
The historic fishing village of Marsaxlokk is an excellent place to visit on Sunday mornings. They host a large open-air market with vendors selling souvenirs, clothing, shoes, household items, delicious traditional Maltese pastries, fruits, vegetables, and freshly caught fish.
There are also many restaurants to enjoy breakfast or lunch along the harbor and a beautiful church to explore.
Expect Some Wind
Being an island without many trees, you can expect to have some windy days, especially during the winter months.
If you are visiting cliffs on the edge of the islands, be prepared to have your hair blowing in every direction due to the strong winds.
Only Pay for the Gozo Ferry on Your Return Trip
When you take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo, you will only have to pay for your ticket when you return to Malta.
The ticket price is about 4.50 euros per passenger and can be purchased from the kiosks at the port in Gozo.
So, when you first get on the ferry to Gozo, don’t go looking to purchase your ticket!
There is a Famous Fireworks Festival in April
If you’re a lover of fireworks shows, then you’ll definitely want to plan your trip to Malta in April to witness the Malta International Fireworks Festival. Usually taking place at the end of April, you’ll witness spectacular shows with exciting music throughout the week.
You May Hear Cannons Daily
If you are staying or spending the day in Valletta or Mdina, you can expect to hear cannons go off daily. This is a tradition that happens at noon and sometimes in the afternoons. Malta’s vigorous history of war and battles, it’s a way to honor the soldiers who fought to protect the country.
They can be quite loud and surprising if you are not expecting to hear cannons go off during your trip. Don’t let them frighten you, though; it’s completely normal.
It’s Remote Worker Friendly
Malta is one of the friendliest and most accommodating countries to visit for remote workers and digital nomads. With plenty of cafes offering free wifi and allowing you to pull out your laptop and work for a few hours, it’s an excellent place to take a workation.
In fact, Malta’s digital nomad visa encourages remote workers looking for a change of scenery to come and live in the country for up to three years. With an easy application process, remote workers can make Malta their new home in just 30 days.