Looking for a perfect destination? Well Malta is the place to visit! Why Malta, you ask? Well, let me tell you more about this magnificent country. And you just might want to start planning today!
Malta is an archipelago which means there are many Maltese islands to visit, each one with something new and exciting things to offer! The three islands are Malta, Comino and Gozo which are all located in the heart of the Mediterranean. The largest island is Malta. It’s also the cultural, commercial and administrative center. Gozo is the second largest is more rural and is characterized by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. The smallest island, Comino is largely uninhabited.
For beach lovers, you will surely love the superbly sunny weather and expansive beaches perfect for lounging, sunbathing and frolicking in the sparkling blue waters. One of the more popular areas for vacationers is St. Julians. This popular destination is a located by the bay and incidentally also includes smaller bays. These picturesque sites are also surrounded by high-rise hotels which you may or may not decide to book a room in. Some of them can get quite pricey on certain holidays.
It is also where you can find Paceville, home of the island’s principal night-life district. So there you have it, vacation goers have the beach for some day-time fun and after that, and you can head on over to the streets for some night-time fun.
For those who are more interested with historical sites, the islands are full of Baroque palaces and Renaissance Cathedrals. Gorgeous buildings you can explore and take pictures of to your heart’s content. The island’s countryside is also dotted with oldest known human structures. All these historical landmarks and sights make Malta seem like a huge open-air museum.
With all these wonderful activities and sights the Maltese islands have to offer, you just might want to spend your much-awaited and much needed holiday in this wonderful group of islands.
Planning a trip to Malta are you? Then you must already have ideas on what you want to do and what you want to see. But if so far all you have planned is what to do in the sand, then you might be missing out on a great deal of things. Surely you do not want to spend your holiday rolling around in gorgeous beaches and dipping into the azure waters of the Mediterranean. So here are some things you might consider doing on your holiday. They won’t be a hassle to plan as there are companies willing to arrange everything for you. So let us see what there is to do shall we?
First up is a tour by Captain Morgan Cruises. These guys are a major tour operator in the Maltese archipelago and offer a great variety of boat trips. They have a tour of Grand Harbour which is very popular among the tourists. They also offer an all day cruise along the islands of Malta and Comino that includes a buffet lunch. Don’t worry about paying for lunch; it is included in the admission fee. They also offer trips to the Blue Lagoon which can be found in Camino. There is a sunset cruise that has a buffet dinner or you can rent a catamaran from them for a full day of sailing along the waters. They have boats with glass bottoms which is great for those who cannot swim or those who are travelling with children. For the price that you pay this tour operator, they will pick you up and bring you back to your hotel.
For those with more money, why not rent a helicopter to get a better view of the islands. The helicopters depart Malta international airport and you have the option of a 20-minute or a 30-minute trip. This is not cheap though but certainly worth the money.
These two are just a couple of things that you can do to enjoy your vacation in Malta. You don’t get to go on holiday everyday so you might as well enjoy what time you have and make the most of your trip.
There are people who travel with no budget and there are those who travel on a shoestring. That is a fact of life. For those that travel on a tight budget, the first things you can save on are accommodations and food. Those are basically the two things that always get the budget cut. So, without further ado, here is a guide on choosing a good hotel that will fit your budget. But before that, the budget hotels in Malta are cheap and look great for the price so you won’t have a too many problems looking for a place.
If you want to stay in Valetta, there are several places you can choose from that offer rooms below 100USD. The Castille Hotel has 33 rooms and has all the things you can expect from a 3 star hotel. Rooms have air-conditioning and wireless internet. Rooms can be booked starting at 64USD. Next on the list is Osborne Hotel located in South Street. All of its 54 rooms have things that any guest will want, television, hairdryer and a safe just to name a few. Rates for rooms start at 80USD. But if those are still a bit steep for you, there is always Valleta Boutique which is not a hotel but a guesthouse. Its rooms are clean and full of authentic Maltese items that give it a unique feel. There is also a restaurant downstairs that offers inexpensive and yet awesome food. Private rooms start at about 46USD. If you want something cheaper still, book a room in Palazzo Sant Ursula; a converted 17th century palace in Valleta. The rooms are spacious and clean, plus its 5 minutes away from everything, saving you more money in terms of transportation. This charming place can set you back for as little as 18USD a night. Now all that money you saved on accommodations can go to something more worthwhile like shopping or snorkeling; maybe even splurge on food and drinks on your last night.
There are budget hotels available for those who choose not to stay in Valleta. You can check out the Grand Hotel in Gozo where rooms can be had for 55USD a night. This hotel offers you great views of the sea and the islands and is on the second largest island in Malta. Another hotel in Gozo is Downtown Hotel that has a rooftop pool, a nightclub and is a short walking distance from the central bus terminal where all the shops are. Room rates for this hotel start at only 50USD a night.
For those that want to stay in Sliema, you can get rooms for under 50USD. The Imperial Hotel has rooms that start at 42USD a night complete with air-conditioning and television. The conveniently situated Plaza Regency Hotel has rooms available for 35USD. You can’t beat these bargains and these hotels won’t leave you with a bad taste in your mouth either.
So you have chosen your vacation spot and you have made the great choice of deciding on Malta to spend your vacation. Whether it’s a mere 3-day holiday for people who live near Malta, or an epic vacation for those who live farther away, its always a good idea to pick the right hotels and activities to maximize your time and get the most out of the experience. After all, it is called a vacation for a reason and you need to enjoy before going back to the daily grind.
First thing you need to decide on are accommodations, there are plenty of beautiful hotels that you can stay in at very reasonable prices. In the Maltese capital of Valleta alone, you can find grand hotels with the most beautiful rooms for incredible prices. If you are bent on spending for cushy accommodations, try the Hotel Phoenicia Malta where you can pick rooms with views. Another hotel you might want to check out is Hotel Grand Excelsior; it has the most beautiful swimming pool you can take dips in. These hotels are pricy, but you might get lucky and chance upon a discount rate if you check online.
If you decide not to stay in Valleta, you might also want to consider staying in Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay. This is a beautiful 5-star hotel that has beautiful and spacious rooms at very competitive rates. With the great rooms, you also get great views of the water and a stunning swimming pool to take swims in. Le Meridien St. Julians Hotel is another great option for those who have a bigger budget for accommodations. This hotel is a long time favorite among business and leisure travelers.
For those of you who aren’t picky with accommodations and don’t mind staying in less expensive hotels, then you will definitely enjoy the budget hotels and rooms in Malta. In St. George’s Park in St. Julian’s, you get more than your money is worth. With 25USD, you get a wonderful room, swimming pools and much more, all for 25USD. That is pretty hard to beat. Less expensive hotels are also available in the capital although the prices are higher than in the other areas, for instance you can get a room for 80USD a night in the Osborne Hotel. Somewhat cheaper still is Castille Hotel where rooms can be booked for as low as 60USD. You will be blown away at how pretty these budget hotels are.
Take your time when deciding on where to stay. Utilize the internet and read reviews. You just might stumble on a great bargain and also read reviews that will save you from an awful hotel. It’s your time and money, spend them well.
When we think vacations, some of us might go for huge cities that burst with color and noise and restaurants and people. That is all well and good if you want to get lost in the big city. We may all need to experience that at some point in our lives. But there are those who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city and dream of getting lost in a land far away; a land that gives them a chance to experience a totally different culture and a different kind of hustle and bustle altogether. For these vacationers or intrepid backpackers, Malta might just be you stop.
Located right in the middle of the Mediterranean, it’s a delightful mixture of the countries that have managed to influence it. It is like a melting pot of the Mediterranean but make no mistake, the Maltese might have heavy influences from other cultures but they have a culture all their own. Malta is comprised of islands, 316 sq Km of islands. The islands are Malta, Gozo and Comino and each very delightful.
Now, you might think that such a tiny place doesn’t have much to offer vacationers, but that is where you are wrong. Tiny as it may be, Malta does not scrimp on entertainment. No one will get bored as there is always something for everyone. Perhaps you are an architecture buff, well then you are certainly going to fall in love with architecture especially that of Valleta. This tiny capital was granted as a world heritage listing by UNESCO and is most often described as being one of the most concentrated historical places in the world. Sounds promising, doesn’t it? Boasting magnificent views of the sea, shady allies that lead to grand squares, bars and store occupy buildings that have hardly changed in over a century; yes, tiny Malta and its even tinier capital live up to that promise.
Prepare your most comfortable walking shoes as the tiny city if Valleta is best seen on foot. Strap on your shoes and start walking along narrow alleys flanked by windows on both sides, maybe climb a few stairs and keep walking, chances are you are bound to come up against some pretty interesting historical landmarks like the Alexander ball Temple in the lower Barakka Gardens.
If you have had enough walking and sight-seeing, Head on over to Sliema, St. Julians & Paceville where all the local cool kids go to wine and dine on excellent Mediterranean food. Not to mention shop and dance. To those who simply must shop to enjoy a vacation, then you will want to make this stop. In fact, this is where a lot of tourists take up accommodations.
History buff, architecture junkie, shopaholic, or serious foodie, you will find something to suit you in Malta. It is truly a place for everyone.
We all need a vacation at some point. So if you do get the chance to go on a vacation, consider the tiny archipelago that is Malta. It has everything including amazing beaches, great weather, mouth-watering food and amazing historical sites. Before you go here are some things to remember.
Book a place to stay. Now there are a lot of places where you can stay in. It is up to you to decide. Do you want to stay in the main island? If so, you can try 70USD per person per night or Palazzo Sant Ursula which cost about 20USD per person per night; this palazzo is no slouch in the service and comfort department.
In Victoria, you can check into Gozo Houses of Character and will cost you about 35USD per night per person. There are also the Gardens and the Downtown Hotel for rooms.
Make sure that you take the time to sample some local food like the delectable Maltese bread which is called hobza which has a very distinct smell. People crave for this bread even after their vacation is over. Another snack that you should try is the pastizzi – they are pockets of puff pastry filled with mashed peas or ricotta cheese; delicious, cheap and filling owing to its lard rich dough. Dieters beware of this. You could easily snack on it endlessly throughout your trip.
Take a tour of the islands. You can get the help of tour operators for this or simply hop on a bus and do your own exploring. The tours can get pricey depending on the package that you take, but the deals are usually good and include lunch or dinner plus pickups to and from the ferries. If you decide to tour on your won however, the buses are cheap and very efficient in getting you around. Just be armed with a map though.
Always remember that even tiny Malta might have some dangers, so do not go around flashing your money or picking fights with locals. Credit cards are widely accepted and their currency is the Euro. Make sure to change your money in banks as they offer better rates than in hotels or guesthouses.
Try to remember these tips and tricks and you will have a great vacation in the magnificent islands of Malta.
To people who love shopping, nothing is sweeter than hearing this word paired with vacation. To go on vacation and to shop around everyday is heaven to a lot of people and you can do a lot of shopping while in Malta. What could be better than riffling through merchandise in charming old open-air markets and shops that are located in centuries old buildings? Those who love haggling can hone their skills in the Sunday markets or even just the flea markets outside the walls of Valleta.
When in vacation in Malta, you might want to check out a couple of bookstore for some books you can read while baking in the sun. Agenda and Aquilina Bookshop have great stocks of history books along with some travel guides and fiction on their shelves. You will not be disappointed and pretty soon, you can be on the beach enjoying a good book while basking in the sun’s rays and listening to the sound of the waves.
In the Artisans market, you will find a selection of merchandise you can take home to your friends or even use in your own house. In Artisans market, you will find Gozo lace, jewelry and even doorknockers made of brass.
Looking to try some Maltese recipes, then go on to the Fresh Produce Market where you can buy fresh produce like vegetables, fruits and deli stuff on the top floor. Pork and other meat products can be found on the ground floor of the market. It has all you need to try your hand at cooking
Gio Batta Delia is a place you should take some time to browse through. They carry some big names that produce fine china and even glass. For those that are feeling just a hint of homesickness, there is a Marks & Spencer that you might want to visit and alleviate some of your homesickness.
To be sure, the shopaholic will be very happy in Malta and will not run out of things to buy. Browse the shops and bring home some clever Maltese handicrafts to give to your friends and for you to keep as a reminder of your vacation.
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Vacations are great aren’t they? You get to do what you want for as long as your vacation lasts. If you visit Malta, you can do what you want to your hearts content. Some people might decide to go diving in Malta’s pristine waters and at its amazing underwater sights. Other people might visit every nook and cranny looking for a great buys to bring home to their friends; while a few might just be there to enjoy the night life and bask in the sun. There are tourists however that go on vacation and eat. Yes, you read that right. They go on vacation and eat to their heart’s content sampling the gastronomic delights that Malta has to offer. They are on vacation and normal dietary rules may not apply. Just how lucky are these people.
Malta is strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean and as a result, has imbibed a little bit of everything that surrounds it. Resulting in scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine that has a Maltese twist. For those that would love to try everything that Maltese cuisine has to offer there are quite a lot of places worth checking out. High standards and warm welcomes are par for the course in Ambrosia, a restaurant located in Valleta, the menu is changed everyday and you will always find great Mediterranean dishes that make great use of fresh local produce.
Another great restaurant also to be found in Valleta is Café Jubilee where you can drip in to have a good old Maltese breakfast of and a pastizzi. You can also find salad, pasta or risotto on the menu. Café Jubilee is also great for late night drinks.
La Sicilia is an unpretentious eatery where you can find hearty Italian pasta dishes that are filling and very easy on the wallet. This is a great restaurant for the budget conscious traveler.
Whatever you want to eat, go ahead and scour the streets of Valleta, you will surely find something that will please your palate or merely something to fill a rumbling tummy and give you enough energy for another round of walking.
As with travel to any place, there are some things that one must definitely check out and some things that you absolutely must know. When taking a trip to beautiful Malta it is only to your benefit to know the places to eat, places to go to and places to see. Your hotel or guesthouse can help you plan your activities or you can plan them on your own.
If you are staying in the main island, you should check out the capital that is Valleta. This tiny city can be traversed by foot and is quite gorgeous. Go around Valleta and see some amazing century old buildings and get lost in narrow alleys that open up to spectacular plazas. Inside the city you can visit the Armory where you can see armors from the 16th until the 18th century. Gaze upon the magnificent façade of Auberge de Castille where the Spanish and Portuguese Knights of St. John used to live. Go underground to the Lascaris War Rooms where you can find the headquarters of the allied air and naval forces during WWII. Visit the Lower Barakka gardens to see the Doric columns dedicated to Sir Alexander ball who took Malta from the French.
Take pictures of the Triton Fountain and sharpen your bargaining skills at the flea markets both of which are located just outside the city walls. Better yet, climb the City Gate and marvel upon the magnificent view of the sea and the other islands. Nothing is quite as breathtaking as watching the sun set on such a magnificent setting.
Walking might be the best way to see the city but there are other ways to get around. Most people recommend taking the bus which brings you anywhere within 45 minutes to an hour. You can also take ferries to go to and from islands; that is up to you and what you intend to do in Malta.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all the walking around, you can sit down and enjoy some exquisite Mediterranean food with a distinct Maltese twist. Or you can always walk some more and discover more of what Malta has to offer.
There are vacationers who go for fun in the sun, others go for shopping while others do nothing else but eat, eat and eat while on vacation. You can do all of that in Malta, but for those who are more interested in sight-seeing, Malta is a treasure trove. History buffs and photography hobbyists will fall in love with its century old cities, shaded alley ways, baroque palaces. Your feet and camera might just give up before you get tired of sight-seeing in Malta.
First on the list of places you might want to see is the present-day capital Valleta. The best way to see this tiny capital is by foot, so ladies, leave your stilettos at home and wear more comfy shoes which would make walking easier to do. One must see is the triton fountain located just outside the Valleta City gates. It’s hard to miss and it’s something you shouldn’t miss seeing. Just outside the city walls, right in front of St. James Bastion and St. James Counter Guard is flea market which sells the usual merchandise plus some bric-a-brac and even some animals. Some people might not want too see this as some animals are kept in rather small cages. There are other markets open on Sundays located in Marsaxlokk which is a fishing village and another one in It-tokk market located in Victoria in the Island of Gozo.
City Gate is another must see in Valleta. This is the main entryway into Valleta. Great views of the great ditch can be enjoyed from the ramparts above the City Gate. There is a fourth City gate and also the most current although the Maltese don’t seem to like this gate very much. So take out your cameras and snap away while on top of City Gate.
And another place you should put on your list is the National Museum of Archeology where you can find artifacts from 3200 BC and as well as the bronze age and Roman era. Malta ash something for everyone and even the tiny capital city can keep you entertained for days.
