Malta is a fantastic and underrated country. The reason I travelled here in 2021 was because it was one of a few options due to the pandemic. How naive I was! Malta has such a vast and significant history from being a British colony in 1813, serving as a way station for ships and the headquarters for the British Mediterranean Fleet. It was besieged by the Axis powers during World War II and was an important Allied base for operations in North Africa and the Mediterranean.The country became a republic in 1974. It has such a significant war history to be explored.
Malta is also a tourist destination due to its warm climate, architectural and historical monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum,Valletta, and seven megalithic temples which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. It has the top three things any holiday needs; beaches, battles and beers!
Practicalities:
Getting there & getting around:
Malta is a quick 3 hour flight from London, once in Malta I recommend getting a car, as Valetta is quite small and you will probably want to explore the whole island and the public transport is not very reliable. There is a parking garage just outside Valletta and it is £10 to leave your car overnight.
Forms Needed:
- EU PLF
- Malta PLF
- Health Declaration
- NHS Vaccine Pass
- Insurance
Accomodation:
If you’re looking for somewhere with great location, we stayed at AX – The Saint John which is a stunning hotel perfectly located in the center of Valletta Village. The National War Museum is 350 yards away, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens are just a 10-minute walk away. Malta International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the property.
Price:
Malta is a very affordable destination, There are budget options for stays but overall this will hit the pocket.
Below is a rough guide for 2 people for a long weekend of 3 days/ 3 nights
- Hotel: £415
- Car Hire: £35
- Parking: £35
- Food: £30/PD
How Long To Stay:
We went for a weekend, I feel a long weekend of 3 to 4 days would be plenty of time to explore all of Malta
When To Go:
Spring and early summer, April, May and June is the best time to visit Malta. The weather is not hot (sunny days and the nights are cool) and there are fewer tourists. You’ll able to swim if you don’t mind the slightly cooler waters, although it is still the mediterane so not too cold.
Travel Tips:
It is a good idea to book a boat tour to go to Gonzo Island as it is hard to do on your own as it involves ferry’s etc. Drive to a port and let the tour do the rest. You will also have an opportunity to see the blue lagoon.
What To See & Do in Malta:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture. It was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St John.The construction was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière to serve as the conventual church of the Knights of Malta and designed by the Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar. The church was dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order. The oratory holds the biggest and only signed masterpiece by Caravaggio. St John’s church is administered by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation responsible for the religious cultural heritage of the monument
Fort St Angelo
During the past thousand years, whoever gained control of Fort St Angelo could effectively rule the Maltese Islands. Therefore, no other fortress has been engaged with the same intensity in the shaping of Malta’s destiny. Nowadays, this fort is considered as the boldest memorial of the strategic importance of the islands and of the innumerable lives which were sacrificed for their dominion.
During the Second World War, Fort St Angelo was once more called into action to offer protection against the Axis air raids. It suffered 69 direct hits during bombings. After the war, the fort continued to serve as the headquarters of the Royal Navy in Malta until the last detachment of foreign forces marched out of its walls in March 1979.
Today, Fort St Angelo offers spectacular panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding fortified towns. Through traditional and innovative immersive displays, visitors can experience the colourful history and various architectural styles of this fort, together with staggering examples of artillery.
Barrakka Gardens
Named the Upper Barrakka and the Lower Barrakka, both gardens offer a stunning view of the Grand Harbour.
The Upper Barrakka garden, especially, is a must. Built on top of a demi-bastion, both locals and foreigners relish spending hours taking in the sights. A number of statues and monuments adorn the gardens, including one dedicated to Winston Churchill.
A monument dedicated to Captain Ball is located in the centre of the Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Gozo, Comino and Blue lagoon Cruise
Find the best places, the finest coves and inlets with picturesque crystal clear waters and secluded beaches that Malta, Gozo, Comino, and blue lagoon have to offer You get to experience the coastlines of the Maltese islands in a unique incomparable way. On a boat trip will take you around the Comino islands, will visit beautiful bays like the famous blue lagoon, Crystal lagoon, and also numerous caves along the way, including secluded beaches.
Enjoy Delicious Food
There are many incredible restaurants across the city, there is a heavy focus on seafood and Italian food, so not the most vegan friendly, but here are a few favourites you can’t miss:
- SOTTO Pinsa Romana Valletta. Reputedly the best pizza in Malta and we cannt disagree. Portions are generous, two of us shared one pizza and a salad for lunch, which was more than ample. Very friendly staff. Good value for money.
- Fifty Nine Republic This basement restaurant is cosy and characterful but, if it’s sunny, the terrace overlooking the Grandmaster’s Palace is the place to be. Generously sized dishes blend classical French techniques with Mediterranean flavours. The ‘bites to share’ are imaginative, and Beef Wellington is the house speciality. Michelin Star.
- Casa Sotto. Very delicious authentic Italian pizza and the vibe and energy of the restaurant was great. The service was friendly and professional
- Aaron´s Kitchen. Locals and tourists mingle at this small, welcoming bistro, hidden down a quiet side street in the heart of the city. The menu includes many regional classics; be sure to try the ‘fenek’ – traditional Maltese rabbit cooked with a secret ingredient according to Aaron’s mother’s own recipe.
- Rampila. Secreted down a narrow stone staircase within the city walls, you’ll find this 16C building constructed by the Knights of St John. Dine inside, in an old military tunnel, or out on the elevated terrace overlooking the city gate. Wholesome dishes mix local, Italian and Mediterranean influences.
