The best holiday in Malta. Where to relax, what to see and how to get to Malta

Malta boasts attractive scenery and good weather all year round. Small but with a rich history, this country will be of interest to tourists of any age. If you are having difficulty deciding where to stay in Malta, we offer several options.

Gozo is an island that is neighboring Malta and is the second largest. It is small, calm and picturesque. There are a number of interesting places to visit: the Azure Window, Calypso Cave, Gzantija Temples.

Gozo is chosen by tourists who do not need casinos, clubs and noisy bars, and food prices here are lower than those offered on the island of Malta. This is especially true for picturesque villages, so it’s worth combining a trip to non-tourist areas with a trip to local restaurants.

This resort is an incredibly popular and lively place. It will be comfortable here for those who do not mind noise in the evenings and for those who do not return to the hotel before midnight.

Young people will enjoy the local clubs and restaurants, as well as the long promenade. In the center of the resort there is a tourist area where you can not only take a walk, but also do some shopping.

This is the most fashionable area among the resorts of Malta. Sliema is a modern and developed city with the best places for shopping and dining.

Among the attractions are a fort, a watchtower and many churches. It is worth noting that most tourists in Malta stay in Sliema, since the most modern hotels are located here.

Mellieha is a relatively quiet and sparsely developed resort, located away from other holiday destinations, but rewarded with magnificent nature. Those who go on vacation for the sake of relaxation and not nightlife will like it here.

One of the best shallow beaches is in Mellieha, so there are many tourists with children here.

In the vicinity of the city you can see ancient coastal fortifications, visit nature reserves or go to the islands of Comino and Gozo, which are nearby.

As soon as you get to the coast of St. Julian's, you immediately see a large concentration of clubs, restaurants and lively bars.

This place is considered the best for nightlife in Malta. At the other end of the bay is a quieter part of the city, known for its good high-end hotels.

The capital of Malta has a lively atmosphere during the day and becomes a completely peaceful city at night. The choice of hotels is limited, but the city has a rich past, with many museums, restaurants and shops.

It is worth visiting the majestic palaces, Freedom Square, numerous churches and cathedrals. Valletta is a city steeped in history that will be of interest to architecture lovers.

On a world map measuring 2 by 3 meters, the state of Malta occupies an area the size of the head of a pin. What can fit on these tiny islands in the Mediterranean?

Here's what: megalithic temples built 5 thousand years ago; knightly fortresses and palaces; museums with prehistoric fossils and modern instruments that explain the laws of physics; water and adventure parks; language schools for children and adults; restaurants with national cuisine, from where you can smell the breathtaking smell of rabbit stewed with wine and garlic...

Oh yes, we also need to mention the beaches in small bays - family holidays in Malta are most often devoted to excursions, but basking in the sun by the sea is also nice.

This is the main goal of a trip to Malta - a lot of excursions and a little bit of beach idleness. Our review is devoted to what else is interesting about holidays with children in Malta.

Where is Malta

Malta (official name - Republic of Malta) is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea, 93 km from the island of Sicily and 288 km from the coast of Tunisia.

The state includes the islands of the Maltese archipelago, only three of which - Malta, Gozo and Comino - are inhabited by people. The area of ​​the Republic of Malta is 316 square meters. km, population - 429.344 thousand people. The capital of the state is Valletta.

To enter Malta, citizens of Russia and CIS countries need a Schengen visa. Citizens of the EU and a number of other countries enjoy visa-free entry.

Vacation with children

People come to Malta with children for various reasons. Some choose lively Sliema, where summer camps teach English. Some people choose Valletta, from where routes to all attractions open.

Someone wants to relax with their child on the sandy beaches of Mellieha. Which of these do you prefer? In Malta the question does not arise this way - here you can use everything at once.

The territory of Malta is so small that to travel around the country you do not need to look for accommodation in a new city every time. You can live in your favorite hotel and go on a new trip every day - to a nice beach, on an excursion or for a walk in the forest.

Holidays in Malta are most suitable for families with teenagers who are not averse to learning something new. There are so many things connected with this country: St. Paul visited here, the Order of the Hospitallers operated here, Napoleon even ruled here for some time. Check out the “What to see” section to find out how many interesting places there are in Malta.

Malta will also be a good holiday destination for younger children. Here they will find traditional entertainment (zoo, water park, aquarium) and original (the village of Popeye the sailor).

There are playgrounds in resort towns and on beaches, and in family hotels there are children's pools and clubs for young guests.

You can read about all the children's entertainment in the "What to do" section. You can even come to Malta with an infant. The “Where to Go” section will help you choose the right vacation spot.

When is the best time to go?

Tourists come to Malta all year round, but the vast majority of them choose to holiday in the high season in Malta, that is, the period from April to October.

Resorts experience the greatest load in summer and early autumn, that is, during the beach season. At this time, the cost of flights and accommodation increases by 20-50% compared to prices in winter and early spring. Early booking helps save money.

The beginning of the swimming season in Malta coincides with the peak of the heat. Is it worth planning a vacation with your child at this time? Perhaps, the idea of ​​sunbathing on rocky beaches and diving from cliffs into the sea may appeal to teenagers, but for a beach holiday with a baby, it is worth choosing a country with a gentle climate and more convenient beaches.

But if you don’t rush to the southern islands in the summer, a holiday with a baby in Malta will be successful. In April, May, the second half of September and early October, the weather here is warm, but not hot, and therefore children acclimatize easily.

This time is also great for going on excursions. When is the best time to go to Malta? We invite you to learn more about the weather in this country.

Weather and climate

If you find Malta on the map, you will find that it is located south of many Tunisian resorts. Should you be wary of the African heat? Not at all: the climate of Malta is very similar to the climate of the islands of Greece and the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It has hot, dry summers and rainy but warm winters.

The holiday season in Malta opens at the end of spring, when the air warms up to +23-25° C. However, at this time you will have to limit yourself to sunbathing, since the sea water is too cold for swimming. But if you arrive at the opening of the season, you can not only lie on the beach, but also go on excursions before the sun gets too hot.

The heat intensifies already at the beginning of summer. In June, the air temperature rises to +28° C, and this causes the sea to quickly warm up.

June is a good time for a holiday in Malta: children will be able to swim in the sea, while the heat is not yet too annoying.

In July and August, the thermometer already shows +30-31° C in the morning, and in the afternoon sometimes rises to +35° C. At this time, it is best to go to the beach early in the morning or in the evening, and wait out the daytime heat in air-conditioned rooms hotels.

The best holiday in Malta with children starts in September. The weather at the beginning of autumn is very similar to June: the air temperature drops to +27-28° C, but the sea remains very warm. At the same time, in September, many tourists go home, and the beaches become quiet and peaceful.

You can sunbathe on the beaches of Malta even in October, since the air temperature does not drop below +24-25° C. But you need to be prepared for the fact that clear days will alternate with cloudy ones.

In October, autumn rains begin, sometimes a cool wind blows, and the sea becomes rough.

The rains intensify towards November and continue until mid-spring. Despite this, sunny days in winter are not uncommon, and there is no reason to refuse excursions in Malta. Winter air temperatures stay at +10-15° C, and already in March the air warms up to +17-18° C. This is the time of flowering, when the rocky, barren-looking earth is covered with a green carpet.

Sea water temperature

In Malta there is a special opening date for the swimming season. This is St. George's Day, celebrated on April 23rd. The Maltese believe that on this day it is necessary to swim in the sea - and they do, although the water temperature does not exceed +16° C.

Despite the fact that the swimming season is considered officially open, there are few people who want to swim in the spring. In May, the sea temperature is only +18°C, and only by the beginning of summer the water warms up to +21°C.

In June, with the onset of hot days, the water in the sea becomes warmer day by day. Already at the end of the month, the water temperature in Malta rises to +24°C, and in July and August the water warms up to +26°C.

The sea remains almost as warm in September. Usually the temperature stays at +24-25°C until the end of September and +23°C until the end of October. Beach holidays in October are sometimes hindered by rain, but divers find the October weather quite suitable for diving.

Sea and beach

The coast of Malta is indented by bays, so the beaches here are small, accommodating several hundred, and sometimes only a few dozen people. The coastline is mostly rocky, and beaches are often built on natural rock platforms. But sometimes there are sandy beaches, natural and bulk, as well as sections of the coast covered with pebbles.

Sandy beaches are usually the best equipped. Entrance to them, like most beaches in Malta, is free, but for a fee you can use a sun lounger and parasol.

The advantage of sandy beaches is a gentle entrance to the water and shallow sea near the shore, which is convenient for swimming with children. The downside is that the beaches are overcrowded in high season.

Malta's longest sandy beach is located in Adira Bay near Mellieha. The island of Gozo also has a spacious coastline covered with sand - this is Ramla Bay.

There are sandy beaches in almost all resorts, as well as in deserted places, far from tourist spots. It is worth visiting several beaches to see the colorful sand: white in Mellieha, pink in Bugibba, orange-red in Ramla Bay on the island of Gozo.

Rocky and pebble beaches are often wild, which does not make them less popular. Some beaches of Sliema and Bugibba, located on the cliffs, have even earned the Blue Flag.

But it is inconvenient to relax in such places with small children: it’s hard to lie on the rocks, you have to go down steps into the water, the depth begins right at the shore. But with teenagers who are good swimmers, you can settle in one of the many secluded bays and dive into the water right from the rocks.

A special feature of a beach holiday in Malta is the distance of the best beaches from popular resorts. Some beaches are accessible by bus routes, but most often the most picturesque bays can only be reached by car.

The most beautiful rocky beaches - Anchor Bay in the north-west of Malta, near Mellieha, St. Paul's Bay near Bugibba, Sliema seafront, Marsaskala near Valletta, Marsaxlokk on the southern tip of Malta and many others.

It is in order to relax on a beautiful rocky beach that it is worth going to the tiny island of Comino: the Blue Lagoon is a favorite place for lovers of a secluded beach holiday.

Nutrition

The all-inclusive system in Malta is not very common; the concepts of “breakfast only”, “half board” or “full board” are more often offered.

If you are planning an independent holiday in Malta with children, you can opt for a room in an apart-hotel or an apartment. They are equipped with a kitchen, which means it will be convenient for you to prepare your usual food or heat up baby food.

All resorts have supermarkets and small grocery stores, as well as greengrocers, where vegetables are fresher than in large retail chains. Food for the youngest tourists is sold in supermarkets and pharmacies.

With a child who already eats from an adult table, you can visit restaurants serving national cuisine. Maltese cuisine is reminiscent of Italian and Greek, with many healthy dishes that are easy to digest.

Pizzerias are also very popular in Malta. Fidgety children will love a visit to the pastizzeria - a cafe where pastizzi pies with savory fillings are baked.

Summer camps and language centers

Not all children dream of studying during the holidays, but in language camps in Malta, learning is fun and interesting. Since most camps are located in the resort regions of Malta, English lessons alternate with relaxing on the beach and excursions.

Children of different ages can relax in the camps: primary schoolchildren, teenagers, even young people.

It should be noted that language centers in Malta are open all year round. Their popularity lies in their price, which is almost half that in Western European countries. At the same time, many of those who studied in Malta are pleased that they were finally able to speak English.

Medical tourism and wellness

Malta is known for its clinics that accept foreigners for treatment. The two largest clinics are located in Sliema and Santa Venera. They specialize in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory, endocrine, cardiovascular systems, and musculoskeletal system.

In addition, the islands in the Mediterranean Sea are famous for their healing combination of natural factors. Climatic therapy is available to all holidaymakers, and if you are interested in specialized procedures, you can contact the thalassotherapy centers of St. Julian's and Attard.

Transport

The main type of public transport in Malta is buses, comfortable, air-conditioned, although not always new. Most routes pass through Valletta, sometimes causing a journey that would take 20 minutes by car to take up to an hour.

The numbering of routes helps to understand the directions in which buses move: the letter X indicates express trains connecting resorts with the airport, numbers from 1 to 99 have routes going through the capital, numbers from 200 to 300 - those passing the capital, numbers with the letter N - night routes. routes.

Buses on the island of Gozo have numbers starting with 300. Several small city buses operate around Valletta.

Most buses run from 6:00 to 23:00 with intervals of 15-30 minutes. There are exact timetables at all stops. Daytime bus fares are 1.50 euros in low season and 2 euros in high season. Travel on night buses, which run from 23:00 to 6:00, costs 3 euros. The ticket is valid for 2 hours.

If you want to travel extensively around Malta, we recommend purchasing 7-day passes. The cost of a ticket for an adult is 21 euros, tickets for children cost 15 euros.

The most popular form of transport in Malta is ferries. They can be reached to the islands of Gozo and Comino, as well as to the ports of Sicily. A ferry ticket to Gozo costs 4.65 euros, and to Comino - 10 euros. The shortest ferry crossing is between Valleta and Sliema. Such a trip will cost 1.5 euros and take 15 minutes.

Taxi is a fairly expensive method of transportation. There are two taxi services on the islands: black cars have meters; white cars require you to negotiate the price with the driver. The average price of a trip is 1-1.40 per kilometer of travel and 3.30-3.50 euros per landing.

If you intend to use a car to get around Malta, please note that here Left side traffic.

You can book a car upon arrival or in advance via the Internet. There are several offices of car rental companies at the airport. Please note that the narrow streets of Maltese cities are inconvenient for travel by car and, moreover, are always clogged with local transport.

But for out-of-town trips, a car is very convenient, since you don’t have to travel from one city to another through Valletta.

Most tourists prefer to relax on sandy beaches. Despite the fact that sand then has to be shaken out literally from everywhere... In addition, sandy beaches are the most crowded, because there are not so many of them. In Malta, sandy beaches are not found everywhere. The longest of them is located in the Mellieha resort area. The city of Mellieha is located on a hill, and below there is a strip of sandy seashore, forming a bay. The entrance to the sea here is very gentle, so the resort is ideal for families with children. You don't have to worry about the kids when they are frolicking in shallow water. All entertainment and famous attractions are located at a distance from Mellieha; in general, the surrounding area of ​​​​this resort is sparsely developed. But there are all conditions for leisurely walking. And getting to neighboring Gozo and Comino is easy. Perhaps active and fun-loving tourists will find it a little boring here, but families with children will find it just right. The same suitable conditions for a quiet holiday with family and children can be found in the resort towns of Chirkeva and Marfa, although the beaches here are not so long.

On the southern coast of the island lies the sandy beach of the Golden Bay resort. There is only one hotel nearby, but you can get to the beach by transport from neighboring towns. The coast here is sandy, but there are areas covered with pebbles and rocky cliffs. There are fast currents along the coast. Maltese and European youth love to relax in Golden Bay; there are many water activities on the beach - banana boat rides and parachute flights. There are also bars and restaurants on the beach, as well as rental of beach equipment and equipment for various water sports. This noisy place will appeal to young and active tourists, but it will not be the best choice for those vacationing with children or who love privacy and silence.

Speaking about youth recreation, one cannot fail to mention the resort of St. Julian's - the center of active, party recreation. This is one of the busiest resorts in Malta, which attracts tourists from all over Europe during the high season.

It’s worth coming here for those who can’t imagine a vacation without vibrant nightlife and delicious food. The Patcherville area is almost full of entertainment venues that attract visitors with neon lights when dusk comes. This resort also offers activities for other categories of tourists. If young people prefer to rock all night to the trendy rhythms of discotheques, then older tourists will choose to relax in rock clubs, at jazz parties or in a wine bar. Connoisseurs of classical music will certainly be glad to have the opportunity to go to a concert in one of the concert halls at the fashionable hotels, of which there are many, gourmets will treat themselves to trips to restaurants, and those who want to try their luck will go to the casino.

No one will be bored at the Sliema resort either. Unlike St. Julian's, this is a more respectable and expensive resort, a fashionable suburb of the island's capital. On the promenade of Sliema you can meet not only tourists, but also local residents - the cream of Maltese society have chosen this place for themselves. From Sliema it is easy to get to both St Julian's and the capital of the island, Valletta. This resort is also known as a shopping center. There are many boutiques of famous brands and large supermarkets here. So, if you are planning shopping, it will be the most successful here.

The resort of Marsaskala is a successful combination of entertainment, nature and attractions. Residents of Malta love to come to this small town in the summer to relax on the seashore. The beaches here are rocky and very cozy. This is a comfortable resort with developed infrastructure - there are bars, discos, restaurants and shops for every taste. For lovers of seafood and fish, local restaurants offer an extensive menu of “sea-food”. Marsaskala is close to many historical and cultural monuments. Without wasting time on the road, you can see ancient chapels, a watchtower, a fort and the restored residence of the Maltese nobility.

The towns of St. Paul's Bay, Qawra and Bugibba have practically merged into a single resort area on the north-eastern coast of the island. The coast here is rocky and you can sunbathe on natural stone slabs. Of course, the stone is not as soft as sand, but the sun-warmed surface of the slabs is very comfortable to stretch out after swimming. And the water, due to the absence of sand, is absolutely transparent. Many believe that the most picturesque views of the island open from here. In summer there are many holidaymakers, although this resort is inferior in popularity to Sliema and St. Julian's. But the hotels here are more budget-friendly.

To be precise, the island of Malta is not the only island of the Maltese archipelago, although it is the largest. There is also a very miniature island of Comino, its size is only 2.7 square kilometers. As a rule, people like to come here for a short time for walks. The only hotel on the island is suitable for lovers of water sports. Another island of the Maltese archipelago - the second largest after Malta, the island of Gozo - is a calm, picturesque and very green place. There are only two developed resorts on this island - Marsalforn and Xlendi; other beaches on the island are located near small villages. The hotels of this resort are located along the coast, and in every village you can rent accommodation. When choosing accommodation in Gozo, it is worth checking how far the accommodation is from the beach. Sometimes the beaches are separated from hotels and settlements by mountainous formations, and some will have to be reached by bus. Gozo has many historical, cultural and natural attractions. Among them, it is worth noting the megalithic temple complex of Jangtiya - one of the most ancient buildings on Earth, created much earlier than the Egyptian pyramids.

What comes to mind when it comes to the Mediterranean Sea? You immediately want to dive into the bottomless blue of the sea, and then bask for a long time under the gentle rays of some small (preferably uninhabited) island. The island of Malta is ideal for fulfilling such a desire. A holiday here is a profitable compromise of great desires and modest opportunities.

Holidays in Malta: pros and cons

How many people - so many opinions. Some climb the mountains in search of relaxation, others dream of a sofa with a TV and “so that the shore is nearby.” All the pros and cons of the Maltese island.

Definitely yes, because:

• there are many attractions and they are all practically within walking distance of each other;
• the mild climate and warm weather encourage holidays all year round;
• people of different ages will find entertainment for themselves: children will be delighted with water parks, an aquarium and numerous entertaining children's programs, young people will spend unforgettable nights in discos and clubs, and older people will visit museums, libraries and craft towns (by the way, there are there are many clubs and dance floors for people of advanced age);
• best place for diving. Where else if not off the coast of Malta to look for sunken ships?! Transparent water, cut by the rays of the sun, ruins (possibly the sunken Atlantis), sheltering many fish and complete immersion in a living dream - this is what diving in Malta is all about;
• complete feeling of security. Mother Europe can only envy the way the Maltese keep order in their land;
• reasonable prices for everything: rooms, food, souvenirs, transport;
• Well-developed transport infrastructure - direct flights to the island (by plane and ferry), and you don’t have to stand at stops for a long time.

Just a dot on the world map

Note! There is a visa regime between Russia and Malta*. Therefore, you must obtain a Schengen visa before departure.

Arguments against holidays in Malta:

• All six islands of Malta were unlucky with their coastline. There are very few beaches with sand - mostly they are all rocky;
• few park areas. The vegetation in Malta is quite sparse and sparse;
• testing a friend by calling him to the mountains, alas, will also not work - there are no mountains, there is not even a single river;
• It is also unlikely that you will be able to enjoy shopping - everything here is imported, and therefore the prices are “inflated”.

Additional Information! Planes from Moscow to Malta fly 3-4 times a week (even during peak season). The flight lasts on average 4 hours 10 minutes.

Resort range of Malta

Malta is one of the six islands of the Maltese archipelago. 3 islands are uninhabited. What kind of resorts in Malta can you find on the archipelago - for the rich and not so rich, for young people and for people craving peace and solitude, for those with their “soul mate” and those without. So where to holiday in Malta?

Hurry to the capital

Valletta is not only the capital of Malta, but also an entire open-air museum complex. There are many historical sights here. That is why many people prefer to spend their winter holidays in Malta in Valletta. In addition, it is not only profitable from a financial point of view, but also comfortable in terms of climatic conditions - in winter the air does not drop below +15 degrees Celsius.

Please pay attention! Valletta has 365 Catholic cathedrals and 2 national museums: archaeological and military.

"Sand" resorts

If you go to Malta with the aim of sunbathing and lying on the white sand, then you should stop in the city of Mellieha. Its “advantages” are that in shallow water you don’t have to worry about children, the shoreline is quite wide and long and is located far from urban infrastructure (some consider this a disadvantage). “Bold minus” - during the peak season it is very crowded.

The resort towns of Cherkeva and Marfa also boast a good coastal sand strip. If you go to Malta with children, then these cities are your priority.

Malta doesn't have many sandy beaches

Get off the ground

Some people go to Golden Bay to see the sand dunes, lie on the dark red sand and swim in the clearest water. And young people from all over Europe gather here to go diving, ride a banana boat and enjoy the natural beauty of the island from a bird's eye view. All this is possible thanks to the unique location of Golden Bay and fast water currents that “supply” the wind. Nightclubs and youth discos in this town are open until the last client.

Another resort town in Malta, St. Julian's, is not far behind. Only it differs in that everything here is much more expensive, and sometimes even worse in quality than in other places. This is a fairly noisy “night” resort, ready to offer any kind of entertainment in exchange for money. Most of the entertainment clubs, restaurants and discos are concentrated in the Patcherville area.

Note! People come from all over Europe eager to try their luck in one of the many St. Julian's casinos.

"Luxury" resorts

Sliema is a suburb of the capital Valletta, where the best shops, boutiques and malls are located. Hotels and inns here are mostly from three stars. There are many expensive catering establishments in Sliema that serve delicious seafood dishes.

On a note! The resort of Marsaskala also offers shopping, entertainment (both night and day) and water sports.

Expensive resorts in Malta are represented by two more cities - Bugiba and Qawra. Their description will not differ much from Sliema and Marsaskala.

Holidays on one of the islands of Malta - Gozo

The second island after Malta, Gozo is represented by only two resort towns - Marsalforn and Xlendi, and many coastal villages. The small, cozy town of Xlendi was a fishing village until the 80s, but the rapidly developing tourism industry played an important role in its fate. A feeling of peace and harmony appears here for everyone who decides to include this city in the list of places to visit.

Secrets of underwater Malta

This relatively small archipelago is home to many interesting sights, and not just “land-based” ones. Only when you find yourself in the underwater kingdom off the coast of the resort Aura, you can see with your own eyes the famous ship of Jacques-Yves Cousteau “Calypso” resting at the bottom.

Anyone who sees a 3-meter statue of Christ the Savior, submerged to a depth of 40 m, finds something symbolic and philosophically deep. Thousands of tourists annually turn to the Savior at the bottom with their requests, and his hands raised to the sun symbolize the request to preserve the fragile earthly world.

Malta for children

Splash & Fun Water Park is the best place for entertainment for those who go on vacation to the islands with children. Being one of the largest water parks in Europe, it meets all safety standards. Splash & Fun Water Park is extremely well located - 8 km from Sliema and on the very shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The highlight of the park is an attraction with a 15-meter artificial wave and a super ball. This is not the only water park in Malta, but it is the most popular among tourists due to its reasonable prices and wide selection of attractions.

National Aquarium of Malta

Where is the best place to relax in Malta so that both adults and children can enjoy it equally? Where there are entertainment areas for children. In the resort town of Aura on an area of ​​20 thousand square meters. m is the National Aquarium of Malta. Built in 2013, it includes 26 aquariums, each with a display where you can get information about any representative of the underwater world.

The tunnel at the National Aquarium of Malta is only 1.7 m high

Gastronomic discoveries

The first thing that Maltese cuisine is associated with is overly large portions. And also: these are hundreds of dishes prepared from the freshest seafood; a variety of pastries and, of course, traditional hot dishes, such as rabbit stew.

Malta's proximity to Italy and Libya also affected Maltese cuisine. Therefore, spaghetti with cuttlefish ink or spinach pies are presented here as their own recipe.

Note! It is better to taste traditional Maltese cuisine in the outback of the island - firstly, it is cheaper, and secondly, local chefs cook according to traditional family recipes.

Of the most popular cafes and restaurants on the island of Malta, it should be noted:

• The Taste (you can order both traditional dishes and, for example, dishes of Vietnamese or Japanese cuisine);
• Restaurant - for romantics and connoisseurs of expensive delicacies;
• Ryan's Irish Pub is the most popular nightclub;
• SJi’s Smoot - a cafe for lovers of jazz and delicious ice cream;
• Busy Bee is a favorite place for sweet tooths and children, which is almost never closed.

Holidays in Malta are a “turbulent” mixture of business and pleasure. It will be nice to soak up the sun, splash in the crystal clear sea water, and relax your body and soul in the best spa in Europe. And from the useful side, spoken English will improve significantly, knowledge in the field of ancient history will reach its apogee, health will increase due to the “sunny” vitamin D of the “healing” salt sea water. The crowning achievement of a healthy holiday will be Maltese gastronomy - it tastes good and is good for health.

*Visa information is valid as of August 2018.

Malta is a European island state that incorporates features of the West and East, Africa and continental Europe. The reason for this was the geographical location of the country, being a transit point for international trade routes. Today it is an excellent place for language schools and courses, educational tours, beach holidays and even for participation in archaeological excavations.

Ancient Malta

Everyone knows the mystery of the Egyptian pyramids, so this historical monument is always packed to capacity with onlookers and curious people. As for Malta, the situation is different, since there are an order of magnitude fewer tourists here. Ancient catacombs, observatories, and temples were also built under unknown circumstances around the 6th century. BC e., which is much earlier than the pyramids.

However, interesting facts about the history of Malta do not end with the period of antiquity. At different periods of time, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians lived on the island, and the resettlement of the knights of the Order of St. John breathed new life into the islanders, trade began to develop, and work appeared for local residents, in particular, in the construction of new churches, hospitals and defense structures. Until the 16th century Malta experienced the dawn of culture, but over time the influence of religion began to decline along with the standard of living and well-being.

The island was both a colony of France and a naval base of England, and only in 1964 did the islanders declare independence, 10 years later becoming a republic and in 2004 a member of the EU.

Where is

The Republic of Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese archipelago includes a number of islands: Malta itself, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, Filfoletta, as well as the uninhabited islands of Filfla and St. Paul.

How to get to the resort

You can get to Malta from Moscow by airlines. Direct flights can only be made through the Maltese airline Air Malta, the flight duration is about 4 hours, the cost of a one-way economy class ticket is about €500. It is cheaper to fly to a warm resort with transfers. The cost of such a flight will be €130-250 in economy class one way. The flight duration will be longer - on average 7-18 hours, depending on the time spent at the transfer point.

There are only transfer air routes from St. Petersburg: €110-250 for a one-way ticket, the flight lasts 7-12 hours.

Moscow — Malta

It is worth emphasizing that you should look for the exact airline offers yourself, since the ticket price depends on many factors, such as seasonal discounts, offers, carrier promotions, etc.

Do I need a visa and additional documents?

Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, and 3 years later it became a member of the Schengen Agreement. Russian citizens need to apply for a Schengen visa. Taking out insurance is also necessary not only as a nominal condition for obtaining a visa, but also for your own safety - medicine in European countries is a very expensive pleasure.

Don’t forget about the benefits of the Tax free system. If the amount of your purchases exceeds €55, you have kept all receipts and the goods were not used before arriving home, you can return 15% of their value. If the purchase amount is above €315, then you can return part of the price upon departure from the island right at the airport.

Popular holiday destinations

Dividing Malta into popular and not so popular destinations is problematic. People most often travel to the capital for cultural entertainment, excursions and education. St. Julian's was previously a simple fishing village, and today it is a cozy seaside resort, offering tourists to soak up the sunny beaches during the day and gambling fun in casinos and nightclubs at night.

Sliema is a luxury and fashionable resort, full of elite shopping and entertainment. Mdina, Mellieha and Marsaskala will appeal to lovers of long walks, inspiring landscapes and a quiet, measured environment.

There are many versions about the mysterious buildings of Malta. Thus, the entire territory of the island is streaked with slats, similar to the tracks of chariots. But since during all the excavations not a single object with wheels was found, versions are put forward about the alien origin of the stripes, as well as that Malta - remnant of the mysterious Atlantean civilization. Heat is added to the dispute by other inexplicable structures, such as temples-tombs in the rocks, occult structures made of multi-ton stones, for the creation of which there was no technology at that time.

Gozo

One of the two main islands of the Maltese archipelago - o. Gozo, in English Gozo (Gozo), and in Maltese it’s Għawdex (read as “Audesh”). The island owes its complex name to its rich ancient past, when it was ruled by the Romans and Greeks, Carthaginians and Byzantines, Arabs and Castilians.

According to legends, it was on Gozo that Odysseus spent 7 years, captured by Calypso. By the way, the locals are very fond of this legend - on the island they name everything in honor of the “Odyssey” and the nymph, in particular - from ancient caves to ketchup.

The island of Gozo is small, with an area of ​​only 67 square meters. km, with a population of 31 thousand people. Due to its modest size, it is often called the "sister island" or "little sister of Malta". The only way to get to the island is by ferry. The only monopoly company providing these services is Gozo Channel. The duration of such a trip is no more than half an hour, the price for an adult is €4-5 one way and €1.15 for a child under 12 years old, but if an adult dives with his car, the price will be €12-16. During the day there are about 30 departures.

If on o. Malta public transport is excellent, then on the island. It makes sense to go to Gozo with your own car or rent a car. Firstly, this way you get rid of the need for long waits at stops and trips in a stuffy cabin. Secondly, this island is very picturesque, and traveling by car will be much more pleasant than standard public transport routes.

In order to follow the path of Odysseus and be captivated by the beauty of the island (and, perhaps, some nymph like Calypso), you need to find out about all the attractions of the island. First of all, it is worth noting, of course, the beaches. They are varied and picturesque in Gozo, but it is not always convenient to get to them on foot. Popular here are beaches with red sand (Ramla Bay, Ramla il-Hamra, San Blas), cozy bays with beaches (Mjarr ish-Shini), picturesque rocky, pebble and sandy beaches.

The educational attractions are also interesting: megalithic temples of Ggantija(the oldest buildings in the world), home Citadel and watchtowers(today it is an open-air museum, you can also see the ancient prison), winged mill Ta' Kola, famous Azure Window, Inland sea(you can take a boat through a natural tunnel in the rock to hidden beaches). By the way, Gozo has a lot to offer diving enthusiasts. The most interesting places for diving are the Inland Sea and Xlendi Beach.

Valletta

The name comes from a historical event that secured the city's status as a capital. In 1565, the tenth Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent, decided to put an end to the close proximity with the Ionite knights, who were constantly attacking Muslim caravans, actively developing their territory, culture, and dispersing their religion.

The armed forces of Malta and friendly Sicily were headed by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette. The islanders not only successfully repelled the attack of the Turks, defeating the fleet and a large enemy army, but after the war they also experienced the dawn of Maltese culture, architecture and the arts.

Valletta is the capital of Malta

The city is included in the UNESCO list as a “World Cultural Heritage” city. Its value is great not only for Malta, but also for the entire Mediterranean - Valletta is one of the most ancient ports in the region, and it is here that the continent’s largest bay, which arose naturally, is located. In the capital, you can touch ancient historical events through preserved attractions: the Cathedral of St. John, Palace of the Grand Master and others.

Interestingly, many of Valletta's buildings are not just valuable from an architectural and historical point of view. Ionites built structures, attracting the best architects and engineers, due to which most ancient buildings were erected in the shortest possible time. On average, the construction of one building took about 10 years, which is several times faster than the average European speed of that time.

By the way, if the island of Gozo is good for traveling with your own transport, then in Valletta things are diametrically opposite. A narrow small town with many pedestrian areas and narrow roads, it is best explored on foot. The area is small and the area is beautiful, so this is unlikely to be a big problem. As for driving, there is always heavy traffic in the capital, difficulties in finding a parking space and limited locations where you can drive by car. As for public transport, it is here and works like clockwork (two bus ring routes), however, due to the modest size of the capital, there is rarely an urgent need for it.

When it comes to entertainment, there are three main highlights: historical monuments, shopping and the atmosphere of Malta. Let's go in order.

The whole of Valletta is divided by Republic Street, in the center of which (right there is the city center) is Republic Square. If you are traveling here without much time, then the best way to quickly explore the capital would be to walk along this street and square. Exactly on the street. The Republic is home to most of all the interesting places in the capital.

On one side of the central square are the most interesting museums of the city: the National Museum of Fine Arts (by the way, there is even an original painting by Michelangelo), the National Archaeological Museum and the Military Museum. By the way, the first two museums are interesting not only for their internal exhibition, but also for their exterior - they are located in the ancient building of Auberge de Provence, the residence of French knights and a meeting place for members of the English Union Club. And the Military Museum is not only located in Fort Sant’Elmo, which served as a fortification in the Middle Ages, but also regularly conducts reconstructions of historical battles and battles.

Every year Valletta hosts a carnival, exhibitions and festivities, as well as yachting competitions. The event takes place 5-10 days before Lent. Like all church holidays, the date moves slightly every year. In 2017, the carnival took place on February 24-28. These days you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Maltese culture, but do not discount the increased excitement: buy tickets and book a hotel in advance, give up the idea of ​​traveling by car on holidays and be prepared for higher prices.

In the opposite direction from the square, pay attention to such a historical monument as the Auberge de Castillo, which in the Middle Ages served as the residence of the Spanish knights, and today has been transformed into the Cabinet of Ministers. Near the residence is the Palace of the Grand Master, which today serves as a state building for the Presidential Administration.

Although today these buildings are used as government institutions, you can go there on a tour and see where the mysterious Ionite knights once lived and ruled the country from.

Also scattered throughout the city are ancient temples that are of cultural and historical value (about 25). Most of the buildings date back to the 16th century, but there are also more modern ones. Among the unusual institutions, one can highlight the Church of St. Mary the Victorious (the first temple in Malta), Church of St. Mary Magdalene (shelter for “sinners and fallen women”), Church of St. Lucia (shelter for wine merchants).

Mdina

Another medieval city in Malta. In the old days, the city was luxurious and was the capital of the state. Today, it’s as if time has stopped here: ancient buildings, a minimum of modernity, a small territory (just under 1 sq. km) and only 300-400 permanent residents. A fortress was erected on top of the hill, which effectively protected the city from external enemies and served as a place for selected aristocrats and great minds. The city was called "Citta Notabile", which translated from Latin means "Aristocratic City".

You can get to the city of the chosen ones both by public transport (many regular bus services from the capital and from Sliema) and on your own (only by bicycle!). By bus you will reach Mdina in 20-25 minutes, the ticket price per adult is €1.15 one way.

Only local residents are legally allowed to drive within the city of Mdina. The city is ancient and of great value, and local residents have been taught to treat it carefully and respectfully since childhood. By and large, this ban is completely uncritical due to the small size of Mdina. As a last resort, you can use a bicycle.

There are such attractions as the Main Gate and the Dungeon of Mdina, the Greek Gate and the Norman House, the Cathedral of St. Paul, Cathedral Museum (by the way, there are original engravings by Rembrandt), Carmelite Church, many majestic palaces (Inguanets, Vilena, St. Sophia, Archbishop). It is also interesting to wander through the catacombs of St. Paul, built around the 4th century. n. e. The length of the underground passages is three times longer than the city itself, but you won’t be able to wander everywhere.

Here you can see ancient Roman burials and tombs, halls and chambers for wanderers. Also, for lovers of spicy excursions, you can wander through the Museum of Torture, which is a complete collection of all medieval methods, techniques and tools.

Sliema

This town has made a transformation “from rags to riches” in the local sense of the word. In the Middle Ages there was a miniature village here, the inhabitants of which were mainly engaged in fishing - the flat rocky coast provides little opportunity for diversity. And no production, cultural or scientific life was expected here. However, in the second half of the 19th century, residents of neighboring prosperous Valletta began to gradually take a closer look at the abundance of beaches and buy local villas. It was the influence of capital and the emergence of the local elite that became the reason for the transformation of the city.

With no resources other than seascapes, Sliema makes the right bet on its strengths. Today, this maritime city is the mecca of Maltese luxury holidays. It is along the beaches of Sliema that the most prestigious and expensive resorts in the country are located; there are an abundance of boutiques, shopping malls, and restaurants.

However, the city is not without ancient buildings. For connoisseurs of theological monuments, the doors of the parish churches of Our Lady of the Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of the Star of the Seas, Jesus of Nazareth, St. Gregory the Great. The churches built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries today represent not only religious, but also historical value. For lovers of romance and atmosphere, Sliema has prepared the Palazzo Capua, which in the 19th century was the residence of nobles, and today here you can have a wedding, hold a conference, and even rent a room in another part of the ancient building. Another historical monument of this kind is Fortizza Sliema.

The coastal fortifications created by the British in the 19th century saw action in naval battles. Today you can feel the spirit of antiquity in the restaurant and pizzeria inside the building. Also worth highlighting are Villa Portelli, Villa Alhambra, Watchtower of St. Julianna, Fort Tigne.

Weather conditions and climate of Malta

Malta has a Mediterranean climate, which means mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

Average weather by month:

• January: +10…+16 °C, water temperature +15 °C, precipitation rate 95 mm;
• February: +10…+16 °С, water temperature +15 °С, precipitation rate 63 mm;
• March: +11…+18 °С, water temperature +15 °С, precipitation rate 37 mm;
• April: +13…+20 °С, water temperature +16 °С, precipitation rate 26 mm;
• May: +17…+24 °С, water temperature +18 °С, precipitation rate 10 mm;
• June: +20…+29 °С, water temperature +21 °С, precipitation rate 5 mm;
• July: +23…+32 °С, water temperature +24 °С, precipitation rate 0.2 mm;
• August: +24…+32 °С, water temperature +26 °С, precipitation rate 6 mm;
• September: +22…+28 °С, water temperature +25 °С, precipitation rate 67 mm;
• October: +19…+25 °С, water temperature +23 °С, precipitation rate 77 mm;
• November: +15…+21 °С, water temperature +21 °С, precipitation rate 110 mm;
• December: +12…+18 °С, water temperature +18 °С, precipitation rate 108 mm.

The minimum temperature recorded on the island was +2.6 °C, and the maximum was +43.1 °C.

On the land

The average temperature in winter is +7...+20 °C, and in summer - +20...+34 °C. Air humidity is high, on average per year it stays around 75%. The warmest period lasts from June to September, and the coldest period from January to March. In September, the hot Mediterranean summer begins to be accompanied by rain, which will only increase until the end of the year.

In water

The water temperature does not drop below +15 °C even in winter. From July to November, the water temperature does not drop below +24 °C. The swimming season lasts all year round in Malta.

The best picturesque beaches of the island

Malta is the only place in Europe where there is not a single natural river or lake. However, there are more than enough beaches and bays.
Despite all the civilization of Maltese cities, there are more wild beaches than equipped ones. Which, in general, does not in any way diminish their beauty and purity.

An interesting way to combine business with pleasure: language beach schools are popular in Malta. In fact, this is an English language school with its own beach. How effective such techniques are remains to be seen. But the fact that there is no end to potential students, - without any doubts!

On the territory of the island state there are beaches for every taste. They are not only beautiful and varied, but also very safe. There are no strong underwater currents, the ebbs and flows are weak due to the location of the islands, and therefore there are no dangerous deep-sea fish or poisonous jellyfish here.
Coves and valleys often have pebble beaches. A popular example is Mgarr ish-Shini on the island. Gozo.

The rocky beaches of Malta are the usual gray and also red (globigerina limestone). Such beaches are good for both family tourists and divers. Safety on such a beach is higher, mainly due to the uniformity of the descent. You can sunbathe on flat slabs in Sliema, Marsaskala, Zurik, Bugibba, St. Julian's, Qawra.

Lovers of traditional sandy beaches also have plenty to choose from. Meliha Bay is a white sand beach with a gently sloping bottom, long shallow waters and a full range of beach services. It is considered one of the best beaches for families with children. On about. In Gozo you can find a red sand beach at Ramla Bay.

Red sand differs from others only in the chemical composition of the elements and is a completely natural and safe beach covering. The same cannot be said about the pink sand of Perchid Beach in Bugibba. The sand of this beach was brought artificially, but harmoniously fits into the beach views of the city.

Attractions and popular excursions

Each city in the country is good in its own way, with its own attractions and atmosphere. If we highlight the most remarkable places in all of Malta, the hit parade will be as follows:

• Of course, it is impossible to ignore the influence of ionites on the life of the islands, since their trace remains in almost the entire modern appearance of the country. Today this medieval palace houses the Office of the President.

  
  
  

• The 16th-century cathedral will be of interest not only to connoisseurs of religious historical monuments, but also to simply tourists with good taste. Its interior is so complex and multifaceted that it is impossible to describe it, you just need to see it with your own eyes.

  
  
  

• Neolithic buildings are today some of the most ancient structures in the world. Available in different cities of Malta. They are one of a kind and unique.

  
  
  

• Ghar Dalam (Għar Dalam - “cave of darkness”) in Ashak. A unique cave, it was in it that the remains of ancient people were discovered. Also, this location has gone through different times: there was a bomb shelter during World War II, a museum, and archaeological expeditions.

  
  
  

• The attraction is not for everyone, but one of the most naturalistically reproduced. It is worth noting that torture is not just a tourist attraction, but a reality in Malta several centuries ago. Not to mention wars, pirates, what did the Inquisition cost during the long reign of the Ionite knights on the islands.

  
  
  

• House of Don Pietro la Rocca (Valletta). The admiral of the fleet of the Order of Malta in the 17th century built a house in the capital, which at that time was not of particular value. However, with each subsequent generation the building was completed and modernized and today represents a unique cross-section of interiors spanning several centuries.

No, this is definitely not the entire list of Maltese attractions. Malta is exactly the place that is best explored on your own.

Malta is very picturesque, despite the stony desert atmosphere. It is not surprising that this island became the location for the filming of the cult HBO series Game of Thrones. On the screen you can see the capital's Fort Manoel (in the series - Great Sept of Baelor), Mdina Gate (entrance to King's Landing), Fort Ricasoli, Fort Sant'Angelo and Palace of San Anton (Red Castle), Palace of Verdala (Pentos).

Like any tourist destination, Malta offers many excursions to suit every taste. The most popular can be considered thorough long excursions around Valletta (4 hours on foot, €30-200) and on the island of Goza (8 hours, combined on foot and by car, €60-340). Prices depend on the travel agent and program composition. A gastronomic tour to Sicily, costing €153 per adult, would also be a great way to spend your time.

Among shorter excursions, the “Game of Thrones” tour to the filming locations of the series of the same name has recently become especially popular. The price of the walk will be €59 per adult.

What should outdoor enthusiasts do?

If beach wallowing is not for you, and excursions and museums no longer attract you, pay attention to active Maltese leisure. Take sailing lessons or rent a boat from your nearest yacht club, watch the races at Marsa Racecourse or take horse riding lessons. Go on a hike, explore the island on a bike tour, or arrange a personal gastro tour with a tasting of local cuisine.

There are two types of Maltese active recreation: diving and jeep safari. It is these entertainments that are most developed here and attract tourists.

Diving

Malta attracts both beginners and professional divers to scuba dive. Safe coastal areas, year-round warm climate, amazingly clear water, a variety of underwater landscapes and a serious historical trail - all this the resort has to offer. In the end, Malta is associated with many secrets: pirate treasures, sunken merchant ships and almost the mystery of Atlantis.

Today tourists can explore the caves of St. Maria and Xlendi, the Iland Sea lagoon, the sunken French liner Karnak, the English submarine X7, etc.

Jeep Safari

Another type of popular leisure time, which is good for the speed of viewing an endless amount of local beauties. A jeep safari takes away some of the depth of perception that walking does, but it’s simply an excellent option for a time-limited exploration of Malta.

The archipelago, for geographical reasons, is a permanent transit point for migratory and local birds. In this regard, sport hunting is often carried out in Malta, threatening the extinction of various bird species. In this regard, the EU Bird Protection Directive is in force on the archipelago, prohibiting poaching and introducing a number of restrictions on legal hunting. Violations can lead to serious legal problems, including deportation and a ban on entry into the EU.

For the most driven or the most gambling: nightclubs and casinos in Malta

Another option for active recreation is the city’s nightlife. In addition to the ubiquitous shopping and entertainment centers, the country's major cities offer guests nightclubs, bars, and beach discos. One of the most popular and spacious dance floors is AXIS (St. Julian's). By the way, this city has a whole nightlife area - Paceville.

The best nightclubs are also located in the cities of St. George and Bugibba.
There are two casinos in Malta, one of which, Dragonara Palace Casino, is located in Paceville. The second is called succinctly - “Oracle”, operates at the New Dolmen Hotel and is located in the city of Bugibba.

The best hotels, restaurants, car rental

It is better to plan your trip to Malta in advance. The year-round nature of the holiday season arouses constant interest from tourists, which is reflected in the occupancy of rooms, prices for entertainment and the general crowd. However, if you take into account certain tourist nuances of the country, you can save both time and nerves.

Where to stay

There are a lot of hotels, hostels, apartments and guesthouses in the country; there is plenty to choose from.

• Minus: as in Egypt, the quality of the “four” in different hotels will be very different. When choosing where to stay, pay attention not only to the so-called “star rating,” but also to reviews, descriptions of room services, and location.
• Plus: In winter and spring you can stay in a good room at a cheap price. Traditionally, Maltese hoteliers put their hotels in order, make repairs and all sorts of upgrades between November and March. During this period, the number of available halls decreases, but so do the prices. Naturally, for this period you need to book rooms in advance, since any cheap price attracts many people.

The connector of Maltese sockets is almost everywhere type G, voltage - 230 V. It makes sense to buy an adapter or rent it at the hotel reception.

It is worth noting that Maltese housing for the most part is very decent. Even the budget options are clean and tidy, and the staff is friendly.

Cuisine and restaurants

Malta was a transit point on trade routes, which led to such cultural and gastronomic diversification. The entire traditional cuisine of the country is a mix of Sicilian, Arabic, English, French, Mauritanian, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Maltese cuisine is very diverse - dishes from seafood, meat, seasonal vegetables and fruits, cereals and legumes are used. Pasta is very popular in all its variations.

In general, Maltese cooking consists of the following:

• Traditional first courses include bean soups (bigilla, ful medames) and vegetable soups (qualata, minestrone). Babbouche (snail stew) and algiotta (garlic soup with tomatoes) are also in demand among tourists.
• In addition to pastas, in Malta they make pasta and rice casseroles, and stuff vegetables.
• There is also a specialty cheese called jbeina, made from sheep and goat milk.
• Traditional meat dishes include faldu mimlij (stuffed pork side), laham taz-ziemel (fried/baked horse meat), and laham fug il-fvor (beef stewed with bacon in garlic).
• Among seafood, octopus, squid and dorado are often eaten.
• Malta has a lot of signature sweet and savory pastries. Some of the most interesting representatives are figolla (Easter gingerbread with marzipan filling), toasted ravioli (deep-fried sweet ravioli), imaret (roll with date puree), cannoli (sweet waffle roll with a variety of fillings).
• There are generally three local specialty drinks: imbuljuta (chestnut, cocoa, citrus and cloves), gulep tal-harrub (carob syrup) and ruggata (almond, cinnamon, vanilla, milk, sugar and water).

You should definitely try the Maltese bread Khobza.

Experienced tourists recommend introducing Maltese gastronomy gradually. The most delicious and fresh fish is served in coastal restaurants. The most delicious traditional dishes can be tasted from clay dishes in small family taverns, where there are few tourists, but many locals. The average price range ranges from €5 (fast food, street food, snack) to €50 (restaurant, alcohol bill) on average.

Car rental and transport

Malta has an excellent public transport system. However, if you prefer to rent a car, you will not be disappointed either. Excellent free roads, almost complete absence of traffic jams. Difficulties with a rented car await only guests of the capital. Firstly, the city is historical, and, therefore, the streets are narrow, the traffic is intense, there are paid zones, and there are even exclusively pedestrian ones. Given the small size of the capital, renting a car is often not justified here. Traffic in the country is on the left.

Please note that renting a car from local companies will cost a couple of times less than foreign ones, although the service will be provided at the same level. Savings come from low pay per day. The price of collateral for most companies is approximately the same.

By the way, you can park everywhere in Maltese cities, with the exception of places with an orange limit line.

As for public transport, it can be roughly reduced to buses and ferries. Both types are comfortable, cheap and punctual. So, a ferry trip for an adult will cost €1.5-10, depending on the duration of the route. For €20 you can go for the whole day to explore the sea views of the islands from board the ferry.

The cost of a single bus ride is €1.5-3, depending on the season and even the time of day. If you plan to travel frequently, it makes sense to purchase a travel pass. Interestingly, the carrier offers special travel passes for tourists, which are more profitable for short-term vacations. Thus, an adult Explore for €21 entitles you to unlimited trips for a week, and ExplorePlus for €39 also includes audio guides and excursion routes.

Please note that fares on public transport can only be paid in cash!

You can also ride in style on a cavalry (“carrocina”), although the price of such a trip will be €30-50 for a short route. You can catch a taxi on the street, at bus stops, or pre-order it by phone or in special Taxi Booths. Among intercity trips, it is worth highlighting the excursion steam locomotive Melita Train.

For shopping lovers

As stated above, the influence of the capital has made Sliema a mecca for elite recreation. You can also stroll through the boutiques in Valletta and St. Julian's. The country's major cities feature famous boutiques, shopping and entertainment centers. There are much more small souvenir shops and secluded family shops in Malta.

Among the “must-have” souvenirs purchased in Malta are:

• products made of Maltese colored glass with marble veining;
• luzzu - fishing boats with ancient symbols;
• linen lace and lace products;
• clothing, goat down scarves;
• Maltese cross.

As for edible souvenirs, tourists usually highlight Limoncello (lemon liqueur) and jbeina goat cheese.

Treatment and healing power

The healing power of Malta consists of two components: a maritime climate in a calm environment and quality medicine.

There are no sources of power here as such. People come to the islands to switch gears, freshen up, lose weight, and relax. And everything around helps with this: iodized sea air, sun, beaches, SPA treatments, thalassotherapy.

The Paleocentaurea plant is the national symbol of Malta, as it grows exclusively on this island. The intricate name of the flower translates as “ears of the sea” due to the plant’s love for sea slopes and beaches. Paleocentaurea is interesting not only for its rarity, but also for its honorable origin. It is known for certain that this flower grew on Earth during the Ice Age, remaining virtually unchanged by mutations.

Traditional medicine is also good in Malta. People come here for aesthetic medicine services, to solve hormonal problems, treat heart diseases, joint diseases, and metabolic disorders.

Well, first of all, the Maltese winter is not that much of a winter. Secondly, in winter there are much fewer tourists here, and therefore there is no crowd and prices are lower. So Malta is beautiful no matter when you visit it.

Holidaying here in winter, you can truly enjoy a holiday in tranquility. The beach and nightclubs will bring more impressions in another season, but sightseeing, active eco-tourism, studying at language schools on the sea coast and relaxation in the SPA are much better here in winter.

Memo for tourists: how to avoid troubles

As far as crime is concerned, the situation here is quite safe. Robberies, vehicle thefts, fights and hooliganism are rare in the country, except in the hot nightlife areas of Valletta, St Julian's and Bugibba. From time to time, thefts and thefts occur there, but even there they are rather the exception than the rule.

But when it comes to health, things are not so simple. First of all, Before traveling to Malta, it is recommended to get vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria. There are two poisonous creatures to be wary of on the island - scorpions and jellyfish. If you are planning leisure time in nature, hiking or relaxing on wild beaches, it is better to wear high, closed shoes. Remember that scorpions live in holes, rocks and cracks. Three species are dangerous here: Mediterranean yellow, Maltese and European. If you are bitten, you should not self-medicate, but go to the hospital immediately.

Jellyfish stay together and close to the surface of the water, which is why they are always immediately visible. Despite the fact that the venom of a jellyfish is not as dangerous as that of a scorpion, you should not get into the water with them. If you receive burns from a large number of jellyfish at the same time, the result can be no less disastrous. If you are stung by a jellyfish, you should wash the wound with salt water, remove any remaining tentacles and poison, and anoint it with some product containing panthenol (for example, sunscreen or burn cream). If there are many burn marks, you should go to the hospital after washing and lubricating.

Malta is a great place to travel. There are excellent beaches under the warm sun, and the frozen spirit of antiquity on every street and in every underground temple, here you can set up a business, learn English, and improve your health. But can an article replace your own impressions? So welcome to Malta!