What can be dangerous holiday in Malta?
Despite all the problems with migrants that have been shaking many European countries lately, Malta has been and remains a safe country. But this does not mean that you need to relax and completely forget about all the precautions, since theft and pickpocketing, although not often encountered, but they do exist. The only thing worth giving up is renting a car, as recently there has been a significant increase in theft of parked cars. Also, do not leave valuables in cars (regardless of whether in a conspicuous place or not). It is advisable to leave money and documents in a safe (in the room or at the hotel reception).
Rest can be spoiled by jellyfish and sea urchins. To protect against jellyfish, they even install special nets, but this does not always help. In addition to precautions, it is advisable not to save on insurance. Insurance should include the provision of a full range of services abroad, etc.
Where to stay in Malta?
There are many interesting places in Malta where you can have fun and have a good rest. One such place is the island of Gozo. This is one of the best Maltese islands and is ideal for families. Fans of constant parties and nightclubs do not choose this resort. The island boasts beautiful nature, well-developed infrastructure and everything necessary for recreation.
The island can please vacationers with stable weather conditions. It is dry in summer, precipitation is extremely rare, and temperature fluctuations, if any, are minimal. The average air temperature in the summer months is in the range of 32-35 degrees. The beach season opens in May and lasts until mid-October. In winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 10 degrees above zero.
There are many beaches and they are diverse, everyone can choose the beach that he likes best. Along with sandy beaches, there are pebble, rocky, rocky and even concrete ones. The most popular beaches are San Blas and Ramla Bay. In order to move around the island, it is better to rent a car or take a taxi. There is a bus service, but it is poorly developed, so you should not count on this type of transport (the size of the island is not small, so walking all the time is not an option). On the ferry, you can independently get to other islands and save on buying excursions.
The island has a sufficient number of hotels of different stars, but the hallmark of all hotels is a high level of service. Each hotel on its territory has bars, swimming pools, terraces. Some hotels have their own tennis courts. In addition, each hotel has its own range of entertainment. And here we are not talking about animation, but about gyms, spa centers, saunas, diving centers and much more. Outside the hotels, there are a large number of water attractions, opportunities to go diving, fishing, go to a nightclub, sit in a restaurant and much more.
In terms of attractions, there is something to see, but the most significant place on the island is the Citadel Fortress. For many centuries, this building served as a defense against pirate raids. Inside the fortress there are several museums that can tell about the life, culture, religion and history of the Maltese state. Here are the Folklore, Natural, Cathedral museums, as well as the Museum of St. George. In addition to the Citadel, you can visit other attractions, including the Palace of Justice, the Bishop’s Palace, the flowering gardens of Randl and many others.
It is on this island that I advise you to pay attention. Compared to other resorts, it is not so noisy and, nevertheless, you can choose entertainment for every taste and pocket.
How to get from Malta to Comino?
In terms of size, it is a tiny island with an area of three kilometers and a population of less than 10 people. Despite this, one priest and one policeman live on the island. There are few buildings on the island, and there is no traffic at all (there is no need for it, in just a couple of hours the island can be bypassed far and wide). Thanks to the numerous grottoes and caves in the Middle Ages, this place was very popular with pirates. For some time, the island served as a haven for expelled, guilty knights.
Now the island is a nature reserve, as birds that migrate from Europe to Africa and vice versa stop here. Here is the tower of St. Mary, which at one time was built to protect against pirates and now birdwatching is carried out from there. There is an observation deck at the top of this tower. In addition, the popular film The Count of Monte Cristo was filmed in this tower. In this film, the tower acted as the Chateau d’If. Other films were also filmed on this island.
This island has two lagoons. In addition to the Blue Lagoon you mentioned, there is also the Crystal Lagoon. With its beauty and crystal clear water, these lagoons attract a large number of tourists. Diving enthusiasts from different European countries also come here. The sand on the beaches is white, but the beach strip is small. In addition to these two lagoons, there are two more beaches on the island, which are located in St. Nicholas Bay and St. Mary’s Bay. Boats that bring and pick up tourists regularly moor to the island. Do not think that you will be in this place in splendid isolation, and there will be no one nearby. There are always tourists here.
Next to this island is the small island of Cominotto. This island is one of the shores of the Blue Lagoon, for which tourists come to these places. The island is small, its area is only 10 hectares. There is only one building on this island, the purpose of which is unknown (as well as its origin). In one of the rocks of the island, the water washed out the tunnel, and if you take a boat trip, you will definitely be taken there (it is advisable to have a flashlight with you).
Do not rush to buy a ticket to Comino Island from the first person you meet or the first agency you come across, and even more so in language schools. In such places, you may be charged 20-30 euros, but in fact such a trip costs less than 15 euros. On the one hand, the Blue Lagoon attracts with its natural beauty, white sand and clear sea, but not everything is as smooth as you can read in various articles and reviews. You need to take special shoes with you, since without it it is dangerous to walk there, which is not surprising, since there are rocks all around. The beaches are poorly equipped, there are not enough sunbeds for everyone. Due to the large influx of tourists and locals, a trip to this place does not need to be planned for the weekend. The bottom is pleasant, stones are not often found. Be careful in a storm, because at this time a large number of jellyfish are washed ashore, which can cause a lot of trouble,
How can I get from Malta to Sicily on my own?
If you are interested in the sights of Sicily, then it is better not to go there on your own, but to buy a full-fledged excursion. Such trips are very popular among Russian-speaking tourists, since the difference with ferry tickets is not very big, only about 50 euros, or even less. In the end, it’s better to overpay a little, but then you don’t have to think on your own how to get to different attractions, what to look for first of all, you just pay money and organize everything for you.
Usually, tourists are picked up from the hotel early in the morning, taken to the port of Valletta, and from there they are taken to the port of Pozzallo on a fast and comfortable boat (this is the correct name of the Sicilian port). On arrival, some time is allotted for breakfast. The main route of such an excursion is laid to the world-famous volcano Etna. Despite the fact that the distance from the port to the volcano is decent, the route is laid out in such a way that tourists will definitely not be bored. The path is laid through a picturesque gorge, at the bottom of which is the city of Modica, which is known for the highest bridge in Sicily and excellent chocolate. At the entrance to the volcano, tourists will have a sightseeing tour of the picturesque town of Taormina (here, tourists are given several hours of free time to sit in local cafes, buy souvenirs, take some memorable pictures, etc.). It is worth paying attention to the fact that Taormina is the most expensive and pretentious resort on the island, it is here that the most expensive hotels and villas are located. Tourists who come to this town for a few hours note the incredible atmosphere. Literally two hours is enough to get acquainted with the main attractions of this town.
Well, at the end of the tour, the group is waiting for the ascent to Etna, which ends at an altitude of about two thousand above sea level. For an additional fee, which is about 50 euros, tourists are offered to go on a jeep safari to the very top of the volcano (the duration of such an additional excursion is about one hour).
Be that as it may, you must understand that a sightseeing trip from Malta to Sicily will cost significantly less than an independent trip (no matter how you plan it). Even in hot weather, you need to take warm clothes with you, as it is always cold at the top of the volcano. It is advisable to take water and a certain amount of food with you, since everything is very expensive on the ferry, in Taormina and directly near the volcano, and there is simply no point in overpaying (for a relatively moderate fee, you can eat only in the port of the town of Pozzallo). If you are interested in various souvenirs, then it is also best to buy them at the port, as the prices there are several times lower. The most popular goods that tourists buy are olive oil, honey, muscat wines, honey and, of course, the local Limoncello liqueur, which is known far beyond the borders of Sicily.
What seafood to try in Malta?
Malta is an island state that is surrounded by water on all sides, so there is a lot of seafood here, and this product is most popular with local residents. Dishes prepared from seafood are very diverse, some types of fish can be cooked even without heat treatment, that is, fish is eaten raw here, but in very small quantities and quite rarely. Also, dishes made from pasta with the addition of seafood and unusual sauces have become very popular, the most common ones are made from garlic or tomatoes. If you really like fish, you can try a pie in restaurants with this product, where fish is the main ingredient. Dishes prepared with octopuses are in great demand; they can be boiled, fried, stewed or stuffed with various products. Lemon is used as an addition to these seafood, as in many other countries, it can also sometimes be replaced with lime, which is almost the same in taste, but has a fresher and more unusual taste and aroma. The Maltese people are very fond of fried fish in a state where it almost reaches the taste of chips, for such a dish it must be fried in a lot of oil and breaded so that it does not absorb too much fat, then it is dried to be crispy. When the fishing season comes, then the locals most often prepare fish soup, which they can supplement with tomatoes, garlic, rice and marjoram, but every housewife can supplement this or that dish with various seasonings that can change the finished dish beyond recognition. In Malta, such fish are caught: red mullet, sea bass, silver bream, sawfish, stone fish and zuban, these are the types of fish that serve as the main ingredient in most dishes of the Maltese cuisine. Seafood is very popular not only among local residents, but also among tourists, so you can find a variety of options for such dishes in almost any restaurant or cafe in Malta.
Where to go fishing in Malta? What bites?
In principle, it is not necessary to look for a place for fishing. You can fish in Malta all year round and you don’t have to go somewhere – you don’t even have to leave or sail somewhere. Most often, dorado, finned tuna, and bonito peck in local waters. There are a number of fish species, which include sea bass, black bream, which are found only closer to the bottom and are not so easy to catch. If you take tackle, you can try to catch something from the shore, and if you are interested in fishing at depth, then it is better to contact guides who can organize interesting fishing for you. The cost of such pleasure starts from $ 60, but it all depends on the nuances. Crayfish, snails, shrimps, various insects are used as bait in the Maldives. No matter how disgusting it may sound, but best of all, sea fish peck at everything that has an unpleasant (malodorous smell). If the price is of fundamental importance for you, then it is better to gather in a campaign and go fishing for the whole day, it will be both more interesting and cheaper.
Is it worth going to Malta in December?
The daily air temperature in Malta in December is 16-18 degrees, the water in the sea is 17 degrees, so swimming and sunbathing, of course, will not succeed. In addition, at this time, rainfall is highly likely on the island, but it never lasts here for a long time. Most likely, when you go to Malta, you are already aware of how this island is full of attractions, or rather, it itself is one museum island, so I can advise you to visit only those that I really liked at one time.
In general, the most convenient way to get around the island is by car. It will not be a problem to rent it, there are plenty of rental offices in any part of the island, and it costs much less than in Western Europe, about 15 euros per day. The only inconvenience that you will encounter is the left-hand traffic, which is a bit unusual.
In my opinion, two cities deserve the greatest attention in Malta – Valletta and Mdina. Valletta is full of graceful narrow streets, graceful cathedrals. Be sure to also go on an excursion to Fort St. Elmo, where the military museum is located. The most terrible museum I have ever visited is located in Mdina, this is a torture museum, I also advise you to definitely visit the catacombs of St. Paul in this city.
Can I drive around Malta on my own?
The traffic is really left-handed and this causes serious difficulties for many tourists, so before renting, you need to think several times about whether you can handle such a change in traffic or is it better to use public transport. For rent, an international driver’s license is required. Drivers must be at least 25 years old, and if they are between 21 and 25 years old, they can rent a car for an additional fee. To save on rent, you need to book a car for a month or two before the trip. The rental price depends on the season. If in the summer you need to pay about 35-45 euros per day for a Ford Fiesta, then in winter, renting the same car will cost half as much. It is cheaper to deal with local (Maltese) distributors, and not with international ones. The latter are at least twice as expensive. There is also a difference in the amount of insurance, but insurance will have to be paid in any case. Do not rush to sign documents, get into the car and leave. Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage or malfunctions. Found defects must be additionally fixed or eliminated in your presence. No need to be shy and expect that everything will be fine. Your negligence may result in the fact that when you hand over the car, you will be forced to pay for breakdowns and damages to which you have nothing to do. Also, you need to book cars with an automatic transmission in advance, as they are in the greatest demand among tourists. Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage or malfunctions. Found defects must be additionally fixed or eliminated in your presence. No need to be shy and expect that everything will be fine. Your negligence may result in the fact that when you hand over the car, you will be forced to pay for breakdowns and damages to which you have nothing to do. Also, you need to book cars with an automatic gearbox in advance, as they are in the greatest demand among tourists. Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage or malfunctions. Found defects must be additionally fixed or eliminated in your presence. No need to be shy and expect that everything will be fine. Your negligence may result in the fact that when you hand over the car, you will be forced to pay for breakdowns and damages to which you have nothing to do. Also, you need to book cars with an automatic transmission in advance, as they are in the greatest demand among tourists. to which you have nothing to do. Also, you need to book cars with an automatic transmission in advance, as they are in the greatest demand among tourists. to which you have nothing to do. Also, you need to book cars with an automatic transmission in advance, as they are in the greatest demand among tourists.
The speed of movement within settlements should not exceed 50 kilometers per hour (in some cases, the speed is limited to 35 km/h). The maximum speed outside cities is 80 km/h.
As elsewhere in Europe, there are specialized paid parking lots, and along with them there are some free and unofficial parking lots. The main thing is to pay attention to the time period for which it is allowed to leave the car in a particular parking lot. The peculiarities of local traffic rules include the fact that you cannot park a car within a radius of 5 meters from an intersection and 12 meters from a public transport stop (parking lot). The minimum penalty for violating the parking rules is an impressive fine, and in the worst case, the car will be evacuated to a penalty area. The roads in Malta are narrow, usually one lane in each direction. Roads are free, but road signs are extremely rare outside the city. Traveling by car in Malta is quite pleasant, especially considering that the road surface in the country is of excellent quality (the total length of the Maltese roads is 3,000 kilometers). The most severe punishment is for driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.8%. If the alcohol level is from 0.8-1%, then the amount of the fine will be 1200 euros, and if it is higher, then you won’t get off with fines and deprivation of a driver’s license, in which case they can be arrested for up to 6 months. The most interesting thing is that you cannot refuse to pass the test, otherwise the driver automatically falls under the highest sanction. An unfastened seat belt will cost 50 euros, and a conversation while driving on a mobile phone will cost 100. On the spot, you can only pay the fine that was issued for improper parking, and in all other cases it must be paid through the bank. Think,
Whether or not to use the dipped headlights during daylight hours, each driver decides at his own discretion (it is necessary to turn on the dipped beam only in conditions of poor visibility, precipitation and in tunnels).
When traveling by car, you must definitely take a navigator, otherwise there is a high probability of getting lost. On many roads, there are no signs at all on how to get to a particular settlement. It is not worth navigating on the map, as some roads marked as secondary may turn out to be the main ones. In any case, if you are confident in your abilities and consider yourself an experienced driver, you can try and travel around Malta in a rented car.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
There are not so many Russian-speaking vacationers in Malta, since most of the beaches are rocky. There are only a few good sandy beaches. Hotels are not particularly chic, food prices are much more expensive than in Turkey, Egypt or Tunisia. The most favorable months for recreation are the summer months, when the largest number of tourists come to rest, especially those who love diving. The local underwater world is very beautiful. In summer, a large number of festivals and carnivals take place, which additionally attracts tourists. At this time, the cost of rest increases from 20 to 50 percent. The low season is considered to be from November to April, but the climate is such that during this period you can comfortably relax. In terms of swimming, the month of June will be the most optimal. The air temperature this month is about 26 degrees, and the water in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to 22 degrees. If you want to relax calmly and pleasantly, then it is better to come in September, when the weather is very comfortable, the sea is warm, and the flow of tourists is decreasing. There is something to see in Malta, sights are everywhere, and therefore, in terms of tourist trips, any time is suitable. Based on this, you yourself can choose when to come to Malta.
Where is the “Cave of Darkness” in Malta, and how to get there?
The Dark Cave or Ar Dalam is the oldest cave formation in Malta. It is located near the famous fishing village of Marsaxlokk, in the southeastern part of the island. Depending on from which point in Malta you are planning a trip, you can get to this cave complex either on your own by public transport or buy an excursion. Near the cave there is a stop with the appropriate name “Dalam”. Bus lines 210, 85 and 82 stop here from Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuji.
If you plan to visit this cave in warm weather, then you should not take jackets and other things with you, as it is not cold inside. The total length of the cave is 144 meters. But only 50 are available for inspection. It should be noted that in Malta this cave is quite heavily advertised. This is done in order to attract as many tourists as possible, but in fact, many tourists who have visited this place say that they expected more. Yes, you can see a few stalactites in the cave, but people who go there after looking at various advertising booklets expect much more.
For a long time, the entrance to the cave was blocked with stones, but in the 19th century it was opened and gradually tourists began to come there. In the cave you can see many different fossils that testify to the life of a primitive man, and date back to the 5th-6th century BC.
Nearby is the cave museum, where you can see many interesting exhibits, including the skeletons of a huge turtle, pygmy elephants, as well as various birds that inhabited the island about 250 thousand years ago. A number of scientists who conducted a study of the remains found in this cave came to the conclusion that a real mutant cemetery is located in this cave (a sufficient number of facts were found indicating that ancient animals had signs of gene mutations).
At the moment, the cave has been explored up to six layers and each of them is quite informative. In the first layer (about 74 centimeters) were found the remains of many domestic animals (horses, cows, goats, sheep, horses), as well as human bones, jewelry, ceramics, and various household items. Limestone, a wide layer of deer, wolf, brown bear and other animals were found in the next layers. The pearl of the cave is considered to be a 120 cm layer, called the “layer of hippos, where the remains of a pygmy elephant were found. The last layer is called clay, no animal remains were found there, only small traces of plants were found.
The place is quite interesting and informative, especially for those who are fond of science, but it cannot be said that what they see is breathtaking.
The complex is open for visits from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance ticket costs five euros, but there are discounts for children.
Where is the “Blue Grotto” in Malta, and how to get there?
The Blue Grotto is the “visiting card” of Malta, its main attraction, a picturesque place, a unique phenomenon… The list of enthusiastic epithets can be continued indefinitely, but as they say, it’s better to see once than hear a hundred times. So you made absolutely the right decision to visit this amazing place.
What is the famous Blue Grotto, which, by the way, is involved in the filming of the famous film “Troy”? This is a unique geological formation, a system of grottoes and caves, the largest grotto goes inside the cave by 45 meters. But tourists are attracted here simply by the incredible color of the water – bright blue, which in sunny weather shines with orange, pink and purple highlights that are reflected from the walls of the grotto. Even when you dip your hand into the water, your hand turns blue!
This interesting place is located in the south of the island of Malta, not far from the small town of Weed of Zurrik. By the way, the name of the grotto was given by a British soldier who decided that the grotto in Malta was an exact copy of the grotto on the island of Capri. You can get to the Blue Grotto on your own, but it will take a lot of time and effort, and renting a boat is expensive. Renting a boat for a half-hour excursion costs 9 euros, and half an hour is very little for such a beautiful place. But if you still decide to go on your own, then you can get from the Floriana station by bus number 183. But in my opinion, the tour will be much more interesting and informative.
And it is better to visit the Blue Grotto in the morning, then it is more picturesque. As for the weather conditions, it can be difficult to get to the Blue Grotto here, because even with the slightest storm, not a single boat will take you to the Grotto, either sightseeing or private. A calm sea in Malta is not so often.
You also mentioned cliffs. This place is called Dingli Rock – one of the most picturesque places in Malta. Cliffs 250 meters above sea level, they offer an incredibly beautiful view of the sea, rocks, waves. Can you imagine the beautiful sunsets and sunrises there? By the way, from a distance the cliffs look very beautiful, like in a picture or a postcard.
What to see in Malta in one day?
Immediately after arriving in Malta, I recommend going to the ancient city of Mdina, which at one time was the capital of Malta. This is not just a city, but a city-museum, which miraculously managed to preserve its medieval appearance. The city remains residential, but the number of local residents is small and amounts to about 500 people. But even with this in mind, the narrow city streets are always full of tourists who come to Mdina from all over the world to see this ancient place. If one of the most striking sights of the city is the Cathedral of St. Paul, decorated with incredible beauty of engravings, then the Museum of Torture can be safely called the most terrible attraction of the city.
This museum is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. There are quite a few similar museums in European cities, but it is believed that this museum looks the most natural and it is here that the largest collection of exhibits on the relevant topics is collected. People with bad mentality should avoid this museum. Even taking into account the fact that numerous museum figures are made of wax, they look quite natural and, compared to other similar museums, the atmosphere here is really creepy and gloomy. In addition to this, the museum has a sound design with moans, screams, cries and screams. The museum is not located in an ordinary building, but where prisoners were actually kept at one time.
In the ancient city of Birgu, there is an impregnable Fort of St. Angelo, the exact date of construction of which remains a mystery. Some scientists attribute the beginning of its construction to the times of the Roman Empire. Now the castle belongs to the state, but part of it is leased from the Order of St. John of Malta. Such a moment cannot but arouse tourist interest. In another part of the castle there is a military museum, where you can learn a lot of interesting things about the development of military affairs in this region.
Not far from the Maltese village of Krendi, there is a complex of sea caves, which is called the Blue Grotto. This place got its name due to the rays of light falling into the water and giving it a bright blue color. The depth of the grotto reaches 45 meters. This attraction can be seen in a number of famous films. Due to the difficult terrain and strong sea waves, this place can be visited daily by no more than 25 boats and boats with tourists. In warm weather, tourists can not only admire the beauty of this place, but also go diving and rock climbing. Above the rock, where the grotto is located, there is an observation deck, which offers beautiful panoramic views. Boats and boats depart daily from 9 am to 4 pm (until 4.30 pm in summer) and the cost of such a trip is 8 euros.
A little time can also be allocated for entertainment, namely, visiting the natural amusement park “Mediterraneo”, which is located in the city of Sliema. This place regularly hosts shows with the participation of various animals, in particular sea lions and dolphins (various reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds also live in the park). From October to January, the park is open from 10:00 to 14:00 from Tuesday to Sunday.
What souvenir to buy in Malta?
In Malta, there are a lot of options in terms of souvenirs, but just here, a distinctive feature of many souvenirs is their originality. The first thing you should pay attention to is Maltese lace, which is known far beyond the borders of this small state. Such souvenirs are expensive, for one lace napkin you will have to pay at least 8-10 euros. When weaving, linen fabric is used. This type of craft has long been considered the most important occupation of local women. The Maltese themselves say that they do not need to advertise their lace, as the quality speaks for itself. It was Maltese lace that was repeatedly used in the outfits of Victoria, the English queen.
No less popular souvenir will be products made of Maltese glass. The work of a glass blower in Malta is very popular and is one of the oldest. There are several factories in the country that specialize in the manufacture of such products. In addition to glass vases and dishes, you can buy various glass toys. A feature of some products are the veins of marble glass. The view of such products is amazing, and the price starts from 12-15 euros per product.
For several decades, retro yellow-and-white buses (they were called Layland) ran as public transport in Malta. Today, these buses are considered one of the main symbols of Malta. Since 2011, these buses have been replaced. In any souvenir shop you can buy such a bus and pay 4-5 euros for it.
Another symbol of the country is the Luzzu boat. Such boats can still be seen in the fishing villages of the island. The cost of smaller copies of such boats in souvenir shops is somewhere around 10 euros, and they are in decent demand.
In Malta, the production of jewelry is well developed, and jewelry traditions are more than one or even two centuries old. On the island you can find any gold jewelry, and if you don’t find it, then it will be made to order for you. It will be truly indescribable in beauty, which will always remind you of visiting this island. It is difficult to talk about prices, since everything depends on the weight, size and complexity of the work, but you are unlikely to find anything cheaper than 30 euros.
In the literal sense, a scarf or a sweater made of goat down will be a warm and warming souvenir. For the cold Russian winter, this is just what you need. Such products are not made by the factory, but by hand, hence the high price.
Almost everyone has heard of the Order of Malta and the Knights of Malta. In Malta, the theme of chivalry and everything connected with it is very popular, so figurines of Maltese knights are among the most popular Maltese souvenirs, although they cost at least 30 euros per figurine (again, everything depends on manual work).
It will not last long, but it will still be an original edible souvenir brought from Malta. Delicious Maltese honey. The peculiarity of this honey is how it is harvested. In Malta, there are no apiaries like ours – they have old clay pots as beehives, which are placed in small caves. Due to the fact that there are many different herbs in Malta that bloom several times a year, the honey is very tasty and rich. A jar of such pleasure costs about 5 euros. And for 6-7 euros you can buy a kilogram of natural goat cheese, which has been produced here since time immemorial. You can choose the cheese according to your taste, as it is sold in three types: with pepper, without pepper and soft. The Maltese consider goat cheese to be the best appetizer for wine. From alcohol, it is better to buy not wine, but Limunchel lemon liqueur (a half-liter bottle of this drink costs 15 euros).
Malta produces excellent olive oil, which is practically in no way inferior to Greek or Spanish in quality. Maltese olive oil has a slightly sweet taste.
Well, the most inexpensive not expensive souvenir will be sea salt, which is mined here in special salt mines. Salt is inexpensive, and reminding you of a trip to Malta will be quite expensive.
If you do not know how to deliver this or that product home, ask the sellers, they will tell you how and what to pack.
How to visit the Laskaris bunker in Malta?
The Laskaris bunker, or as it is also called – the Laskaris Shelter, is the most important historical landmark of Malta, which not all tourists know about, but those who have been there once recommend this place to their friends and acquaintances. The bunker is not just one room, but a whole complex of medieval tunnels that are located in the thickness of the rock (on this rock are the eponymous bastions of the Maltese capital Valletta). During the Second World Wave, this bunker housed the headquarters of the American and British troops, whose main task was to protect Malta from the fascist invaders. In the post-war period, the bunker was not abandoned, but was used by the Maltese Royal Navy, and later by NATO. Today it houses the Military Museum, which is open to the general public.
The former headquarters consisted of 20 rooms, and a long tunnel was cut to it, under the bastion. During the siege of Malta, these catacombs were turned into administrative offices and residential areas. Signalers, machinists worked in this place, the command staff was located, in total there were more than 1000 people. Despite the fact that we are talking about a dungeon, the rooms located there are distinguished by high arches and the organizers of the museum tried to recreate the atmosphere, interior and furnishings of those times as much as possible. Dummies of officers leaned over the tables, various old (military) maps, ciphers, stacks of various documents are found everywhere. In excellent condition, vintage telephones, radio stations and other items have survived to this day, which perfectly complement the atmosphere of this place. The rooms are interconnected by wide corridors. In one of the underground rooms there was a garage, which always housed a car. At any moment, in the event of an attack on the headquarters, the car can go to the surface.
To get into the bunker, you need to go around the rock along steep and winding streets, numerous flights of stairs and overcoming other not very difficult obstacles. The entrance to the bunker is no different, the twilight reigns inside, the same as during the hostilities. During the war, at the entrance, everyone’s documents were checked, but now they check tickets.
Finding this museum for inexperienced tourists can be problematic, but this is not a reason to refuse to visit it or buy an excursion. If you can’t find it yourself, you can contact the tourist centers of Valletta, where you can get comprehensive information on this issue (in extreme cases, you can ask taxi drivers for help).
A visit to this military museum will cost about 3.5 euros. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 to 16.00, and on Saturday and Sunday on a reduced schedule from 9.30 to 12.30. During the high tourist season, the schedule may change. So if you are interested in history related to the events of the Second World War, then you can visit this museum without hesitation.
Where can you go in the evening in Malta?
Malta is rightfully considered the club capital of Europe. It is this fact that attracts a huge number of tourists to the country, and not just a beach holiday. The top ten discotheques in the world include the AXIS disco. This disco has a powerful high-quality sound. There are four halls, the largest of which can simultaneously accommodate two thousand people. Lighting and all sorts of effects at the highest level. The DJ pad can be raised, lowered, as well as move forward and backward. On the territory of the disco there are several bars that can accommodate everyone. Everything is thought out in such a way that the guests feel comfortable and do not create crowds. The disco has existed for about 20 years and during this time it has been visited by more than five million people, and this says a lot and only a few discos in the world can boast of such popularity.
It is worth paying attention to the Numero Uno nightclub, which offers visitors excellent conditions for relaxation. This club boasts the largest dance floor in Malta, which is surrounded by four bars. The club can simultaneously accommodate four thousand people. On Saturdays and Sundays, the club hosts various themed parties. Various DJs constantly perform, including those with a worldwide reputation. It is also worth noting that this is the largest open-air club in Malta.
Malta is a small country, but you need to choose a club depending on the place where you plan to stay. Nice disco La Grotta. This disco can be called the most unusual in Malta. The thing is that the dance floors of this club are located in caves. There is a swimming pool in one of the caves and visitors are advised to take a swimsuit with them. The club is popular not only among tourists, but also locals are frequent guests here. At the bar, visitors can be pleased with some exotic cocktail. This is a great place to meet tourists from other countries.
In Malta, such a dance style as latino is very popular, and if you are a supporter of it, then you have a direct road to the Fuego nightclub, which is an ideal place for lovers of this direction. This club is always crowded and has a friendly atmosphere. There is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and improve your skills. Not surprisingly, Latin American music sounds in this club. If you do not even know how to dance such dances, then there will definitely be a person in the club who will help you and teach you the basics of this dance. On certain days, groups of people wishing to learn Latin American dances gather in this club. You can dance in the club until the morning.
What is the order of prices for holidays in Malta?
I want to say right away that holidays in Malta are among the expensive pleasures, and this does not depend on whether you buy a ticket from a travel company or plan a trip yourself. It is also worth noting that from the point of view of a beach holiday, Malta is not the best place (the same Cyprus in terms of a beach holiday looks much better). Due to the rocky terrain, many hotels are forced to bring bulk sand to the beaches. This, of course, saves the situation, but only partially, and all costs are borne by the tourists.
But most of the tourists who come to Malta set themselves the goal not of a beach holiday, but of getting to know the culture, sights and natural beauties of this island. In addition, Malta is considered one of the most party places, where a large number of young people come all year round (some combine parties in nightclubs with the study of foreign languages). Many nightclubs and discos are considered the best in Europe and the world.
First of all, in order to visit Malta, you need to apply for a visa. Without a visa to Malta, as well as to any other country in the Schengen zone, it is impossible to get (this is not Turkey or Egypt, where you can go and not bother with paperwork). The consular fee for issuing a visa is 35 euros, and approximately 1150 rubles of the consular fee must be added to this amount. If everything is in order with the documents, then you can get a visa in 4-5 days.
You can fly directly from Moscow with Aeroflot, but ticket prices, to put it mildly, bite: for one-way tickets, you need to pay from 120-130 euros. You can consider options with transfers, in which case it should turn out cheaper, but it all depends on the date of departure and return.
If you are planning to travel for two or more weeks, then it makes sense to look at renting an apartment, and if you are planning a trip for 7-10 days, then you need to stay at a hotel. But in the summer, you are unlikely to find a hotel with a cost of less than 100 euros per night per room (most likely this cost will be in the amount of 120-150 euros for a standard room). For tourists who prefer a comfortable stay, the ideal option would be to rent your own villa with a pool, but there the price will be appropriate.
You won’t have to spend much to get around Malta, as the country has a well-developed public transport system, and a single day ticket costs less than three euros. Taking a taxi is expensive, but public transport is a great option for getting around Malta economically. The main form of public transport is the bus. If you eat fast food, then you won’t have to spend a lot of money on food, such food is inexpensive in Malta. Entrance tickets to museums cost from 5 to 10 euros (there are discounts for students).
What interesting festivals are held in Malta?
Malta is small in size, but grandiose in its temperament. Here you will find amazing archaeological wonders, noisy discos, trendy cafes and interesting holidays and festivals.
Malta is beautiful at any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful in April. The winter cold has already gone, the summer heat has not yet arrived, and everything around is blooming and fragrant. In April, Malta is immersed in greenery. Poppies, daisies, orchids, feces and citrus fruits are in bloom, emitting a unique aroma.
In April, they usually celebrate Catholic Easter and this is a big holiday in Malta. At this time, you can see the magnificent Great Friday processions with statues of the Passion and the majestic Easter procession. The most magnificent processions take place in Most, Ormi and Zebbuj (usually you can book an excursion there). If you come to Malta for the Easter holidays, be sure to try figoli – these are gingerbread cookies with almond filling, and during Lent you can try delicious puff pastries with anchovies.
At the end of April, a fireworks festival usually takes place in Malta, where you can admire the original creations of local pyrotechnicians.
In April, Japanese medlar, green beans and beautiful strawberries ripen in Malta. It is this delicious berry that the Festa Frawli strawberry festival in the small village of Mnjar is dedicated to. This is a traditional village festival, where you will find delicious strawberry desserts, a competition for baking the largest strawberry cake, a lot of music and fun.
In October, in the ancient capital of Malta, the ancient city of Mdina, an unusual annual festival “Birgufest” takes place. All electricity is turned off here for two days, and the ancient seaside town is lit by thousands of candles. All museums, cafes, restaurants and churches of the city are open until late these days. Live music concerts are held on the main square of the city, and restaurants offer a large selection of festive menus. You should definitely try the roast pig and rabbit dishes.
At the end of October, a chocolate festival takes place in the town of Hamrun. The event is new, but the locals have already fallen in love with it. On this day, the city is transformed, everyone puts on festive clothes, puts stalls and tables on the street and sells various sweets.
Whatever event or festival you visit in Malta, you will get a lot of new positive emotions and impressions everywhere. If you want to enjoy a beach holiday in addition to holidays, then choose the summer months. And if you are interested in sights and festivals, then the best month, in my opinion, is April.
What to do in Malta in winter?
For a certain category of tourists, Malta is of particular interest in winter. First of all, this category of people includes those who do not tolerate heat well. The average air temperature on the island in winter ranges from 10 to 15 degrees. In addition, even in winter, Malta has a lot of greenery that pleases the eye.
When planning a trip, you should pay attention to the fact that the rainiest month is December. But it is in December that Malta noticeably changes on the eve of Catholic Christmas. Many stores and malls have significant sales.
The country is rich in various natural, architectural sights, museums of various subjects, etc. In the high season, huge queues line up for these attractions, but in winter the situation is calm. Also, it is in winter that you can fully experience the flavor of local life.
It should also be noted that in the low season prices for holidays are noticeably reduced. This applies not only to accommodation, but also to food, excursions and other components of the holiday. So there are many reasons to go to Malta in winter.
How to have fun in Gozo?
Gozo is the second largest Maltese island and many tourists come here to see its main natural attraction, which is called the Azure Window. Every year the number of tourists who come to see this arch increases, because over time, under the influence of various natural factors, it crumbles and it is possible that it may soon be completely destroyed. In the immediate vicinity of the arch, tourists are offered various excursions and the opportunity to dive.
The capital of the island of Gozo is the city of Victoria and it is there that the main architectural sights of the island are concentrated. In the center of the capital is the Citadel (in the local manner it is called Rabat). It is located on top of a hill and to get there you need to make some efforts, which will eventually be rewarded. In addition, a beautiful view of the city opens from the top. Until a certain point, it was the only fortification on the island, thanks to which many human lives were saved.
By itself, this citadel is more like a small city, on the territory of which the ruins of ancient buildings, ancient streets, passages and wooden decks intended for delinquent citizens have been preserved. On the territory of this fortress you can visit several museums and the Cathedral.
Among the museums, one can single out a museum called “Old Prison”, in which you can see six solitary cells and a common block. On the walls you can still see the inscriptions that were made by prisoners who were kept here several centuries ago. In total, the prison was used from the middle of the 16th to the beginning of the 20th century.
In the archaeological museum you can get acquainted with the history of the island from ancient (prehistoric) times to the present day. Its exposition presents many household items, tools, art, etc.
Also on the territory of the Citadel there is a folklore museum, a museum of natural sciences and a cathedral museum.
The most ancient museum not only of the island, but of the whole of Malta are the Ggantija temples. These are two gigantic temples built of stones. Their construction is dated 3600-2500 BC. Despite their great age, they have been preserved in excellent condition, so a visit to this place is included in almost all excursions that take place in Gozo. The height of some stones on the territory of this temple complex reaches five and a half meters, and the weight is 50 tons. Not surprisingly, this place is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to local legend, these temples were built by giants specifically to worship the gods. Next to the temples, archaeologists have found many figurines and other finds that are directly related to the cult of fertility. Both temples are united by a common wall, although each of them has a separate entrance.
It is believed that it is on the island of Gozo that the cave is located, which Homer mentioned in his Odyssey. It is located in the city of Xaghra and is called Calypso. It is believed that the cave is a complex labyrinth, but so far this information has not been adequately studied. Near the cave you can see the remains of the fortress wall, which was built by the Knights of Malta in the 18th century. From the territory of the cave offers an excellent view of the bay of Ramla Hamra. From the capital of the island of Victoria, you can get there by bus number 307, only from the final stop on foot you will have to walk about two and a half kilometers.
Approximately one day can be allocated to get acquainted with the city of Mgarr, the first mentions of which date back to the 13th century. At first it was a small fishing village, which gradually grew to the size of a city. The city is interesting because it is called the sea gate of the island. The city is divided into two parts: the Lower City and the Upper City. Among the sights of this city, one can single out the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Chambray Fort built in the 17th century, the Gothic temple of the Holy Virgin of Loreto, the Church of St. Anthony and other interesting places
Which language school in Malta is better to choose?
Malta is one of those few countries that offer foreign tourists not only excellent opportunities for recreation and exploring local attractions, but also for learning foreign languages. It cannot be said that the prices for language courses are affordable for everyone, but if there is money, then Malta will be an excellent choice for both recreation and education. At the same time, it is worth noting that the cost of studying in Malta is much lower than in other English-speaking countries.
For a long time, Malta was a British colony, which left its mark in various areas of the country’s development, including the language. English is the official language and all Maltese are fluent in it. Language programs differ in duration and intensity (it all depends on the initial level of training, financial capabilities and the availability of a sufficient amount of free time). Typically, the training period ranges from two to twelve weeks, with about 20 lessons per week (with an intensive program, their number can be increased to 30). The duration of one lesson is 45 minutes.
In many schools, the cost of education includes accommodation on the territory of school residences, in nearby hotels or in families with local residents. All options are equally good, but if you have any specific preferences, then this issue should be discussed with the school at the initial stage, so that after arriving in Malta there are no unnecessary problems. Usually groups form small, approximately 8-14 students.
If you want to combine study and leisure (this is what many European students do), then you should pay attention to such a Maltese town as St. Julian’s. It is this city that is considered the capital of recreation, parties and entertainment in Malta. One of the best language schools in this city is the EC Malta school. The school offers a variety of language courses for students of all ages. Tuition here starts from 185-200 euros per week.
Approximately the same amount will cost the school “English Language Academy”. This school is located in the village of Sliema. It is excellent as a preparation center for exams, certificates, etc. The basic program consists of 20 lessons per week.
If you want to find something cheaper, then pay attention to the Sprachcaffe Malta school, which is located in the same St. Julians resort. This is not just a school, but a real complex with classrooms, video rooms, a swimming pool, sports grounds, a cafeteria, a residential building, a library and other facilities. This place is great not only for studying, but also for outdoor activities. A weekly course of 20 lessons will cost 130-140 euros.
How much will a holiday in Malta cost?
Malta is not very popular among Russian-speaking tourists, most of them are tourists from England (there are also many language schools in Malta, where tens of thousands of students study annually). Due to the peculiarities of the relief, the country does not have a large number of good beaches, which also scares away a certain percentage of potential tourists. A number of hotels have good beaches, which brought sand there and improved it. The fact that the hotel has its own sandy beach immediately increases the cost of living by at least 30 percent.
To visit Malta, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. It is not difficult to do this, many visa centers and travel agencies provide such services. The cost of registration is different everywhere, but the one-time consular fee is the same everywhere – 35 euros. It usually takes about 4-5 days to process. The cost of a one-way flight will be from 120 to 150 euros (depending on when you buy tickets).
The choice of housing is not bad, but the prices bite. The cost of living primarily depends on the season. Those who travel to Malta for a long period (at least a month) tend to rent an apartment. In the low season, you can rent an apartment for 300 euros per month, and in the summer you won’t be able to find anything for less than 700-800 (and this is without taking into account utility bills). In the off-season, a double room in a good hotel can be found for 40-50 euros, and at the height of the tourist season, this amount will definitely be higher than 100 euros. The summer season in Malta is considered to be the period from mid-April to mid-October.
To get around Malta, it is best to use public transport, which is quite well developed in the country. The best way to save money is to buy a single ticket (the cost of this ticket for a day is less than three euros). The cheapest way to eat is in fast foods, where you can meet 4-6 euros per person. Food in cafes will cost somewhere 2-3 times more expensive, but the quality of food there will be much better.
Visiting almost all museums and other attractions is paid. Entrance tickets cost from five to ten euros, but students are given discounts.
Where is the “Museum of Torture” located in Malta?
The Museum of Torture (in the English version Mdina Dungeons) is located in the ancient capital of Malta – Mdina. This is a unique museum of torture and various bullying that people have succumbed to at different times. The special atmosphere of this museum is added by the fact that it is located exactly in the dungeon where several centuries ago prisoners were kept in cells, tortured, and most of them were executed. Often tourists are warned that this place is not for the faint of heart, but there is nothing super terrible there, everything is done more or less civilized so that highly susceptible tourists do not lose consciousness (at least you will not see living organs there). As practice shows, such museums are very popular,
It all starts directly from the entrance to the museum, where blocks (medieval) are installed, which not only do not cause any fear among tourists, but, on the contrary, are one of the most popular places for a photo session. There is a small square in front of the museum where witches were burned in the Middle Ages. Collecting exhibits for the museum turned out to be a simple matter, since at one time quite tough Spanish inquisition was present in Malta.
In the place where the museum is now located, the prison appeared in 1730, and with each new ruler, the process of torture only improved. In total, there were 25 cells in the prison, in which about 30 prisoners were kept and there were practically no chances for people to get out of this prison. All the tortures were aimed at extracting a confession from a person (sometimes innocent people ended up in the dungeon, who, under the influence of torture, were forced to give false testimony against themselves and their relatives).
It is believed that this museum contains the “best collection” of medieval executioner tools, including such exhibits as the guillotine, a vice for squeezing the skull, Spanish boots, nail pullers and other terrifying exhibits. All weapons are represented on wax mannequins (bloody). Some of the dummies represent real people who have suffered torture at various times. Execution scenes, executioners, various weapons and other exhibits are presented in a fairly realistic setting, all accompanied by groans, screams and appropriate music. A creepy character in the form of a hunchback caretaker acts as a guide. Torture in this prison stopped only in 1813. If you are interested in more detailed information about this museum, its opening hours, exhibits and other points
How to organize a solo trip to Malta?
Indeed, you can save money if you organize a trip yourself. First of all, you need to get a visa. Do not forget about the bank statement, which will need to be submitted to the embassy (at the rate of 48 euros per day). As for housing: you can easily book a hotel on special sites. It is better to book rooms where there is a note about free cancellation. One of the cheapest hotels in Valletta is the Europa Hotel (price for a double room is 600 rubles per day and more) and Miranda Apartments (from 700 rubles per day), and in the coastal town of St. Paul’s Bay, choose a hotel ” Primera Hotel” (from 650 R/day) or “Euroclub Hotel” (from 600 R/day). And you can also rent an apartment from the owners, it will be even cheaper, for example, 400 rubles per day, but it can be like a room in a house where other people can already rent, or even the owners live. The higher the price of living in an apartment, the better the conditions. There is another way to travel to Malta without spending money on a hotel: special communities on the Internet where you can find a person who will kindly provide you with a room in his apartment for free (“kachusurfing”) . A good way not only to save money, but also to make friends with the locals, from whom you can learn a lot of useful information about the city and who can even give you a tour of the city. But if you prefer such an overnight stay, still book a hotel in order to provide information about accommodation to the embassy – this will be easier. And after you get a visa, just cancel the reservation without losing money. You also need to contrive to buy a cheap air ticket: use aggregators to search for air tickets, that is, sites that search for all companies, selling air tickets, thus, it is possible to reveal the cheapest one. Also, on some sites, cheap tickets are thrown away, “burning”, those who could not go and try to resell them (for example, on ChipTrip). Sometimes ticket holders sell them with up to 70% discount, although in this case the travel dates have already been determined, and then everything else will also have to be adjusted to these tickets. In general, everything! It’s not that difficult!
What attractions are worth visiting in Malta?
There are also extraordinary ancient megalithic temples in Malta – these are such religious buildings made of large stone blocks. There are more than 20 of them in Malta, the most ancient is Ggantija on the island of Gozo (3600 BC), which is rightfully entered in the well-known Guinness Book of Records. In it, it is presented as the oldest man-made structure on the entire planet!
Other temples include the catacombs of St. Agatha and St. Paul and the Grotto of St. Paul. For young people, it will be interesting to visit the cult burial place – the Hypogeum cave.
Of course, if possible, you should definitely visit the unforgettable show “The Malta Experience” – here you can learn everything about the culture of the island.
Well, in the evenings, young people relax in all kinds of night bars, clubs and restaurants – it never gets boring there until the morning!
Where are the sandy beaches in Malta?
In Malta, rocky beaches predominate, some pebble and a minimum of sand. Almost all sandy beaches are located in small bays far from the main mass of hotels and entertainment. So, choosing a hotel near a small sandy beach, you will have to drive to the nearest city in search of entertainment.
The best choice would be the Paceville (Pachville) area, there is an artificial sandy beach and there is where to go. On the other hand, there will be noisy discos all night long.
If you like silence and remoteness from civilization, then Mellieha Bay, located on the outskirts of the island, will suit you. Here is the largest sandy beach in Malta with a gentle entry into the sea, many families with children.
There are other beaches, but first you need to decide what you need more – a sandy beach or entertainment. In any case, Malta conquers with the purest water.
Which resort to choose for a holiday in Malta?
The mild climate, a large number of attractions and a well-developed tourist infrastructure are the main components that annually attract thousands of tourists to Malta from all over the world.
Malta is not a big country, but there are plenty of interesting resorts here. In terms of attractions, one of the most interesting places to stay in the country is the capital city of Valletta. It can be safely called an open-air museum, where almost every building is of historical value. There is also a sea in Valletta, only the problem is that there are no normal slopes to the water within the city, and as a result, tourists go to swim in other places, since there are no problems with public transport in Malta. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the city is located in a beautiful natural bay, on the coast of which there are many noteworthy hotels. Many tourists stop in Valletta not only for the sights, but also because the prices here are lower than in other resort towns in the country.
Sliema is one of the most popular resorts in Malta. This is due to the fact that not just good, but excellent conditions for recreation have been created here: beautiful nature, clean sandy beaches, many cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels of different stars (the best hotels in the country are located in Sliema). The resort itself looks special, this feature lies in the fact that all the streets are strictly perpendicular to each other. The main pride of the city is the beautiful embankment, which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the country’s capital. The beaches are mostly rocky, but this situation in Malta is observed almost everywhere, so this fact does not particularly bother tourists. The beach season starts in June and lasts until the middle, and sometimes until the end of September.
When choosing a holiday destination in Malta, you cannot ignore the island of Gozo. This unique and amazing place is very popular among vacationers. It attracts with its beauty, incredible rocky sandy beaches, cozy fisherman’s restaurants and wonderful weather. In summer, the water in the sea warms up to 27-30 degrees. If you prefer a calm measured rest, then you can safely go to the island of Gozo, and you will be guaranteed the highest quality vacation. It is also worth noting that this island attracts many divers with its interesting underwater world.
If you are interested in parties and exquisite relaxation, then pay attention to St. Julian’s. This is the most expensive resort in the country, which at one time was an ordinary fishing village. It is especially in demand among European youth. A huge number of bars, restaurants, nightclubs are concentrated here. In addition, the summer here is not as hot as in other resorts of the country.
I can also recommend two such resort towns as Bujiba and Aura. Usually they are not separated, so they practically merged into a single whole, but there is still a difference. Bujiba city is more cheerful and noisy, it is perfect for youth recreation. If you are interested in bars, nightclubs, various entertainments and other attractions, then this town will definitely not disappoint you. The service here is not as luxurious as in the same Sliema, but everything is compensated by picturesque views and an amazing atmosphere. You can swim on local beaches until mid-October.
The nearby town of Aura is a quieter and more peaceful resort, where there are not so many places of entertainment, but there are many shops and various shopping centers. This place is perfect for families with children, especially considering that there are stony (rocky), but well-equipped beaches here.
Where are the best English language schools in Malta?
One of the best schools for teaching English in Malta is considered the European Center Of English Language Studies, not only students, but also adults can study here, a few years ago, a modern building was opened for them, which includes not only ordinary classes , but also a large library with a wide range of educational publications and a computer center. There are several courses at this school, and they are divided not only depending on the age of the person who is going to learn the language, but also according to the intensity of the classes, the level of the student and the number of hours that will be spent on training. All teachers are very experienced and have extensive experience working with people from different parts of the world, here you can study not only with teachers from Malta, but also from other countries, such as: Canada, the United States of America, UK and Australia. There are almost no age restrictions in this school, even schoolchildren can study, but basically, students get the necessary knowledge here, so they are preparing to enter prestigious universities. Schools in Malta are known for being accessible to people of all ages, there are courses for children from the age of five, and for adults who have already turned 50. The most popular school for mature people is the IELS School, there are courses for people who have turned from 45 years old, it is very rare to find such institutions for people of this age, mainly they are designed for young people or students who need English for further study. All classes at the IELS school are held in a friendly atmosphere, here all conditions are created for comfortable learning, tea parties and conversations on a variety of topics are not uncommon. After completing the training course, all people will receive a certificate, and during the training, you will have free access to the library and Internet services. The school is also convenient because here you can choose accommodation for the period of study, you can rent an apartment with a kitchen, a bathroom, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
What to do and what to see on the Maltese island of Gozo?
In Gozo, you can not only see various natural and architectural sights, but also enjoy a beach holiday. In the vicinity of the easternmost village of the island of Il-Ala, Hondok ir-Rumin Beach is located. This is a small sandy beach (given the small size of the island, there are no huge beaches here). The water here is clean, the entrance to the water is gentle, but it is believed that it is in this place that the lowest water temperature on the island, because. due to the location of the beach, the water here warms up the slowest. The beach is popular with the residents of Malta and can get crowded especially on weekends. The beach is ideal not only for swimming, but also for beginner divers.
In the vicinity of the city of Shary, there is the largest and most picturesque beach of the island – Ramla Bay. Despite all its advantages, this particular beach is considered the most untouched in Gozo. The sand here is of an unusual brick-red color, the sea is shallow, the entrance to the water is smooth (if you look, you can find several places where the depth comes faster).
In the vicinity of the smallest island village of Asri is the beach of il-Asri. Getting there is not easy, but visiting this place is definitely worth it. The beach itself is more like a small narrow fjord located between the rocks. The best way to get to this place is by boat, and then go down to the beach along the concrete stairs. It is worth taking a mask with you, as there are several interesting places under the water.
Dueira Bay is considered one of the main natural attractions of the island. Thanks to time, wind and sea waves, many interesting objects have formed here that attract tourists. The most famous part of the bay is the inland sea. Locals call this place the sea in the middle of the earth. The sea and the bay are separated by a rock, in which there is a 50-meter tunnel. For diving enthusiasts, this is an ideal place (you can meet various marine life in the tunnel).
Many tourists travel to Gozo to see the famous natural attraction – the Azure Window. It is currently one of the most photographed attractions in Malta. In appearance, this is a stone in the form of an arch, located above the sea. The window was formed naturally, as a result of the destruction of two limestone sea caves. It is not safe to walk around this attraction and it is better to watch it from a boat, but the rules are made to be broken.
In the capital of the island, the city of Victoria, for only six euros you can get to the performance, which is called the loud word of the show here. It’s called the Gozo 360° show. It consists in the fact that visitors are shown more than 1000 different photographs related to the history, life and development of the island. The show is accompanied by an interesting and detailed story. The show takes place every 30 minutes, comments are read in 15 languages, including in headphones (before entering, everyone is given headphones).
I do not agree with Andrei that 2-3 days in Gozo will be enough, if you start to get acquainted with this island in detail, then it may take at least 10 days.
Where to go shopping in Sliema?
The Maltese city of Sliema is considered one of the main shopping centers in the country. Among the most interesting trading floors, the Marks and Spencer shopping complex is worth highlighting. There are similar stores not only in Malta, but also in many other countries (there are about 45 such countries). In this store you will find a large selection of quality clothes of different styles, accessories and other goods. In addition, the complex includes a cafe and a large grocery store. In Sliema, Marks and Spencer is located in the Sliema Ferry area.
Even taking into account the fact that Sliema is a continuous center of shopping, the main shopping street of the city is the Tower Road embankment, which is four kilometers long. On this street there are boutiques of different brands, including such as Zara, Topshop and others. True, the prices in the shops located on this embankment bite and not all foreigners can afford (good things at more or less adequate prices can be purchased during the sales period). Part of the waterfront is occupied by restaurants, casinos, hotels and bars. Pleasure can be delivered not only by shopping, but also by a regular walk along the embankment, where you can breathe fresh air, admire cruise ships and snow-white yachts. Although the embankment is a pedestrian zone, there are public transport stops every 400 meters.
One of the newest shopping centers not only in Sliema, but also in Malta as a whole is The Point shopping center. Within its walls there are about 50 stores of various brands. The goods sold here are designed both for the average buyer and for those who follow high fashion. Before going to this complex, you can look at its official website and get to know it remotely. There is free wi-fi on site, which is available for 45 minutes.
Unlike other shopping centers in Sliema, this complex can be safely reached by car, as The Point has a huge private underground parking, although it is not free. This complex is designed, including for visitors with children, for children there is a large play area with a huge inflatable castle. Parents can leave their children under the supervision of instructors and go shopping.
Shopping in Sliema can be called incomplete if you do not visit one of the main shopping centers of the city – Plaza. Within the walls of this nine-story building there are several dozen shops, restaurants, cafes. It is especially crowded here on weekends, when people from all over Malta come for shopping. The store offers such well-known brands as Karl Lagerfeld, United Colors of Benetton, La Senza, John Galliano and other standard stores for Malta.
From time to time, the Plaza shopping center hosts make-up demonstrations, wine tastings and other interesting events, the schedule of which can be found on the official website of the complex.
What can you bring as a souvenir of your holiday in Malta?
I would like to draw your attention to edible souvenirs, as I most often bring them from my vacation. Many mistakenly think that in this regard, Malta cannot surprise with anything interesting, although this is not so. Take only Bajtra cactus liqueur. I’m sure you haven’t tried anything like this before. It is made from the fruits of the ubiquitous prickly pear cactus (locals use this plant as a hedge). Liquor is made by different companies, but you won’t see much difference in taste, so you can safely take the one that is cheaper, and even better in duty free.
Purely Maltese delicacy are Qaq ta ghasel honey rings. It is both original and very tasty souvenir. To be sure of the quality, it is best to buy such rings in supermarkets, for example, in the Maypole chain, which has its own bakery. You can buy rings in a beautiful gift box. A large honey ring will cost about two euros.
In the cheese department of any more or less large department, you can buy barrels of dried Maltese cheese gbejniet. As well as honey rings, this is a purely Maltese product. If earlier this cheese was made from goat’s milk, now cow’s milk is mainly used. In addition to the usual white cheese, you can buy it with various additives, herbs, pepper. I do not advise buying home-made cheese, since according to the customs rules of the Russian Federation, such a product can only be imported in its original packaging. Cheese, weighing about 100 grams, will cost only one euro.
Another gastronomic souvenir is carob syrup – Gulepp tal Harrub. Its consistency is very thick, almost like honey and very sweet. It has been proven that this syrup is healing, it copes especially well with colds. The taste of the syrup is pleasant, but you won’t drink much of it in its pure form, but it can be added to oatmeal and various drinks. For a jar of 300-400 ml you will have to pay about 4-5 euros.
How to rent a car in Malta?
Even taking into account the fact that Malta is a small island state, it is most convenient to move around the country not by public transport, which often runs off schedule, but by a rented car. On the territory of the country there are a sufficient number of both local and international rental offices. It is most convenient to book a car via the Internet and arrange for the car to be delivered to the right place (most often the airport is such a place). It has been repeatedly discussed that it is best to book a car in advance, as this gives you the opportunity not only to save money, but also to be sure that you will be provided with the desired model.
According to local rules, a person who is 25 years old can rent a car, but if you pay an additional tax, you can rent a car from the age of 21. In large (international) cantors, a prerequisite for the lease is the presence of international rights, and in small ones they can also accept a national certificate. You will also need a copy of your passport and a credit card to rent (cash deposit is almost never accepted anywhere, so there must be enough money on the card). The amount of the deposit ranges from 100 to 300 dollars and all distributors say that it will be returned to the account within two weeks, but in fact the period for returning the money is extended up to 45 days.
When renting, you should carefully read the terms of the contract, as well as make sure that the car is in good condition and its complete set. The kit should include a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency vest, warning triangle.
The cost of rental in large companies is somewhat higher, but such companies also have advantages, which lie in the fact that large rental companies provide insurance against theft in the event of a repair and an accident, while small companies cannot offer this, therefore their cost is lower. Here, everyone decides for himself: to save or not to take risks, or to complete it in full. A child seat, as well as the ability to drive a car for one or more drivers, is paid extra. Local traffic regulations provide for the mandatory installation of a child seat only for children under three years old, in other cases, the parents decide at their discretion. Two or three days is more than enough to go around the whole of Malta.
If you do not have board experience in driving, then it is better to refuse such an undertaking as car rental in Malta. The main inconvenience for many tourists is left-hand traffic and it is quite difficult for many drivers to change lanes from the right-hand side. In narrow streets, a one-way traffic system is most often used. During the daytime, the dipped headlights are switched on exclusively in tunnels. The speed limit is quite strictly defined: within settlements, no more than 50 kilometers per hour, and outside them up to 80. There are no toll roads in Malta, you only have to pay for entering the center of Valletta, but the price of entry is low, and you don’t always have to pay , but only on weekdays from 8 to 18 hours and on Saturday from 8 to 13 hours.
What are the pros and cons of holidays in Malta with children?
Tourists with children go on holiday to Malta for various reasons. Someone is attracted by the lively Sliema with its summer camps and in-depth study of the English language, someone likes Valletta most of all with a great opportunity to visit all the sights of the island from there. Well, others are simply attracted to rest on the sandy beaches of Mellieha. So here it’s up to the travelers themselves to choose what interests them most.
The most beautiful thing about Malta is perhaps that its territory is unusually small and therefore it is absolutely not necessary to look for accommodation in different cities every time to travel around the country. You can stay at the hotel of your choice and every day go on some new trip around the island – for sightseeing, for the beach or for a forest walk.
Perhaps to a greater extent, holidays in Malta are still suitable for teenage children, since they will really be interested here – the holy apostle Paul visited this country, the mysterious Order of Hospitallers operated here, and even Napoleon Bonaprat ruled this island for some time.
But even for younger children, Malta will undoubtedly be a great place to relax. Here for them there are both traditional ways of entertainment – a water park, a zoo and an aquarium, as well as very unusual ones, for example, the village of the sailor Papaya. All resort towns in Malta and many of its beaches have playgrounds, and if you stay in a family-type hotel, then there you are guaranteed children’s pools with clubs for young guests.
In principle, the holiday season in Malta opens at the end of spring, but you should not go here with children before the beginning of June, because only then you can not limit yourself to sunbathing, but also swim in the sea with might and main. In June, the weather is still not too hot and the children acclimatize much faster. But in July and August, the air temperature warms up to +30 degrees in the morning, and therefore it is better not to go to the beach at the height of the day. Well, September is considered the best month for families with children here, as in many southern places. It’s not so hot outside, and the water in the sea is still very warm.
Since the all-inclusive system in Malta is not yet widespread, the following options are more popular here – breakfast only, half board and full board. If you are planning to relax on your own with children in Malta, then it is best for you to stay in an apartment or in a room in an apart-hotel. They are usually equipped with kitchens and you can easily cook your own food or warm up baby food.
Literally all Maltese resorts have supermarkets, small grocery stores and vegetable shops where you can buy even fresher vegetables than in large retail chains. Well, for the smallest holidaymakers, food can be bought at pharmacies and supermarkets. With children who already eat completely on their own and eat food from an adult table, you can visit Maltese restaurants with national cuisine. In fact, Maltese cuisine strongly resembles both Greek and Italian, which means there are a lot of healthy products in it. Even in Malta, pizzerias are very popular, which all children certainly adore.