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Malta

About Malta

 

A Mediterranean Treasure Filled with History, Culture, and Scenic Beauty

 

Malta is not just one island, but a small archipelago consisting of three inhabited islands and four uninhabited ones. The largest of these is Malta, followed by Gozo and Comino. While you can drive on Malta and Gozo, Comino is primarily a resort and day-trip destination. Situated just over 100 miles south of Sicily, Italy's largest island, Malta lies in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or a foodie, Malta has something for everyone.

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Getting from the Airport to the City

There are multiple ways of going from airport to the hotel. 

  • Uber taxi

  • Public Transport

I took Uber which costed me around 20 Euros from airport to the hotel. My hotel was in Sliema.

If you want to go via public transport, which is also very good, you need to take bus number X4. Bus terminal is located right near the airport exit. There are three bus stops in a row that are used by all airport buses, which are mostly direct bus lines. You’ll need to look out for bus number X4, which stops at the first stop coming from Arrivals (called “Airport 3”). Cost of single ticket is around 2.5 Euros. The timetable is available at the bus stop itself, but you can also find it online here: X4 route timetable.

Where do I get bus tickets?

The three easiest options to pay your bus fare are:

  1. Getting tickets (or multi-day passes) from the Malta Public Transport sales office in the Arrivals terminal (to your right as you exit Baggage Reclaim)

  2. Getting tickets from the machine right in front of the booth

  3. Pay contactless on the bus with a VISA debit or credit card (at no additional fee and touchless – no need to ask the bus driver for a paper ticket).

Must See Tourist Spots; Instagrammable

  • Valletta

    • The capital city of Malta, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with baroque architecture, historical sites like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and stunning views from the Upper Barracca Gardens.

  • The Blue Lagoon (Comino)

    • Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Blue Lagoon on Comino is a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the Mediterranean sunshine.

  • Mdina

    • The “Silent City” of Mdina is a medieval gem with narrow winding streets, ancient walls, and panoramic views from its city gates.

  • Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum

    • A prehistoric underground temple and burial site, the Hypogeum is one of the most important and fascinating archaeological sites in Malta.

  • Gozo Island

    • Malta’s sister island, Gozo is known for its natural beauty, including the Citadel in Victoria, the Azure Window (collapsed but still a scenic spot), and quiet beaches.

  • The Three Cities

    • Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are steeped in history, offering a glimpse into Malta’s maritime past and charming, narrow streets.

  • Dingli Cliffs

    • The highest point in Malta, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and a peaceful spot for hiking.

  • Megalithic Temples of Malta

    • Explore Malta’s ancient megalithic temples, including Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien, some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

  • Popeye Village

    • A fun and quirky attraction, Popeye Village is the film set from the 1980 movie Popeye, now a theme park with activities for all ages.

  • St. Peter’s Pool

    • A natural swimming pool located along the southern coast of Malta, known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations.

  • The National Museum of Archaeology (Valletta)

    • Discover Malta’s fascinating history, from prehistoric times to the Roman era, with a wide range of artifacts on display.

  • Fort St. Elmo

    • Located in Valletta, this historic fort offers a great view of the Grand Harbour and houses the National War Museum.

  • The Grand Harbour

    • One of the most beautiful harbors in the world, offering scenic boat tours that highlight Malta’s maritime history and impressive fortifications.

  • Marsaxlokk

    • A picturesque fishing village famous for its colorful boats (luzzu) and the vibrant Sunday market, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

  • Golden Bay

    • One of Malta's most beautiful beaches, Golden Bay is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.

As usual, I visited Malta for a quick 4-day getaway. I arrived in the afternoon, dropped off my bags at the hotel, and set out for a leisurely stroll to get a feel of the city. I stayed in Sliema, a charming resort town on the east coast of Malta. The waterfront here boasts a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, and small tour guide kiosks.

There are also some great photo spots featuring rocky formations, beaches, and bridges. It was a bit warm during the day, but still comfortable enough to walk around, so I treated myself to some ice cream. After a few hours of exploration, I headed back to the hotel to rest before heading out again in the evening.

In the evening, I grabbed a bundled ticket for public transport and took a short ferry ride—just 12-15 minutes—to Valletta. I spent the rest of the evening wandering around and soaking in the beauty of this historic city.​​​​​​​​​​

​Day 2:

​The second day my plan was to cover Gozo and Comino. I booked a full day tour with iseemalta. The ferry terminal was just in front of my hotel so after having a delicious breakfast at the hotel, I went to board the ferry. First went to Gozo where we were given around 2 hours to explore and then come back to the terminal.

​Gozo:

Gozo, the tranquil sister island of Malta, offers a perfect escape for a brief yet memorable visit. Spending just two hours here in November allows you to experience its serene charm without the crowds. The mild weather makes it ideal for a leisurely stroll through Victoria’s historic Citadel, with panoramic views of the island’s rolling hills and coastline. You can also visit the iconic Azure Window ruins or enjoy a quiet moment by the picturesque Xlendi Bay. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Gozo provides a refreshing retreat that lingers in your memory.

​While our way back, we were given an option to take a small boat to get closer to caves and drop to Comino. It was like additional 10€ but was all worth it. The view of the rock and going so close tat one could almost touch was just an experience.

​After this we were dropped at Comino, again which is just so beautiful. Perfect place for someone who like photography. Relaxed there for few hours and then headed back to Sliema. Such a great day full of experiences, good food and picture perfect spots.​​​​​​​

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Day 3:

​Decided to explore another city in Malta this day. Mdina! 

A half-day in Mdina, the "Silent City" of Malta, is the perfect way to step back in time and immerse yourself in its medieval charm. In November, the cooler weather and quieter streets make exploring this ancient fortified city a truly peaceful experience. Wander through narrow, winding lanes lined with honey-colored stone buildings, and visit St. Paul's Cathedral to admire its baroque architecture. The views from the city’s ramparts are breathtaking, offering a panoramic sight of the island's countryside. Mdina’s timeless beauty, combined with its calm atmosphere in the off-season, makes it an unforgettable stop on any Maltese itinerary.​

​The evening was relaxing one. Sitting near a sea view cafe and enjoying some coffee and cake. Also the twinkling lights of the city watching people.

​​​​​​​​​Day 4:

Popeye Village! Yayyy! So excited.

After taking a bus from a nearby bus stop, I reached Popeye Village.

This iconic location was the filming site for the 1980 cult classic Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The film crew constructed an entire village in a small cove on Malta’s northwestern coast. After the filming concluded, the village remained and has since become a popular tourist attraction.

Popeye Village in Malta is a must-visit for movie lovers and families alike! I spent a full day there, enjoying the charming atmosphere and taking plenty of pictures with the iconic Popeye characters, who roam around in their classic costumes. The village is not just about photo ops, though—it’s packed with fun activities that showcase movie-making magic. You can explore the set, visit the quirky houses, and even learn about the behind-the-scenes process of the film’s production. Whether you're a fan of the movie or just love unique, picturesque spots, Popeye Village offers a delightful experience that’s perfect for all ages.

Had an amazing 4 days exploring Malta! If I ever get the chance to visit again, there are definitely a few things I wouldn’t miss​​​​

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Food & Drinks

  • Istanbul Kebab House - Sliema

  • Trattoria del Mare - Malta Restaurant - Sliema

  • Saffron Indian Restaurant - Sliema

  • Maharaja - Sliema

  • Casa Vostra - Gozo

  • Maltese Traditional Honey Rings - any local grocery store

  • Kannoli - any small stall or cafe; all around

Getting Around

Public transport is the cheapest and best option for getting around. 

Details : https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/explore-flex

Sliema to Valletta

Malta Public Transport operates a bus from Bouverie, Tas-Sliema to Valletta every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €3 and the journey takes 14 min. Alternatively, Valletta Ferry Services operates a ferry from Sliema to Water Polo Pitch hourly. Tickets cost €2 and the journey takes 15 min.

Sliema to Gozo & Comino

I chose to go with day trip tour to these 2 islands. 

Details: https://www.iseemalta.com/products/best-of-gozo-comino

Sliema to Mdina

Public Transport - https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route/202

Sliema to Popeye Village

Public Transport - https://popeyemalta.com/contact.html

Activities

  • Relax at the Blue Lagoon, Comino

    • Escape to the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino, perfect for a swim, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.

  • Dive into Malta’s Underwater World

    • Malta is a diving paradise. Explore shipwrecks, vibrant reefs, and underwater caves, especially in Gozo’s famous Blue Hole.

  • Cruise Around the Grand Harbour

    • Take a scenic boat tour of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities to admire Malta’s stunning coastline and historical fortifications.

  • Hike the Dingli Cliffs

    • For stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, hike along the rugged Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island.

  • Visit Popeye Village

    • Fans of the movie Popeye will love visiting the colorful Popeye Village, a quirky theme park and film set that offers fun for all ages.

Where to Stay

Stayed at Sliema Hotel by ST Hotels

St Sliema Hotel is a seafront Hotel in one of the best and most sought-after locations on the island. Within walking distance, you may find pubs, trendy cafes, beaches, and shopping malls. The hotel boasts a wonderful sea view and is surrounded by numerous activities which one can indulge in and experience.

Time of Visit

Visited Malta in November, and it was the perfect time to go! With no crowds and the weather just right, it was an ideal escape for me since I’m not much of a beach person. The mornings and nights were cool and breezy, while the afternoons were sunny and warm—absolutely perfect! The Christmas decorations were just starting to go up, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere. Plus, since it was off-season, I got a complimentary room upgrade with an amazing sea view and stunning sunrises. Couldn’t have asked for a better trip! 🌞

Fun Facts & Vocabulary

  • Currency - Euro

  • Capital - Valletta

  • Language(s): Maltese and English

    • Hello - Hello

    • Good day  - jum it-tajjeb

    • Bye - Bye

    • Thank you - grazzi

    • Excuse me -skużani

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