Malta

Ancient Malta is almost like Great Britain in the Mediterranean: English and football are equally respected here. Language schools and study tours, beach vacations and excursions, ecotourism, weather, photos and prices – everything about Malta from Mandry-club.

Malta (Malt. Repubblika ta’ Malta, English: Republic of Malta) is a picturesque island state at the crossroads of civilizations: for many millennia trade routes from west to east, from Europe to Africa, have crossed here. The mythical Odysseus and the very real Napoleon and Nelson have all set foot on this land. And today, modern treasure hunters are following in their footsteps – cultural, architectural, beach and culinary.

Each era has left its mark on Malta: amazing sights – from ancient megaliths to medieval churches and fortresses – still retain echoes of the past. You need to come here to unravel the mysteries of ancient streets, catch international notes in traditional treats, enjoy a vacation on rocky and sandy beaches hidden in cozy coves off the Mediterranean coast. You can also improve your health in modern thalasso centers and learn English in popular language schools. And just to admire the surrounding beauty: it is no coincidence that the Maltese landscapes were chosen as the scenery for the filming of the cult “Game of Thrones”.

Regions and resorts of Malta

The capital of Malta is the port city of Valletta: a former fortress founded in the 16th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John, who defended the local lands from the onslaught of the Turks. Fortunately, many of the monuments that have grown up here since then have been perfectly preserved. That is why UNESCO has included the entire city, whose historic buildings are recognized as one of the densest in the world, in the World Heritage List.

In Valletta, you can spend days maneuvering between elegant squares, palaces, and temples, while looking into the souvenir shops and colorful restaurants concentrated on the Republic Street.

After exploring the capital, it’s time to go to the resorts, which are numerous on the island. One of the most popular is St. Julian’s, located in the northeast of the country. The bustling city, which grew from a tiny fishing village, breathes at full capacity both day and night: while the sun is shining, vacationers bask on the beaches (the best are the sandy St. George’s Bay and the rocky St. Andrews), study architecture and buy souvenirs, and after sunset have fun in the clubs and casinos of the Pacheville area.

The most prestigious Maltese resort is Sliema, where not only foreigners but also locals seek to spend their vacations. It is home to luxury hotels and restaurants, well-known language schools and fashionable shopping centers. Buġibba, Aura, and St. Paul’s Bay are famous for their comfortable swimming areas and antiquities such as megalithic temples and Roman villas. Mellieha and Marsascala are ideal for a secluded vacation, while Mdina, surrounded by the fortress walls, is perfect for hiking. And the main natural beauties are hidden on the neighboring islands: Gozo with its hills and valleys and Comino with a permanent population of 4 (!) lucky people.

The religious heritage of tiny Malta is enormous: Cathedrals, basilicas, parish churches, monasteries, and shrines can be found here at every turn. However, all their beauty, power, and glory pale in comparison to the charm of the modest village clocks that are scattered throughout Maltese towns and villages. Poets dedicate poems to them, artists paint them and photographers take pictures of them, and locals spend Sunday afternoons in them with their children and pets. What is the secret of their popularity?

A brief history

Miniature Malta has an unusually complicated history. The first settlers from Sicily appeared here in the Neolithic period. Later they were replaced by warlike Bronze Age tribes, and then by the Phoenicians, who gave the island a name that means “Refuge”. Until 1530, the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, and Spaniards visited the island, taking turns shaping Malta’s appearance, culture, and customs. Finally, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as the Order of Malta, became the owner of the picturesque lands.

Even Napoleon was among the conquerors of Malta: he stayed here for only 6 days, but managed to abolish slavery, plunder churches, and establish a liberal legal system. The Johnnites tried to preserve the remnants of power by electing Russian Emperor Paul I as Grand Master of the Order of Malta, but soon the British landed on the island and turned it into their colony. The long-suffering Malta said goodbye to independence for a long time: de jure colonization lasted until 1964, de facto – until 1979, and today Freedom Day in honor of the withdrawal of British troops is one of the main holidays in the country.

Any roadside stone may well turn out to be part of a medieval castle, if not a megalithic temple, and the deeper you dive into local history, the more you agree with Carroll’s Alice: “it gets stranger and stranger”.

And finally, a legend: long ago, the archipelago served as the home of the giant goddess Sanssun, whose majestic beauty easily drove mere mortals crazy. Perhaps Malta is still shrouded in the charm of its former mistress: no one leaves it indifferent.

Climate

The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is +26…+28 °C, and the water temperature ranges from +21 °C in June to +24…+26 °C in July-August. In May, it can still be cool to swim (+19 °C), but in September-October, the real Velvet Season reigns.

Precipitation is 530-570 mm per year, mostly in winter – but even at this time, clear and sunny weather prevails. Humidity is quite high for most of the year. There are no rivers or mountains in Malta.

Visa and Customs

Malta is a member state of the Schengen Agreement, and Ukrainian citizens need only insurance to visit it.

Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. When entering from the territory of non-EU countries, amounts over EUR 10,000 must be declared. Persons over 18 years of age are allowed to import duty-free 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco; 1 liter of spirits (stronger than 22°) and 2 liters of wine; perfumes – for personal use.

Ammunition, explosives and firearms, drugs (drug-containing medicines – only with a special permit) and pornographic materials will not be allowed through customs. Plants, soil, wild birds and animals, meat and milk products (including canned food, chocolate, sausage, etc.) cannot be brought to the island. Weapons, ammunition and pornography, as well as historical artifacts, jewelry and antiques are prohibited for export.

Tax free

The Tax free system allows you to return about 15% of the cost of goods purchased in Malta. To do this, you have to follow a few rules: at least make purchases worth 55 EUR (the price must include VAT), keep all receipts and not use the items until you leave.

Tax free in Malta is only available if the total cost of purchased goods exceeds 315 EUR.

When you arrive at the airport in advance, you have to write an application for a VAT refund at the Vat Refund counter at the exit from the departure area. The due amount will not be issued immediately: the check will be sent to the address specified by the applicant within three months (in practice, sometimes you have to wait a whole year). The check can be cashed in Ukrainian banks no later than six months from the date of receipt.

How to get to Malta

Malta’s only international airport is located 5 km southwest of Valletta, in the municipality of Lua. It is quite small, but it fully meets all internationally accepted standards. Only Ryanair and SkyUp have direct flights from Kyiv: the number of flights per week is 4, tickets cost 1778 UAH one way, and the flight duration is 3 hours and 16 minutes.

Find the cheapest flights to Malta at the lowest prices

Transportation

The most convenient way to get around Malta is by bus: they used to be owned by the British company Arriva, but now the reins have been transferred to the national carrier Malta Public Transport. Almost all routes go through Valletta, and sometimes you have to make a big detour to get to your destination.

Express trains going to the airport are marked with the letter X, flights through the capital are marked with numbers from 1 to 99, buses passing through the capital are marked with numbers from 200 to 300, night routes are marked with the letter N, and transport on the island of Gozo is marked with numbers from 300.

The buses are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and electronic displays. Tickets are sold from the drivers, the cost of one trip in winter is 1.50 EUR, in summer – 2 EUR, night flights – 3 EUR. There are special travel passes for tourists: Explore for 21 EUR (15 EUR for children) with unlimited trips for 7 days and ExplorePlus for 39 EUR with included sightseeing tours and audio guides.

Another popular form of public transportation in Malta is ferries connecting major cities and islands of the archipelago. A trip from Valletta to Sliema will cost 2 EUR, to Gozo – 5 EUR, to Comino – 6-8 EUR. You can see all the Maltese beauties in a day on a double-decker tour bus, the cost of which is 20 EUR.

Public transportation within cities

The main means of transportation within settlements are the same buses that stop on demand anywhere in the city. In Valletta, there are a couple of minibuses that run on route 133: the streets here are so narrow that a large car simply won’t get through. It is nice to explore the surroundings of Mdina on the Melita Train, tickets cost 4.50 EUR. And the most romantic transportation is horse-drawn carriages “carrots”, which ride around the sights for 30-50 EUR.

Taxis can be found at a special parking lot, caught on the street, or ordered in advance online, by phone, and at the Taxi Booth. Boarding costs an average of 3.50 EUR, the first 8 km of the journey – 1.40 EUR each, then – 1 EUR. A transfer from the airport to the capital costs about 20 EUR.

Car and scooter rental

If you plan a full-fledged sightseeing tour, a vacation on secluded beaches, and even more so a trip to Gozo and Comino, you should definitely rent a car or scooter. Almost 80% of Maltese roads are covered with good asphalt, the distances between cities are not serious, and the roads are free – all advantages. Difficulties await only in Valletta: the entrance to the historic center is paid, the roads are narrow (or even pedestrian), so it is better to prefer public transport to personal transport.

In Budjet and other international offices, prices “bite”: renting an economical model costs from 70 EUR, an SUV – from 150 EUR per day. Local rental companies are more loyal to customers: compact cars are rented for 20-22 EUR per day. The amount of the deposit is from 100 EUR, the price of gasoline is 1.40 EUR per 1 liter.

For greater freedom of movement, you can rent a scooter, but it costs almost as much as a car. Traffic in Malta is on the left-hand side, traffic jams are rare, parking spaces are marked with white rectangles, but you can park wherever there is no prohibitive yellow line.

Communication

The largest mobile operators are Go Mobile, Vodafone Malta and Melita. SIM cards are sold in company offices open at the airport and in the tourist areas of Malta and Gozo. The packages for 15-25 EUR include free calls to local numbers and 50-500 MB of Internet traffic. The balance is replenished with special cards sold at newsstands and some shops.

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants and eateries (you need to order something to get access to the network in public catering). Internet cafes are open on the main streets, offering connections for 4-5 EUR per hour.

Hotels in Malta

There are many hotels in Malta, but you need to choose them carefully: the level of service varies greatly from hotel to hotel. Of course, the guests of luxury five-star hotels have the most privileges, while three-star hotels offer simpler service, but there are also decent options for budget hotels. Some hotels have their own beaches, and continental breakfasts and à la carte dinners are common (only a few hotels have an all-inclusive system).

The voltage in the Maltese power grid is 230 V, rooms are most often equipped with three-pole British sockets of type G. An adapter can be obtained on deposit at the reception.

In winter, most hotels undergo cosmetic repairs, so the number of rooms available for accommodation is reduced significantly. But from November to the end of March, housing prices are falling, which means that you can stay in a suite for quite adequate money. In the summer, a bed in the Sliema hostel costs 25-60 EUR per night, a double room in the Valletta “triple” – from 42-70 EUR. Most of the “fives” are concentrated in St. Julian’s, with prices starting at 180 EUR per day.

Money

The country’s currency is the Euro (EUR), with 1 EUR equal to 100 euro cents.

Currency in Malta is changed in banks, hotels and exchange offices open on tourist streets, in large shopping centers, seaports and the airport. From the beginning of October to mid-June, bank branches are open from 8:30 to 12:30 (Monday through Friday), opening and closing half an hour earlier on Saturdays and in the summer. Sunday is a day off, branches at the airport and street exchange machines are open around the clock.

The accepted rate of tips in Maltese catering is 5-10% of the check (sometimes they are included in the bill immediately). In gratitude, porters are given 0.50-1 EUR per suitcase, taxi drivers – no more than 10% of the fare.

The least attractive exchange rate is in hotels, especially since there, as well as in banks, a commission is charged for transactions. In street exchangers, it may be absent, so it is better to always check with the cashier for details. Only major world currencies are accepted for exchange. Credit cards can be used in all major restaurants, shops and hotels (cash only in public transport), and ATMs are installed everywhere.

How to avoid problems

1. Malta is a calm country: the crime rate is low, and it is safe to walk the streets. Of course, no one is safe from pickpocketing: it is better to leave large sums of money, documents and valuables in hotel safes. Sometimes kidnappings also happen, so it’s wiser to park your car in crowded places.
2. Street crimes are most often committed by African migrants, but sometimes the threat comes from tourists themselves, who lose their heads from alcoholic euphoria in the famous Pachevil district.
3. Before traveling, it is recommended to get vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus. The island is home to poisonous Scorpions: European, Maltese and yellow Mediterranean. They are extremely rare in tourist areas, but in the countryside it is better to beware of stones and rock crevices. If a Scorpion does bite a careless tourist, you should immediately contact the nearest medical center: an allergic reaction can be severe.
4. Poisonous jellyfish swim off the coast, but they stay in large flocks near the surface, so it’s easy to spot them. In case of a bite, it is enough to rinse the skin with seawater, scrape off the venom and treat the affected area with sunburn cream or foam.
5. Speaking of sunscreen, in the 40-degree summer heat, it is simply irreplaceable, just like hats and dark glasses. On rocky beaches, rubber slippers will come in handy, and it’s best to swim in places patrolled by lifeguards: local currents and waves are not worth joking around with.

Useful phone numbers

Consulate of Ukraine in Malta: 89, Wine Pressers Wharf, Marsa MRS 1912, Malta; tel: +356 2124 2007.

Malta Tourism Authority: 229, Merchants’ Street, Valletta CMR 02; tel: (22) 915-000.

Beaches of Malta

There are no wide endless beaches in Malta, but there are small and cozy ones, lost in picturesque bays. The surface is sandy, rocky and pebbly, and the entrance is almost always free.

Sandy beaches are always crowded, with a gentle descent into the water and amenities: paid sunbeds and umbrellas (10-15 EUR per set), showers, toilets, sports equipment rental. Rocky and pebbly areas are more secluded, clean, and mostly “wild”.

The most popular recreational areas are located in Sliema, St. Julian’s, Mellieħa, Budjibba, Aura and St. Paul’s Bay. The first two resorts are the most fashionable: They offer coastal shops, restaurants and entertainment for every taste. St. George’s Bay in the vicinity of Pacheville is crowded both day and night, while St. Thomas Bay in Marsascala is much quieter. Golden Bay is marked with the Blue Flag, Ain Tuffiha is surrounded by steep cliffs, Paradise Bay offers magnificent views of Gozo and Comino. By the way, it is worth enjoying solitude on the neighboring islands: the cozy beaches of San Blas, Bayar Bay and Shlendi Bay are famous for their clear water and peaceful atmosphere.

Diving

Diving in Malta is the third most popular pastime after beach relaxation and sightseeing. You can dive here all year round: in summer the water warms up to +23…+25 °C, in winter the temperature steadily remains at +14 °C. The coastal waters are surprisingly clear (visibility reaches 30-50 m), and at the depths you can see amazing marine life and diverse landscapes: from tunnels and arches to grottoes and caves.

You can dive without an instructor only if you have a special application, a dive logbook and a valid diving certificate. In the absence of such, welcome to local schools that offer dives for 35-50 EUR or take a full course from 280 EUR to 465 EUR.

The most popular dive sites are Martha’s Point, Delimara Point, Kavra Point, Anchor Bay and Ghar Lapsi. Moray eels, groupers, parrotfish, mullet, flounder, stingrays, as well as octopus, crabs, squid, sea skates and stars are found here. The background for this splendor is corals of all colors of the rainbow, many of which are endemic. Off the coast of Gozo, the famous reefs and caves of Schlendi, Inland Sea Lagoon and Fungus Rock. Off the coast of Comino, divers are attracted by the St. Mary’s Caves and the Cominotto Reef. There are also sunken ships in Maltese waters, the most famous of which are the French liner Carnac and the English submarine X7.

Treatment

The main healer in Malta is nature: iodine-rich air, mild climate, and sea. The capabilities of official medicine are also on the level: clinics are equipped with the latest equipment, doctors who have undergone multi-stage training use effective methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Most people come to Malta to relieve stress, rejuvenate and lose weight. Thalassotherapy helps in this, the procedures of which are based on the use of organic and mineral substances. Healing wraps, masks, hydromassage stimulate metabolic processes, strengthen muscle tone, and smooth the skin. In combination with peelings, lymphatic drainage and other methods, the result is amazing.

The best thalasso centers are open at hotels: Kempinski San Lawrenz in Gozo, Corinthia Palace in Attard and Corinthia San Gorg in St. Julian’s. The cost of beauty rituals is 59-200 EUR.

Maltese clinics cope not only with aesthetic but also with serious medical problems. The largest institutions working with foreign patients are St. James’s Hospital in Sliema and St. Philip’s Hospital in Santa Venus. The main indications are diseases of the heart, respiratory and endocrine systems, musculoskeletal system, and metabolism. Talented dentists, ophthalmologists, and plastic surgeons help you forget about your ailments for a long time.

Education in Malta

Maltese people study under the British education system. The first step on the path to knowledge is primary school, where children enter at the age of 5-6. There are private, public and Catholic institutions, and teaching is conducted in English. Education in public schools is free, while private schools are not cheap (10000-23000 EUR per year), but not only local children, but also foreigners who have passed a language test can enter them. Catholic institutions exist on parental donations and funds allocated by the church, and there are few foreigners there.

After high school, teenagers face a choice: to get an applied specialty in college or to enter a university. Fortunately, this can be done without entrance exams, just a good school certificate. Maltese universities readily accept foreign applicants, and tuition is paid (8000-35,000 EUR per year). Priority specialties are economics, business, humanities, medicine, diplomacy, engineering, and art.

Language schools opened in Malta are very popular among foreigners. There are courses for students of all ages: toddlers, teenagers, students and even retirees can improve their English in no time. At the same time, tuition rates are 30-40% lower than in other countries: for example, a two-week program with lessons, accommodation and textbooks will cost from 460 EUR.

Ecotourism

Recently, ecotourism in Malta has significantly gained momentum. Especially in winter (from October to April), when the daytime temperature remains at a comfortable +18 °C. The local base for ecotourism is a lot of picturesque villages, a rugged coastline, hills, valleys, chapels and ancient megalithic monuments found almost throughout the islands of Gozo and Malta.

Gozo in winter is amazingly lonely: you can spend hours wandering along the coastline without meeting a single soul.

Hundreds of options for day trips are offered by both local eco-communities and guides, as well as by tourists themselves, equipped with comfortable shoes and a detailed map. Here are just a few of them:

• Zurri village – Babu Valley – Blue Grotto – megalithic temples of Hajar Im and Mnaïdra;
• the coast of Ar Lapsi and the village of Sijivvi;
• Rabat and the Buskett Forest; the coast of Imtahleb;
• Mosta city – Asel Valley – Speranza Chapel;
• Mellikha village – Adira beach and bird sanctuary.

Business tourism

Malta has proven itself in the field of conference organization: over the past 5 years, the number of people visiting the country to attend conferences has doubled. The majority of business tourists come from Italy, Germany and the UK, and the idea of holding a business meeting in warm and sunny Malta is attracting more and more companies in Russia.

Malta in winter

It’s time to expand the boundaries of consciousness and take a fresh look at the ancient and mysterious islands of the Maltese archipelago, which many have mistakenly considered a summer destination. So, winter Malta offers quite a lot: thoughtful study of English without crowds of noisy students at your side, many museums and open-air attractions, coupled with a comfortable temperature, significantly reduced prices in the off-season spa centers. And yet, there are terrific opportunities for eco-tourism, which is so popular today.

Shopping

If there are fashionable boutiques and shopping malls in Malta, it is only in the capital and a couple of large cities. Shopping here is more pleasant and interesting in small shops that are open everywhere and fit perfectly into the exteriors of the ancient streets.

The best Maltese souvenirs are filigree linen lace created by local craftswomen (Queen Victoria of England herself used to decorate her outfits with it!), and the finest colored glass with a recognizable pattern: marble veins on a smoky background. A miniature retro bus, reminiscent of the days when magical yellow cars roamed the island, will be a great gift for your loved ones. An alternative is the traditional Luzzu fishing boat, decorated with ancient magical symbols. Your loved ones should be pampered with exquisite jewelry, often decorated in the form of a Maltese cross, or goat down clothing, which has been sewn in Gozo for centuries.

Among edible souvenirs, we recommend tart honey with the flavor of wild herbs, traditional goat cheese “jbejnit” (soft, with and without pepper), coarse sea salt, olive oil and lemon liqueur “limoncello”.

If you want to go shopping in a European way, you can go to Republic and Merchants Streets in Valletta, the Tower Road promenade in Sliema, or the central streets of St. Julians, where the island’s largest shopping centers are concentrated. Numerous markets with fresh farm produce and an authentic atmosphere will bring back the local flavor. Most shops are open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00, with Siesta being the hottest time. Many retail outlets in the resorts are open until 22:00, and Sunday is almost everywhere a day off: you can shop only in regular pharmacies, convenience stores and some souvenir shops.

Cuisine and restaurants

Simple and hearty Maltese cuisine combines the traditions of Italian, Greek, Moorish and Spanish gastronomy. The main ingredients of the dishes are seasonal vegetables and fruits, fresh fish and seafood, cereals and olive oil. The menu is dominated by stewed and baked dishes: once upon a time, peasants cooked food on stone fires, saving wood and putting a slow fire.

For the first course, we recommend choosing a rich alotta soup with different types of fish and fragrant spices or a thick widow’s soup made from local vegetables seasoned with egg and sheep cheese. The most interesting vegetarian appetizers are pickled bigilla vegetables, goat cheese salad, and caponata vegetable stew, reminiscent of French ratatouille. Dorada lampuca and tender rabbit in Maltese style, fried and stewed in red wine, are good for hot dishes. The most exotic dishes are stuffed octopus “arnit mimli” and snail stew “babbush”.

Street food is worth trying Maltese sandwiches: slices of soft bread “hobza” with tomato paste and a salad of vegetables, tuna and other ingredients. For dessert, pastizzi puff pies filled with fruit, nuts, honey and ricotta are good, as well as crispy cannoli tubes with airy cheese inside.

Drinks include soda “horse” made from bitter oranges and wild herbs, excellent local wine, champagne and dark beer “Farsons”.

Traditional Maltese dishes are best ordered in small family-run taverns, serving treats in earthenware. On the coast there are countless fish restaurants serving the freshest seafood. In Valletta, you will find elite establishments with impeccable service and a gourmet menu. A snack in a fast food or pizzeria will cost 4-6 EUR, lunch in a cafe – from 15-25 EUR, dinner with alcohol in a restaurant – from 40-50 EUR per person.

Entertainment and attractions in Malta

Malta literally breathes history: the number of its attractions will be the envy of any major European state. While the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Spaniards and other overseas visitors took turns establishing their own order here, the Maltese land was filled with temples, palaces, fortresses, which eventually developed into a unique multicultural mosaic.

The most famous architectural creations are located in Valletta. The most impressive is the 16th-century Grand Master’s Palace: huge, stone, with a light facade decorated with columns and sculptures, and a lavish interior. Its peer is the Cathedral of St. John with 13 chapels and baroque interiors. Among the religious buildings, the churches of Our Lady of Victories and St. Catherine of Alexandria are also noteworthy.

The most terrifying, but must-see exhibition in Malta is the Museum of Torture in Mdina: the naturalism of the local exhibits is breathtaking.

The oldest buildings on the island are the famous megalithic temples: religious buildings made of huge stone blocks. On Gozo, complexes dating back to 3600 BC have been preserved, while other catacombs and dolmens are a little younger. In Sliema, elegant villas of different eras are noteworthy, in St. Julians – palaces of Maltese nobles, now turned into entertainment venues. In Birgu, Fort Sant’Angelo is an impregnable fortress, the construction of which began with the ancient Romans. Mdina is a complete open-air museum: medieval fortifications, palaces and cathedrals still inspire respectful awe.

The most famous natural attraction of Malta is the Ghar Dalam Cave with spectacular stone vaults and a unique archaeological museum. Bones of animals from the last glaciation and human footprints left more than seven millennia ago were found here. The best place to return to the present is the Paceville district adjacent to St. Julian’s, with dozens of noisy bars, clubs, and casinos.

4 things to do in Malta

1. Attend The Malta Experience, a colorful show based on the island’s historical facts and culture, at the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta.
2. Visit the largest church in Malta and the fourth largest in Europe in the city of Mosta.
3. Take pictures of the breathtaking view from the giant cliffs of the southern coast of Dingli Cliffs.
4. Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto, a network of rock caves where the water has a fantastic deep blue color.

Tickets to museums

You can buy a ticket in advance or check the price on the official website of the Malta Tourism Authority.

The cost of single entrance tickets: Gozo Island (citadel and museums, Djgantija temples, ancient prison, Ta’kla mill) is about 5 EUR, Valletta – 6-20 EUR (plus, if you wish, 10 EUR for an audio guide), Rabat – Mdina – 5-6 EUR. The most profitable and convenient for sightseeing trips around the country is the Heritage Multipass, which includes visits to almost all the sights of the islands of Malta and Gozo, and costs 50 EUR.

Holidays and events

The most spectacular holidays in Malta are the festivals in honor of the patron saints, which are organized in almost every village. Houses are decorated with flowers and garlands, crowds of costumed people walk the streets, orchestras play everywhere, and fireworks fly into the sky. The best fun is had at the February carnival, which dates back to the 16th century, as well as at the March “fest” in honor of St. Joseph and the feast of Il Bandou with traditional processions from Mdina to Rabat.

• In July and August, the town of Ta’Ali hosts an annual beer festival, reminiscent of the legendary Oktoberfest in its scope and atmosphere.
• February 10 is the Day of the Shipwreck of St. Paul: according to legend, the apostle’s ship sank off the Maltese coast, but Paul, who miraculously survived, spent several months on the island, converting the locals to Christianity.
• March 31 – Freedom Day with military parades in honor of the final withdrawal of British troops in 1979.
• September 8 – Feast of the Madonna of Victory with street festivities and a colorful dinghy regatta.
• December 13 is Republic Day with official celebrations in Valletta. And on December 25, Catholic Christmas is celebrated with church services, theatrical performances based on biblical themes and, of course, warm family feasts with gifts.