Europe’s Hidden Gem: 10 Great Reasons To Visit Malta

One of the great hidden gems of Europe, Malta is one destination that many travelers bypass when visiting the Mediterranean. With beaches and scenery that could rival those on the Amalfi Coast and resorts that will make you feel like you’re in the Greek Islands, Malta is the ideal European getaway for plenty of travelers: they just don’t know it yet!

Home to prehistoric temples, five-star luxury accommodation, seven stunning islands, and warm, friendly locals, Malta should make an appearance on your bucket list. The island destination has something for every kind of traveler.

Keep reading to find out 10 great reasons to visit Malta.

10 It’s An Ideal Place To Island Hop

Looking for a relaxing vacation where your biggest concern is which island to visit on which day? Then Malta is for you. There are seven islands within the Maltese archipelago, Malta itself being one of them. The other two inhabited islands are Gozo and Comino, both worth a visit.

It’s easy enough to travel between the islands by taking a quick boat or ferry ride. The trips are frequent so you won’t have to worry about sitting around all day waiting for a ride, or getting stranded on the wrong island.

9 The Beaches Are Divine

Malta doesn’t get nearly the recognition it deserves when it comes to its beaches. They are amongst the best in the world and a must for any beach lover. According to The Local, the 12 beaches on the island of Malta are all Blue Flag certified. Basically, they are guaranteed to have fantastic facilities, as well as good water quality and accessibility.

Malta has secluded beaches that fly under the noses of most tourists, as well as the super-popular ones where you’ll find amazing eateries and a great atmosphere. Whatever kind of beach experience you’re after, you’ll find it in Malta.

8 There Are Plenty Of Outdoor Activities Available

There are endless opportunities to stay active in Malta, balancing out your relaxing vacation with some fun exercise. Horse racing, for example, is one of the most popular sports in the country, and a common pastime among both locals and visitors is horseback riding.

Thanks to its island landscape, Malta also boasts lots of opportunities to take part in water sports, from jet skiing to kayaking. Yachting enthusiasts also typically love to travel to Malta because it’s home to the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which is one of the most famous of its kind.

7 They Produce Insanely Delicious Comfort Food

Maltese food isn’t as popular as the dishes hailing from nearby Italy, but it should be. This is the land of comfort food, so it’s a good thing that there are so many outdoor activities on offer. Visitors usually have to find a way to counteract all those delicious calories!

While you’re in Malta, you won’t be able to resist sampling the delicious pastizzi. These little parcels of filo pastry are often filled with ricotta and spinach, but sometimes also contain vegetables or even chicken. Thanks to its prime location, Malta is also a top destination for seafood.

6 It’s Convenient To Fit Into Any European Itinerary

While you can certainly spend the entirety of your vacation in Malta, many travelers choose to include it as part of a larger European itinerary. With countries like Italy and Greece nearby, Malta is an ideal destination to schedule into your route.

There are convenient flights headed for Malta from major cities right across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Plenty of cruise ships also pass the country on tours of the Mediterranean. It couldn’t be easier or more convenient to add Malta to your trip.

5 There’s A Wide Range Of Accommodation Choices

Malta is a great destination for every kind of traveler. Whether you want to splurge on five-star accommodation and live like royalty for a while, or save on your lodgings and spend your money on food, shopping, and other experiences, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Hotels in the country range from the luxurious top-end options to less costly three-star establishments. There are also hostels available, as well as self-catering apartments situated around both Malta and the island of Gozo. According to Malta Uncovered, many of the resorts and hotels are found along the Northern coastline of Malta.

4 The Weather Is Amazing

From looking at the pictures of Malta, you should be able to get an idea of what the weather is like there. Think warm and mild conditions, even in the middle of winter. The sun seems to shine permanently in Malta, where there are around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.

If you come from a country where the weather is much more dreary, Malta really will feel like a paradise on Earth. The average yearly temperature sits at around 73 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Swedish Nomad. Many travelers opt to visit in the winter when the temperature is still warm.

3 The Locals Are Welcoming

Maltese people have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Passport Collective travel blog points out that the majority of people in Malta do speak English, which can make the experience much more convenient and less daunting for the English speaker.

Because Malta isn’t as popular or as well-known as some of the more major travel destinations around Europe, you don’t get the phenomenon of locals resenting tourists for flooding their country. Instead, most people are warm and quick to welcome you into their culture, which tends to revolve around community and family.

2 It’s Home To Prehistoric Temples

When people think of Malta, they typically imagine a vacation filled with lounging by the pool or beach, soaking up the sun and feasting on comfort food. But as it turns out, Malta is also a destination that gives you the opportunity to explore the past. The island is home to an array of prehistoric temples, which are exceptionally popular among history buffs.

The most famous of these temples is the Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, which The Culture Trip points out is the oldest discovered prehistoric underground temple in the world. Dating back more than 5,000 years, the temple only allows 80 visitors per day.

1 It’s Not Overly Expensive

Home to divine beaches, historical wonders, and luxury resorts, Malta seems like the kind of destination that costs an arm and leg to visit. But surprisingly, it’s actually not as expensive as most people think it is. It tends to be far cheaper to eat out in Malta than it is in the United Kingdom, for example, as long as you opt for local establishments.

There are also endless free attractions to see in the city of Valletta, as well as other ways to save money while you’re on the island. Overall, Malta is a reasonably affordable location to add to your itinerary.

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