Malta is ideally located just below the Italian island of Sicily, within close proximity to the northeast tip of Africa. The island has an abundance of World Heritage Sites, modest stilled beaches and a satisfying culture revolving around food. Some of our favourite times on the island included losing ourselves in timeworn backstreets in chronicled old cities and eating at some of the island’s best restaurants. Through this experience, we mingled with the locals, tasted some goodies for ourselves and got a genuine feel for the island’s lifestyle.
Even though there are pockets of tiny islands around Malta, only the other two largest islands – Gozo (Għawdex) and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. Visit the northern part of Malta for its coastal beach resorts and family fun parks, and the south for some of Malta’s best-kept secrets: St Thomas’ Bay in Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Għar Lapsi, and the preceding Wied iż-Żurrieq. These locally favourite rock-bound beaches have stunning sky-blue waters and unforgettable views.
For the culture geeks, we found the old capital city, Mdina, which is well worth a day trip. We dined at the luxurious The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux hotel, had the best gelato at Fior di Latte, and visited the mesmerising Roman Catholic St. Paul’s Cathedral. Walking distance from the old city, you can visit the neighbouring city of Rabat. With its ancient city walls and World Heritage-listed St Paul’s Catacombs, you will find plenty to see and do. The St.Paul’s Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries used up to the 4th century AD.
We recommend staying at the 16th-century Maltese home, Indulgence Divine and using it as your base to get to know the island better. This house is run by Gattaldo and his partner, both professionals with keen eyes for details, who use the UK as their home base. Indulgence Divine is in the city (more like a town) Birgu, one of The Three Cities of Malta. The location is strategic, as you are within walking distance of Cospicua, Senglea and Kalkara. With a ferry, you can go to the touristy city of Valletta and enjoy some of the things the 2018 European Capital of Culture offers.
For more information on Malta, visit the official Malta tourism website.
Here is a visual digest of our favourite places to experience whilst in Malta.
