What to see in Malta in a low cost stay. A mini guide to find out what is typical in Malta, what to see in summer and winter and where to sleep, all low budget of course.
Malta it has been underestimated for a long time and has only recently become one of the coolest destinations, both in summer and in winter, but mainly in the warm months when it is possible to see the main beauties of the island. Also known for its history, i Knights of the Order of Malta, the conquests and treasures found on the island, many of which do not yet have a clear explanation, a weekend in Malta is to be experienced for sure. Especially because with Air Malta, the flag carrier of Malta, you can often find good offers from Italian cities as well.
As always with the mini guides we want to advise you what to do, where to sleep and eat for 48 hours, the time of a weekend then. If you want to stay more than three days, but also 5 or a whole week, I recommend the post dedicated to 10 things to do in Malta, to get more insights.
How to get there and get around
Getting to Malta is not difficult and not even finding your way around since there is only one airport on the island, theMalta International Airport precisely. Malta is not huge and it takes a few hours by car and a few more hours by bus to get from one side to the other, but all distances are easily covered. From the airport a Valletta, the capital of Malta and the heart of Maltese life, it takes about 50 minutes and the cost is that of a simple bus ride, so 1.50€. Obviously in this case I am talking about normal buses that also serve all of Malta as the service here is very efficient. If, on the other hand, you want to take a non-scheduled bus due to time requirements, for example, know that there are Easyjet buses that cost € 8 each way, not very cheap to tell the truth. To consult all the buses that go from the various locations in Malta to the airport, see the post on how to move in Malta.
Accomodation
Hotels, campsites, b & b, holiday homes and farms. There are many types of accommodation in Malta, which change mainly according to the type of holiday you want to do. For example, farms are located onGozo Island, near Malta and are ideal for a holiday in contact with nature. The St Julian's hostels they are certainly for a young tourism who wants to have fun thanks to the many clubs and discos that are in this area and that play music until morning. As regards the holiday homes and apartments, there are several in Malta. The reason is that many students come here to study English and take courses for one or more weeks in order to perfect the language. Malta is chosen for its life, which is cheaper than England, and for its climate, which is much less humid and warmer. If you decide to take an apartment or a vacation home, just make sure there are electric heaters. In fact, in Malta it is always very hot and rarely cold, but the wind often blows and the air can become crisp. In Maltese houses there are usually no radiators, a bit like it happens in our Sicily, but make sure as just mentioned, that there are at least electric radiators to turn on in case of need.
To know 5 places to sleep in Malta, I recommend a post suitable for every type of need.
What to eat in Malta
Anyone who asks what is eaten in Malta will answer: i pastizzi! In addition to these fried and baked things stuffed with ricotta and peas, there are other typical dishes that are worth trying. If you are only staying a few days I recommend having a nice dinner in one of the restaurants that serve local food on the island. Among these I absolutely recommend Gululu in St. Julian. If you prefer to pick something here and there, try not to miss at least i 5 typical dishes of Malta, you can find a small summary in the post on this blog.
Alternatively, for a really good pizza made the way we like it in Italy, you can try the I Monelli Pizzeria. I'm sure you won't regret it.
What not to miss in winter
Malta changes drastically from winter to summer, especially due to the climate, which in summer allows you to see places that are absolutely inaccessible and in any case very different in winter. First of all, if you go in winter or autumn, don't take it into your head that you are going to go swimming. Although Malta is close to Tunisia and Sicily, the heat here is different, or rather, here it is very windy. If at a time when it is 25 degrees you try to put on a short-sleeved shirt, be sure that immediately afterwards you will have to put the sweatshirt back on. The wind changes so quickly and is sometimes so cold that you will also need the duvet.
Among the things that you cannot miss at this point, since there is no mention of the sea, are the historical and artistic sites of general interest. One of a kind, which you will not have to miss for anything in the world. Starting with thehypogeum which is located in Paola. Access to the Hypogeum must be booked several weeks in advance as only 80 people can access the site a day and believe me, it is very popular because it is a real gem in the heart of Malta.
Do not miss also i Times of Malta, Mnajdra and Hagar Qim which are located in the southwest of the island and which are not very easy to reach, but they are worth a visit. Temples with a mysterious history, very well preserved and with an audio guide at the price of 1 € that will explain everything and will be useful at the end of the visit. Go there on a day when it does not rain because the complex is 80% at Open.
Then go and see a Valletta, discover its most hidden corners and go up and down its steps. Get lost in the alleys and photograph the rows of colorful balconies, but above all go and see Casa Rocca Piccola to understand how people lived at the time of the Order of the Knights of Malta and to see this beautiful mansion which is still very well preserved and offers a different point of view of Valletta, the internal one. With its typical balconies still open to visitors and present in the house, Casa Rocca Piccola is a jewel to be discovered.
Finally don't miss the Malta Cathedral, unique of its kind, for beauty and value. Here is the only painting in the world of Caravaggio signed. One thing not to believe. Do not forget that it is not possible to photograph it, please.
What not to miss in the summer
In summer, in addition to being able to do all the visits that I have just illustrated above, you could also see the beaches ... and what beaches! Between Gozo and Comino you will be spoiled for choice, but also on the Island of Malta, thanks to Ghadira Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. Here in addition to the classic sea, thanks to the wind it is also possible to do water sports and obviously a lot of snorkeling.
If you are passionate about marine tourist and cultural sites, I can only recommend it blue Lagoon. Finally, if you are on holiday with children do not miss the Popeye Village, in
