Malta Travel Guide

An island nation within the Mediterranean Sea just south of Sicily, Italy, the country of Malta is actually an archipelago, although only three of the largest islands are inhabited: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The country has been heavily influenced by North Africa and Arabic cultures over the years, although there is a hint of Sicilian that weaves throughout as well, and there are few countries in the world which combine such an abundance of history, architecture, cultural, and ethnic diversity into such a tiny area.

From the Neolithic temples to the ancient ruins showcasing such… read more influences as Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Arabian, Norman, French, British, and beyond, the islands have a rich history dating back over the centuries, with prehistoric ruins dating back to the 4th millennium B.C. The country is a recent addition to the European Union, having just gained official membership in 2004. It was a colonial part of the British Empire until 1964, when it gained its independence. As a Mediterranean island the culture, the climate, and the cuisine are all typical of the region.

Public transportation is reliable, but extremely expensive. Your best bet for traveling to the island is to either rent a car or a scooter/moped, as taxis can tear into your budget quickly. Since the islands are so small, it's fairly easy to get around. The easiest way to get between the islands is via the ferries, which run every 45 minutes like clockwork, even in the winter. The official language is English, although Italian is fairly understood, and the locals also speak Maltese, which is an odd blend of Arabic, Italian, Hebrew, and Amharic. While there is official Maltese cuisine, most of the food you will come across is distinctly Mediterranean.

Malta is the perfect place to experience a quiet Mediterranean holiday. The islands are safe and easy to traverse, meaning they are perfect for all levels of travelers. Summer months are exceptionally hot, so if you aren’t a beach-fiend who thrives on scorching temperatures, avoid the summer months when the temperatures are at their highest.