Everything about holidays in Malta: reviews, tips, guide. Everything about holidays in Malta: reviews, tips, guide Public transport within cities

Wondering “What to see in Malta”? Here you will find a complete, comprehensive answer to your question. I will tell you about all the best attractions that you must visit. This is not just an article, but detailed guide with descriptions, photos and coordinates of all interesting places with prices and opening hours. As for the capital of Malta - Valletta, I will not just list the sights of the city, as many do, but I will provide you with a clear plan and a ready-made walking route.

While preparing my trip, I was faced with the fact that there is a lot of information about the sights of Malta on the Internet, but it is not structured and scattered in different places. And most of the articles were written by ordinary copywriters who have never been to the island at all. I decided to fill this gap, structure the information, and make a convenient guide to the most interesting places. Figuratively speaking, I set myself the task of collecting all the “pearls” of the Maltese archipelago and making a “necklace” out of them. To what extent I succeeded, you can judge.

The article will be an indispensable guide for those who are planning to rent a car and travel around Malta on their own. But it will also be very useful for a wider circle of readers: those who are going to travel by public transport, and those who will descend onto Maltese soil from a cruise ship.

Of course, the easiest way to travel around Malta is with a rented car, but it is also possible with a regular car. regular bus. (Read more about all the nuances of car rental in Malta in a separate article(on this moment it is in development). Alternatively, you can use excursion buses. They operate throughout the island of Malta and the neighboring island of Gozo. Next I will talk about them in more detail.

The attractions in the article are arranged in descending order of importance: we start with the most important ones, and gradually move on to the less important ones. However, everything interesting places Valletta is grouped together to make it easier to visit along a specific route. The same applies to the island of Gozo.

Malta is an amazingly beautiful archipelago, a pearl Mediterranean Sea. According to one legend, the Maltese islands are part of the disappeared “Atlantis”. And looking at the local fortress walls and natural attractions, you often get the feeling that you are going back in time hundreds, or even thousands of years ago. This is why filmmakers have chosen Malta. A total of more than 300 films have been shot here over the past fifty years, many of them very famous. Such as “Gladiator” with Russell Crowe, “Troy” with Brad Pitt, “The Count of Monte Cristo”, “The Da Vinci Code”, “Julius Caesar”, the first season of “Game of Thrones”, “Asterix and Obelix”, etc. .

When planning your trip, keep in mind that many establishments and museums in Malta are closed on Sundays, and on weekdays they are open until 16-00 or maximum until 18-00. And half an hour before closing, new visitors are no longer allowed in.

In that ancient city a must visit for every tourist. This is the “heart” of the country, the city is very interesting and unique. As the saying goes, “if you haven’t been to Valletta, then you haven’t been to Malta.” Many tourists arrive here on cruise ships, and this is the only city they visit in the republic.

Coordinates of a large outdoor car park near Valletta (cost 3 euros for the whole day): 35.893768, 14.504921

The city is not big, you can get around it in a few hours. When you walk from the car parking towards the city, near the central bus stop you will see a large, spectacular Triton Fountain, against which tourists love to take pictures.

Near the fountain you will see massive city ​​walls. Having passed through central city gate, you get to Valletta's main pedestrian street - Republic Street. There are many different shops and cafes here.

On the right side you will see ruins of a large opera house , destroyed during the Second World War, which were equipped with a modern concert hall under open air.

Walking along this street you will come to the most important attraction of Valletta - St. John's Cathedral.

To navigate around the city, it’s convenient to use free offline maps for your smartphone Google maps or Maps.me .

For programs to work without the Internet, first download a map of Malta to your smartphone through the application.

St. John's Cathedral (St. John's Cathedral)

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9-30 - 16-30 (entrance until 16-00) Saturday until 12-30 (12-00) The cathedral is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Price entrance ticket: 10 euros, reduced rate (students, pensioners) - 7.50 euros. The price includes an audio guide in Russian. This is one of those places in Malta that is really worth buying tickets to.

The outwardly unremarkable Catholic cathedral, built by the knights in 1578, is famous for its impressive interior decoration. This is not just a cathedral, it is a museum.

One of its most important attractions is the masterpiece of the Italian artist Michelangelo Caravaggio - painting "The Beheading of John the Baptist". Also impressive are the unique tombstones above the burial places of noble knights right in the cathedral.

Palace of the President (President’s Palace) and Parliament, Armory and Meeting Hall

Walking further along the central pedestrian street of Valletta you come to main square cities - St George's Square(35.899043, 14.513640). This square with fountains is located directly in front of the building of the palace, the President of the Republic of Malta or also called " Palace of the Grand Master". The Parliament of Malta is also located in the same building.

In the palace you can visit the armory and the meeting hall. This is where you can see the real armor of the Maltese knights.

Tickets cost 10 euros (children - 5, students - 7.50), an audio guide is also included in the price. The museum is open from 9 to 16-00.

Casa Rossa Piccola Museum

This private museum is located in an old mansion (palace) from the 16th century. Here you can immerse yourself in history and see how local aristocrats lived several hundred years ago.

Lower Barrakka Gardens

Admission is free, there is a free toilet, coordinates: 35.897463, 14.517542 The park is open to the public from 8-00 to 21-00

This small, cute square is a real oasis in the concrete jungle of Valletta. From here you have an excellent view of the large harbor and the port where you moor cruise ships.

Nearby, across the road, is a memorial dedicated to the siege of Valletta during the Second World War (35.897400, 14.518292)

Upper Barrakka Gardens

This square is one of the main attractions of Valletta. It offers magnificent views of the harbor and the marina and promenade located opposite Vittoriosa Waterfront. You can go down to the embankment by elevator (the descent is free, the ascent is 1 euro).

Admission is free, coordinates: 35.894904, 14.512136

An artillery battery is located here. Every day at 12-00 and at 17-00 a symbolic cannon shot is fired. By this time a lot of people gather here. I recommend coming at another time to enjoy the beautiful panorama. You can see what this cannon salute is like in this short video:

Malta Underground Defense Center ( The Lascaris War Rooms)

The Second World War Museum is located next to the upper Barrak Gardens. The Lascaris War Rooms(Underground defense center of Malta, British command bunker) (35.894878, 14.512804) The cost of visiting the Lascaris military rooms and tunnels is 25 euros, separately the Lascaris military rooms are 10 euros. Audio guide in Russian. Open from 10 to 17

Residence of the Prime Minister of Malta "Castilian Compound"

Here you can just admire appearance of this monumental structure and take a photo against its background.

Walking route around the city for 2-3 hours

All the main attractions of La Valletta can be visited in a couple of hours. To get to know the city in more detail and visit museums, of course, you may need more time.

I described all the attractions in the exact order that they are indicated on the map:

What else can you see in Valletta?

Valletta Waterfront

I would like to highlight this embankment separately. It is located a little away from the main attractions (35.890143, 14.507970)

You can go down here from the upper Barrakka Gardens by elevator (high point: 35.894386, 14.511992 low point of the elevator: 35.893977, 14.512457). The descent is free, the ascent costs 1 euro.

There is a port for cruise ships on the embankment Cruise Liner Port. This is where most tourists begin to explore the city. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the port to the elevator.

Complete itinerary of all the sights of Valletta (full day)

Promenade with yachts Vittoriosa Waterfront

Perfect place for a walk. Luxury yachts of all stripes are moored here. You can park your car along the road, in the parking lot: 35.886746, 14.521040, we parked it for free at the very beginning of the embankment: 35.881011, 14.519735.

You can also come here by boat from Valletta for only 2.80 euros (for a round-trip ticket or 1.5 euros one way) or you can go the other way from here to Valletta.

The coordinates of the pier, from where ferries depart every 30 minutes: 35.883680, 14.520605.

At the end of the promenade with snow-white yachts there is a fortress Fort St. Angelo(35.891348, 14.518685) with excellent views of Valletta and the cruise ships. On observation deck You can climb the fort for free, and entrance to the fort itself costs 8 euros. We didn’t buy tickets, because according to the reviews there’s no point in it, and there’s nothing interesting there. There is also a naval museum on the embankment.

Island of Gozo (Gozo)

Tourists often call it Gozo, but on Wikipedia he is listed as island of gozo.

This island is a must-visit (unless, of course, you come to Malta for more than one day).

This is a completely different Malta, a greener island, very interesting and unique. The roads here are far from ideal, but there are also the following:

You can only get here by ferry, which I will talk about in more detail in the article about renting a car in Malta.

It is best to spend a whole day on the island of Gozo, or at least five hours.

The most interesting places on the island of Gozo:

Dwejra Bay(where the Azure Window used to be))

Previously it was the number 1 attraction in Malta, its business card, one of the most interesting natural attractions in the world.

The Azure Window was a candidate for inclusion on the World Heritage List UNESCO, it also “lit up” in the first season of the popular series “Game of Thrones”. Here Daenerys married Drogo.

In 2017, unfortunately, the limestone rock in the form of an arch collapsed.

But even now Dwejra Bay still worth a visit. And in my opinion, even now it is the main attraction of the island of Gozo.

There are very beautiful and unusual limestone rocks here, a bay that the locals call “ inland sea" Excellent place for diving, you can ride boats through the passage in the rock (4 euros per person).

Coordinates of large free parking: 36.052048, 14.190683

The Citadella in Victoria, Gozo

A fortress on top of a hill with views of the entire island. The fortress is a candidate for inclusion in the World Heritage List UNESCO.

The entrance is free.

Parking near the citadel (paid 1.75 euros): 36.046309, 14.238561

There are several museums and a cathedral on the territory, the entrance to which is paid (5 euros)

The capital is located right in the center of the island, and all roads, no matter where you come from, lead here.

Ggantija - ancient megalithic complex

Malta is famous for these ancient megalithic complexes, there are only 6 of them, and Ggantija- the most significant and the most ancient. Just imagine: Ggantija is 600 years older than Stonehenge, and more than a thousand years older than the Cheops pyramids. They say that this is the oldest structure that has survived on our land. All of Malta's megalithic temples are listed as World Heritage Sites UNESCO. But don’t expect anything special from them - in appearance it’s just a pile of large stones.

It is because of the presence of these ancient structures that many Maltese consider themselves descendants of Atlantis.

Entrance: 9 euros for adults, 7 euros for students. Opening hours: from 9 to 17.

Entrance coordinates to the complex: 36.048946, 14.267653. (Pay attention to these coordinates, because when I simply pointed to Ggantija in the navigator, Google maps led us to an emergency exit, which was closed. And we had to turn around to find the entrance.) The car can be parked simply along the street.

Xlendi Bay

This is a small local resort town located in a bay on the seashore. Here you can walk along the steps in the rock to " Grotto Nun"(36.030215, 14.215709), admire the views of the bay, and have lunch or dinner at one of the local restaurants on the embankment with fresh seafood. Try a popular one in Malta Lampuki fish(Lampuka).

Free parking coordinates: 36.030788, 14.218440.

If you have enough time, you can walk to Xlendi Tower(36.027642, 14.213268) and take a walk around the surrounding area. There is a very beautiful and unusual coastline there.

Catholic Basilica and Ta 'Pinu Temple

Here you can see the traditional process of obtaining salt from sea water.

You can use this plan to travel around the island by car:

Mdina

This is the ancient historical capital of Malta, a fortress perched on a hilltop. Candidate for inclusion on the World Heritage List UNESCO.

There are two main parking areas here. They are usually always crowded, so you will have to wait a bit for someone to leave. Free parking coordinates: 35.884407, 14.401040.

As for me, the city lacks some zest: figures of knights, flowers on the balconies. There are only yellow brick houses all around. It’s interesting, but compared to other ancient cities in Europe, it seemed rather weak to me. Of course, you can walk here for an hour or two and plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

The main attraction of Mdina is St. Paul's Cathedral (35.886384, 14.403900). The Apostle Paul is considered the patron saint of the island.

Mdina, like the Azure Window, took part in the filming of the Game of Thrones series. In the film, the gate to the city is the gate to the capital of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

Not far from Mdina there is Aviation Museum(35.893376, 14.416309) (open from 9 to 17) Here in the hangars there is a lot of different equipment and aircraft from the Second World War.

Opposite Mdina (on the other side of the parking lot) is its suburb - Rabat.

Rabat has the Catacombs of St. Paul St Paul's Catacombs(underground burial places carved out of sandstone) (35.880452, 14.397639) This place is not for everyone.

The second attraction of Rabat is a private house museum Casa Bernard(35.882859, 14.399405) This is an old mansion of a local aristocratic family, the owner gives tours. It will be interesting for antique lovers.

If you are not a fan of antiques and ancient burials, and you have limited time, do not waste it on Rabat. An hour or two of walking around Mdina will be enough. Better go to the aviation museum; it amazes even experienced connoisseurs with its exhibition.

Popeye Village

A very beautiful bay, like something out of a fairy tale. If you are by car, be sure to come here. Makes for great photos. You can also get here by bus 101.

The village was built 40 years ago specifically for the filming of the musical Popeye. The musical was a failure, but the village became one of Malta's most beautiful attractions.

Parking is free, coordinates: 35.961189, 14.342782.

View deck - free.

Cost of visiting: June, September October - 15 euros, children - 12 euros

July, August - 17/13.50 euros

Working hours: from 9 to 16-30

Fishing village of Marsaxlokk

It is here that you can admire the popular painted local boats with “eyes” (they are called “ Luzzu"), shop at the local farmers market, and dine on seafood at one of the local restaurants. Taste freshly prepared fish Lampuka. This is one of the most popular fish in Malta.

It is believed that the bright colors of local boats Luzzu it is needed so as not to get lost in the fog, and eyes on the boat are needed to protect from dangers and scare away spirits.

On Sundays there is a local market.

We simply parked the car for free along the embankment (coordinates: 35.839947, 14.544349)

Blue Lagoon Beach on Comino Island

The most beautiful, turquoise water color of all the beaches in Malta.

But keep in mind that there are a LOT of people, the beach is rocky, there aren’t enough paid sun loungers for everyone, many people complain about jellyfish stings. You have to stand in line for a boat for a very long time under the scorching sun. It's better to arrive as early as possible. Price: 10 euros round trip. The last boat back is at 18-00, earlier in winter.

The cheapest way to go to Comino Island is from the pier, which is located next to where ferries to Gozo depart from: Comino Ferries Co-Op Ltd. You can also leave your car there. Coordinates: 35.987604, 14.329554.

The film “The Count of Monte Cristo” was filmed on the island. St. Mary's Tower (Saint Mary Tower) (36.007000, 14.329852) played the role of the "Castle d'If".

Blue Grotto (Blue Grotto (Il-Hnejja)

You can come here to admire the beautiful coastal cliffs. Small free parking(for several cars) near the panoramic view point on " Blue Grotto» is located here: 35.822478, 14.457408 There is also a stop for buses 201 and 74.

To take a boat ride along the rocks you need to come here: 35.819745, 14.453890 The excursion bus also comes here.

Can be combined with a visit to nearby megalithic complexes (temple ruins) Hajar Kim(3200 BC) and Mnajdra. Parking: 35.827362, 14.443765.

Also nearby is the following natural attraction: the coastal cliffs and cliffs of Dingli.

Coastal cliffs and cliffs of Dingli

You can park your car here: Miġra l-Ferħa(35.874683, 14.342027) and walk along the beautiful coastline with breathtaking views here (35.867964, 14.352747) The walk is about 2 km, can take about 2 hours round trip.

In general, the coastal cliffs of Malta are candidates for inclusion in the World Heritage List UNESCO.

What else can you see in Malta

• Megalithic temples listed on the World Heritage List UNESCO. Hajar Kim(3200 BC) and Mnajdra. Parking: 35.827362, 14.443765. Tarshien(description) (35.869201, 14.511921) Sorrow(description) (35.920861, 14.377746), Ta' Hajrat(description) (35.918572, 14.368510)
• Sanctuary of Hal-Saflieni (Hypogeum)(UNESCO) (35.869587, 14.506883) Mystical underground historical burials, multi-level burial chambers (4000 BC). Detailed description you can see

Malta 365: why you can holiday in Malta all year round

Over the long millennia, Malta has changed hands many times. There were the British, Spaniards, Normans, Arabs, Byzantines, Romans, Carthaginians, Phoenicians... The turbulent past of this state is a guarantee that there will be no problems with the cultural program, and ideal beaches will satisfy even the most demanding travelers. We have collected all the most important information about holidays in Malta, which will help you ideally organize a trip to this island, regardless of the chosen season.

1 /1

How to get there?

Let's start with some introductions that will be useful to you outside the season in which you decide to come to Malta. The beach season in Malta lasts from May to October, the highest water temperatures (up to +30°C) are observed in July and August. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to the high season – there is something to do in Malta at any time of the year.

The only international airport is located 5 kilometers from the capital of the country - Valletta. Round-trip tickets departing from Kyiv will cost you from 150 EUR. The most convenient option is to fly with Air Malta. On June 19, 2018, the airline resumed regular direct flights from Kyiv to Valletta. Flights operate on Fridays, and in the summer - on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Transport in Malta

The main transport is buses. They are comfortable, equipped with air conditioning, accessible, but there is one drawback - they do not always adhere to the schedule. From mid-June to mid-October, a single ticket costs 2 EUR, the rest of the time - 1.5 EUR. At night, one trip will cost 3 EUR. The price of an unlimited travel card (Tallinja card) for a week for an adult is 21 EUR, for a child - 15 EUR.

Life hack: in Malta, within two hours in one direction, you can change to another bus for free.

If you plan not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to see the sights, it makes sense to rent a car (note that traffic in the country is on the left!). This can be done through both local and international distributors. The second prices are initially higher, but they already include insurance in case of theft and accident. Read the contract carefully before signing it - there are cases when local companies, taking into account all fees, turned out to be more expensive than reputable agencies. Toyota Aygo or an equivalent will cost you about 70 EUR, Chevrolet Aveo - 100 EUR per day.

1 /1

Maltese cuisine

Traditional Maltese cuisine is a mixture of European and Arabic traditions, heavily mixed with local flavor. Much attention is paid here to fish and seafood, vegetables and spices. In general, the dishes of Malta are reminiscent of the cuisine of nearby Italy, but there is something oriental, special, southern about them.

Among the traditional dishes, you should try stuffed eggplants (brungiel mimli), roast meat and potatoes (pal fil-Forn), bread and tomato appetizer (hobz biz-zejt), beef rolls (bragioli), goat cheese (gbejniet), traditional dessert imqaret. Fish and seafood dishes are also on the menu, but, contrary to tourists’ expectations, they are quite expensive.

What to do in Malta during high season? (May – October)

Beach holiday

Beach holidays are the very reason why every year with the onset summer season Thousands of tourists flock to Malta. There are plenty of beaches in Malta: sandy (with white, red or pink sand), pebble, rocky, “wild” and equipped... Which one to choose is up to you, we are just sharing a selection of the most popular ones.

Resort area of ​​Sliema and St. Julian's

It has everything that even the most demanding guest might need: hotels, restaurants, shops and, of course, numerous beaches. The best of them are Qui-Si-Sana, Ghar id-Dud, Fond Ghadir, The Exiles in Sliema and St. George's Bay in St Julian's. The latter, by the way, can be called the focus nightlife- open their doors after sunset noisy discos and bars. Buses number 12 and 13 come here from Valletta.

1 /1

Resort area of ​​the cities of Bugibba and Qawra

Rocky areas dominate here, where you can go down from the embankment. The most popular beach is the sandy Perched Beach, located next to central area Aura and the Dolmen Hotel. It stands out from others because of its developed infrastructure.

Buses number 12, 31 and 45 come here from Valletta.

Mellieha City

It is located away from the main resorts, but in the surrounding area there are many beaches to suit every taste. Most of them are sandy, which makes this region the best place in Malta for a family holiday.

1 /1

Mellieha Bay, the largest sandy beach on the island, rocky Mgiebah, pebble Mistra Bay, and Paradise Bay, located near Chirkeva, are popular among guests.

Buses No. 41, 42, 49, 250 come here from Valletta, and X1 from the airport.

City of Marsaskala

One of the Maltese's favorite holiday destinations. You can sunbathe and admire the views at Marsaskala Bay, but swimming is recommended at St. Thomas Bay.

Buses No. 91, 92, 93 come here from Valletta, and 119 from the airport.

City of Birzebbugia

Popular mainly among the Maltese. There is a large sandy beach called Pretty Bay, and the secluded rocky Peter’s Pool and Delimara Bay are also nearby.

Bus number 82 comes here from Valletta.

West coast of Malta

Here, far from the main resorts, there are three popular beaches. Golden Bay is the most famous sandy beach with developed infrastructure and opportunities for water sports, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is one of the most picturesque beaches islands. Gnejna Bay - wild beach, where you can come by car or walk from Mgarr.

1 /1

Gozo Island

There are many beaches in Gozo, but transport rarely travels through its territory, so it would be most convenient to rent a car. There are only two resorts on the island: Marsalforn (the most popular beaches: sandy Marsalforn bay and rocky Qbajjar bay) and Xlendi, where there is both a sandy beach and concrete slab flooring. Also popular are Dahlet Qorrot near Nadur, Dwejra near San Laurents, Hondoq ir-Rummien in the vicinity of Ala, Mgarr ix-Xini near Xevkia.

One of the most beautiful beaches Gozo is considered a secluded San Blas with red sand, which is quite difficult to get to even for those who have rented a car. You will be transported to Gozo by ferry departing from the pier in Cirkewa.

What to do in Malta during low season? (November – April)

Malta is notable not only for its beach holidays. The island is such a mixture of eras and cultures that there is something for everyone, from history buffs to hardcore party animals.

Autumn is good for excursions, diving and swimming, especially in the first half. Malta's weather in autumn allows you to relax on a grand scale, without fear of overheating or hypothermia. The swimming season ends only in November, at which time the rains become more frequent here.

Winter in Malta, in contrast to Kyiv, is mild and humid (average temperature - +15ºС). Therefore, if in the middle of winter you have an irresistible desire to warm up without leaving Europe, Malta is the best option. Even at this time, clear and sunny weather prevails here. Another argument is that the cheapest air tickets to Malta can be purchased in November and March, and hotel prices during this period are significantly lower than in summer.

1 /1

Swimming and sunbathing at this time is not recommended, you will get cold, but the weather is quite acceptable for diving in a suit. In winter, you can visit any excursion cities in the country, from Valletta and Mdina to the vast expanses of the island of Gozo. Christmas is celebrated here on a grand scale, like other religious holidays.

Valletta

The capital is Malta, a fortified city founded by the Knights of the Order of St. John in the 16th century. By the way, this is the first city in Europe whose development was carried out according to pre-planned drawings. This was done for a reason - thanks to the thoughtful development, the sea breeze penetrated all the streets of the city and created an air-conditioning effect.

1 /1

• The military museum at Fort St. Elmo, where monthly reenactments of legendary battles are held.
• Cathedral of St. John.
• Cathedral of the Shipwreck of St. Paul.
• Palace of the Grand Master, where the President's office is now located.
• The Auberge de Castilles building, where the Cabinet of Ministers is based.
• Liberty Square, where the Ferreria Palace and the Royal Opera are located.
• National Museum fine arts, which houses the painting “The Beheading of John the Baptist” by Michelangelo Mersci da Caravaggio.
• The show “Malta 5D”, which tells guests of the country about its history in 45 minutes.

From Malta International Airport there are buses X1, X2, X3 and X4, you can also take a taxi or walk.

Mdina

1 /1

However, over the past few years, streams of tourists have been heading to Mdina. The reason for this is the popular series “Game of Thrones” - several of its episodes were filmed here.

Main attractions:

• St. Paul's Cathedral is the most important church in the country.
• The Cathedral Museum, which houses engravings by Dürer, a collection of religious objects and the archive of the Maltese Inquisition.
• The catacombs are a cemetery complex on the territory of which ancient burials have been preserved.
• Carmelite Church.
• Museum of Torture.

When walking the streets of Mdina, pay attention to door handles. Curious tourists claim that such diversity is very rare.

From Valletta buses no. 51, 52 and 53 follow here, from Sliema and St. Julian's - no. 202 and 203.

Islands of Gozo and Comino

A full-day cruise, the itinerary of which includes both islands, costs about 50 EUR with meals. You can also cross by ferry, which departs from Chirkeva.

Fans aquatic species Sports enthusiasts can go diving on Xlendi Beach or in the Inland Sea.

On the island of Comino there is the Tower of St. Mary, from which the island of Gozo and the lagoon are visible. On days when the flag flies over it, the site is open to visitors.

Dingli Cliffs

One of the most picturesque corners of Malta. Cliffs up to 253 meters high offer views of orange and olive groves.

From Sliema and Rabat, bus number 202 follows here. If you are vacationing in other resort towns, first you need to come to Rabat.

Popeya Village

This village was built in Anchor Bay as a backdrop for the filming of the musical about Popeye the sailor. Now there is an amusement park with a cinema, souvenir shops, playgrounds and costume shows. If the weather permits, every 20 minutes another batch of lucky people goes on a sea cruise.

Bus number 222 comes here from Sliema, and bus number 41 from Valletta.

Buses No. 106, 107, 51, 52, 53, 202, 109 and X3 follow here.

• Changing of the Guard. If you find yourself in Malta at the end of the month, do not miss the traditional and impressive spectacle - the changing of the guard. It can be seen every last Friday of the month at 10.30am in St George's Square in Valletta. The Armed Forces Band of Malta marches along Republic Street and announces the changing of the High Guard at Valletta Palace.
• March 1-5, 2019. The annual carnival in Malta will take place in early March this year. Valletta will traditionally be the center of events, but festive events will also take place in other cities.
• Annually in April held in Malta International festival fireworks.
• May 2-5 The opening of the party season will take place in Malta - one of the largest European electronic music festivals, Lost & Found, will be held here.
• In May The international Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will be held in Malta, the dates of the event are being confirmed.
• June 30-06– alternative music festival Earth Garden.
• June 14-16– 5th Malta Film Festival
• Late June-early July The island hosts a concert of MTV stars “Isle of MTV”, and in September Malta International Airport hosts the Malta Airshow.
• September 21– Malta Independence Day.
• October 16-26– on these dates the 50th anniversary Rolex Middle Sea Race, which has been held since 1968, will be held in Malta.

If you want to get to know the island in more detail, we recommend going on an excursion where you will learn Interesting Facts about the life of the locals.

The national cuisine of Malta is based on European and Arabic traditions. In some ways it strongly resembles the long-loved Italian one, but it contains subtle oriental notes. The most common dishes here are seafood, fish and vegetables, and all these culinary delights are necessarily seasoned with local aromatic spices. When visiting the island for the first time, you should definitely try bigilla, a dish made from a large amount of herbs, vegetables and marinades. Traditionally, this dish is served before the main course, to kill the worm, so to speak. Among the more substantial dishes, Stuffat Tal Fenek stands out. This stew of tender rabbit meat with local herbs and garlic will win the hearts of tasters from the first spoon. The meat is lightly fried and then stewed in red wine for several hours. A fragrant and very appetizing stew is traditionally served with potatoes and a green, light salad. This dish goes well with another local delicacy – khobza. This incredibly soft inside and deliciously crispy outside bread is rightfully considered by the islanders to be theirs. national dish . If possible, you should try ross fil-forn, or a local rice casserole with tomatoes and meat. Alietta will appeal to seafood lovers. It's essentially a fish soup with rice that has a pleasant, spicy flavor thanks to fresh marjoram, garlic and tomatoes. If you want to have a hearty lunch, tympanum is suitable. A hearty, tasty dish made from baked pasta, ground beef and boiled eggs, covered with a crispy dough crust. Those who are watching their figure are recommended to try minestra, a light but satisfying thick vegetable soup. It is traditionally served with khobza. Arnit mimli is created especially for gourmets. Stuffed octopus with pasta looks delicious and tastes simply divine. The islanders are very fond of pastitsi and cook them expertly. These small puff pastries filled with ricotta or pea puree are also loved by many travelers. Cannoli will be appreciated by those with a sweet tooth; these are sweet, crispy tubes filled with ricotta, chocolate and candied fruits that simply melt in your mouth. A true pleasure, especially with a cup of coffee. Among drinks, islanders prefer coffee and tea. What is important is that here they not only love them, but also know how to cook deliciously, following all the rules. The variety of hot drinks is difficult to describe; you need to see it with your own eyes and try it in person. Locally produced wine and beer are preferred among alcoholic beverages. And as a cooling drink, they will definitely offer a local non-alcoholic herbal drink - kinney. Where to eat There are numerous establishments in Malta with enticing, tasty signs. However, when visiting the island for the first time, it is difficult to make a choice. Of course, a foreign country, unusual food, you never know... There are few who would risk ruining a long-awaited vacation with an upset stomach. There is no need to worry too much, the cuisine of the islanders is more similar to European, they do not cook anything special exotic here. Basically, all the dishes are familiar and familiar, this can be understood by trying them. It's just that the names are different. Unfamiliar, national dishes are not fraught with danger either - they are prepared from quite ordinary products. When choosing a place for lunch, you should be guided by standard rules: look around the room, look around in search of other visitors and estimate their number, and of course, look into the toilet, wash your hands. It is in the bathroom that the essence of the establishment lies; if it is clean and well-groomed, there is a pleasant smell in it and all the necessary attributes are available, you can safely place an order. In Malta, like in any other resort, there are places that have gained popularity among travelers, and they can be visited first. For example, Pizzeria Dell'Etna is famous for its cuisine throughout the island. The pizza there is cooked exclusively on wood, which gives it a unique taste. The chef, who arrived from Sicily, is doing everything possible to ensure that the number of visitors increases, and the prices are quite low, which attracts many people. During the holiday season, a table at the pizzeria must be booked in advance, because... The place is very popular. Hard Rock Cafe-bar is hidden in the marine terminal where cruise ships dock. Finding it is quite problematic, but if you try, you will definitely succeed. A truly legendary establishment, known throughout the world! The network of these cafe-bars is located almost all over the world. You won’t be able to eat a hearty meal here, but there is an assortment of alcoholic drinks and light snacks to go with them. This place is more suitable for an interesting pastime than for a full dinner. Victoria Pub is famous for its signature dish - honey ribs. But you should be careful, even an adult man cannot handle one serving. In general, in Malta they cook “generously”; one serving of the dish can satisfy the hunger of several people. The Paparazzi chain restaurants offer a simply gigantic assortment of marine life. The same large portions, excellent presentation and relatively low prices for restaurants attract a lot of people, so it’s worth worrying about a table in advance. Those with a sweet tooth will love Fontanella; this place is very famous for its pastries. A wide variety of cakes, cookies, candies, desserts, and the signature dish - chocolate cake will surprise you with its exquisite appearance and amazing taste. Pizza and other savory pastries are also prepared very well here. From a variety of establishments, everyone can choose the right one for themselves. Wonderful service, hearty dishes and reasonable prices will delight guests of the city and leave very warm memories.

Requirements for entry to Malta

European citizens do not need a visa to enter Malta as it is a member of the EU. Citizens who do not have European citizenship must apply for a VISA at the Maltese Embassy of their place of residence. If you are planning a long-term stay in Malta (more than 90 days), please check with the embassy what requirements Malta has and what documents you will need for this.

Be sure to take your passport with you if you are going to visit the Maltese embassy. Please note that your ID number and passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival from Malta. Minors under the age of 16 must have a child's passport with a photo of the child, or be included in the parents' passport. Travel and safety information can be found on the Foreign Office website or federal ministry foreign affairs

Since 2007, Malta has been a member of the Schengen Agreement, so border controls are international airport Malta is missing. This is why travelers who have a Schengen VISA do not need another Malta VISA to enter the country.

Currency

In 2008, the Maltese lira was replaced by the euro. The Maltese Euro features typical Maltese images. For example, an altar megalithic temple, which can be seen on the reverse side of copper colored coins. The gold coins feature the Maltese coat of arms. On both sides of the 1 and 2 euros you can see the cross of St. George.

Healthcare

Malta does not require any vaccinations before entering the country. If you need treatment in a hospital or consultation with a doctor, you should think in advance about medical insurance, which covers all necessary expenses during travel and is valid abroad. To do this, check with your insurance company in advance all the nuances of your insurance. Alternatively, you can apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Tap water in Malta is not suitable for drinking. Due to the fact that Malta has almost no groundwater, the water it does have is usually desalted and is also partially chlorinated ocean water. However, you can use it to brush your teeth and cook food with it.

Tourists often experience problems with blood circulation, as people are not used to high temperatures. Your Malta travel guide recommends: always keep with you drinking water and drink a lot! The sun's rays can also have a strong impact on your skin, so we recommend that you use a highly effective sunscreen. If you like to be outdoors for a long time, it is highly advisable to wear a hat or other head covering.

Please also refer to the health advice found at