Malta is an island nation located in the Mediterranean region.  It is made up of seven islands although just three of them are actually inhabited.  Malta is close to Sicily, Tunisia, and Libya.  The country belongs to both the European Union and the United Nations.

Malta - a melting pot of cultures

As Malta belongs to the EU, many people will find that travelling to this country is easy.  Citizens of Canada, the United States, and European Union are not required to obtain a visa before visiting this country.  Malta has also adopted the Euro which simplifies travelling to this destination as well.

Anyone wishing to head to this incredible holiday location will find that there are two primary ways to reach Malta.  The most popular method of travel that tourists use to reach this island nation is by plane.  The national carrier of the country is Air Malta which travels back and forth between several countries in Europe.  Ryanair and Easyjet are both known for their flights to Malta as well.

Erm, we could walk?

An alternative way to reach Malta is by boat.  This option requires a trip on a passenger ferry which is typically less expensive than airfare to the country.  There are several ferries that run between Malta and Sicily as well as to several other ports nearby.  The only negative about travelling by ferry is the condition of the weather.  If the waves are rough, it may be an unpleasant ride.

After arriving in Malta, guests will be delighted by the accessibility of the country.  There are several bus routes around the island which are extremely affordable.  Keep in mind that the buses go out of service in the evening hours and you may want to have alternative transportation on standby if you think you might be out late.

Malta has iconic buses

Taxis are readily available around Malta as well.  Visitors should be prepared for the additional expense as this can be a more expensive transportation option.  A number of taxi services in the country require you to book in advance which may require a bit of planning as well.

For those that want to be able to travel around Malta at their own pace, hiring a car is a great option.  It is not very expensive to hire a car in this country and many visitors will choose to do so.  The GPS coverage in Malta is excellent so make sure to pack your Garmin to ensure you won’t get lost!

Another great way to see Malta is on a bicycle.  Much like hiring a car, a bicycle provides a great deal of freedom.  Visitors will find numerous opportunities to rent a bicycle around Malta.  Many people prefer this form of travel as it is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather that this country offers.

Cycling is an ideal way to see the island

Many people are worried about the language barrier when travelling to new destinations.  This is less of a problem in Malta as the country’s official languages include both Maltese and English.  At one point Italian was regularly spoken in the country as well but it is less prevalent today.  Most English speakers will find it easy to travel through Malta.

When you are ready to begin exploring Malta, one of the first places you will want to visit is the Megalithic Temples.  These Temples date back as far as 4100 B.C.  In 1980, the Megalithic Temples were officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The structures that are located at this site are the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

A trip to Mdina is also an enjoyable adventure in Malta.  Visitors can walk around this old town and visit the cathedral that was constructed centuries earlier.  Pay special attention to the floors of the cathedral which feature a number of gravestones that have been inlaid with marble.  These gravestones belong to the nobility that once resided in the area.  There are guided tours of Mdina which many visitors will want to take advantage of.

Mdina is well worth a look

Many people who visit Malta will want to make their way towards Rabat.  This area is located not too far from Mdina.  One of the largest draws to Rabat is St. Paul’s Church.  It is rumoured that St. Paul was at one point shipwrecked on the island and he lived at this church during his stay.  In 1990, Pope John Paul II made a special visit to this location.

If you want to do some shopping during your holiday in Malta, make sure to visit Sliema.  This is a very modern area of Malta and many visitors stay at hotels in this location.  The shopping area in Sliema far exceeds any other area in Malta.  There are numerous shops featuring several designer brands here as well.

Shopping!

Malta is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches.  One of the most popular is called the Golden Bay Beach.  It is located in the northern area of Malta and is by far one of the more developed beaches in the country.  There are several water sports available to guests at the beach including parasailing.  The water is an impressive shade of blue that you will likely never forget as well.

St. Thomas Bay is an ideal spot for fishing in Malta.  The area is surrounded by high cliffs and there are multiple caves that can be found here.  This area also features two smaller beaches that are great for swimming as well.

Many tourists like to visit Malta between May and September.  This is considered to be summertime in the country and temperatures range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.  Aside from the warm weather, visiting Malta during these months will also provide you with the greatest amount of daylight as well.  The rainy season in Malta falls between October and February.

It rains in Malta though. A lot.

It is easy to see why Malta is such an excellent holiday location.  There is a great deal of history that can be found throughout the island nation.  Many people will spend their time in Malta exploring this history and visiting the beautiful beaches that can be found here.