4 Things to Do When Traveling in Malta

Malta is one of the trendiest tourist destinations on the map today. From its perfect location halfway between Italy and Africa to the fact that it is completely surrounded by water, it’s on the travel bucket list for many.

Of the many islands of Malta, only the largest three are inhabited: Malta, Gozo (Ghawdex), and Kemmuna (Comino) so when you’re planning your travels, keep this in mind. The official languages are Maltese and English, though Italian is widely spoken given its geographic location to Italy.

Positioned almost at the center of the world is what makes the country a highly sought after option. You can easily get there from anywhere in the world. The island is a popular honeymoon destination as well as a major attraction for history buffs. Not only does the scenic nature attract couples from all around the world, but the fortresses, burial grounds, and temples do, too!

Despite all of this, some still firmly hold on to the belief that there is nothing to do in Malta but sit on the beach. If you are one of those people, keep on reading!

malta fishing boats

1) Attend a Festa

The first activity you can do in Malta instead of just sitting on the beach is to go to a party. Festa is a Maltese word meaning feast or festival. Keep in mind that the island’s culture has been greatly influenced by both the Italian and Greek cultures. This means that among the things Maltese people value, two are religion and festivals.

Combining these creates ample opportunities to attend religious festivals. In fact, some holy days are national holidays such as the feast of Santa Marija in mid-August. The best time to visit is during summer between June, July, and August. These are the months filled with parish feasts. When you visit Malta, you are guaranteed to witness many grandiose celebrations not to mention the country’s beautiful, heartwarming traditions.

2) Marvel at The Architecture

Because of its position between Europe and North Africa, it is safe to say that every settler since the Neolithic era has had an impact to some extent on the Maltese architecture. You can start your tour at the ancient Ġgantija megalithic structure. It is one of the oldest religious structures erected by man.

After that, go view how the influences of the Renaissance period was a source of inspiration to several of the churches and cathedrals still scattered all over the island. Fortunately, the tour does not end there. After the Renaissance period, you can pay a visit to the Rotunda of Mosta or Mosta Dome. In what the Maltese considered a miracle, the Mosta Dome protected 300 lives back in World War II when a high explosive bomb pierced through the church but failed to detonate.

malta church door

3) Go Snorkeling

One thing you will not get bored of is exploring the realm underwater. What makes Malta a special region when it comes to snorkeling is its shallow waters. While it is possible for you to rent a boat or book a snorkeling trip with experienced guides and professional equipment, there is no need to.

You can simply buy a snorkeling mask from any shop or from a hotel bazaar. Then just wade into the Mediterranean. The shallow waters here are filled with corals, fish, and other amazing natural wonders. However, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit snorkeling hotspots like the Blue Lagoon.

4) Visit Mother Nature

The Mediterranean Sea combined with the rocky nature of the island has shaped many rock formations into the marvels they are today. When in Malta, take a boat and go to Comino, an islet which is famous for a beautiful lagoon with crystal clear waters.

Another attraction to visit is the Azure Window. It originally was a complete rock structure but with the constant erosion has changed shape into a natural window. For diving fans, the Azure Window is a scuba-diving hotspot.

Final Thoughts

The beaches which Malta is known for being amazing and worth a visit (plus, who doesn’t love beach time?). But as you can see from the above, there is so much more you can do when visiting this beautiful country in the Mediterranean Sea. When visiting Malta, keep in mind it has a Mediterranean climate. This means winters are mild and summers are hot. Autumn and winters are rainy with the summers dry. Now go make your travel plans…and enjoy!

 

Image credits: Pixabay

Tips contributed by Allen Brown.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *