Malta - reviews of tourists. Negative, neutral and positive feedback. All about rest in Malta: reviews, advice, guide All about Malta for tourists

15.09.2020

Only a few know how to see the aura, but many can learn this technique with the help of special exercises. Such sacred knowledge helps to better understand people, conduct business more effectively and even heal ailments of the soul and body.

The island state of Malta has always attracted thousands of tourists with excellent resorts and many interesting sights. Most travelers in the last days of their vacation prefer to take a last walk along the old streets and get some memorable souvenirs.

Maltese cuisine is a kind of mix of European and Arabian cuisines. There are many different restaurants and cafes in the country for every taste. In our new article, we will tell you about the peculiarities of traditional Maltese cuisine and the best national dishes and drinks.

Malta is a tourist paradise. In addition to many interesting sights, outdoor enthusiasts can go surfing and diving, especially if you are on the island of Gozo - the second largest island in the state. You will learn more about how and where to dive in our next article.

Three cities, which include Cospikua, Senglea and Vittoriosa, are rightfully considered the cradle of Maltese history - without visiting them, it is impossible to get to know the country and its culture. In our new article, we will tell you more about each of the cities and their attractions.

Diving in Malta is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The purest clear water, unusual relief and excellent weather conditions that allow you to dive under the water at any time of the year are a pleasant bonus. We will tell you more about what travelers need to know before going to explore the underwater world of Malta later in our article.

Malta is one of the dwarf states in Europe, and therefore it is not at all surprising that there is only one international airport in the country, which is located about 5 km from the capital, Valletta. For more information on where the airport is and how to get to it, read further in our new article.

Malta is a small island state in the Mediterranean. In addition to beach holidays, the country is rich in attractions. A separate category is made up of numerous museums in Malta that tell about the history and culture of the people. You will learn more about the best ones in our next article.

The beaches of Malta are rightfully considered one of the most important attractions of this small country, because, in addition to white sand and crystal clear water, gorgeous landscapes appear before the eyes of a tourist. Read more about the best sandy and rocky beaches in Malta in our new article.

Malta is an island nation where, according to many travelers, there are some and best resorts in Europe. When choosing where to stay in Malta, we recommend stopping your attention at the following hotels, which are rightfully considered the best.

Malta is an island state in the Mediterranean. In total, 23 megalithic temples were discovered here, but only four have survived to this day, and of them - Jgantiya, Hagar Kvim, Mnajdra, Tarshien. Read more about each of them further in our new article.

Malta is a dwarf state in Europe, but the modest size of the country does not prevent it from being one of the most visited by tourists. How to get around Malta, what types of transport are available here and what is the fare, we will tell you further in our new material.

1. What to see, what to do

Malta is good because here everyone will find something to their liking: many attractions, beautiful nature and a variety of entertainment will make your vacation enjoyable and informative.

If you prefer active recreation to beach idleness, then feel free to choose diving, rock climbing, golf and many other sports. Well, if you want to relax away from the hustle and bustle, be sure to go explore the beaches, lagoons and picturesque landscapes. There will be something to do in Malta and those who like to have fun and noisy rest: bars, restaurants, clubs and casinos - everything is at your service.

For those travelers who are not averse to learning something new, Malta is just a find: ancient fortresses, ruins of ancient buildings, temples, and all this under the sauce of an eventful history. Here one simply cannot fail to mention the island of Gozo with its ancient megalithic structures and caves.

Be sure to visit the capital of the island, Valletta, to stroll along its streets admiring the ancient cathedrals and buildings, many of which still have ancient frescoes and canvases of the great masters of the past. It is worth seeing the Cathedral of St. John, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Armory of the Knights, Fort St. Elmo, as well as the beautiful palaces of Parisio, Castilla and Provence.

Do not forget about the walled city of Mdina (the first Maltese capital). Its palaces (Inguanets, St. Sophia, Archbishop's) and museums, temples (Hajar Im, Mnajdra and Tarshin) and cathedrals (St. Paul's Cathedral, Carmelite Church), as well as the cells of the first Christian prophets are worth staying here at least for day and touch the ancient history of this place.

But if you are a hunter of beautiful landscapes and love to be alone with nature, you should go to the south or west of Malta, because it is here that you will find the most impressive views on the island. You can also drop by the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to taste the seafood bought right there, on the embankment, at the Sunday bazaar. Better yet, take a boat trip along the coast to not only enjoy the view of Malta, but also appreciate the beauty of the crystal clear waters. Mediterranean Sea.

Diving is a very popular activity in Malta as the island's coastal waters are rich in flora and fauna and attract divers from all over the world. However, if you also want to dive into the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, it is worth considering that for diving in Malta you must obtain a local permit - card "C".

It is issued at the diving centers of the island, and for this you need to provide a medical certificate (it can be obtained on the spot), two photographs, a ship's book and a fee (1 lira).

There are schools on the island where instructors teach beginner divers, as well as take CMAS or PADI exams. It is important to remember that spearfishing and swimming are prohibited in Malta in several archaeological areas. If you find any value under water, you must not touch it - you should inform the museum or diving school about it.

3. Smoking

The Maltese are strict people in terms of compliance with the rules and regulations. On the beaches of the island, for example, it is forbidden to sunbathe topless, and you will not be allowed into the temples in beach or overly revealing clothes. The attitude towards smoking is no exception - Malta has a ban on smoking in public places. Smoking is allowed only in those establishments that have special hoods in the designated smoking area. The population of the island is quite officially allowed to inform the owners of those establishments where there is no hood and where, nevertheless, visitors smoke.

4. Security

Going to Malta, you can rest easy - this is one of the few places with the most low level crime. The worst thing that can happen is petty theft, and even then - "performed" by migrants from African countries. Still, tourists are advised not to leave things in a parked car and keep everything of value in the hotel safe.

5. Maltese cuisine

Not trying the local cuisine is a gastronomic crime! After all, the culinary traditions of Malta have absorbed the features of European and African national cuisines, so appreciating the resulting variegated mixture is your first duty as a tourist.

Try the seafood dishes like the traditional lampuka pie (fish like tuna) or, if you like something out of the ordinary, the spaghetti with octopus ink sauce. It is worth paying attention to stuffed eggplant, bragioli ( meat rolls from beef stuffed with minced meat and bacon with sauce) and rabbit stewed in tomato sauce.

For desserts, look out for flaky ricotta buns and imkaret (date-filled pastries).

Have a nice trip!

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Malta is an island state. Most of the resorts are located on the two largest islands, one of which bears the same name Malta, and the second is called Gozo. I had a chance to visit both islands, and I will tell you how to get to them, but we will focus, of course, on the largest island in the archipelago of Malta, since it is here that the Maltese airport is located, and there are only two ways to get to the islands: either by air, either by water. However, at the end of the article I will make a small section especially for those who travel by car.

By plane: flights, transfers, low-cost airline

Malta is one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive Mediterranean resorts, and therefore there are a lot of options to get there by air. In addition, despite the resort seasonality (traditionally high season from mid-June to late September), thanks to the large number of English schools, a large number of tourists and students fly there also in winter. This ensures the availability of regular flights from most European countries and from Russia all year round, although in summer, of course, the number of flights to Malta increases significantly.

Flight from Russia

Regular flights from our country to Malta are carried out from the Moscow Sheremetyevo airport by the Maltese airline AirMalta together with the Russian Aeroflot. Flight time is 4 hours 20 minutes. Departures are carried out regardless of the season every Saturday and Sunday early in the morning. In mid-June, an additional flight on Wednesdays appears, which operates until the end of September. In any case, you should check with the carrier in advance for the exact timetable, since even regular flights sometimes change their schedule. With a bit of luck, tickets start at 130 EUR if you buy them in advance. I would recommend focusing more on EUR 200-250 one way if you plan to fly non-stop.

Also, charter flights to Malta appear in the summer season. Such flights depart not only from Moscow, but also from other large Russian cities. It is best to check the availability and cost of tickets for charters in travel companies. Most often, such flights are paired with a ready-made tour, which already includes a hotel and airport transfer.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from St. Petersburg, neither in summer, in season, nor at other times of the year. So you can only get from the northern capital with transfers. The fastest and cheapest flights are offered by AirBaltiс with a connection in Riga and AirMalta - a connecting flight in Rome. The cost of such flights starts from 160 EUR. I also recommend paying attention to the flights of Turkish Airlines: a transfer in Istanbul can take 8-10 hours, but the cost is not very high (from 140 EUR)

Flight with a stopover in Europe

It makes no sense to list in which cities in Europe you can change trains if you have planned your vacation in Malta. From almost any European state (most often from capital cities) there is at least one flight to the Maltese archipelago:, and any other. Choose according to the departure time, the duration of the connection and your preferences. Including there are flights from Istanbul, which usually turn out to be very favorable in terms of price. The cost of tickets, depending on the route and carriers, can vary from 200 to 500 EUR. on the selection of air tickets will help you design the best option.

However, such ticket selection services do not take into account flights of low-cost airlines, while one of the cheapest European airlines, RyanAir, flies to Malta. And if you like to travel light, then this is a great option. RyanAir flies to Malta from more than ten different European cities, including Vilnius, which, for example, can be reached from St. Petersburg by bus. This will significantly save money when planning a vacation or study in Malta. The cost of bus tickets starts from 30 EUR. You can get from Moscow to Vilnius by train, which will cost you about 20 EUR. A RyanAir flight ticket from Vilnius to Malta will cost about 80 EUR without luggage, or much cheaper if you get special discounts. A total one-way trip will cost you 100-120 EUR. The cost of a flight to Malta from other cities can be viewed on the carrier's website. Sometimes these are quite ridiculous figures like 15 EUR per flight.

There is also an option to combine flight and ferry. From Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport there is a direct flight of the Italian airline Alitalia to Catania, a city on the island, from where ferries leave for Malta. Flights for this flight cost from 150 EUR. How to get to Malta by ferry, I will tell you below.

Malta airport

Malta has only one international airport. It is located in the municipality of Luca. It is just five kilometers from the state capital of Valletta. To get around the island, you can take a taxi. Whichever city in Malta you go to, the cost of the trip will most likely be in the range of 20-30 EUR, even if you go very close, since the starting rate in a Maltese taxi is quite high.

If you haven't brought a dozen huge suitcases with you, I would recommend taking the bus. Malta has a well-developed bus network with very humane fares. The cost of one trip is from 2 EUR. For this money, you can change trains and change the route as many times as you want within two hours, without paying anything extra. There are six routes from the airport across the island. They all begin with the letter X: route X1 goes to Chirkeva, X2 to and so on. More details about routes and tariffs can be found.

Ferry to Malta

Above, I have already mentioned that ferries go to Malta from the Italian island. They come either from Catania or from Pozzallo. Flights are operated by Virtu Ferris. Sometimes it can be a combination of a bus from Catania to Pozzallo and a ferry from Pozzallo to Malta. The bus transfer is also organized by Virtu Ferris.

Travel time from Catania to Malta is 4.5 hours, from Pozzallo a little less than two hours. The duration of the journey may vary slightly due to weather conditions. By the way, keep this in mind in case you decide to return to Russia via Catania. If, due to a storm, the ferry is delayed or even canceled altogether (this rarely happens in the Mediterranean, but it does happen), you may lose your plane tickets. So take your time with a margin. It is especially important to take this into account in winter. In summer, the sea is calmer.

As for the schedule of water transport, on weekdays there are two ferries connecting Malta and Pozzallo (morning and evening), on weekends only one (in the morning from Malta to Pozzallo, in the evening - back). Connecting to Catania - Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. For more details on the schedule of ferries between Sicily and Malta, see.

The cost of ferry tickets varies greatly depending on the season. In the low season it can be as little as 60 EUR, while in the high season the price can double or even more. The difference in the cost of tickets from Catania and from Pozzallo is small - only 12 EUR. Children's tickets are almost half the price.

In high season, ferries to Malta from the Italian city of Salerno are sometimes launched. Information can be clarified, for example,.

On the island of Malta itself, all ferries from Italy arrive at the port of the capital of the state, in Valletta. From the port, you can walk to the island's central bus station. I marked these two points on the map. It is difficult to get lost there. There are signs everywhere.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk here, or you can take two bus stops. The landmark is the huge Triton fountain.

From this central station, more than ten convenient routes depart across the island. I wrote above about where to see the schedule and cost of bus tickets.

Ferry to Gozo

Gozo is the second largest island in the state of Malta. There is no airport on this island, so you can only get there by water, unless, of course, you are the happy owner of a small personal airplane (a large one simply cannot sit there due to the size of the island). Although five years ago helicopters flew from the Maltese airport Luca to Gozo, they were abandoned, since the cost of the flight was very high, and apparently there were not so many people willing. Now a helicopter to Gozo can only be ordered privately.

Ferries to this small island leave from the Maltese port of Cirkewa. The ticket price is 4.65 EUR for an adult passenger (cheaper at night - yes, ferries to Gozo also leave at night). If you are traveling with a car, the cost of the ferry will be 15.7 EUR. Ferries run every 30-40 minutes. For more information on how to get to the island of Gozo, how to get around the island and what to see there, read on our website.

By car through Sicily

If you are traveling by car, you will need to get to the Italian island first. Depending on the route chosen, you have to overcome 3900 kilometers or more. The net travel time is over forty hours. During this time, you will cross five or six European countries, where you will meet repeatedly toll roads, which you should be prepared for.

Since Sicily is also an island, you will find a ferry crossing from Villa San Giovane to the Sicilian city of Messina. Ferries leave every 15 minutes. Travel time is 25-30 minutes. The cost of loading one car from 40 EUR. It is impossible to get lost there. There are many signs in Villa San Giovane and the whole traffic also goes towards the port. In the port itself, specially trained people in uniform will show you where to buy a ticket, where to get up and where and when to go. Ferry loading usually takes no more than 20 minutes.

Once you reach Sicily, set your navigator to Pozzallo, from where you can get back to Malta by ferry. By the way, in Pozzallo itself, the navigator will also come in handy, since there are not very many signs there, and the locals speak only Italian, and if they speak another language other than Italian, then it is most likely not local, and where is the port they do not know. The cost of a water car transfer from Sicily to Malta starts from 140 EUR (this figure also changes depending on the season and the size of the car).

And so you got to Malta with your car. Hopefully it will come as no surprise to you that there is left-hand traffic and even experienced drivers take hours to change lanes. In addition, the traffic in Malta is very energetic. But this is not a reason to give up a cool trip ...

Finally

Malta is not a very large country, but with ancient history, wonderful climate and interesting nature. I recommend that once you reach your hotel in the wonderful city of Valletta or the equally wonderful Sliema or St. Julian's (or any other great location), don't stop there - explore the island and the neighboring islands. Firstly, they deserve it, and secondly, it is so easy to do with the convenient transport system of Malta.

Malta stretched its 27 km long and 15 km wide due to the rugged coastline. And indeed, all roads here lead to the capital Valletta. The shuttle bus circles the island, not missing a single town or village along the way. It is quite pleasant to ride. The schedule corresponds to reality, at the transfer stations the waiting time is a couple of minutes, no more.

The visiting card of Malta - the English bus - alas, remained only on postcards, magnets and outdated guidebooks. The buses are comfortable in a European way: with air conditioning, scrolling line of stops - passengers inform the drivers about the desired one by pressing a button. The latter, by the way, are very friendly and ready to answer any questions tirelessly. A one-way ticket during the high season costs 2.20 EUR (for an adult) and is valid for two hours. The winter ticket will be cheaper. As in many European countries, it is advantageous to buy a daily or weekly pass in Malta.

It is faster and, of course, more expensive to travel around the island by taxi. Predictable prices for black taxis that operate on demand. The trip to Mdina from Valletta (11 km) will cost about 30 euros.

Another significant form of transport is ferries. They run between Malta and the Gozo islands from Comino. The travel time is half an hour, the round trip for an adult is a little less than 4.65 euros.

The clerk at the hotel reception will give you the latest information on the cost of transport.

Language and communication

In Malta, English is the official language, along with Maltese. Tourists do not have any problems either in hotels, or in shops, or just on the streets.

Features of the mentality

The Maltese are sociable, happy to keep up a conversation about children, family, your country and blondes. But asking about the type of activity and mentioning the position held are beyond the bounds of decency.

Christianity in ancient times cost the lives of many and many Maltese, and although the blood of Muslim conquerors flows in their veins, discussions on this topic are taboo. Catholic traditions limit tourists who confuse the temple with the beach, but most travelers are not affected.

Kitchen. What and where to try in Malta?

Travelers who like roast rabbit, octopus stuffed with vegetables, snails stewed in white wine, and date pies should be careful. A week of Maltese food frenzy can be worth a year of dieting (and saving).

The national cuisine of Malta is a mixture of Italian, Arabic and English culinary traditions. There are even recipes that have survived from knightly times. Such dishes are usually served in small, cozy restaurants scattered around the island.

The most delicious dishes: ravuel, or just ravioli with ricotta and parsley, widow's soup with fresh goat cheese, stuffat tal-fenech or stewed rabbit in a pot in wine sauce with aromatic herbs.

A complete list of all Maltese delicacies can be seen

4 tips you will definitely need when traveling in Malta

1. According to Maltese law, nudists without bathing suits are not allowed to enter the beaches. Topless sunbathing is also not accepted.

2. A glimpse of Malta, Gozo, Comino and Cominotto from the side of a ship is hardly the brightest impression that you should come for. The cruises are designed in such a way that there is time to get to know the island on the “red bus” on Gozo. Trust me, it's worth it. Unfortunately, you will no longer see the famous Azure Window - Gozo's business card. A storm in March 2017 broke the natural megalith, and it collapsed into the sea.

3. Many hotels honor the traditions of the United Kingdom. One of them is hot and cold water without a mixer (including in the bathroom), the other - electrical sockets not adapted for European plugs (an adapter for 2 euros can be bought at any store).

4. When using public transport, the main thing to remember is that to go to the right, you need to get on the bus on the left side of the street.

Do you want to visit one of the most ancient, but at the same time one of the coziest places on the planet? Malta- a country with a rich historical heritage, mild Mediterranean climate, developed infrastructure and friendly local people. It is ideal for almost any type of holiday and is very conducive to tourism.

Good THERE collected the most useful information that will help you form an impression about the country before the trip. We wish you a pleasant virtual acquaintance with this unique country!

General information about Malta

Location of the island Republic of Malta

To find the Maltese archipelago on a map, pay attention to a small dot in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of 10 islands (three of them are inhabited: Malta, Gozo, Comino, and six are uninhabited: Cominotto, Filfoletta, Filfla, Manoel, Mushroom rock and the island cluster of St. Paul).

Neighboring continents and states
The Maltese Republic is closest to Italian Sicily (90 km), the next farthest is Tunisia on the North African coast (230 km).

External and internal water bodies
Situated directly in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta does not have any inland waters. Imagine - not a single river or lake within the entire country!

Population

429 344 people (as of 2015)

Locals

male Maltese, female Maltese

Currency

Euro (approximate rate as of 01.02.2018: 1 Euro = 1.25 dollars, 1 Euro = 70 rubles)

Management form

Parliamentary republic

Language

two official state languages- Maltese and English, Italian is quite common

Religion

Catholicism (about 97%)

Country dialing code

Important tourist numbers

Rescue emergency number - 112
Help - 190
Police - 191
Ambulance - 196
Firefighters - 199
Russian Embassy - + 356-21-371-905 (either at the end of 6 or 7)

hotels: for porters 1-2 € per bag, for housekeeping 2-3 €
restaurants: 5% to 10%. However, if the service charge is already included, then you do not need to leave a tip
taxi: usually not required, but if you do not mind, round up the amount for the trip or leave 10%

But there is an interesting bonus for tourists: thanks to the TAX FREE system - when leaving the island, you can return about 15% for the purchased goods (each check must be at least 55 Euros, and their amount must be at least 315 Euros). Goods should not be used, but receipts must be in stock. The refund will be sent to you at the specified address within three months, minus administrative costs.

Climate, when is the best time to go

The climate here is subtropical Mediterranean: sunny, hot and dry in summer, and in winter it is rather mild, with occasional rains and an absolute absence of frost and snow. Average monthly temperatures: in summer about +26 ° C, and in winter about +13 ° C. Malta is a real record holder for the number of sunny days per year on the entire European continent. It's almost always sunny here!

So when is the best time for you to go to this sunny island? Yes, at any time of the year!

Summer- of course, for those who love heat and sunshine, it is better to go from June to September. The temperature at this time can reach + 40 ° C, but mostly hover around + 35 ° C. The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Malta warms up to + 27 ° C in the summer season. If an umbrella is useful, it is only for the sun.
Off-season- people who prefer summer, rather dry, but not too hot weather - we recommend going to the archipelago in May, September or October. These months delight vacationers with comfortable temperatures of air (about +25 ° C) and water (about +20 ° C).
Winter- and if you want to breathe in the fresh sea air - visit this country during the low season. The sea breeze and occasional intermittent rains perfectly clean the atmosphere, which during the day is mainly kept at +15 ° C and does not drop below +5 ° C (even at night). The water temperature in winter is about +12 ° C.

Cities and resorts

Due to its small size and location, you can be on the coast at any time. By car, you can travel the entire country in an hour long and half an hour wide (the length of the main island is 27 km, and the width is 14.5 km). At the same time, there is something to see and to spend time actively!

A few words about the capital of the Republic of Malta

The capital of the Republic of Malta is located on the largest island in the archipelago. It is an impressive port city-fortress with a rich historical heritage, narrow sunny streets with bright doors and balconies decorated with flower beds. The city is under the protection of UNESCO and is literally an open-air museum. Indeed, with an area of only 50 hectares, it contains about 320 cultural monuments and attractions. For 2018, Valletta has adopted the status of the European Capital of Culture.

Largest cities in Malta

In general, the settlements on the islands are small, and the maximum number of inhabitants (about 25,000 people) lives in the city of Birkirkara. Also to major cities include the cities: Mosta, Kormi, Zabbar, Nashshar, Rabat, Zeytun, Zebbuj, Fgura, Attard. Many settlements have virtually no borders and smoothly merge into each other, being, by and large, areas of the island.

The most popular tourist and resort towns of the archipelago

Cities that attract tourists can be roughly divided into resort and cultural ones:

The current capital with an unthinkable number of attractions from various historical eras. The port city-fortress, despite its grandeur, is very conducive to walking and pleasant cultural recreation... This is literally a paradise for tourists - there is something to see, while at any time - you can relax in some pleasant institution with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of delicious Maltese wine, as well as enjoy truly high local cuisine.

Valletta, Malta

The well-preserved ancient capital of Malta deserves special attention. It is also a walled city and, despite its high popularity with tourists, it remains an extremely quiet place, ideal for thoughtful walks.

Mdina, Malta

The most prestigious and popular resort town with a cozy promenade and, sufficient for a pleasant shopping, a number of shopping centers, boutiques and shops.

Sliema, Malta

Here, perhaps, the most ideal conditions for staying with a family are: developed infrastructure and transport system, plus comfortable beach areas and numerous historical places to visit.

Bugibba, Malta

The largest sandy beach in the entire archipelago is located here. An ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday, as well as for a comfortable stay with children.

Mellieha, Malta

The place where the popular film about the fisherman of the same name was filmed. The remaining decorations served as the basis for creating a place to attract tourists.

Popeye Village, Malta

A fishing village with a fairly large market for local products and a beautiful port area with boats of all kinds.

Marsaxlokk, Malta

It has small but cozy beaches. Due to its close proximity to Pachville, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations.

St. Julian's, Malta

It will especially delight young people, lovers of parties and noisy nightlife. It is here that the whole club life of the archipelago is concentrated.

Paceville, Malta

Peculiarities of staying in Malta for Russians

Of course, the peculiarities of the colorful Maltese Republic cannot be described in three words, but we, nevertheless, will try to tell you the main points that you should pay attention to for a comfortable stay among the locals.

Brief history of the country, the main milestones of its formation and level in modern times

To complete the picture, it is necessary to understand the main historical events that affected the formation of Malta. This is the most ancient state, with a history that originates from the depths of centuries, which is confirmed by the oldest megalithic temples of the island on the planet. The first mention of this country is marked by the beginning of our era. Since the 60s, Christianity flourished here, brought here by St. Paul. Being on the Mediterranean trade route, the country was of interest to numerous conquerors, but each time the Maltese managed to free themselves from the invaders. Since 870, the country was in the hands of the Arabs, then became part of Sicily, and in 1530 it was transferred to the sovereign Knightly Order, thanks to which the golden age began here. But in 1798, Napoleon recaptured the islands from the knights for two years, surrendering their positions in 1800 in front of the British army called to help. After defeating the French, the British remained in the archipelago until 1964. Full independence from Great Britain was proclaimed here in 1974. And since May 2004 - the country became a part of the EU. Such is a difficult story, full of wars and battles, which at the same time tempered this majestic people. Modern Malta is a free, successful, cultured and progressive country.

Features of the Maltese people

The Maltese, possessing a very multifaceted history and roots intertwined with a large number of nationalities, due to numerous conquests, are a very peaceful people in themselves. However, you should be extremely careful in dealing with them. Unlike the overly polite Europeans, the locals are much more sincere in their reactions, sometimes even hot and impulsive. But it is worth noting that they are not at all aggressive, they simply will not remain silent if it seems to them that you have somehow violated their foundations, which they have kept and honored for centuries. Religiousness and tradition are perhaps the two main and fundamental features of the Maltese. Family traditions are especially deeply honored here.

Oh yes. Also, they do not like to rush and rush. But this is more a common feature of residents of hot countries.

The country's economic sentiment

The last decades have become for the Maltese years of noticeable improvement in the economic well-being of the country as a whole, as well as its inhabitants. This happened due to the successful development in several areas: light industry, trade and, of course, tourism!

For tourists, all conditions have been created here that allow them to spend their time in a varied and comfortable way. At the same time, do not overpay as in other countries of a similar level in the European Union. Malta offers the best combination of price and quality of rest.

Safety level and culture of behavior in society

The Republic of Malta has the lowest crime rate in the EU. There is practically no theft and no theft. Everyone who has ever visited Malta notes the highest level of culture, responsiveness and hospitality of the local people. Here you feel absolutely safe even at night. This is due to the deep religiosity in Maltese society and the innate knightly foundations. About chivalry, perhaps a little exaggerated, but the level of education of the local residents is really decent. But the first point - we recommend not to ignore it. In Maltese society, jokes involving the use of the Names of the Saints are highly discouraged. In general, in order not to get into an unpleasant situation, you should behave as decently as possible, as well as attentive and respectful to everyone around you. We agree that this is a universal advice for all countries, but believe me, in Malta you should definitely use it!

The popularity of different types of recreation, taking into account the seasonality

Now let's decide on the reason for the trip! What to do in Malta during your vacation? A question that has a thousand answers (and this is not a joke)! We, of course, will not list all the variations, since this simply cannot be accommodated within the framework of this article - but know: rest on the sunny archipelago can be incredibly diverse and it is incredibly difficult to get bored here.

Basic ideas for organizing your vacation when visiting the Maltese Islands:

Beach vacation- pleases vacationers from May to October. Perhaps the only type of tourism in Malta that is limited by seasonality.
Diving- available here all year round. Malta has literally become a European diving center, thanks to the cleanest water off the coast and low diving prices.
Study tours- attract students of different statuses and ages from all over the world, who come here for the European level of teaching English. In addition, after learning from native speakers, you can have a wonderful time and relax, continuing to actively train your language skills. During the low season, schools offer good tuition discounts.
Gastronomic tourism- very developed in Malta due to the highest level of local cuisine at rather low prices (relative to European ones). Gourmets from all over the world come here to enjoy the great flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
Excursion tourism Is one of the most popular holiday destinations. Countless number of ancient sights (including megalithic ones), perfectly preserved to this day, attract tourists from all over the world.
Ecotourism- is actively gaining momentum among tourists from all countries. The ecological situation on the island, good year-round weather and evergreen nature are conducive to visiting local settlements and villages (especially in winter).
Business tourism- is also becoming more and more popular (especially with European companies). The local conditions are ideal for all kinds of forums and conferences.

In general, a vacation in Malta is comparable to a vacation on the shores of Sicily or Italy. A wide range of services and a high level of service will satisfy even the most discerning travelers. That is why rather fastidious and demanding Europeans like to come here so much. After all, here you can find ideal conditions for both measured rest and active pastime.

The brightest events and holidays

Sorry, it's impossible to resist and not summarize in advance - how can these tanned and smiling Maltese know how to have cultural fun! With what enthusiasm and pleasure they organize street festivities and incredible scale fireworks for almost any occasion, whether it be religious festivals or calendar holidays - you must see it with your own eyes! The Maltese people love to celebrate and do it sincerely, at the same time in an organized and truly beautiful way. Here we list only those events that are the most ambitious and significant:

January 1 - New Year's Eve is celebrated here with obligatory festivities and fireworks.
February 9 - The five-day Carnival is famous for its ubiquitous costumed and very colorful processions.
March 31 - Freedom Day, which is a national and widely celebrated holiday.
Floating dates late June / early July - Day of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Late June - The annual MTV Floriana Festival (a world-class music event) is held.
September 8 - Triple Victory Day, as well as the Feast of the Virgin Mary the Winner with an annual regatta in her honor.
September 21 - Independence Day is celebrated with national sweep and flag-raising in Floriana.
December 13 - Republic Day is also the most important date in the history of Malta.
December 25 - Catholic Christmas is celebrated with the deep religiosity and tradition of the Maltese.

Due to the fact that Valletta (the capital of Malta) in 2018 became the Cultural Capital of Europe, a huge amount of funds were directed to the reconstruction of the historical values of the archipelago. Also, the year will be marked by an incredibly rich cultural and entertainment program, complementing the already incredibly rich calendar of holidays and events.

Maltese traditional cuisine

Do you like delicious food? Then you will definitely like Malta in Malta - the Maltese know a lot about food! Oh, how they know how to cook deliciously! Believe me, there is not an ounce of exaggeration in these words. Perhaps, on the contrary, their deep passion for hearty, incredibly tasty and beautifully presented food is beyond words. At the same time, national dishes are quite simple, which allows them to preserve the bright natural taste of high-quality products, which they invariably use in cooking. In general, the delights of local cuisine are typical for the central Mediterranean, with the addition of interesting notes brought from Italy, Spain, Sicily, France and even North Africa. Despite this, Maltese cuisine has its own and very vibrant flavor.

What you must try in Malta?

Hot Pastizzi- small puff pastries with delicate fillings (mostly with ricotta or lentil paste). Favorite snack of Maltese and guests of the island.
Cake- equally popular local pies with a wide range of fillings.
Cannolly- baked rolls with creamy ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit.
Bagilla- delicate bean paste with the addition of spices.
Ravuel- the most delicate ravioli with goat cheese.
Stuffat Tal Arnit- stewed octopus with vegetables (the dish is also made from pork).
Stufat tal Fenech- rabbit stew (one of the most popular dishes among tourists).
Excellent full Maltese wines and local Chisk beer.

The standard question of tourists - where is it better to eat, and where is it not worth it?

Due to the high standards of the Maltese in relation to food, almost all the numerous small restaurants on the embankments and in the narrow streets of cities are worth a visit. In them, you can, without worrying about your health and well-being, taste superbly cooked dishes of the national or more universal cuisine.

In Malta, it is extremely difficult to find a place where food is not tasty. Even very small local establishments carry mouth-watering smells all over the street, and inside these restaurants, hospitality and coziness reign.

How expensive is it to eat deliciously in Maltese restaurants?

With an average bill of about 10 Euros, you will not only get to know Maltese cuisine, but also get a good fill. The portions in establishments are not just large, they are literally huge! All these facts have created the interest of tourists from all over the world to food tours to Malta.

Local shops and supermarkets have shelves with Russian products. If you wish, you can buy the usual buckwheat, condensed milk, cucumbers and much more there. The choice of domestic products is not too large, but with a sudden surging nostalgia, it is quite sufficient.

Where is the best place to stay in Malta

Tourist comfort in this country is practically in the main place. In general, almost all accommodation offers here are capable of providing a decent, well - at least acceptable level. Wide choose hotels, villas and apartments allows you to find a cozy option even in high season. Not to mention the huge selection of offers at half price during low season.

Since many go to Malta to study of English language- some choose accommodation in host families... This accommodation has its advantages - after all, it is not only a way to get to know the culture of the country better, but also, often, the opportunity to live in a historic house. However, living in someone else's house can cause natural discomfort, since you have to accept the foundations and rules of the owners of the house. That is why many people choose to live in hotels or apart-hotels... Due to the very reasonable prices for accommodation, this option in Malta is optimal.

Traveling to the Maltese archipelago is a fairly simple undertaking. It only sounds far away, but in fact it is very close! Moreover, it is one of the most friendly European countries towards us. So what do you need to know to make a travel decision?

Do I need a visa and how to get it?

The Maltese Republic belongs to the countries of the Schengen area. If you have a Schengen visa, a separate visa confirmation from Malta is not required. When obtaining a visa, for example, from Moscow, it will take about 5 days of waiting for a decision and 5000 rubles for the entire package of documents. If you have submitted biometric data, then a visit to the embassy is not required. But on the other hand, in any case, it is necessary to have air tickets (there and back) and insurance purchased before submitting a visa request.

What are the ways to get to the place?

Considering the geographic location of the island, the best way to get there is by plane! There are many options for transit through Europe. Also, you can use a difficult and long way - on the transfer, using water transport. If you are a subtle lover of road adventures, we sincerely wish you good luck and the easiest journey!

Average ticket price for the main departure options from Moscow

There are many ways to get to Malta. Here are the prices for the simplest, fastest and most convenient:

Direct flight AirMalta in low season - about 200 Euro, in high season - about 270 Euro.
Transit flight TurkishAirline in low season - about 140 Euro, in high season - about 250 Euro.
The cost of air tickets is reduced when pre-purchasing tickets and issuing travel documents at once in both directions. Plus, all airlines have promotions and discounts from time to time. Using these opportunities wisely, you can buy tickets much cheaper than the quoted prices.

How long does it take to fly?

It depends where you are! But seriously, we will provide approximate information on five Russian cities:

from Moscow - 4 hours 10 minutes
from St. Petersburg - 4 hours 20 minutes
from Kazan (via Moscow) - about 20 hours
from Yekaterinburg (via Moscow) - about 12 hours
from Vladivostok (via Seoul and London or Paris) - about 2 days

Subtleties of movement on the ground

The main transport here is your feet. And this, by the way, is not a joke! Local distances, views and climate are more than conducive to walking! Often, neighboring cities can be easily reached on foot in 15-20 minutes. Well, if you need to get to a more remote settlement, the choice is not great, unfortunately. This is either a taxi or a rented car (an ideal option, given the low cost and ease of renting). If you have a limited budget, do not have the right or desire to rebuild for right-hand traffic, you can use public transport. The bus fare is € 1.50 (with the possibility of using the ticket all day to travel around the island). There are also weekly passes for buses, the price of which varies depending on the season. It is worth paying attention to the not simple system of routes and schedules of this type of transport.

What to bring from the country as a keepsake?

Every tourist knows that when leaving, you need to take with you as many souvenirs reminiscent of your vacation! So, at least it seems. Often these purchases are spontaneous and are caused by fresh impressions of the country, which eventually fade away, erasing from memory the excitement with which they were acquired. And for some, on the contrary, small mementos become keys to fond memories.

Small authentic gifts should be purchased here in small shops. What should you pay attention to? The finest lace products woven by local craftswomen or products from goat down are most often brought from Malta. Also popular are the multi-colored glass souvenirs, often blown right in front of you. Well, the list is completed by small figurines of Knights and local silver products.

Delicious local produce: wine or Limoncello, Jbeinit (goat cheese), high quality honey from local apiaries, olive oil and delicious sea salt mined here.

What cannot be taken out?

We remind you that it is strictly forbidden to export any items of artistic or historical value from the country.

So, go to Malta or not?

If your list is missing the most obvious pros and cons that you can expect from a visit, we will try to fill that gap:

7 pluses of Malta

Excellent Mediterranean climate and the most pure water off the coast throughout the Mediterranean and free beaches.
It is an all-season holiday resort with European quality but lower prices.
Everything is very close, but at the same time there are great opportunities for spending time for every taste.
Safe even at night, and residents are quite friendly towards visitors to the country.
English is the second language and all residents speak it, which is convenient for tourists from all over the world.
The oldest structures on Earth, as well as the highest density of attractions, are here.
An opportunity to visit any country within the Schengen area inexpensively.

7 cons of Malta

High subtropical air humidity may seem quite difficult to perceive to some.
There are no green thickets and widespread sandy beaches. Both exist, but not in such quantities as, for example, in Thailand.
A kind of public transport system, represented by a single bus system with complex routes and schedules.
Not everywhere there are ATMs and the possibility of accepting plastic cards. For a successful purchase of lunch in a small restaurant, it is better to have cash with you.
Fresh water in the tap is obtained by desalination and should not be drunk. Drinking water is purchased here in stores.
The lack of central heating in winter forces the building to be heated with electric heaters on cooler days.
In winter, a rather cold wind can blow from the sea.

What you should definitely get to know in this country

Swim in the inland sea in Gozo.
Visit Fort Moel, the Grand Master's Palace and Armstrong's Cannon.
Visit the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and admire the views of the Great Bay.
Walk around the ancient former capital - the city of Mdina in the evening and get aesthetic pleasure. Historical, but at the same time very romantic place.
Going down to the Khal Saflieni Hypogeum (construction about 3500 BC) Here is a bit creepy, but it leaves an indelible impression, allows you to feel the power and strength of these places!
Scuba diving and see the 13-ton statue of Christ is a mesmerizing sight.
Feast on the freshest giant shrimp available at the market in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
Try cacti.

Minimum program for the first and last day in Malta

On the first day of stay in Malta- Visit the capital city of Valletta. Since everything is very close in Malta, it takes 20 minutes by bus from the airport to Valletta. And, after passing Valletta all the way to the coast (along the main street called Republic), get on a harnessed carriage that will slowly ride you along the embankment of this beautiful city. Such an excursion will not take much time (on the strength of about 15 minutes), but it will allow you to immediately plunge into best views the archipelago and the city itself, as well as feel the mood of these places.

The last day we recommend going on a romantic farewell walk with Malta. It is advisable to walk along the embankment of Sliema. Such a walk will help you to calm down your emotions received on vacation, as well as recharge your desire to come again. Believe me, even those travelers who do not visit the same countries twice return here. And, of course - be sure to throw a coin off the pier if you still want to be here again!

We wish you an unforgettable trip to the sunny island of Malta!

Well, are you in the mood for a trip? Bookmark this article so you don't forget the most important points!

Well .. We almost forgot about one of the most important must-see places in Malta. Don't miss your chance to visit Blue Lagoon on Comino Island to enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sands.