Malta is a unique and small island located just below Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Traveling to Malta is relatively easy as besides AirMalta, the islands national carrier, various major and also low cost airlines fly in and out of Malta International Airport located in Luqa. A catamaran also connects Malta with the island of Sicily on a daily basis and this also gives the option of combining a holiday in Malta and Sicily.
On average the Maltese Islands attracts just over 1 million tourists a year, nearly treble its population. It’s a unique island to visit and an ideal short break of about 4-5 days. Due to it’s small size it’s also easy to get by and see what you have to see in a relatively short time. Although Valletta is the capital city, this is not that busy at night and most hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife is concentrated in St. Julians. Nonetheless, one must visit Valletta and easily explore on foot this Unesco heritage city. Another must visit is the silent city of Mdina, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk and the Mnajdra & Hagar Qim Temples.
Malta’s sister island Gozo is more tranquil and one can get to it by crossing the channel on the Gozo ferry, a pleasant 20 minute crossing which also passes in front of the small islet of Comino renowned for its Blue Lagoon. Infact, a day trip or overnight stay in Gozo is highly recommended.
There are over 120 hotels in Malta and Gozo and the quality/ price ratio is rather good as compared to major destinations. Nonetheless, like everywhere, one must research in advance and the resources available online provide an excellent tool to do so way in advance of your trip to Malta.
