As we wait to see if, when and where we will be able to travel this summer, it’s nice to dream about countries we could find ourselves travelling to in the coming months and the data suggests that Malta could certainly be one of them. However, if you are like I was before visiting this pretty Mediterranean island, you may be thinking of Malta as a cheap package holiday destination, with no notable places to stay and not a lot else to see and do other than the beaches. If that is your view, definitely think again! Malta has a lot going for it.
Firstly there’s the history, which Malta is drenched in from megalithic temples older than Stonehenge to medieval cities. Basically, since Malta was positioned in the middle of important trade routes between Europe and Africa, it has been coveted, colonised, invaded and defended by everyone from the Bronze Age tribes, to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the French and then the British. This has left an intriguing 7,000 year heritage and a melting pot of cultural influences, with even the Maltese language being an unusual combination of Arabic, medieval Sicilian Italian and English.
Secondly there’s the capital, Valletta. The city has UNESCO World Heritage Status and for good reason. It’s a seriously beautiful place with some of the most stunning architecture in the whole of the Mediterranean. Set on a tidy grid system, with the sea on three sides, the old town’s narrow lanes are lined with tall 16th Century buildings fronted with pretty wooden balconies. Look up and you’ll see statues and coats of arms high on parapets.
The City Gate area has been remodelled by The Shard Architect, Renzo Piano, and the stunning new gateway and parliament buildings contrast beautifully against the fortified limestone walls of the city.
Valletta’s must see is definitely St John’s Co-Cathedral. Built by the Knights of St John to celebrate their 1565 victory over the Ottomans, its interior is all lavish Baroque gilt, marble and frescoes and it houses one of Caravaggio’s most important paintings, the “Beheading of St John the Baptist”.
Walk the city’s imposing fortified walls to the Upper Baraka Gardens where you will get spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Take the local ferry the short distance over to the Three Cities of charming Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua complete with medieval streets, churches, palazzi and a rather smart marina full of fancy boats.
As well as all the old stuff, Valletta has a cool and hip side, aided by the city being the Capital of Culture in 2018. At night the lights of the local restaurants along the waterfront twinkle as al fresco diners enjoy the wonderful food on offer, which is a combination of the best the Mediterranean has to offer infused with local Maltese dishes such as fenkata (rabbit stew) and pastizi (small rolls of pastry stuffed with ricotta).
Malta’s diminutive size means that the entire island is easily accessible, from the medieval capital of Mdina and its Roman sister city of Rabat, to the many prehistoric sites and quaint seaside villages in the south. Whilst on a day trip to Gozo - via a 30 minute ferry ride - you can discover deserted coves, picnic on the beach, hike or cycle the rugged coastline or just sit back and relax in a place where life definitely moves at a slower pace.
Until recently, Malta had very little in terms of fabulous places to stay. But that has certainly changed and leading the field is definitely the new Iniala Harbour House in Valletta. This luxurious boutique property, overlooking the spectacular Grand Harbour, is spread over four exquisite Maltese houses and mixes history with stylish design. If you want a more conventional style hotel with a pool, my favourite (also in Valletta) is the Phoenicia.
As Malta is quite far south in the Mediterranean, it’s great out of peak season with the months of September and October being particularly pleasant weather wise. So, although travel in summer may be a little daunting and uncertain, autumn could be a perfect time to visit. If you are interested in finding out more about a trip to Malta and are planning an escape, then please do get in touch as I would love to help. I can also guide you through all of the Antigen / PCR requirements, Passenger Locator Forms and quarantine rules to ensure any trip is seamless and stress free.