Exploring Malta: Travel Tips And Insights

Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation located just south of Italy and east of Africa. It's known for its crystal-clear blue waters, gorgeous rocky cliffs, beautiful historical cities, and friendly locals. Here are some essential things to know before travelling to Malta:

- Malta has three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The largest is Malta, where the airport and largest cities are located. Gozo is quieter and less visited, while Comino is known for its famous Blue Lagoon.

- The best time to visit Malta is during the shoulder seasons, such as May-June or September-October, to avoid the extreme heat and peak tourist crowds.

- English and Maltese are the official languages of Malta, and you'll find that most locals fluently speak both. However, it's worth learning some basic Maltese phrases before your trip.

- The local currency is the euro, and credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is customary, with a gratuity of 5-10% for good service.

- Maltese cuisine is rustic and seasonal, influenced by Mediterranean flavours and surrounding countries. Specialties include kapunata (Maltese ratatouille), lampuki (fish pie), and stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew).

- Malta has a very low rate of violent crime, but petty crimes can occur in busy tourist areas. Always keep your valuables safe and be vigilant, especially in nightlife areas.

- The tap water in Malta is technically potable but has an unpleasant taste due to heavy chlorination. It's recommended to drink bottled water instead.

- When visiting churches or other religious sites, dress respectfully. Remove hats and sunglasses, and cover your shoulders with a shawl or sarong.

- Malta is known for its incredible diving spots, with rich sea life and spectacular underwater scenery, including deep caves and archaic wrecks.

- The sun in Malta can be intense, so it's crucial to protect yourself with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The UV index is often extreme during the summer months.

Language and Currency

The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English, with the majority of the population speaking both fluently. Italian is also widely spoken. While you can get by with only English, it's a nice idea to learn some basic Maltese phrases before travelling. Some key Maltese phrases include:

• Merħba (hello)
• Bonju (good morning)
• Bonswa (good evening)
• Grazzi (thank you)

The official currency of Malta is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, and bringing an international card (with no transaction fee) is recommended. It is also advisable to have some cash on hand, as some smaller businesses only accept cash payments. When purchasing low-cost items or travelling by bus, it is recommended to have the exact change, as some merchants and bus drivers do not accept bills.

Tipping is customary in Malta, with a gratuity of between 5 and 10% considered standard for good service. However, service charge may already be included in the bill, in which case a tip is not necessary.

Food and Drink

Malta's food and drink scene is a delicious mixture of gastronomic influences left behind by its successive conquerors. You can expect a variety of dishes that taste like food from Italy, North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and even Britain. Maltese cuisine is mainly rustic and based on seasonal produce and seafood. Classic recipes include a tart base filled with vegetables, cheeses, meat, fish, pasta, or rice. There are also many stew dishes, following the traditional Maltese cooking method of putting food in mud vessels over a hot stone named kenur.

Snacks and appetizers

Popular Maltese snacks include Pastizzi and Qassatat, which are flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or a green pea mixture. Gbejniet are small round cheeselets made from goat or sheep's milk, which can be found plain or peppered. The spicy version is delicious with local bread and a slice of tomato. Maltese bread is also renowned, with hobz (small soft rolls) and ftira (a ring-shaped loaf) being particular highlights.

Main dishes

The national dish of Malta is stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew). Other specialties include kapunata (ratatouille), lampuki (fish pie), bigilla (broad beans and garlic), and aljotta (fish soup). Popular snacks include hobz biz-zejt, which is bread filled with tuna, onion, tomatoes, and capers.

Desserts and sweets

Traditional Maltese desserts include qubbajt, a nougat-like sweet made with almonds and honey, and mqaret, pastry parcels filled with a date mixture and deep-fried.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, Malta has a lot to offer. Some Maltese wines are excellent, and the local beer, Cisk, is refreshing. Popular local ales include Hopleaf Pale and Blue Label Ale. Malta is also known for its signature liqueurs, such as Lumicetta ta' Mari (lemon-infused), Bajtra (made from prickly pear), and Hanini Digestiv (made with carob and caramel). The favourite drink in Malta is Kinnie, a slightly bitter, fizzy drink with a taste of orange and herbs, which is only available on the Maltese Islands. The Maltese also love tea and coffee, usually served with milk.

Where to eat

There is a good amount of choice and variety when it comes to food and drink in Malta, and you're likely to find both familiar options and new Maltese dishes to try. All tourist hotspots are well-served in terms of restaurants, supermarkets, and greengrocers, and even the smaller villages offer all the basics you'll need during your stay. The type of food available in supermarkets won't differ much from what you're used to if you're from Europe or the US, although the choice of products and brands may be smaller.

When it comes to restaurants, there is a good variety of food available, with Mediterranean cuisine being the most popular. You'll find a few Indian, Chinese, and Greek restaurants, but these are less common. The quality of food is good, and prices are reasonable. A two-course meal (starter and main dish) for one person in a seated Maltese restaurant will cost between €10 and €40. There are also many other types of cuisines available, including French, Italian, and Indian.

If you're looking for lighter meals or snacks, you can find take-aways in the cities, selling both local and imported food and drinks. Pastizzi cost at least €0.35, a small square of pizza is around €0.70, and a kebab in bread is approximately €5.50.

Transport

The bus is the only form of public transport in Malta, but it is also the least expensive way to get around, with the network reaching most regions of the islands. Buses are free for residents, but short-term travellers or tourists can buy a standard bus ticket from the driver. This costs €1.50 off-season, €2 during the summer, and €3 for the night bus. Weekly Explore Cards are also available. From Malta International Airport, you can reach any city by bus.

There are three ride-hailing app options in Malta: Bolt, Uber, and eCabs. These are cheaper than traditional taxis and the fare is set in advance.

Renting a car in Malta costs between €70 and €150 per week. Driving is on the left, traffic can be dense, and roads are not always in the best condition. However, having a car gives you the freedom to explore the islands at your own leisure.

Renting an electric scooter is another option for getting around Malta. Whizascoot is a popular Maltese service, with affordable prices: the unlocking price is €0.50 per trip, the ride price is €0.24 per minute, and the “parking” price is €0.15.

Traditional taxis in Malta are white and are mainly available in high-density areas such as the airport, Paceville district, Sliema Ferry, Buġibba Square, and near major hotels. They are expensive and not always pleasant with customers.

Tourist buses, easily recognisable by their all-red attire, offer a convenient way to get around and discover the island. These open-top double-decker buses operate on routes designed to pass through the main sites and tourist attractions. They offer the opportunity to hop on and off at will during a specified period.

Health and Safety

Malta is generally a very safe country, with a safety score of 81.8, ranking 12th globally. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some health and safety tips for your travel to Malta:

• Health Care: Malta offers high-standard health and dental care, and Maltese pharmacists can provide advice and sell over-the-counter medications. If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or the UK, be sure to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive free or reduced-cost health care. Visitors from other countries should have travel insurance.
• Sun Protection: The Maltese sun can be intense, especially during the summer months of June, July, and August. It is recommended to avoid sun exposure between 11 am and 5 pm and to use adequate sun protection, such as sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a hat.
• Water Safety: While swimming is generally safe in calmer weather, storms can cause strong undercurrents. Pay attention to the flag system at beaches, which indicates where it is safe to swim. Lifeguards operate from June to September. If in doubt, ask a local for advice.
• Crime: Malta is a safe country, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas. Take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Don't leave valuables unattended, and always keep your passport and other important items in a safe place.
• Driving: If you plan to drive in Malta, be aware that local drivers can be confident and may disregard indicators and yielding rules. Drive with confidence and extra awareness, especially in urban areas. Additionally, always lock your car and don't leave valuables inside, as there are occasional reports of rental car break-ins at beach car parks.
• Nightlife Areas: While Malta enjoys a high level of safety, it is recommended to be vigilant in nightlife areas, especially in Paceville, where alcohol-fuelled fights and drunken violence have been known to occur. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Local Customs: Malta is a largely conservative and Catholic country. Dress respectfully when entering churches, and avoid behaviours that could be seen as offensive to Christian morals. Additionally, avoid discussing political subjects with locals, as the Maltese are highly politicized and divided on major political issues.

Culture and Customs

Religion

Malta is a predominantly Catholic country, with over 90% of the population practising the religion. Catholicism is believed to have been brought to the islands by St. Paul, a Christian missionary who lived around AD 60 and was shipwrecked at what is now known as St Paul's Bay. Today, Malta's patron saints are honoured through the celebration of the Maltese 'festa' or feast. This religious celebration is an important part of the culture, with around 80 such events held during the spring and summer months in Malta and Gozo.

Language

The national language of Malta is Maltese, the only official Semitic language within the European Union. Maltese is closely related to the Arabic dialects of western North Africa, with Sicilian also having a strong influence on its vocabulary. Maltese is universally understood by citizens, and only minimal dialectical variations exist. English is also an official language, and Italian is widely spoken.

Food

Maltese cuisine is rustic and seasonal, influenced by a mixture of Mediterranean flavours and dishes from surrounding countries. Fresh fish, vegetables, meat and cheese form the staples of most cooking. Some specialties include kapunata (ratatouille), lampuki (fish pie), bigilla (broad beans and garlic), aljotta (fish soup) and stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew). Popular snacks include pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas) and hobz biz-zejt (bread filled with tuna, onion, tomatoes and capers).

Society and Customs

Maltese society is fairly conservative, with a strong Roman Catholic heritage. It is important to dress respectfully when visiting churches, and hats and sunglasses should be removed. Topless and nude sunbathing is illegal. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is appropriate.

Maltese people are generally friendly and welcoming, but Mediterranean temperament can come to the fore in opposition, particularly in sports, politics and local band clubs. Conflict is rare, however, and this opposition usually takes the form of friendly competitiveness.

Frequently asked questions