Tourists do not visit the Mdina Catacombs, which are located at the entrance to the city of Mdina Malta.
You won't see anything interesting there - old, dusty, poorly made wax dolls.
The show is low quality and not interesting. But your wallet will definitely be stolen there.
There is a gang of pickpocket swindlers working there; the group includes young girls. Administration
Catacomb covers up scammers. Thefts occur there regularly. All this is happening
20 meters from the Police station. But the police won't help you
too small - gets boring quickly. Beaches with poor access to the sea
Did not like:
- Not enough greenery.
- Inconvenient entrance to the sea - some kind of gangway near the rock (we stayed at the Radisson Hotel).
- Not very tasty cuisine (compared to other countries in this region).
We visited once and won't go again.
“The whole truth about Malta. Nobody will tell you this! A look from the inside. »
Place of residence in Malta - Victoria.
Never eat traditional Maltese sheep's cheese. This cheese is made by private individuals. Using the example of one sheep: Take a sheep (these sheep are kept on their own shit, which is not removed for half a year or a year), take a milk bucket, which is washed once a month. The sheep is being milked. Manure pellets are caught from the milk by the baby. Then the milk is filtered into another bucket, which is washed with the same frequency as the first. Lactic acid bacteria are added to the milk and after half an hour the milk curdles. The degree of readiness of the mass is checked with a finger, which no one washes either. Next, this mass is laid out in molds and placed on a tray where the whey will drain. These molds stay there for a day. In winter it’s still tolerable, but in summer the whey sours instantly, flies drown in it, of which there are simply immeasurable numbers (I came back all bitten, even though I took all sorts of fumigators with me, like raptor). Next, the cheese is laid out to dry on a wire rack outside, where it also serves as a snack for flies. The flies travel like this: from sheep manure to cheese and back. After drying until the moment of sale, the cheese is placed in a box outside. Before sale, dusty cheese is washed with a brush in a basin of water. The brush is the same as for cleaning floors and carpets. Why buy a special one? Again it is dried and sold. Cheese is used to make something between pizza and cheesecake. It is also sprinkled with pepper and sold as cheese curds. Fresh, not yet drained cheese may be offered to you along with artichokes. In general, always ask if the dish contains cheese. Food with cheese for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Well, I don’t think there’s any need to explain that taxi drivers charge tourists two or three times more than they charge locals. It's everywhere. They can try to do the same in shops and eateries. Therefore, it is better to always take goods with price tags, and in eateries remember the prices on the menu. If, due to some circumstances, you need to live in Malta for longer than two weeks and there is a prospect that they will send you something from abroad, keep in mind that parcels are opened at the post office under the pretext that they need to know what was sent to you. This is what democracy is like.
Local short-legged, bow-legged, unshaven and smelly (in the literal sense of the word, they wash at most once a week, but old people don’t wash at all, they shave once a week, brush their teeth when they shave) men consider themselves irresistible Apollos and constantly pester on the beaches. Well, at least they are sent easily.
Animal lovers and defenders should not come here at all. Dogs live on roofs. Hot from the sun in summer, icy from rain in winter. They love to catch migratory songbirds here. Then they are kept in cages 20x10 cm. These cages with birds are used to lure flying birds. Several birds are tied to special long sticks and shaken periodically so that the tied birds flutter and lure their relatives. None of the birds caught live longer than three years.
I will only note that those horses, which are plentiful in Valletta and Mdina, starve in winter and turn into skeletons. There is no point in feeding livestock if there are no tourists. This applies to all horses used for riding tourists.
Sometimes our compatriots are “lucky” (like my sister) and, if the Maltese does not prefer short-term relationships, then you can build a family with him. Most of the current Russian-Maltese marriages begin as holiday romances. A foreign wife or mistress is a man’s prestige in the eyes of his friends.
Tourists don’t have to feel complex about their appearance, so compared to the local population you’ll be considered a supermodel, even if you’re up to the proverbial 90-60-90 years old.
Malta is a small island state to which several thousand migrants from hot spots have moved over the past 2-3 years. They are no different from those terrorizing continental Europe. Therefore, there is danger: robberies in the dark, thefts, harassment of women. There are no other dangers in Malta except sunstroke and stones thrown at your feet))).
I don’t see anything attractive in Malta - rocks, dangerous beaches, outrageous prices, similar museums... and the constant scam of tourists for money. A classic example of how to make money by selling tickets to a banal Pyatigorsk failure. Apparently they learned from Ostap Ibrahimovic.
Neutral reviews
My eldest daughter is studying in Malta. My baby and I took her there in October. Some of the wonderful things: the climate, the absence of compatriots of an understandable type)), the eurozone, which means calm and reliability, Considering that this is a small island - everything is close - both the airport and the attractions. In general, Malta itself is religious and law-abiding. Among the inconveniences, there are few hotels (we lived in apartments), there are practically no beaches (as we imagine them), and going into the sea is definitely not for children! We looked for a piece of sand and went there, but where there was sand there was a lot of algae. We ate in the school canteen; there was no question about what to feed the baby. My daughter goes to public catering and says everything is fresh and tasty. Supermarkets have everything a mother and child need, including cereals and jars. They write here that Malta is a bit boring, I agree. If I were going on vacation on my own, I would take up all my time with excursions, but there’s really nothing to do with the baby. We went to the playground, which we got tired of after three days))
Despite all the problems with migrants that have recently rocked many European countries, Malta has been and remains a safe country. But this does not mean that you need to relax and completely forget about all precautions, since theft and pickpocketing, although they are not common, do exist. The only thing you should give up is renting a car, as recently there has been a significant increase in thefts of parked cars. Also, you should not leave valuables in cars (regardless of whether they are in a visible place or not). It is advisable to leave money and documents in a safe (in your room or at the hotel reception).
Jellyfish and sea urchins can ruin your holiday. To protect against jellyfish, they even install special nets, but this does not always help. In addition to precautions, it is advisable not to skimp on insurance. Insurance must include the provision of a full range of services abroad, etc.
There are practically no sandy beaches in Malta. Swimming in the sea - from the rocks. I recommend taking beach slippers with you (or leaving them on the shore, or those models that you can swim in).
There are ancient fortresses, forts, bastions, quite interesting if you are interested in history. But, in my opinion, it is better to visit them in late spring or mid-autumn, when it is not too hot
On hot days, only tourists walk along the promenades during the day :-). Locals like to go out with their families after ten in the evening and until late.
There are practically no problems with refugees on the island. They don’t like Malta because there is no way to get to “Europe” from there without documents. This is not Italy with open internal Schengen borders... And the locals are somewhat reminiscent of Corsicans - they are not particularly tolerant :-)
There are no beach holidays in Valletta. And in general, IMHO, Malta is not the best place for a beach holiday: there are few sandy beaches (two, it seems), and all of them are far from Valletta (40-60 minutes by bus). There are beaches in Sliema (it’s 5 minutes by boat from Valletta), but they are inconvenient - an uneven, slippery sandstone slab, with an iron ladder leading down into the water (public), or a concreted area with the same descent (hotel ones - for a lot of money, if You do not live in this hotel).
If you decide to go to the beach, no earlier than mid-June, the beach season opens there on the 15th. The water at this time is 20-21 degrees.
If you just look, it’s better in the spring, March-April - it’s not hot and the greens have not yet had time to fade.
Almost all transport (with the exception of a number of direct routes from Sliema/St. Julian's to the sandy beach areas) goes through the bus station in Floriana (a city that is a direct neighbor of Valletta). From here you can go to any or almost any point on the island.
There is a ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo.
Objects to visit - megaliths (in Malta and Gozo), buildings from the time of the knights (Valletta), the medieval capital (Mdina) with its suburbs (Rabat), natural beauty (Blue Grotto in Malta, Blue Window in Gozo). Many things. :) Malta is a very interesting country, with a completely individual flavor, a mix of Europe, Asia and Africa.
I was in Malta at the beginning of the month for work...
It’s kind of boring there, IMHO... the majority of vacationers are pensioners slowly stomping and staring around))
At first I thought of taking my family with me, but it’s good that I changed my mind - Malta is not the best place for a holiday with children...
From what I liked - the climate is very comfortable - it’s hot during the day, but not swelteringly hot - it’s cool in the evening and at night! It’s very comfortable to sleep with an open window... oh, and the people are friendly and positive)
but I repeat - I was there for work and, probably, could not fully understand all the delights of tourist Malta...
Positive reviews
Holidays in Malta - What is called a great holiday!
Advantages: Architecture Blue Lagoon Cheap
Flaws: Not suitable for families with small children
Malta is a stunning country, picturesque and youthful. I visited there at the end of July, the heat was unbearable, so my routine was as follows: Sleep from 3 to 6 and then from 12 to 17, the rest of the time I walked and explored the surroundings. Sports, sea, beach in the morning, sights in the evening, parties at night. I visited all three islands of Malta, most of all I liked the island of Comino, where the blue lagoon is located. To travel around the country I bought a tourist pass for 7 days for 21 euros. Prices in Malta are not high; you can eat in a cafe for 10-20 euros. Malta is a country for active recreation and culture, there are no sandy beaches at every turn, there are only a few of them, and they are so-so equipped, there are rocks all around, the whole island is a large piece of rock. I don’t recommend it for families with small children, but overall it’s a very cool resort.
Holidays in Malta - For architecture lovers
Advantages: It definitely won't be boring
Flaws: Few beaches
If you are already tired of monotonous resort towns or, on the contrary, on your first trip you want something unusual, then without a doubt Malta is what you need. If you want to see beautiful ancient cities, then for this you will not even need to purchase excursions and spend long hours on the bus, just by leaving your hotel and going out into the city you will get everything you want. You can walk there for hours and enjoy nature and architecture. You should definitely visit the night show about the Knights of Malta, where you can enjoy dinner from antique dishes, homemade Maltese wine, and also see a performance: the Knights of Malta in costumes and the story that they will show you in colors and movement. The weather in Malta is good, warm but humid. There are special beaches where you can swim comfortably, but you usually need to drive to them and there are not many of them. However, people can swim there almost anywhere, but there are few sandy or pebble beaches; sometimes you have to jump into the sea from a stone embankment. So if you want to warm up, enjoy beautiful views, and learn a lot of new things, then you should definitely go to Malta.
Malta – modern and medieval
For me, Malta was surrounded by a certain aura of mystery due to the Order of Malta of the same name. After a trip to this country, I learned that although it is a parliamentary republic, in the financial and social spheres the position of this influential order of the Johannites is still strong. I really liked Malta itself for its unusual form of recreation. Malta has few sandy beaches. The shores are mostly rocky. You need to go down into the sea using handrails, much like in a regular swimming pool. And I, a lover of swimming, really liked it. Although, every coastal hotel has all the conditions for sunbathing and swimming in its own outdoor pools.
In my subjective opinion, Malta can be considered a single historical monument. There's a lot to see here:
Valletta is the capital and fortified city, through which we rode with a cab and two horses;
Mdina is a city of silence and the ancient capital of Malta;
Marsaxlokk is a fishing village where we treated ourselves to seafood cooked in the Maltese style a couple of times;
St. Julian's is the area of the island of Malta where we lived and where nightlife is vibrant.
We also took the ferry to Gozo (or Gozo), which has beautiful views and is just a pleasure to walk around. Both islands, Malta and Gozo, have retained their medieval aura and attractiveness, and we will definitely return here, perhaps in early autumn, when there are not so many tourists and the sea is still warm and pleasant.
Holidays in Malta reviews from tourists 2017 (Malta, Mdina) - Relatives demanded confirmation.
Advantages: In the review.
Flaws: No.
My friend became a widow, but the widow did not grieve for long and married a former cosmonaut who lives in Zelenograd in a beautiful two-level apartment.
They invited me to visit, and at evening dinner they started talking about vacations (I was going to vacation with them on the Baltic Sea when the weather was warm).
The owner directly boasted that from Kaliningrad you can get to anywhere on the planet, and I kept up the conversation and asked: what about Malta?
The next day I didn’t remember this conversation - which doesn’t happen at dinner, but by lunch the owner (the honor of the officer) gave us a lot of information about Malta and we were excited to visit the place where the film “The Count of Monte Cristo” was filmed - said, done .
We flew from Gdansk, I am still happy that I have been so lucky in life.
Our man decided all the organizational issues; I had no money, but then I gave my friend twenty thousand (she said that was quite enough) for ten days of heavenly vacation.
We rested and swam in the Blue Lagoon - I have never seen the most beautiful place in my life: the beach is sandy, the entrance is gentle, during our vacation one girl was severely stung by a jellyfish, resulting in a burn.
The weather turned out to be sunny and pleasant, we did not lie in the room, but tried to learn as much as possible about the customs of this small state; we visited Valletta, the capital of Malta, which is located on the north-eastern coast of the island. There are practically no modern buildings in the city; it is located on the slope of Skibarras Mountain and has a corresponding topography. Malta was given to the spiritual-knightly Order of Malta. The walls of buildings here and there are decorated with a wide variety of coats of arms.
The Master's Palace in Valletta made an impression, and the Inquisitorial Palace in Vittoriosa left an indelible mark - it is interesting to see how sophisticated humanity was in carrying out torture.
The cities are very cramped, the streets are narrow, I don’t feel very comfortable in cramped spaces, I don’t have enough air and light, but it’s very beautiful.
It's quite a treat on the beach, where the surf caresses your ears and the sun caresses your skin. Here I feel free.
The country of Malta consists of three islands in the Mediterranean Sea: Malta, Gozo and Comino. We visited Gozo - nature untouched by man. Actually a fairy tale! The color of the sea is special!
We were pleased with our vacation, returned to Kaliningrad, and then I flew home - even my family didn’t believe me that I was in Malta.
My friend and I traveled to Malta in June. At this time, the water is already warmed up, and the tan goes on quickly and well? The state is small; in a few days you can explore historical cities and attractions. We liked Mdina and the ancient capital Valletta. In cities, houses are placed at a very small distance from each other to create shade. We lived in the most party town on the island - St. Julian's, where there are many bars, discos, cafes and shops. For lovers of shisha (as the Maltese call hookah), there is a cozy bar where you can sit on cushions in the open air. The beaches there are small and rocky, the water is clean. For a change, you can take transport to a sandy beach; we went to Golden Bay (by the way, this is where the movie “Troy” was filmed), as well as to the island of Gozo: the water there is amazing and the sand is snow-white, but the sunbathing spots are inconvenient - on the slope of a cliff. But you can rent a sunbed for 5 euros.
I remember Maltese cats:) There are a lot of them on the island, much more than people. They are larger than our Russians and their faces are different.
As for the food, I can say that the portions in the cafe are large (one is definitely enough for two girls), there are establishments for different budgets and tastes. We liked that there are many tourists on the island from different parts of the world. Here are a few rules of conduct in Malta: if a passerby smiles at you, is it customary to smile back?; when crossing the road, it is enough to extend your hand towards the car for the driver to slow down; in a nightclub it is considered normal if someone touches you on the butt, there is no need to react aggressively; When meeting and saying goodbye, do people kiss each other on both cheeks? There is also a not very pleasant thing there - cockroaches (huge and flying!). Well, in general, we liked the holiday, if possible we will go again).
Advantages: A wonderful place to relax.
Flaws: A bit expensive
I vacationed there this summer. If I had my way or had a lot of money, I would go there for the weekend. People, if you have enough rustling banknotes, you need to go to Malta and relax there for the maximum possible time allocated for your vacation. You will have a sea of impressions and emotions. Have a nice rest!
General impression:
Beautiful place!
The Maltese archipelago is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The interesting thing is that this tiny European state has the same geographical latitude as the African Tunisia. The closest to Malta is Sicily (about 90 kilometers by sea), much further to the south is Libya.
Prices for a trip to Malta are comparable to tours to popular European countries. However, the impressions of the holiday are much brighter. For those who are accustomed to the sandy beaches of Turkey and Egypt, the rocky Maltese coast (for the most part) may not be to their liking. Therefore, tourists who believe that the best holiday in the world is Turkey do not belong here. So that there are no disappointments and negative, inadequate reviews about Malta. Understand that there is no such thing as a perfect vacation spot. Everyone sees it differently.
However, for lovers of history and architecture, it is difficult to find a better holiday destination than Malta. Here you can see ancient temples, monuments of art of Roman, Arab, and Phoenician civilizations.
Despite the fact that Malta is a very small state, it has a rich history. There are so many architectural and cultural monuments here that they would be more than enough for several large states. To a large extent, this was facilitated by the geographical location. Let me remind you that the archipelago is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, and few ships passed past the Maltese islands. Malta was owned by many who had a strong fleet: the Carthaginians and Phoenicians, the Byzantines and Romans, then... read more
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Fort Rinella in Malta - a must see on your trip
The most vivid impression of a trip to Malta is Fort Rinella, the remains of the English presence on the island. A classic English fort with a great program. Everything for tourists - a demonstration of weapons and performances by horse guards. Moreover, for a small sum, each tourist can absolutely independently shoot from both a Berdanka and a full-fledged cannon, and try on a guardsman’s costume along with a pith helmet. The tour is in English, everything is absolutely clear and visual.
The main features of the island of Malta, photos of which you will see in this article, are secluded bays, amazingly blue water, medieval citadels, as well as magnificent churches built in the Baroque style. Every year, tourists from all over the world visit the coast of Malta to get acquainted with the architectural monuments of the island, enjoy the taste of seafood or take a walk through the colorful villages. Holidays in Malta can be safely recommended to every person. Do you prefer to sunbathe without rushing? In this case, the beaches of this resort will be the ideal solution for you. Those who choose active entertainment should go sightseeing on the island.
The Maltese archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea, includes 3 islands - Comino, Gozo and Malta. Moreover, the latter is incredibly colorful and miniature, as you can see by finding the island of Malta on the map. Its length is 27 km and its width is 14.5 km. This state was previously owned by the Arabs, the Romans, Napoleon, and the Queen of England. Therefore, to explore all its attractions, tourists will need more than one week, although we can safely say that the time spent is worth it.
Malta in autumn
The climatic conditions of autumn in this place have varied characteristics. Holidays in Malta in September are not suitable for everyone. The velvet season begins here, which can both please and sadden. From time to time we have to complain about the rapid changes in weather associated with the proximity of the Mediterranean winter. Although, overall, a holiday in Malta in September is incredibly romantic and hot.
In October the temperature is not so high, although there is still the opportunity to enjoy the echoes of summer. The number of cloudless, clear days is becoming less. This is due to an increase in the amount of precipitation. Although they are short-lived and, apart from increased humidity, do not cause any other inconvenience. It is likely that showers are not the most joyful phenomenon for people, but the same cannot be said about nature. After a hot summer, it comes to life before our eyes, becoming covered with colorful flowers and greenery, which excites the imagination of vacationers on the island of Malta. A holiday here in October suggests that tourists will think through their wardrobe more carefully than usual. You can't rely on temperatures alone. It is also necessary to take into account the piercing winds, due to which the coolness is perceived more sharply, and the periodic absence of the sun. You need to take with you a windproof jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, trousers and a pair of raglans and a long-sleeve sweater.
Climatic conditions here in November are ambiguous. From this month all the islands begin to “cool down”. Autumn is finally taking shape. But we must remember that in this place it is different from ours. During the day it is still very warm, and the sun occasionally appears in the sky. By the way, in November the duration of sunshine is equal to that recorded in the summer in the northwestern region of Europe. There is a huge advantage in traveling to the island of Malta at this time - vacation, the prices for which are usually quite high here, becomes more affordable at this time (a week's trip can be purchased for 25,000 rubles). The hills and valleys are covered with greenery, and bougainvillea and hibiscus begin to actively bloom near the houses of local residents. Pumpkins, pomegranates and olives are ripening in vegetable gardens and orchards. In general, nature does not plan to go to bed. Rather, on the contrary, after the downpours that hit the archipelago, it seems that she gets her second wind, which is why Malta is beautiful this season. Holidays in November will bring pleasure to all nature lovers. Although you should still take warm clothes with you.
Valletta
It’s hard to imagine a holiday in Malta without a visit to Valletta, the capital of the republic. It's best to start exploring the city with a walk from the City Gate to St. John's Cathedral, where every corner is gilded, intricately carved or painted. Next, board a horse-drawn cab and take a ride along the fortress walls, admiring the stunning panorama of the Grand Harbour. By the way, the driver will tell you the whole history of the island in a half-hour ride. The final highlight will be a boat trip on a “sea taxi” around Valletta. There are a great many of these long, colorful boats here.
It is also exciting to travel on rare Bedford buses that carry passengers around the city. The Maltese got these orange and yellow cars after the British, just like the postal stands and red telephone booths. The Maltese are simply in love with these buses! They are everywhere: on towels, refrigerator magnets, ashtrays, mugs... The central bus interchange is located at the City Gate, where it is convenient to start your journey to the knightly fortresses (Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa). In addition, it is not difficult to get to the ruins of megalithic temples, which are at least a thousand years older than the pyramids of Egypt. And, of course, to Mdina - the first capital of Malta, which has a huge number of souvenir shops selling delicate lace, Maltese glass, elegant silver jewelry, as well as models of sailing ships.
There are also secluded rocky beaches near Valletta. They can be easily reached by renting a bicycle. Diving is especially good here, since the clear local waters contain the remains of once sunken ships, colorful fish rush past in flocks, and octopuses can be found in the rocks.
Sights of Malta
If we talk about holidays in Malta, then all kinds of excursions are its highlight. A description of all local attractions could take more than one article.
Particularly noteworthy are the megalithic ancient temples (for example, Ggantija, which is located on the island of Gozo), the Ar Dalam and Hypogeum caves, the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha (in Rabat), as well as the temple in Mosta.
Those who are still more drawn to nature should go to see the cliffs of Ta"Cenc and Dingli Cliffs, as well as Azure Window - an amazing natural arch. Among the most unusual attractions are the tracks of prehistoric carts in Ta"Cenc, Clapham Junction and on the territory of San Gwann.
Gastronomic pleasures of Malta
If you are planning a holiday in Malta, be sure to try rabbit cooked in wine sauce. Each restaurant prepares it differently, depending on the wine used. But the best way to experience the flavor of local cuisine is to find yourself in the capital’s bus terminal, where the square contains a huge number of stalls stuffed with buns, national sweets, and pies. These treats cost pennies, but at the same time they allow you to fully experience Malta “taste”.
Beaches of Malta
The sandy beaches of the island stretch along the entire coast, turning into a gently sloping, pleasant sandbank at the border with the sea.
The most popular beach is Mellieha Bay. In addition, it is the longest: its length is fifty meters of pure golden sand. It is located near Mellieha, in fact, and received its name in his honor.
On the western coast, it is worth paying attention to Golden Bay Beach - a sandy bay, which is located between two capes.
But on Ain Tuffeeha you will have to go down the stairs from the hotel to find yourself on the beach. This is, of course, an excellent workout for the muscles, but for a holiday with children this option may not be the most convenient.
To get to Jneina Bay, you will need to drive through the town of Mgarr, which is famous for its market, as well as sellers who are willing to offer discounts. The beach is bordered by white flat rocks in the shape of platforms, and this gives the entire landscape a special charm. The combination of the bright azure sea and snow-white rocks is striking in its beauty.
In the central part of the coast there is Paradise Bay - a very small sandy beach. There is a ferry nearby to Gozo. At this point you will also find stairs from the hotel to the beach.
In the town of Birzebbugia in the south-eastern region of the coast of Malta there is a very quiet and lovely Priti Bay - a great place for a secluded, relaxing holiday.
Right on the beach you can buy or rent beach accessories (beach mats, sun loungers, swimsuits, towels and umbrellas), quench your thirst with all kinds of non-alcoholic soft drinks or cocktails, dine in a restaurant or have a snack in a cafe.
Among the entertainments on the beaches of Malta, the most popular are boat trips on water skis, canoes and scooters, as well as parachute and paragliding flights. Children will love banana rides.
Excursions and entertainment
Tourists will appreciate the widest range of opportunities for active recreation. Until mid-autumn, the Maltese Islands offer scuba diving, sailing, canoeing and jet skiing, paragliding, parachute jumping - it’s difficult to list everything. Fans of the sea will be able to go on a cruise to admire the beauty of the secluded corners of the country and see a lot of interesting things in a short time. But you need to hurry: the navigation season closes at the end of September. Those who are not limited in time can choose bus excursions to explore the archipelago, as well as independent trips in a rented car. Malta is an island museum, striking in its abundance of monuments of forgotten civilizations, which testify to the diversity of its entire history.
But if you are one of those people who welcome everything unusual and new, then you will be interested in a half-hour excursion by train, whose route runs past the main historical attractions, including: the Greek Gate, the Roman Villa, the Monastery of St. Dominic.
Splash-and-Fun, amusement park
Located in Bahar ich-Chak, between St. Paul's Bay and Sliema. The park consists of a theme park and a water park, which contains the largest water slides in this area of the Mediterranean. There are also 2 swimming pools with sun umbrellas and sun loungers. The park features a railway, models of prehistoric animals, roller coasters, carousels, and bouncy castles in which children can jump to their heart's content.
Mediterraneo Marine Park, marine park
It is located near Splash-and-Fun. Here the underwater world is represented by sea lions, Black Sea dolphins, as well as many fish in a huge aquarium. The park hosts performances several times a day, in which sea animals are active participants.
Popeye Village amusement park
The park is located near Mellieha, near Anker Bay. In 1980, a film about the sailor Papaya was shot in Malta. After filming, all the scenery was preserved, and the set was turned into Popeye Village Park. This place has a swimming pool, roller coasters and water slides, a lazy river, a children's railway, many attractions, children's electric cars, and a cinema center.
Animation shows and free skating are held here for children. Visitors, weather permitting, are invited to take a 20-minute schooner tour along the bay coast.
Language classes
Many people go to Malta to combine their vacation with learning another language. The resort offers a huge variety of activities, regardless of the level of experience and age of people. In addition to general courses, there are also specialized ones - for example, for people traveling abroad or students.
The openness of the island's residents to foreigners makes it possible to instantly overcome the language barrier - in prim England it is more difficult to step over oneself. Not every Maltese speaks the language perfectly, so they perfectly understand the difficulties we face.
The schools are taught by islanders, as well as invited teachers from the USA or England - this is necessary when you dream of learning to speak without an accent or training your ear for pronunciation.
Why is Malta so popular among language learners? To begin with, it is worth noting that the prices here are humane. So, the general course will cost you 100 euros per week, and the intensive course will cost you 144 euros. You can live in hostels or in a family, with the latter option costing 120 euros per week, and cheaper in winter. In addition, in your free time, the whole of Malta is open to you: beach holidays, ancient cities, seaside cafes are always at hand. Thus, a trip here is the most enjoyable method of learning a language.
- It is prohibited to appear on the beach in this place without a swimsuit.
- It is customary to tip here.
- It is prohibited to enter the church wearing beachwear or a hat.
- In Malta you cannot smoke in public places. At the same time, citizens can report those establishments that do not comply with this ban.
- Residents of Malta go to bed at 20:00. Life in cities comes to a standstill after dark.
- Hotels in Malta have two and three pole sockets. There is no need to bring an adapter from home; they can be purchased on the island.
- On the island of Malta, prices are quite high - a six-day hotel stay starts from 1,800 euros, and you don’t have to take money with you - there are ATMs everywhere.
Possible dangers
Too hot sun can cause heatstroke. Therefore, you need to use any available methods of protection: creams, a hat, sunglasses - all this can be purchased near the beach. There is no need to sunbathe between 11:00 and 17:00, when the sun is especially harmful.
At sea, due to inattention, you can get a huge number of cuts from underwater sharp stones. There are especially many of them on rocky beaches. In order to return home without wounds and rested, you need to buy rubber slippers.
Nocturnal jellyfish, sea urchins and fireworms are often found close to the beach in shallow waters. Communication with these creatures can cause a lot of trouble. Although you can eliminate a jellyfish burn yourself: you need to moisten the wound with sea water, then remove the poison and carefully rinse with vinegar.
Holidays in Malta: reviews from tourists
Vacationers have varying opinions about the island, although this is mainly due to what time of year they find themselves here. So, from the beginning of spring to mid-autumn, those who come here are delighted with the wonderful climate, turquoise water and excellent recreational opportunities. But those who want to spend a holiday in Malta in October-November have different reviews - the rainy season begins here, which makes few people happy. Although at this moment nature “wakes up”, beginning to delight the eye with all its colors. In addition, there is an excellent opportunity to leisurely explore the island with all its many attractions.
Customs restrictions
Every passenger over 17 years of age, if his visit to Malta is not limited to one day, can carry the following goods duty free:
Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of smoking tobacco Alcoholic drinks: 1 liter of strong spirits, 1 liter of wine. Perfume: 60 ml, eau de toilette: 250 ml. Any goods imported in industrial quantities (both for sale and for transit) must be declared in the red corridor.
The following goods are prohibited for import:
Any drugs in any quantity Firearms, ammunition, explosives. Books, magazines, photographic films, video cassettes, laser discs, computer disks and other media containing obscene materials. Animals or birds, living or dead (say, stuffed animals), as well as products made from protected species: hide, ivory, reptile skin. Meat and poultry, as well as products made from them (whether cooked or in the form of semi-finished products). Wireless communication devices (walkie-talkies, cordless phones, etc.). Any plants, including trees and bushes, as well as soil. Counterfeit goods.
Banks
There are 4 banks in Malta: BANK OF VALETTA, HSBC, APS BANK, LOMBARD.
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, usually from 08.30 to 12 hours, on Saturdays from 08.30 to 11.30 hours. At Laki Airport, the exchange office is open all year round, 24 hours a day. There are ATMs in the most important business and tourist centers. You can also change money at any hotel, but at a less favorable rate than in banks.
Telephone communications
There are two cellular operators in Malta - VODAFONE MALTA and GO MOBILE. If you are not here for a long time, it is more profitable to use GO MOBILE for calls to Russia. If you plan to stay on the island or come here regularly, then it is better to buy a local SIM card from this VODAFONE (the number can be stored for up to 15 months from the date of last activation).
The cheapest way is to call from automated machines, which are located at every step.
Most of them are card ones, a minority are coin ones (yellow “coin phone” booths).
There are EasyLine and Telecard cards in denominations of 2, 5 and 10 lira. They are sold in souvenir shops, gas stations, department stores, and hotels. Tariffs for calls when using EasyLine cards:
- 59 cents per minute of conversation with Russia - from 8-00 to 18-00
- 47 cents per minute of conversation with Russia - from 18-00 to 8-00
A call to Moscow is made as follows: “00 7 495 city_number”.
Useful phones
- Unified Rescue Service – 112
- Fire protection – 199
- Ambulance – 196
- Help Desk – 118 2
- Information desk for tourists – 115 2
- Police Head Office - 21224001/9, 191 (General), 562040 (Gozo)
- Embassy of the Russian Federation - 21371905/07,
- Consular Section – 21371906
- Air Malta office – 21690890
- Aeroflot office – 21236241
- Gozo Ferry Service – 21243964/6
The shops
The most famous shopping complexes:
- Bay street complex ((Paceville) works from 10 – 22, without a break, except Sunday
- The Plaza Shopping Center (Sliema) is open from 09.00 – 13.00, 16.00 – 19.00 except Sundays.
- Arcadia Shopping Mall (Gozo) is open from 08.00 to 19.00 with a siesta break.
For those who are planning to come to Malta for a long time, here are some prices for goods in local stores:
- Chocolate. 38 cents per 100 gram bar (Ritter Sport)
- Pasta – from 14 cents
- Sugar – from 14 cents Shampoo – from 80 cents to lira
- Toothpaste – 38 cents
- Dry red wine La Valletta 0.99-1.15 Lm
- Beer Cisk 0.33 can – 40 cents, glass at the bar – 45-50
- Guide to Malta in any language (including Russian) – 2.5-3 liras
- Maps of Malta - from 85 cents to 3 liras, bus route maps - 25 cents
- Ice cream from 20 cents to lira
- Cigarettes – from 90 cents to Lm1.20 per pack
- Yogurts. Local - 14 cents per piece, Danone - 25 cents per piece.
- Drinking water - 25 cents for a large plastic bottle (2-2.5 liters, local bottling), around 1 lira for a pack of six such bottles.
- Instant coffee - 47 cents per 50-gram jar.
Beaches
There are few sandy beaches on the island; most of the coast is occupied by rocky and pebble beaches, almost unequipped and not always easily accessible. Most beaches do not have cabanas or sun loungers. But the perfectly clear water off the coast (considered the clearest in the Mediterranean) more than compensates for this deficiency.
For diving You must obtain a local permit - "Card C". It is issued at diving centers upon presentation of a medical certificate (can be obtained on site), two photographs, a ship's book and payment of a fee. To sail solo, you must obtain a certificate equivalent to CMAS/2. Schools also provide lessons for beginners and accept CMAS or PADI level exams.
Spearfishing is prohibited, there are even several archaeological zones where scuba diving is prohibited. If you find any archaeological value underwater, it is prohibited to touch it - you should report the find to a museum or diving school.
Transport
Bus. Tickets are usually sold by the driver right at the entrance, but sometimes (mainly at the final stops) this is done by the conductor. All stops are on demand, but if someone is standing at it waiting for a bus, the driver, as a rule, will stop without additional votes. And if you need to get out, then in each salon there is an original “driver warning system” - either a rope is stretched across the ceiling connected to a bell, or buttons are placed along the windows - in any case, before getting out, you should pull or press so that the driver I realized that I needed to slow down. You should know that many buses stop operating at 8-11 pm.
Taxi. Taxis in Malta come in two colors – black and white. Black ones are cheaper (about 2 times). A taxi can be ordered by phone from anywhere. Private cars don’t provide transportation; voting on the roads makes no sense.
Car rental. Renting a car is the most convenient option for getting around the island. Car rental prices in Malta are at least 2 times lower than the European average. Lowest car rental prices in Bugib on Pioneer road.
All roads in Malta are free and unimportant. The maximum permitted speed is 60 km/h, in a populated area - 40.
Driving is on the left.
Don't forget to give way to pedestrians who sometimes forget to look both ways.
Entertainment
The generally recognized entertainment center in Malta is Paceville, an area located in the north of the island. Everything is concentrated here - discos, restaurants, bars, and on the seashore (Dragonara Peninsula) the largest casino (of the two) in Malta is located. It is recommended to come to the casino in a suit.
The second most important resort area is the territory of the cities of Qawra-Bugibba-St.Paul's Bay, which is also located on the northern coast of Malta. It is more modest than Sliema-St.Julians-Paceville, everything is more compact here, there is less loud music and chic buildings, but this area is more modern.You can drink beer at McDonalds, alcoholic beverages are allowed here.
Health
No vaccinations are required to visit Malta. Take anti-allergy medications with you. Allergies can occur to various shellfish, which are abundant in Maltese cuisine.
In Malta, desalinated seawater is often used. It is not dangerous to health, but its taste may seem strange. Therefore, it is better to drink bottled water. You can eat whatever you want, even in inexpensive eateries.
Voltage
Malta's electrical network has a single-phase AC voltage of 240 volts, a frequency of 50 hertz, and three-pole sockets. A special adapter for electrical equipment can be purchased in Malta.
Malta is a country of Catholics, and very devout ones at that. You won't find striptease or sex shows here; the attitude towards women is almost the same as in Muslim countries. It is prohibited to appear on the beaches without the top part of a swimsuit for women or without any clothing at all.
Visitors to the island must respect religious traditions. Visiting monasteries and churches in shorts and low-cut clothing is prohibited.
In 4-5 star hotels it is not customary to go out to dinner in beach or sportswear.
You cannot leave items in rental cars parked on the roadway.
Malta is 27 km long and 15 km wide due to its rugged coastline. And truly, 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's quite pleasant to drive. The schedule corresponds to reality; at transfer stations the wait is a couple of minutes, no more.
The calling card of Malta - the English bus - alas, remains only on postcards, magnets and outdated guidebooks. Buses are comfortable in a European way: with air conditioning, a running line of stops - passengers inform drivers about the stops they need by pressing a button. The latter, by the way, are very friendly and ready to tirelessly answer any questions. A single ticket during the high tourist season costs EUR 2.20 (adult) and is valid for two hours. A winter ticket will be cheaper. As in many European countries, in Malta it is profitable to buy a daily or weekly pass.
It’s faster and, of course, more expensive to get around the island by taxi. Predictable prices for black taxis that work on request. A trip to Mdina from Valletta (11 km) will cost approximately 30 euros.
Another significant form of transport is ferries. They operate between Malta and the Gozo Islands with Comino. Travel time is half an hour, round trip fare for an adult is just under 4.65 euros.
The employee at the hotel desk will provide up-to-date information on transport costs.
Language and communication
In Malta, English, along with Maltese, is the official language. Tourists have no problems either in hotels, or in shops, or just on the streets.
Features of mentality
The Maltese are sociable and enjoy talking about children, family, your country and blondes. But asking about the type of activity and mentioning the position held goes beyond the bounds of decency.
Christianity in ancient times cost the lives of many, 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 this does not affect most travelers.
Kitchen. What and where to try in Malta?
Travelers who love roast rabbit, octopus stuffed with vegetables, snails stewed in white wine, and date cakes should be careful. A week of Maltese gastronomic madness can be worth a year of strict dieting (and saving).
The national cuisine of Malta mixes Italian, Arab and English culinary traditions. There are even recipes preserved from knightly times. Such dishes are usually served in small, cozy restaurants scattered throughout the island.
The most delicious dishes: ravyul, or just ravioli with ricotta and parsley, widow's soup with fresh goat cheese, stuffat tal-fenek or rabbit stewed in a pot in wine sauce with aromatic herbs.
A complete list of all Maltese delicacies can be seen
4 tips that you will definitely need when traveling in Malta
1. According to Maltese laws, nudists without swimwear are not allowed to enter the beaches. Sunbathing topless is also not accepted.
2. A look at Malta, Gozo, Comino and Cominotto from the ship is perhaps the most vivid impression that you should come for. The cruises are structured so that in Gozo you have time to explore the island on the “red bus”. Believe me, it's worth it. Unfortunately, the famous “Azure Window”, the hallmark of Gozo, can no longer be seen. A storm in March 2017 broke the natural megalith, and it collapsed into the sea.
3. Many hotels sacredly honor the traditions of the United Kingdom. One of them is hot and cold water taps without a mixer (including in the bathroom), the other is electrical sockets that are not adapted to European plugs (an adapter for 2 euros can be bought at any store).
4. When using public transport, the main thing to remember is: to go to the right, you need to get on the bus on the left side of the street.
