Crystal clear waters, medieval citadels and megalithic temples are the three treasures of the island of Malta, located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Traveling around Malta will take you from the steep cliffs of its coastline to the quiet streets of its medieval cities such as Mdina and Victoria and the Renaissance splendor of Valletta. Or dive into the fascinating corridors of a Hypogeum built in 5000 BC and then admire the Caribbean waters of Comino. If its palaces, churches, fortifications and majestic monuments will delight history lovers, Malta will also satisfy other pleasures thanks to its typical and sunny gastronomy and its festive atmosphere, whether in the bars of Valletta or in the district of Paceville, which has become the meeting place for all European youth. If we add that the atmosphere is very different between the coastline, which is sometimes a little bit concrete, peaceful cities and the island of Gozo, where time seems to be suspended, we will understand that everyone will be able to find his own paradise. You are free to choose a travel theme with the help of a tourist guide on Malta.

When to go Malta ?

The high season runs from July to mid-September in Malta. It is particularly hot and dry in August. During this month, the prices of hotel and restaurant nights double compared to those in winter. The low season runs from April to June and from the end of September to the end of November. If you want to avoid the summer tourist crowd, this is the best time to go to Malta! Prices are then much lower and temperatures are still mild (about twenty degrees on average). You can even go swimming if you visit Malta between May and October. From mid-June to mid-September, it is the festive season in Malta. These are patron saint's festivals of incredible fervour that take place in all the villages of the island. If you are looking for a cultural and festive stay, staying in Malta during this period is really a good option! Ask the tourist office as soon as you arrive to find out the exact dates of the Malta and Gozo festivities.

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Practical information for travel Malta

Un long week-end à Malte vous permet de découvrir La Valette, classée au patrimoine de l’humanité et de visiter notamment la co-cathédrale Saint-Jean et les Trois cités, qui lui font face, de l’autre côté du Grand Harbour. Un tour de l’île vous conduira à la cité médiévale de Mdina puis sur la côte sauvage du sud pour voir les falaises de Dingli. Après la découverte du village de pêcheurs de Marsaxlokk, le matin du dernier jour, vous profiterez de la très belle plage de Golden bay, sur la côte ouest. Si vous consacrez ces trois jours à Gozo, vous visiterez Victoria et sa citadelle et découvrirez Dwejra Point, les restaurants de Malsaforn et le charme de Ramlay bay. En une semaine, vos visites incluront aussi les temples de Tarxien et l’hypogée Hal-Saflieni et les charmants villages du centre comme Naxxar et Siggiewi. Des séjours thématiques vous mèneront sur la route de la Malte des chevaliers ou vous feront vivre au rythme des festas.

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How to go Malta

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How to go alone

It is quite easy to organize your stay upon arrival in Malta as far as excursions are concerned. However, it is important to plan ahead to get the best rates during the high season. The destination is generally safe and single travelers do not have to take more precautions than in other European countries.

How to go on a tour

Malta is perfect for those who want to relax: beaches and coves bordered by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, sunshine and mild temperatures almost all year round, low-cost airfare. Thus, half-board or full-board stays are offered by many specialists. To go on vacation, you will find 8-day trips from 700 € (in low season), including flight. Malta is also a very popular destination for language stays for children.

How to get around

Malta has only one airport. All major airlines fly to this destination. Distances are fairly short in Malta and you can quickly get around the island. Buses serve the cities and tourist sites; it is the most economical means of transportation. You can also rent a car, but you have to keep in mind that the traffic is dense, the roads winding and especially that you drive on the left side of the road. Shuttle boats operate between Malta and the islands of Gozo/Comino.

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Discover Malta

With over 160 years of British rule, a bilingual population and a cultural environment that favors the language of Shakespeare, Malta had everything it took to become one of the leading destinations for learning English. And every year, nearly 80,000 students, including 10,000 French students, go there to learn English. At the same time, they enjoy the charms of a Mediterranean country that boasts the best sunshine and sea temperature in Europe. And it is not the last one when it comes to festivities, as evidenced by its Carnival, which with six centuries of tradition is one of the oldest in Europe, or the numerous festas that enliven cities and villages and allow you to live closer to the Maltese. It is also by following the 250 km of the archipelago and by walking along its many hiking trails that you will appreciate this honey-colored country.

Pictures and images Malta

Temple de Skorba. trabantos - iStockphoto.com
Le <i>Faith</i>, avion rescapé des bombardements. Giannis Papanikos - shutterstock.com
Jardins d'Upper Barrakka. Stéphan SZEREMETA
La grotte Troglodyte de Bahrija. Maltaguy1 - iStockphoto

The 12 keywords Malta

1. #Acan

It's a braided motif of small golden balls adorning Maltese jewelry pieces. It is thought to have originated in Portugal, the only country where similar works can be found. This work requires a particular skill and dexterity, which justifies the high price of these veritable works of art: the tighter the weave, the heavier the object.

2. #Carnival

Dating back to 1535, this tradition is still very popular, especially in Valletta and Victoria (Gozo). Parades, music and dance are the order of the day. Competitions are held for floats and costumes. The Carnival King and his floats are accompanied by decorated horse-drawn carriages. And the balconies are crowded to get a front-row seat.

3. #Maltese Cross #

It was introduced to the Neapolitan coast by the merchants and citizens of Amalfi, who set up a hospital on the island for the Knights returning from the Crusades. Its four branches recall the cardinal virtues: Justice, Prudence, Moderation, Courage. At the extremities, its eight points indicate the eight nationalities of origin of the Knights.

4. #DagDaghjsa (daissa)

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The daïssa is a typical Maltese boat, brightly colored and resembling a gondola without a tail. The less slender fishermen's boats are called luzzu (or luzzijiet). They are characterized by the "eyes of Osiris" painted on the bow. Fewer in number today, these wooden boats are carefully maintained.

5. #Lace

Called bizzilla, this typical art from Malta and especially from Gozo was imported by the Knights. After its decline, it was revived in the 19th century by taking up the fashion of Genoa, derived from the Venetian tradition with its rosette motifs and spirit stitches. This tradition will then be copied by other countries: France, Spain and England.

6. #Ftira

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This is the name of the traditional Maltese bread. Round in shape, this sourdough bread is baked in a wood-fired oven and must be shaped by hand by the bakers. Often topped with olive oil, capers, tomatoes, tuna or onions, it is one of the most typical snacks, which has just been incorporated into the intangible heritage of UNESCO in December 2020.

7. #Globigerin

Whether you arrive in Malta by boat or by plane, you'll soon be fascinated by the island's soft color. This color is that of honey, that of globigerine, a stone used to build sumptuous ancient palaces as well as modern houses in endless horizontal residential suburbs. It's one of the symbols of the archipelago.

8. #Identities

You will be very surprised by the insistence of the islanders to define themselves as Maltese or Gozitain. When you arrive in Gozo you will simply have the impression of being in another country: wilder landscapes but above all customs and habits that claim to be different from those of Malta, such as a taste for work and small economies.

9. #Prehistory

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This is truly the most original wealth of Malta's heritage. But the big surprise comes from the finesse of prehistoric art as practiced by the island's tribes at the time. The zoomorphic and geometric friezes of Tarxien, the fish of Bugibba, the Sleeping Lady and the Venus of Malta are a delight to the eye.

10. #Tal-kantuniera

They're the equivalent of our "corner café" and a veritable institution in Maltese villages. Often small, they are sometimes affiliated to a soccer club, a bocci (Maltese bowls) club or a political party. With an authentic decor: plastic tablecloth, frame with the Virgin Mary, photos of soccer teams and fake flowers.

11. #Ulysses

The hero of theOdyssey stayed seven years as a prisoner on the island of Gozo, captive of Calypso. The daughter of the titan Atlas gives him an enchanted cave and offers him immortality, if he decides to stay. Moved by Odysseus' cries, Zeus sent Hermes to order Calypso to release him. She will then help him to reach his homeland, Ithaca.

12. #Virgin Mary #

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Her popularity is extraordinary, and she is venerated in all walks of life and at all ages. In August, weeks are dedicated to her in many villages of Malta and Gozo, with people gathering in the main square every evening to recite the rosary. Young people can also be seen displaying her image on their T-shirts.

You are from here, if...

You like to set the pace for the day by eating a pastizzi for breakfast with a coffee or beer, in a café or kiosk.

You prefer lunch, the sacred rendezvous. With the family on Sunday.

Picnics by the beach on sunny days. With chairs, folding tables and a buffet set up in the open trunk of your car.

You love taking the car, whether to the office or to run errands. And if possible in a Japanese car.

You're very religious and very stylish, so you dress up to go to mass and celebrate your patron saint's day in style.

You're very proud of your hometown, and you wear its colors proudly.

You like to play bocci( Maltese petanque) with friends.

You're passionate about politics and like to list everything that's wrong.

You shake hands with everyone you meet. Hugs are not for you.

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