Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem
In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.
What I Discuss
- Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capital
- Stepping back in time in the Silent City of Mdina
- Exploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua
Practical Bits:
Ferry from Sicily:
- Virtu Ferries operates the main route from Pozzallo to Valletta
- Up to 4 daily crossings in summer, 3 in winter, with crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes
- Book in advance for best prices, especially during summer months
Best Time to Visit:
- May through October for warmest weather (25-30°C)
- Shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds
- Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually
Local Insights:
Language & Culture:
- Both Maltese and English are official languages - super accessible for English speakers
- Predominantly Catholic with conservative values - dress modestly in churches
- Sunday mornings see many attractions closed for church services
Food & Drink:
- Cheese pastizzi
- Maltese Ravioli
- Try local specialties and enjoy generous portions at reasonable prices
Key Takeaways
- Malta exceeds expectations - incredible history and beauty packed into a tiny area
- Book prehistoric sites in advance - Hypogeum allows only 80 visitors daily
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 316 square kilometres
- Perfect for island hopping - Malta, Gozo, and Comino each offer unique experiences
- Excellent value destination compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
- Ferry from Sicily is easy - great way to combine both destinations
Useful Apps/Websites:
- Truly Expat Travel - 10 of Malta's Hidden Gems
- Ferryscanner - Sicily to Malta ferry bookings
- GetYourGuide - tours and skip-the-line tickets
- Airalo - for an automatic 15% discount for all new users
Next Week
I'll be chatting with Patsy about our "girls" trip to Sri Lanka, why she fell in love with the destination and why t
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