The weather is warming up, our minds are turning to travel and, like every year, that moment begins when you open 10 tabs, see 100 destinations and still aren't sure where to go.
So, as is our custom at Anabel, we got down to work doing the “homework” for you. This time we have a suggestion that is not so predictable, but you will probably thank us for it: Malta.
From one island to another
Malta may look like a small dot on a map, but it's actually an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean, with three main inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. So within a single trip you can feel like you've been to several places at once.
From historic cities like Valletta (protected by UNESCO since 1980, so yes, it's really worth it), to lagoons with water so clear it looks like an Instagram filter (the Blue Lagoon in Comino), everything is close, but nothing is the same.
When the place is good, the month doesn't matter
What makes Malta interesting is the fact that it is not just a summer destination. Unlike many Mediterranean countries that are only visited in July-August, Malta can be visited all year round. It has over 300 days of sunshine, mild temperatures even in winter (yes, around 17°C in November) and a vibe that does not change according to the season.
A place where every corner has something to tell
Then comes the story, but not the one that many of you consider boring and skip immediately.
Malta is practically an open-air museum. There are temples that are older than the pyramids. Valletta is one of those places where you just walk in and see: baroque facades, magnificent buildings and an atmosphere that makes you feel like every corner has something to say. Mdina, known as the “Silent City”, is another gem: narrow streets, medieval buildings and a tranquility that makes the whole experience different.
Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, British: all these civilizations have left something behind, which is why the island is unlike any other place in the Mediterranean.
What is life really like in Malta?
Now let's talk about the thing we really care about: what it's like to be there.
In Malta, the day doesn't start in a hurry. Cafes last longer than they should, dinners start late and end even later, and no one seems to be in a hurry. So you won't experience any "culture shock", it's pretty much our way of life.
Malta is considered one of the safest countries in Europe; where you feel safe and move around without stress. The locals are friendly, always ready to help you, guide you or suggest a good place where you can enjoy traditional Maltese cuisine.
And since we mentioned food? If you plan your vacation around restaurants, Malta does not disappoint. From pastizzi (small cheese pastries that you will eat every day without getting tired of), to seafood dishes. One of the most iconic dishes is rabbit stew ( stuffat tal-fenek ), cooked with garlic, wine and aromatic herbs, one of those flavors that you should not miss without trying.
For both adventurers and lazy people
If you’re the active type, there’s plenty to do. If you’re the “just hang out” type, you’ll have a great time too. Malta lets you choose your own pace: swimming in crystal clear waters, diving to discover underwater caves, hiking along cliffs, walking along the coast to hidden coves, boat trips, electric bike tours, just a long day at the beach, etc.
One of the easiest trips you can take
One of the reasons we suggest it is because there are direct flights with Wizz Air and Ryanair. Everyone speaks English, some also speak Italian (so zero stress about communication). It is an island that you can explore without having to make an extraordinary plan in advance. You can take the bus for €1.50, you can use Uber/Bolt, you can move around without getting tired on foot or by bike.
A quiet night, or not so much
Another detail that should not be overlooked: the nightlife. If you are looking for quiet dinners by the sea, you have it. If you want cocktails in the west, you have those too. And if one night you get out of control and end up in Paceville (aka the party zone), trust us, you will remember it for a long time.
There's a reason it'll feel like a movie to you.
Chances are that after you go, Malta will seem familiar to you. Of course, you won't say "I've been here before", but you may have that feeling that reminds you of something that you can't immediately connect. And not without reason. The island has been the backdrop for some of the biggest productions, such as Gladiator, Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo, Game of Thrones or Murder on the Orient Express . It is often referred to as the "mini-Hollywood of the Mediterranean". We don't believe they chose it by chance, but because it has an aesthetic that doesn't seem built for today, but looks perfect at any time.
We know you're seriously considering Malta for your next trip. The next step is much simpler: for ideas, guides, and more concrete planning (without getting too tired), you can check out Malta's official tourism platform, Visit Malta .
