1. It's home to vibrant Valletta
Step into Valletta and you’ll be skipping back in time with its 16th-century sights and gold-tinted delights. Past heritage-packed palaces and fairytale forts, you’ll spy green-shuttered windows and works-of-art churches – is it any wonder it’s got the UNSECO seal of approval? Glorious gardens, clink and drink wine bars and divine fine dining… where do we sign?
Top tip: Visit at new year to see the celebrations unfold. Think sparkling street parties and ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ galore as fireworks dart across the sky.
2. There's culture, culture and a little bit more culture
Historic wonder isn’t limited to the capital of Valletta… no sirree. Swing by San Anton for a green-sprinkled dreamland and admire Bronze Age beauty in Zurrieq. Over in Gozo, glorious Victoria offers sand-coloured settings and more enchanting scenes than you can shake a guidebook at.
Top tip: St. John’s Co-Cathedral is an absolute must-visit! It’s home to the only signed Caravaggio masterpiece in the world.
3. The unmissable events
Malta is proud to fly the LGBT flag, and has a jam-packed calendar of events that paint the capital with colour in a huge celebration of love and diversity! From all-singing-all-dancing ceremonies to arts events and parties, one thing’s for sure, things won’t be done by halves round these parts!
Top tip: Don’t miss Spring Carnival, between 17-21 February. Think a sprinkling of parties across the island and a big one in Valletta. Want to continue the fun into the night? Paceville is at your service!
4. It's a real-life film set!
Gladiator, Troy, Popeye, Midnight Express, Game of Thrones and the new Jurassic World Dominion, released in 2022, are just a handful of the famous films/series to have used majestic Malta as their film set – and with the golden buildings and dreamy scenery – it’s easy to see why.
Top tip: Head to Popeye Village if you really want to see a lights, camera, action kind of attraction! It’s where the 1980 film starring Robin Williams was set.
5. The food is divine
Not one, not two, but a whopping five Michelin-starred restaurants can be found on the mini-isle of Malta! Uber-cool bistro, Bahia, offers up seasonal tasting menus, while elegance is Under Grain’s middle name. Honey and olive oil are top ingredients, and you’ll find the traditional rabbit stew on many-a-menu.
Top tip: Look out for pastizzi, traditional savoury pastries that are often filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas!
Posted: 1st Dec 2022.