11 reasons you will love a holiday to Malta
From hiking and megalithic temples to fine dining and glorious aquamarine seas: 11 reasons you will love a holiday to Malta
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If you’re hunting for a unique holiday experience, look no further than Malta. This sun drenched Mediterranean island has it all. You will find breathtaking scenery, enthralling historical sites, golden beaches plus some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world.
Add in 300 days of sunshine a year and an easy three hour flight from the UK and you can see why Malta and sister island Gozo are so appealing.
Malta offers an enticing combination of sun, sea, sand and a vibrant culture and history
What’s more, it is only a short flight away, and Jet2holidays (a Which? Recommended Provider) flies to Malta from 8 UK airports: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted, with the addition of Belfast, making it 9 from next year.
Jet2holidays also offer great value package deals to a range of Maltese hotspots and here we present 11 compelling reasons why you should book that holiday right now and start discovering all the island has to offer.
STUNNING ARCHITECTURE
Stunning sandstone buildings line Valletta’s streets, along with churches and fortifications
Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is an architectural marvel. Perched dramatically on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, this tiny city, founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St John, is packed with treasures.
You will find ornate sandstone palaces, imposing fortifications and a feast of Baroque churches at every turn.
Entering the vast, arched St John’s Co-Cathedral is definitely a jaw-dropping moment
The stunning new Parliament building designed by Renzo Piano sits just inside the gates of the city
The star attraction is the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral, glittering with a jaw dropping amount of gold and coloured marble and boasting a masterpiece in Caravaggio’s painting of John the Baptist. It’s the largest he ever produced and the only one he signed.
By contrast, snap a photo of the stunning new Parliament building designed by Renzo Piano, of London Shard fame, which sits just inside the gates of the city. This elegant structure, completed in 2014, was built using globigerina limestone from Gozo, Malta’s sister island.
UP IN THE CLOUDS
It is not hard to see why rock climbers from around the world travel to Malta, nor why so many novice climbers are inspired to give it a go
With all those dizzying cliffs, Malta is built for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a professional rock climber or simply trying it for the first time, Malta has you covered.
The island has more than 200 metres of coastline and boasts a tempting 1,300 climbing routes to choose from in every season. It is also the ideal place to practice zip lines.
Malta boasts a tempting 1,300 climbing routes to choose from in every season
Enjoy breathtaking views as you whizz through the air, flying from one cliff to another.
And, if you are looking for a serious adrenaline rush, you might embrace the thrill of paragliding or parasailing. As you soar 200m into the air, those 360 degree views of Malta will live with you for ever.
GREAT FOOD
Delicious food can be found all across Malta, with influences from Arabic and European cuisines
Thanks to Malta’s unique geography and labyrinthine history, Maltese cuisine is an enticing cornucopia of Arabic, Mediterranean, French and British flavours.
Gourmands will love discovering everything from the country’s national snack, flaky pastizzi (traditional pastries usually filled with peas and ricotta) to warming aljotta (fish soup.)
Portions are huge and cafes and snackbars abound so there’s zero chance of going hungry.
One of the incredible dishes on offer at de Mondion in Mdina, one of six Michelin-starred eateries in Malta
And, if you are looking for fine dining, you’re in luck. Malta has six Michelin-starred restaurants: three are in Valletta (ION The Harbour Valletta, Under Grain and Noni), one is in Mdina (de Mondion) one in Balzan’s Corinthia Palace Hotel (Bahia) and the latest, Fernando Gastrotheque is in Sliema. Bon appetit!
ANCIENT TEMPLES
The Ħaġar Qim temples have overlooked the sea for 5,000 years
Feel your spine tingle as you wonder through unique Neolithic temples even older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids. Malta is scattered with a series of extraordinary temples which are considered to be the oldest free standing structures in the universe.
These UNESCO sites include the imposing megalithic Ħaġar Qim temples which have overlooked the sea for 5,000 years, as well as the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the only prehistoric, underground temple of its kind in the world. Only uncovered in the 19th century, the sites are fantastically well preserved.
MAGICAL MEDIEVAL STREETS
Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city
Visitors to Mdina are not allowed cars, meaning the city’s winding cobbled streets are blissfully quiet, and the only noise comes from the buzzing local atmosphere
Wonder the cobbled streets of Mdina and you expect to see a knight on horseback cantering past.
This picture perfect city is so unspoilt, experts reckon it is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city. It’s even on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Nicknamed the Silent City because visitors’ cars are banned and home to just 240 residents, film directors flock here. Fans will recognise key scenes from Game of Thrones.
Outside Mdina you will find St Paul’s Catacombs. This series of underground cemeteries served as a burial ground during the Roman era and are well worth a visit.
SLEEPY FISHING VILLAGES
Marsaxlokk sits on Malta’s south coast and makes for an idyllic day trip
With colourful fishing boats, bustling market stalls and trendy cafes, the ancient fishing village of Marsaxlokk is picture postcard pretty. Nestling on Malta’s south coast it makes for an idyllic day trip.
It’s also the ideal place to sample some of the island’s best seafood including its trademark lampuki. White and meaty, you will find the fish in various guises: grilled, in pies, filleted with tomatoes and capers.
Visit on a Sunday to enjoy the village’s famous fish market. A highlight is a boat trip around the bay and the neighbouring rocky beaches. You won’t want to miss St Peter’s Pool, a natural lido famed for its aquamarine hues and clear lagoon.
GOLDEN BEACHES
Ramla beach is just one of the beautiful stretches of sand you have to pick from in Malta
Malta has more beaches than you shake a stick at. Twelve are rated Blue Flag. The largest at 800m long– and one of the most popular – is Mellieha Bay on Malta’s northwest coast. With ample sand to create a whole city of sand castles and surf that stays invitingly shallow for a good distance out, it’s perfect for children.
You will also find a huge variety of water sports available like banana boats and water skiing. But take your pick from other enticing beaches such as Ramla, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna.
DIVING AND SNORKELLING
With water temperature remaining above 20 degrees, Malta’s waters are always enticing
Malta is arguably the best place in Europe for snorkelling and diving. The balmy water temperature stays well above 20 degrees into the Autumn. And with over 100 sites suitable for experts and total novices, there’s an underwater paradise just waiting to be explored.
Some of the most thrilling spots feature wrecks from World War II, such as the HMS Maori 13 metres below Fort St Elmo in Valletta, a Bristol Beaufighter near St Julian’s at 33 metres and the Carolita Barge in the harbour at Valletta, which was hit by a torpedo in 1942. This rests at around 12 metres.
Malta’s plentiful reefs are also welcoming to those who prefer their underwater adventures a little more shallow. You will spot damselfish, bream, trumpet fish, crabs and baby moray eels. (Keen-eyed snorkellers may even spy an octopus or two.)
HIKING AND WALKING
Malta is filled with wonderful walking routes that offer breath-taking views, such as The Victoria Lines, pictured
Get close to nature by exploring The Victoria Lines, drinking in those sensational sea views as you walk. This 12 kilometre series of late nineteenth-century fortifications was built by the British as a strategic barrier from forces landing in the north. Malta’s vital role in the Second World War comes vividly to life as you stumble upon batteries, forts, stop-walls, and howitzer positions.
Whatever you fitness level, you will find a walk that suits you in Malta (pictured: The Victoria Lines)
You will also find a delightful walk at the Pembroke Heritage Project – a pretty oasis near St George’s Bay. For some of Malta’s most stunning views, visit the Dingli Cliffs in the south of the island – it’s Malta’s highest point. Take one of the trails leading from Għajn Tuffieħa beach where you will find the beautiful Clay Cliffs. Or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of Valletta’s Barakka Gardens.
RELAXING ATMPOSPHERE
Red telephone boxes and post boxes are still dotted around the streets of some of Malta’s cities
Enchanting traces of Malta’s long relationship with the UK abound from English road signs to old fashioned red post boxes. It’s no wonder the late Queen had such fond memories of the island where she spent the first part of her married life.
She whizzed around the island in a little Morris Minor — doing her own shopping, and once stopping to help a local man to fix his broken-down car. Her home, Villa Guardamangia, just outside Valletta, is currently being turned into a museum by the government and is due to open soon.
It all helps make for a relaxing holiday. The Maltese drive on the left. Along with Maltese – a unique mix of Italian and Arabic – English is this friendly republic’s national language.
Popeye Village, makes a great outing for the whole family
FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
One of Malta’s quirkiest attractions, Popeye Village, makes a great outing for the whole family. This quaint little seaside village which lies just outside Mellieha was built as the film set for Robin Williams’s 1980s film, Popeye. You get access to the film set, use of sun beds, animation shows, a cinema, and even a nine-hole mini-golf course.
Malta has plenty of family friendly museums too. Budding scientists will be fascinated by the the Esplora Interactive Science Centre which features over 200 interactive exhibits.
Or how about the National Aquarium? From the marine life of Malta’s Mediterranean coastline to tropical exotics, an imagined Roman shipwreck to amphibians and reptiles, you get to see it all. Grim-faced groupers and newly hatched sharks, piranhas and tiny tree frogs should keep kids amused and amazed. Set on a blue flag coastline in the tourist area of Qawra, it’s easily combined with a real sea swim.
GET OUT ON THE WATER
Getting out on the water allows you to admire Malta’s unique coastline from a different perspective
With almost 200km of coastline to enjoy, you are never far from that sparkling Mediterranean sea. Malta offers a myriad different ways to enjoy the water. Admire those famous fortifications as you cross the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities.
A trip on one of the colourful little local boats (dghajsas) which buzz back and forth all day will set you back just 2 Euros. Join a boat excursion where you will get to visit excluded bays that make for scintillating swimming spots. Hop on a jetski, jump into a kayak or try your hand at paddleboarding. The possibilities really are endless.
Jet2holidays and Malta: A match made in heaven
Jet2holidays offers incredible deals, including thousands of free child places, for adventures in sunny Malta with 2-5 star accommodation to suit every budget and need.
You can book your holiday with Jet2holidays, a Which? Recommended Travel Provider with just a £60 deposit per person.
Jet2holidays cover the full package, looking after you at every step of the way with their fantastic customer service. Hotels, flights, free transfers, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage are all included in your fee.
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