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Malta Vacations, Tours & Travel Packages

  • Malta, in the central Mediterranean lies between Sicily and the North African coast
  • The walled city of Valletta was established in the 1500s
  • Malta is renown for it's beaches
  • Mdina served as Malta's capital from antiquity to the medieval period
  • Gozo is one of the 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago

Malta is made up of an archipelago of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea and is located 80 kilometres/50 miles south of Sicily. Although it is an archipelago, only the three largest islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited and likely to be visited on Malta vacations. The capital, Valletta is the smallest capital in the European Union. Its strategic location meant that it was occupied by many nations from the Romans to the British. Malta gained independence in 1964 and has a long Christian legacy, with Catholicism being the official religion. The official languages are Maltese and English, and Italian is also widely understood and spoken. Virtually all Maltese citizens speak English fluently.

When and why you should go on a Malta vacation

A popular tourist destination, it has a warm climate, numerous recreational areas plus architectural and historical monuments including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Malta's climate is influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and is similar to other Mediterranean climates. Winters are wet and windy. Summers are virtually guaranteed to be dry and hot. The beach season spans about 6 months from the end of April to the end of October.

Maltese cuisine draws its influences from Italian cuisine. Most restaurants in resort areas like Sliema cater largely to foreign tastes. One of the island's specialties is rabbit and small savoury pastries known as pastizzi. True Maltese food is quite humble in nature and heavily fish and vegetable-based. Maltese sausage is delicious. It can be eaten raw, dried, or roasted.

What are the top cities and towns to visit in Malta?

Valletta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, has a rich history. It is fairly modern, however, with good shopping and offers an array of museums and cultural sites to be enjoyed on Malta vacations. Of particular note is St. John's Co-Cathedral, built by one of the earlier Grandmasters of the Knights Hospitaller. It contains Caravaggio paintings, tapestries and various relics of immense value. The floors of the Cathedral are the tombs of the most famous knights of the Order of St. John. Valletta is a harbour city and preserves much of its original 16th-century architectural heritage. 

For more information on Valetta, click here

Sliema

Sliema is Malta's most modern and most built-up area and where most tourists stay. It is a vibrant town and all amenities are within walking distance. Sliema and nearby St Julian's form a near continuous town spread over two adjacent peninsulas. The seafront is well developed and offers an array of cafes, bars and restaurants and some stone beaches with safe and clean swimming areas. 

Mdina and Rabat

Elsewhere on the main island is the ancient capital of Mdina, also known as the Silent City. The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. According to tradition, it was here that in 60 A.D. the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. Mdina is fascinating to visit on Malta vacations for its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and religious treasures. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and is extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. Nearby is the scenic town of Rabat with its fortress, one of Malta's finest jewels, boasting architecture, history and a splendid view. Rabat is home to the famous Catacombs of St. Paul which were used in Roman times to bury the dead. In the Catacombs of St Agatha's, there are over 500 graves of several types.

Top places to visit on a Malta trip

The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni

The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, a subterranean structure dating back to 3300-3000 BC in Maltese prehistory, is located in Paola, Malta. The Hypogeum is thought to have been originally a sanctuary, but it became a necropolis in prehistoric times, and in fact, the remains of more than 7,000 individuals have been found here. It is the only known prehistoric underground temple in the world. 

Gozo Island and the town of Victoria

Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Victoria is its main town. The island is all about relaxation as Gozo is not overpopulated and therefore greener and more peaceful than other locations in Malta. Gozo is home to some of the oldest religious structures in the world, including the fascinating Ggantija Temples. It is also dotted with various baroque churches. The most impressive of these is probably the Church of Xewkija, a major landmark which boasts one of the world’s largest domes. Victoria owns two of the islands' most magnificent churches, the Cathedral and the Basilica of St. George. When looking to enjoy some downtime with family, the Citadel Cinema located in the heart of Gozo is a lovely little theatre with two screens available for movie viewing.

Beach resorts in Gozo

Two popular tourist resorts are Marsalforn and Xlendi Bay. There are several sandy and rocky beaches, many untouched, all safe for bathing, making the island a popular choice for families with children on Malta vacations. Boat trips around the island offer many sights and easy access to beautiful beaches. From the sea, one can enjoy a very special view of the towering rugged cliffs and the many coves home to various bird species and other wildlife. Malta is a great place to dive, with it being possible to dive all year round. The clarity of the water is generally high, making it a good place to learn diving as well. The dive sites include rocky reefs, some wrecks and cave diving. Especially interesting is the dive in the Inland Sea in Gozo.

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

Consider a Malta Vacation, a Small but Precious Gem in Europe

Exploring Three Gorgeous Mediterranean Islands on a European Vacation

Why a Europe Vacation is an Excellent Winter Travel Plan

Choosing Your Perfect Snowbird Long Stay

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Malta vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Malta.

 

 

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FEATURED TRIP
  • Mdina was know in medieval times as "Citta Notabile", the noble city
  • Rabat played a major role in Malta's past and is a prime source of its cultural heritage
  • Gozo's cathedral is built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Juno
  • Steeped in myth, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey
  • A masterful example of the Baroque, Valletta has been designated a World Heritage City
FEATURED TRIP

Malta Signature

DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Stay in deluxe accommodations as you spend 6 days exploring the island nation of Malta. Visit the oldest city on the island, Mdina, swing by the highest point in the nation, the Dingli Cliffs, for majestic views, and explore the ancient temples and quiet villages of the sister island, Gozo.

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Malta

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  • Eat + Drink: Malta

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Enjoy local food and wine and private tours on this 5-day vacation to Malta. Discover the capital, Valletta, and the Three Cities, visit quiet fishing villages and perhaps even the famous Blue Grotto, and explore the sister island of Gozo with its ancient temples.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,963
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Malta See Trip Details

  • Essence of Malta

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See the quintessential highlights of Malta on a week-long vacation. Get to know the elegant capital, Valletta, explore the laidback villages and ancient temples of its sister island, Gozo, and discover the eclectic architecture and enchanting atmosphere of the “Silent City” Mdina.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 1,951
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Malta See Trip Details

  • Malta Signature

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Stay in deluxe accommodations as you spend 6 days exploring the island nation of Malta. Visit the oldest city on the island, Mdina, swing by the highest point in the nation, the Dingli Cliffs, for majestic views, and explore the ancient temples and quiet villages of the sister island, Gozo.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,298
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Malta See Trip Details

  • Xara Palace Malta: Stays of Distinction

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Stay in an elegant 17th-century palace in the heart of the medieval city of Mdina on this vacation to Malta. Indulge in luxurious surroundings and enjoy private tours to the capital Valletta, the Three Cities, and the sister island of Gozo to see medieval landmarks and ancient temples.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    AU$ 2,188
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Malta See Trip Details

  • Malta Highlights: Small Group Tour

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP TOURING: Explore the wonders of Malta on this incredible tour passing from the capital, Valletta, to the historical towns of Vittoriosa and Mdina. Along the way, you’ll visit picturesque harbours, enjoy cheese and wine tastings, and discover hidden coves and beaches across this charming Mediterranean archipelago.
    Duration:
    8 Days
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    Small Group Touring
    Malta See Trip Details
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