La Valletta

All About Malta

Taking a ferry to Malta is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Covering an area of 316 square kilometers, Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world. But don’t let its size dissuade you, for this three-island archipelago boasts a dynamic history, multi-cultural excursions, a gorgeous coastline dotted with sandy and rocky beaches, and sunshine throughout the year.

That’s not all, for the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino are a delight to discover with their picture-perfect cafes, beachside abodes, quaint fishing villages, and Game of Thrones filming locations attracting thousands of tourists to one of the most strategically located countries in the Mediterranean Sea.

Routes and Ferries to Malta

Idyllically, nothing beats arriving in Malta than by boat. Sailing the Mediterranean is in itself a joy, but the stunning entrance of the Grand Harbour is a sight to behold.  Grimaldi Lines has ferries sailing from Catania in Sicily and Salerno in Italy. Slightly slower, it takes 7 hours and 26 hours respectively to travel from these destinations. Ferry tickets to Malta can easily be booked via the Ferryscanner website.

If you’re looking to reach Malta quickly, go with Virtu Ferries. Their fast boats carrying both cars and passengers from Catania take only 4.5 hours and less than 2 hours from Pozzallo.

Travelers from distant parts of the world can reach the island via air. Malta International Airport has low-budget airlines from Europe as well as international airlines arriving daily. A 20-minute taxi or bus ride from the airport will bring you to Malta’s capital, Valetta.

Ports of Malta

The Grand Harbour is a natural port that has been in use for centuries. Over time, it has witnessed countless battles, survived bombings, and undergone many facelifts resulting in its present-day, visually stunning persona that glorifies its past while keeping it functional as per modern maritime requirements. Welcoming over 500,000 cruise and ferry passengers annually, the Port of Valetta, which includes its own separate ferry port, is only a few steps away from the main town.

Marsamxett Harbour is located just north of the Grand Harbour and serves as a port for recreational vessels. Yachts mostly dock here because of the harbor’s proximity to the towns of Valetta, Sliema, and Gżira.

Ċirkewwa is a smaller port in the north of Malta, primarily used by domestic ferries that travel multiple times to Mġarr, the harbor on Gozo. Ċirkewwa is well-connected to the rest of Malta by bus with tickets costing around €2. Otherwise, you can take a taxi which will set you back by €30 but is considerably faster. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Malta.

Capital & Villages

It typically doesn’t take long to fall head over heels in love with Malta. From the moment you step out on Valetta’s ferry port, the island nation’s capital and villages will amaze you with their fascinating historical monuments, exotic culinary escapades, charming markets, and diverse architecture.

Valetta

Ancient culture with undertones of contemporary attitude just about scratches the surface of what the fortified capital of Malta is all about. Dating back to the 1500s, Valetta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously known as a ‘city built by gentlemen for gentlemen’. A stroll around Valetta is a must to admire its contrasting nature. Here, small alleyways are brimming with local shops while the capital’s main street basks in the limelight of famous branded stores.

Art enthusiasts in Valetta will find the Baroque churches to their liking. In contrast, museum aficionados can hop around from the Toy Museum and Postal Museum to the National Museum of Archaeology and Manoel Theater, amongst Europe’s oldest working theatrical venues. Selected in 2018 as the European Capital of Culture, Valetta is the perfect introduction to Malta’s many curiosities.

Sliema

Sliema is Malta’s newest and most fashionable retreat that underwent significant conversion during the British rule. Reachable via a €3 ferry ride from Valetta, Sliema attracts travelers searching for luxury shopping opportunities and gastronomic exclusiveness. However, the town still retains its old-world-charm as seen through its architecture – best viewed during a leisurely walk on the 2km long promenade. A popular stop in the city is the rock-cut ‘Roman Baths’, situated further up from Fond Għadir Beach. These natural swimming pools are a good spot for an early dip or for spending hours sunbathing in the afternoon.

Marsaxlokk

Bursting with Instagrammable photo-ops, Marsaxlokk is an attractive fishing village half an hour away from Valetta. Tourists regularly come here to admire its colorful fishermen boats known locally as a luzzu. The town also hosts an open market every day where you can bargain for souvenirs or pick up handicraft items. The Sunday market, though, focuses primarily on selling freshly caught fish. Many believe that Marsaxlokk has the best seafood cafes in Malta, and gourmands should not miss out on the opportunity of dining here.

San Giljan

Malta’s luxurious lifestyle is on display for everyone to enjoy at San Giljan or St. Julian’s. The town has several top hotels, restaurants, shopping complexes, and a sparkling nightlife thanks to its many clubs and casinos. Although there are no beaches around here, you can always head to Balluta Bay and take a seat at a seafront café for a lovely afternoon in the sun.

Victoria

Not to leave Gozo behind, Victoria is the capital and largest town on the island, making it a popular day-trip option from Malta. When in the city, you have to visit the fortified citadel situated atop a hill, for magnificent views of the surroundings. While there, check out the Gozo Cathedral, the Folklore Museum, and the Natural Science Museum. Victoria, known as Rabat in Maltese, is a beautiful place to explore on foot, with its winding streets and markets giving an authentic romantic aura to your Mediterranean holiday.

Best Beaches

The sheer diversity of beaches in Malta is mindboggling. Travel around the islands, and you’ll find gorgeous stretches of sand with Blue Flag accreditation, plentiful water sports opportunities, theatrically dramatic rocky surroundings, top-class beach facilities, astounding sea views, and of course, an endless supply of Vitamin D.

Għadira Bay

All it takes is a scenic half-hour drive from Valetta to reach Malta’s largest and most famous beach, Għadira Bay. Also known as Mellieħa Bay, there is a regular bus service to the beach and ample parking if driving on your own. As a family-friendly Blue Flag beach, weekends typically get crowded here. Still, there’s a lot to do, from tasting fresh seafood at nearby cafes to water sports like jet skiing, banana boating, and windsurfing. Lifeguards monitor the beach during the summer months, and you can rent umbrellas and loungers with ease.

Ramla Bay

From Malta to Gozo, and the local’s favorite beach here is Ramla Bay. A beautiful spot by shallow waters to spend the day, this expansive stretch is known for having characteristic golden red sand. When sunbathing here, cafes and ice-cream stands keep you replenished while the presence of ancient Roman remains adds to the area’s historical significance. Adventurers can take an hour-long picturesque hike up to Calypso Cave, a hilltop cavern mentioned in The Odyssey.

The Blue Lagoon

The name Blue Lagoon should be enough to excite and entice you into visiting Malta’s most beloved beach destination. This tiny bay on the island of Comino is accessible only by boat. Since a trip to the Blue Lagoon is one of the topmost activities to do in Malta, it does get crowded during peak tourist season. Nevertheless, it comes with opportunities to snorkel, sunbathe, cliff jump, and splash around in mesmerizingly crystal-clear waters.

St. Peter’s Pool

St. Peter’s Pool is an out-an-out rocky inlet, which means it stays devoid of general beachgoers who prefer a sandy outpost. As a result, the area is relatively underdeveloped but still worth visiting for being one of the most unique beaches in Malta. Located near Marsaxlokk village, it has natural flat rock areas ideal for sunbathing or cliff jumping. The water, in particular, is clear and amazingly refreshing. The bay is also a favored spot for snorkeling.

Ġnejna Beach

A must-visit for offbeat travelers in Malta, Ġnejna Beach is a cute sandy bay located roughly 2km from the village of Mġarr. The beach’s hard-to-reach location makes it a real hidden gem, with hardly any tourists and admittedly fewer amenities. The backdrop of limestone rocks gives the area a naturally rustic appeal, whereas the shallow waters make it perfect for a family outing. The best way to reach Ġnejna Beach is by car.

Transportation Around Malta

There are several ways to explore both Malta and Gozo. If time is of no issue, but your budget is, opt for the local bus service. Busses on both islands are cheap, convenient, and cover all major tourist spots.

Taxis are available across the region but are not metered. There is either a fixed-price chart or agree on the fee before leaving for your destination. Several tourists prefer to rent their own cars. This is not a problem with well-known agencies operating in Malta. Moreover, driving is on the left side, and road signs are in English.

Just like Venice has its gondolas, Malta has its own local form of water taxis known as Dghajsa tal Pass. While they have become more of a tourist attraction now, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s traditionality. You’ll find several Dghajsas around the Grand Harbour.

Hopping between the three islands is possible via ferries. Gozo Channel Line operates over 70 trips a day. The 20-minute ferry ride from Malta t Gozo costs €5 per person, or €16 if traveling in a car.