Travel Advice & Tips
Malta
Malta, similar to Monaco, is a country spewing with money. During my visit, I was lucky enough to stay with a friend and his family in their gorgeous home (see image below). Not only did he take us all around the island, but we took a Ferry to another island called Gozo. If you have the chance during your stay to make a visit over to one of the 2 islands near Malta, I highly recommend! Not only is it a gorgeous ride over but the other islands are very charming and old, they have an almost antique feel to them.
The island of Malta is very small. When your friend complains about having to drive to the north of the country just to get you from the aiport, but then you find out that drive was less than 20 minutes, you no longer feel bad for him. You will definitely need to rent a car during your visit here. There is virtually no form of public transportation and what is there is not worth using. But, due to there being no public transportation, traffic in Malta is horrible. Everyone has a car and during rush hour be prepared to sit in traffic, especially if driving through center city. Another tip that you should definitely be aware of, is everyone drinks and drives. Americans, definitely do not do this as commonly as the Maltese. With no public transportation, and walking not really being an option, drunk driving is considered the norm. It is still illegal, but everyone does it. So, if you plan to rent a car just be aware, especially at night, that there are many drunk drivers on the road so you should keep an eye out and drive safe!
The terrain in Malta is unique. When you think of an island you think of beaches and when you think of a city you picture concrete, this is neither. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely beaches here, and they are beautiful, but the terrain you go through to get to those beaches is almost desert like. It is weird to adjust to at first because if you forgot the country you were in, you could almost convince yourself you were In the middle east. Center city is made up of old cobble stone roads and has a French or even Spanish feel to it depending on where you are.
If you want to head to the more unique and gorgeous beaches in Malta it may help to ask for directions. These beaches are very hidden and it is definitely a bumpy ride to get there. Once you arrive you need to hike down a cliff until you arrive at the secluded beach. That doesn’t sound too bad right? Well, don’t forget when your day is over, you need to climb back up to your car. It is definitely a treck, but it is absolutely worth it.
Malta has a very intricate history. It has been overthrown and ruled by multiple empires, which could explain the mixed feelings you experience between the people, the terrain, and even the food. But, for the most part, much of the Maltese food is similar if not the same to Italian food. One must try food item that is unique to Malta is Pastizzi with Ricotta cheese. It is mouth watering and you cannot find it made better anywhere else than here.
Everyone speaks English here. Because their accents are so strong, and due to them blending the two languages together when speaking, it can still be hard to undertsand them. Also, they talk even faster than a New Yorker, so listen up!
