Malta trip in summer - My top 8 sights & tips in Malta including a small Maltese dictionary

Ready for the island(s): Malta trip in summer

Sometimes dreams come true. I still remember how much I longed for the beach and the sea two months ago. However, the mere idea of ​​carefree Mediterranean summer days seemed unreachable to me. Crazy, right? At least we have summer! But a short time later, the invitation to a blogger trip to Malta landed in my mailbox. Malta has been on my travel bucket list for a long time and I finally had the opportunity to get a first impression of this diverse small island state.

Factsheet Malta – Exciting & curious facts about Malta

• Malta is the fourth smallest country in Europe & is therefore one of the so-called European dwarf states
• The Republic of Malta consists of the three inhabited islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino and Manoel and from the uninhabited islets of Cominotto, Filfla, St. Paul's Islands and Fungus Rock.
• Malta is just as big as Munich
• Malta's capital “Valletta” is the smallest capital in Europe in terms of area. It covers less than a square kilometer.
• Hollywood in Malta: The island state often served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions and series such as "Troy", "The Gladiator", "The Count of Montecristo", "World War Z", "Popeye - The Sailor with the Hard Punch" and "Game of throne”
• There are over 365 churches in Malta! In theory, you can go to a different church every day for a year
• The name Malta comes from the Greek word μέλι /meli meaning “honey”
• The official languages ​​are English & Maltese, also called "Malti".

Arabic, Italian or English? The Maltese language Malti

Malta trip in summer: As a trained translator and linguist, I'm particularly fascinated by the Maltese language. Even on the plane, I tried to decipher its roots. Because when you hear Maltese for the first time, it's not so easy to categorize it. Maltese originated from an old Arabic dialect (Maghrebi, Sicilian Arabic) and is a Semitic language. It sounds like an interesting mix of Arabic, Italian, English, and even French. Want to know how to order something or introduce yourself in Maltese? Here's my little Maltese dictionary.

My top 8 sights & tips in Malta: Malta trip in summer

1. Malta's colorful capital, Valletta

Did you know that Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site ? Valletta may be the smallest capital city in Europe, but visitors to Malta's heart can look forward to a huge selection of beautiful and unique sights. And the best part? Because Valletta is so compact, it's ideal for exploring on foot. How about a stroll through the Mediterranean-style Lower Barrakka Gardens with its wonderful views of Malta's harbor?

Architecture paradise & retro charm

Instagram tip: The Upper Barrakka Garden also offers equally beautiful views. The majestic Grand Harbour, the southern main harbor, has a unique, dynamic atmosphere of new beginnings and distant horizons. If you want to see one of the most beautiful churches in the entire Mediterranean, then you should n't miss St. John's Co-Cathedral .

Valletta has a truly nostalgic charm. A stroll through its enchanting little side streets is like stepping back in time to the 50s or 60s. The famous red telephone booths appear again and again, like little beacons of a bygone era. Inviting little cafes and quaint restaurants can be found on every corner. Architecture enthusiasts, in particular, will be captivated by Valletta. Throughout Malta, you'll find the typical, beautiful, colorful balconies that adorn the facades of houses like jewels.

This unique style of balcony is thought to date back to the archipelago's Arabian era. Since 1996 there has even been a subsidy program in Malta to preserve these unique balconies as cultural heritage.

2. Discover Malta with the Rolling Geeks - holiday feeling on four wheels

A fun and enjoyable way to discover Malta is by taking a tour with Rolling Geeks . In their small, comfortable electric cars, we explored the "Three Cities" of Cospicua (Bormla), Vittoriosa (Birgu), and Senglea (L'Isla) in a relaxed manner. These three cities are also known as the routes of Maltese history. They are the sites of numerous historical events and today offer breathtaking views of Malta's harbor. Once it was decided who would drive, we set off. A driver's license is required, of course, but that's about it, as the Rolling Geeks are very easy and straightforward to drive, as we discovered. The integrated GPS system ensures you don't get lost, and an audio guide provides us with fascinating information about the sights along the route. We also made frequent photo stops along the way.

3. Mdina, the Silent City - Former Capital of Malta & Game of Thrones filming location

Visiting Mdina was one of my personal highlights of our Malta trip. Narrow cobbled streets, colorful wooden doors, and fragrant bougainvillea invite you on a picturesque journey back in time to this elegant city. Since its founding, Malta's former capital, Mdina, has had many names, including the very fitting "Citta Notabile," which translates to "the noble city." Today, Mdina is also known as the silent city, as only a limited number of cars are allowed to enter. Accordingly, it's very peaceful and tranquil. There are only 235 inhabitants in Mdina, and the streets are almost entirely car-free. If you're looking for beautiful photo spots, Mdina is the perfect place, as there's something to discover and admire around every corner. You can expect not only historical buildings and magnificent architecture, but also a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island!

Another major highlight is the main entrance to the city with its imposing city gate, which served as the backdrop for the King's Landing scenes in the popular series Game of Thrones. Since I've binged all the seasons of the show, I found it incredibly exciting to stand at another Game of Thrones filming location. I already had a fangirl moment in Ireland: during my Halloween trip through Ireland, I even took a ride on the famous Boyne Boats, which also appeared in the series. Incidentally, GOT fans can even book special Game of Thrones tours in Malta and immerse themselves in the world of dragons, intrigue, and kings. I think I'll save one of those tours for my next trip to Malta 😊

4. Gozo & Comino - Day trip to Malta's sister islands

Just 20 minutes by ferry from Malta, Gozo is a popular weekend destination for the Maltese. The reasons for this are easy to understand, because Gozo is heavenly beautiful, diverse and is also often called the small, quiet sister island of Malta. Ferries run between Malta and Gozo every 30 minutes. According to legend, Gozo is the famous island of Ogygia from Greek mythology. The nymph Calypso is said to have once lived on the island. That's why Gozo is also called "Calypso Island". We took a day trip to Gozo and tried to see as many attractions as possible. First of all: Even if Gozo is an ideal day destination, you can easily spend a whole week on the island without getting bored.

My Gozo Highlights & Photo Locations

Gozo is so captivating not only because of its numerous sights, but also because of its idyllic bays and beaches. I've compiled my personal Gozo highlights and photo locations for you :

• Citadel Victoria: The Citadella Victoria is a beautiful 13th-century fortress with unrivaled views of Gozo. Admission is free and visitors can take a leisurely journey into the past in the extensive grounds.
• Xlendi: this pretty town in the southwestern part of Gozo is situated in a small bathing bay surrounded by interesting rock formations.
• Diver & Snorkeling Paradise “Blue Hole”: The Blue Hole is a 15 meter deep and XNUMX meter wide popular dive site that connects to the open sea at a depth of XNUMX meters. If you don't want to dive, you can also watch a fascinating play of colors from the most beautiful shades of blue from above.

• The former Azur Window: Although the hundred meter long and 20 meter high rock gate collapsed due to a storm in 2017, the view from Dwejra Point is still very impressive even without a "window".
• Wied Il-Mielaħ Window: This beautiful photo spot with its breathtaking landscape is particularly popular with climbers.
• The blue salt pans of Marsalforn: The salt flats (called Salt Pans) form a beautiful checkerboard pattern against Gozo's wild coastal panorama. Salt was mined at this point as far back as ancient times.

5. Valley Mixta Cave and Ramla Bay - Largest sandy beach in Gozo and relaxation on velvet paws

Sandy beaches are rather rare on both Malta and Gozo. But at Ramla Bay, you can feel fine sand between your toes. Gozo's largest sandy beach is especially popular for its gently sloping entry into the sea and its crystal-clear water. A visit to Ramla Bay can also be ideally combined with a trip to the nearby Tal-Mixta Cave. You can hike from Ramla Bay beach to the cave. With a bit of luck, a sweet surprise awaits you there 😉

Picnic with an amazing view - Why you shouldn't miss the Tal-Mixta Cave

What can I say? The views from Tal Mixta Cave are simply stunning. We had a picnic in the cave and apart from a few other travelers we were the only ones there. Although that's not entirely true, because a little cat also lives in the cave, which now has almost VIP status (as often as it's been photographed). She poses like a professional model for a delicious tuna snack. But even snoozing in the shade, the little kitty is a feast for the eyes in front of the breathtaking view of Ramla Bay. For me, the Tal-Mixta Cave is my absolute highlight of the trip! There is such a special and tranquil atmosphere in the cave – perfect for relaxing and meditating.

6. The Blue Lagoon of Malta: Comino and Cominotto

We found the famous Blue Lagoon less relaxing. So why is it still in my top 8 Malta highlights? Quite simply, I think it's a must-see. If only for the crystal-clear, bright blue water, which immediately reminded me of the Bahamas. The Blue Lagoon is a bay between the small island of Comino and the offshore reef of Cominotto. It's said to be the bluest bay in Malta. However, those seeking peace and quiet should avoid visiting in the height of summer and travel during the off-season instead. Generally, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning, as it's much quieter than in the afternoon. This also allows ample time for a hike around the island.

Colorful underwater world – ideal for snorkeling & diving

Since I love snorkeling, I didn't want to miss the underwater world in the Blue Lagoon. Rarely have I seen such crystal clear water! And promptly I was greeted by some colorful fish 😊

7. Open Water Kayak Tour - Adventure along the coast

And action! Our kayaking trip on the open sea was truly cinematic. Kayaking is new territory for me, so my excitement grew as we arrived at MC Adventure on the last day of our trip . Two people per kayak (except for our lovely companion Jess, who mastered the solo trip like a pro), we set off at a brisk pace. And oh my god: why didn't anyone tell me how much fun it is? We paddled along the coast from one grotto to the next. This allowed us to take regular breaks and explore impressive grottos and natural cave systems in the sea. The water shone like a flashlight, guiding our way.

Happy despite sore muscles

Even though my muscles were very sore in the evening, I was so happy to have been part of the kayak trip and to have seen the beautiful coastal landscape of Malta with my own eyes. In addition to the kayak tours, MC Adventure also offers many other activities such as rock climbing, abseiling, free fall jumps and much more. Feel free to stop by 😊

8. Popeye Village - Colorful film set in the small bay of Anchor Bay near Mellieha

Who doesn't know him, the lovable comic hero with his iconic spinach can. By the way, I still think of Popeye every time I cook spinach. And in Malta I had the opportunity to see the original location of the Hollywood film. Located in scenic Anchor Bay, Popeye Village was built in the 80's specifically for the filming of the film Popeye: The Badass Sailor.

The village was originally slated for demolition after filming wrapped, but thankfully things turned out differently, and Popeye Village has since become one of Malta's most popular tourist attractions. These days, Popeye Village is a kind of theme park with a swimming area and regular boat trips. The setting reminds me of the colorful half-timbered houses in Alsace or Bernkastel-Kues (on the Moselle).

By plane to Malta - My first flight after the Corona lockdown 

Malta trip in summer: What's it actually like to fly during the coronavirus pandemic? After my first road trip since the borders reopened, I've now taken my first flight. Anyone who knows me knows that airplanes and I are generally not going to be friends, but my wanderlust is just too strong to completely forgo flying. The flight with Air Malta from Frankfurt only takes 2.5 hours and, in my case, went by "in a flash." Currently, however, the flight schedule is still limited due to Covid-19.

Other airlines that fly from Germany to Malta include Lufthansa, Condor, Eurowings, and EasyJet. Face masks are mandatory at the airport, on buses, and on airplanes. Furthermore, since July, all passengers have been required to complete two Public Health forms before departure , which must be presented at check-in and upon arrival in Malta. For the most up-to-date entry requirements, it is best to consult the German Federal Foreign Office website.

Malta by ferry from Sicily

You can also reach Malta by ferry from Sicily. There are currently two ferry connections between Malta and Sicily. The crossing from Pozallo to Malta takes approximately 90 minutes. The crossing between Catania and Malta takes about 3 hours.

Transport in Malta: rental car, bus & Co.

The best way to explore Malta is with a rental car, which you can rent relatively cheaply directly at the airport. In Malta there is left-hand traffic and that can be a bit adventurous for one or the other driver from Germany. Alternatively, there is now a reliable bus network in Malta that you can use if necessary. Incidentally, Malta's infrastructure has been made very tourist-friendly in recent years. Since the distances in Malta are not too long due to the manageable size of the island, taxis are also an option, which are even cheaper compared to Germany.

Malta Culinary – Maltese cuisine & restaurants in Malta

Around the world in four days? In Malta, you can embark on a mini culinary world tour in a short time. Maltese cuisine, much like the language, is an exciting fusion of Oriental, Mediterranean, and British influences. Since Malta is located in the middle of the sea, there's a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. Personally, though, I'm not a fan of the Maltese national dish, Fenek. Fenek is a rabbit stew and is served in all sorts of variations in Malta. You can try traditional local dishes at the lively Gululu Restaurant right on the bay in San Julian. However, you should definitely make a reservation beforehand, as the restaurant is very popular.

Delicacies recommended by the Michelin Guide

Besides classic Maltese cuisine, there are now many exceptional gourmet restaurants, including three that have been awarded the coveted Michelin star . On the penultimate evening of our Malta trip, we dined at Capo Crudo , an elegant risto lounge featured in the Michelin Guide. Capo Crudo offers a breathtaking view of Manoel Island. The menu mainly features fine raw vegetables, fish and seafood, as well as fresh pasta dishes. I was particularly impressed by the scallops, which were even presented in beautiful scallop shells.

Another culinary highlight awaited us at The Xara Lodge restaurant . This romantic establishment, with its beautiful rooftop terrace and breathtaking views of Mdina, immediately reminded me of Tuscany. Even the appetizers were incredibly delicious, flavorful, and, above all, freshly prepared. But the main courses were equally impressive, both visually and in terms of taste.

Info: In all open restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafes you will currently find a safety seal , which means that the Covid-19 measures are being observed.

Our Accommodation In Malta - Extraordinary Ambience at the Chapel 5 Palazzo Suites B&B

In Malta, you'll find a huge selection of different accommodations. There's something for every taste, requirement, and budget. Our group of girls stayed at the lovely boutique hotel Chapel 5 Palazzo Suites B&B in Naxxar. This exceptional, stylish property has only 10 rooms, and the entire house is furnished and decorated with great attention to detail. Malcolm and Alex are incredibly friendly and attentive hosts. Upon arrival, we were asked if we'd like to have breakfast by the pool the next day, which we, of course, didn't want to miss. From my room, I could even see the pool from my small, romantic balcony. The hotel is centrally located, yet very quiet, close to many cafes, supermarkets, and a bus stop. Valletta is about 25 minutes away by bus or car. Another beautiful boutique hotel that was recommended to me is La Falconeria in the center of Valletta, with a fantastic view over the rooftops of Valletta and the picturesque harbor.

Maltese for Beginners - The most important words & phrases in Maltese

When I travel, I always find it exciting and sometimes very funny if you at least try to communicate in the local language. Therefore, I would like to give you some Maltese vocabulary along the way. Even if English is spoken everywhere in Malta, it would be a shame not to take a closer look at the Maltese language or at least get to know some of the basic vocabulary. And maybe you can use a word or two on your Malta trip 😊

This article was created in friendly collaboration with Visit Malta . Thank you so much! Thanks also to the wonderful Malta crew: Kathrin from Beforewedie , Jana from Blogcomfortzone , Sonja from Lifestylecircus , Alex from Kofferkind , and Barbara from Barbaralicious . Feel free to check out their websites too!

Have you ever been to Malta? What were your personal Malta highlights? Or are you already planning your trip to Malta? Write me your experiences in the comments. I'm looking forward to it!