The editors of itinari believe that the underrated country Malta should be on your list of top ten travel destinations in 2018. Here are the reasons why:
The cultural Valletta
If you are a culture lover, you must not miss the capital of Malta called Valletta. In 2018, Valletta will be one of the European Capitals of Culture. Do not forget to attend some of the unique cultural activities to enhance your experience of Malta. The small capital itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous sights include Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Teatru Manoel, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Valletta Waterfront, Malta
Valletta Waterfront, Floriana, MaltaThe historical Mdina
In addition to Valletta, I would highly recommend visiting Mdina in the Western District of Malta. Mdina was the former capital of the country from antiquity to the medieval period. The city is full of history and fascinating architecture, making it the perfect destination for history geeks. Plus, the city is quite romantic at nighttime under the sparkling light of the Moon.
Wandering in the small streets of Mdina, Malta
Mdina, MaltaThe beautiful Blue Grotto
Apart from the culture and the history, the unspoiled nature of Malta is also worth admiring. If you love the color blue, a visit to the Blue Grotto in Malta will feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful shades of this color. Although it is not incredibly breathtaking and may not be as spectacular as the Blue Grotto of Capri in Italy, it is still a fun trip to do while in Malta, especially for families.
Blue Grotto, Malta
Qrendi, Malta
The fun outdoor activities
Our editor Joe Thorpe, who is also a big fan of Malta, refers to the country as one of his ultimate winter-sun destinations. According to him, activities you can do under the winter sun of Malta are beach hopping and diving. The popular beaches are the Blue Lagoon spot and the Golden Bay beach. Joe also said that Malta was one of the best diving spots in Europe.
"On top of great weather and beaches, Malta is also one of the best diving spots in all of Europe, with warm (ish) clear water and some great wreck dives! It's a fairly cheap place to dive, and although there is not the same amount of marine life in comparison to Bali or Mexico, the diving here is still exciting and fun. One of the very best wreck dives is on the P-29 wreck that was sunk in 2007." - Joe Thorpe
Golden Bay Beach, Malta
Mellieha, Malta
Wreck Dive the P-29, Malta
X8QM+GM Mellieħa, MaltaThe hearty food
The Maltese cuisine is influenced by the British one, but with a twist of Sicilian flavors. Most of the food I tried in Malta were tasty. Those included pastizzi (the traditional pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas) and the rabbit stew. You can find pastizzi at the English style tea garden Fontanella in Mdina and the rabbit stew at the Maltese restaurant called Ta' Kris in Sliema. Also, do not forget to try traditional sweet delicacies such as honey rings.
Ta' Kris Restaurant, Sliema
80 Fawwara Ln, Sliema, Malta
Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina
Mdina, MaltaFinally, before embarking on an adventure in Malta, read my post on Top Things To Know Before Traveling To Malta. There you will find some useful tips and my insights into the lifestyle of this underrated country.
The author
Vy Tran
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