Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.

What I Discuss

• Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capital
• Stepping back in time in the Silent City of Mdina
• Exploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

Practical Bits:

Ferry from Sicily:

• Virtu Ferries operates the main route from Pozzallo to Valletta
• Up to 4 daily crossings in summer, 3 in winter, with crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes
• Book in advance for best prices, especially during summer months

Best Time to Visit:

• May through October for warmest weather (25-30°C)
• Shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds
• Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually

Local Insights:

Language & Culture:

• Both Maltese and English are official languages - super accessible for English speakers
• Predominantly Catholic with conservative values - dress modestly in churches
• Sunday mornings see many attractions closed for church services

Food & Drink:

• Cheese pastizzi
• Maltese Ravioli
• Try local specialties and enjoy generous portions at reasonable prices

Key Takeaways

1. Malta exceeds expectations - incredible history and beauty packed into a tiny area
2. Book prehistoric sites in advance - Hypogeum allows only 80 visitors daily
3. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 316 square kilometres
4. Perfect for island hopping - Malta, Gozo, and Comino each offer unique experiences
5. Excellent value destination compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
6. Ferry from Sicily is easy - great way to combine both destinations

Useful Apps/Websites:

• Truly Expat Travel - 10 of Malta's Hidden Gems
• Ferryscanner - Sicily to Malta ferry bookings
• GetYourGuide - tours and skip-the-line tickets
• Airalo - for an automatic 15% discount for all new users

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Patsy about our "girls" trip to Sri Lanka, why she fell in love with the destination

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