In February 2019 we got some cheap flight tickets to Malta. We miss the sun and some warm days in our country, cause of the winter, so we were excited to go on the trip.

I checked all the accommodation, restaurants, traditional food, hidden gems and made a list of “must see” things.

Than I reserved parking site on the airport, rent a car on Malta airport, reserved accommodation on Malta and Gozo and our journey could began.

Simply put: Malta is awesome. The tiny island nation south of Italy and north of North Africa is a dry island paradise with coastal waters, a 6000 year history, and amazing culture to go with it. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit, you know how great a trip to Malta can be.

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The country of Malta is actually comprised of three islands: the main island of Malta which is the largest, the smaller island of Gozo ( 5 euro round-trip ticket ) in the northwest which you must take the ferry to reach, and the smallest island of Comino in between Malta and Gozo (also only accessible by boat).

Malta is really SMALL.

Driving a car – you can travel from the southernmost tip of the main island to where the ferry heads to Gozo in the northwest in about one hour. That’s the entire length of the main island. One hour.

That said, it makes getting around the island very easy. Many places and sights can be done in a half-day or even a day trip from where you are based. Walking around that entire area will allow you to see all of the capital and where the busiest parts of Malta generally are if you don’t have a ton of time.

If you’re confident driving and you’re sticking around for more than a few days, renting a car is by far the easiest way to get around on your own schedule. Malta Driving Tip: they drive on the left like in the UK. However, driving is something you’ll have to seriously consider for you and your skill set as a driver in Malta – as with any other foreign destination.

We needed a day or two to adjust on driving on the left side, but it was fun experience for the hole family, especially for the kids.

The roads are not in so good conditions so even if Malta is small, sometimes you need much more time to get from point A to point B.

We decided to stay 3 days on Malta and 4 days on Gozo.

Gozo is known to provide a tranquil haven for a tempo and scene change. The charm of Malta’s sister Island is immediately apparent; it’s greener, more rural and smaller, with life’s rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture. The island also comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, as well as one of the archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ġgantija.

On Malta we stayed in https://www.maritim.com.mt/. Its beautiful small hotel. The rooms are big, clean and with nice view on the pool area. Food in the restaurant is good and the atmosphere is relaxing.

And what we experience in those 7 days:

• Kids went on swimming with dolphins. It is a unique experience. You can get also a video and I recommend that you buy it, cause it is worth the money. It costs 30e.
• On the view point of Blue grotto there is a men from the falconry center. If you want he puts falconer on your hand and take photo of you. The kids were thrilled. And its for free.
• We went on salt pans. On the north coast of Gozo, just past Qbajjar Bay west of Marsalforn, the coast is characterised by a chequerboard of rock-cut saltpans protruding into the sea. These 350-year-old salt pans, which stretch about 3km along the coast, are more than just scenic. They are part of the centuries-old Gozitan tradition of Sea-Salt production that has been passed down within certain families for many generations. During the summer months, locals can still be seen scraping up the crystals of salt. Once collected, the salt is stored and processed in the caves that have been carved into the coastal rock.
• In Valletta we went in 5D cinema,( http://malta5d.com/ ). Is a new generation theatre where you feel the “real” emotions of the movie. In a short time, you may explore the colourful and impressive episodes of the Maltese history and culture, magnified with 3D film, moving seats, water spray, air blasts and leg ticklers. A unique experience for all ages! An exhibition of works by local artists will be on display in the foyer.
• A must see in Valletta it is also https://esplora.org.mt/. Esplora is Interactive Science Centre at Bighi. Great for kids and adults. Just one tip if you go there with teenagers. Skip the workshop about sounds, cause it is for small kids. We went and than make jokes about it the hole vacation, because of the songs we had to listen.
• Sanap cliffs on Gozo are the ones with the most beautiful views. Take a little snack with you and go there, to sit on the sun and adore those stunishing cliffs.
• The best desserts on Gozo we found in capital of Gozo Victoria. Rizzles cafe has yummy cakes and some other food ( https://rizzlescafe.com/ )
• If you want the best piza on the island, go to Mekren in Nadur. Delicious pizza and friendly staff. What a change to find a place so authentic. We had the best gozitan pizza with local cheese, sausage and olives.
• Calypso cave on Gozo is worth visit. It is hidden cave with big natural window, with beautiful view to Ramla bay.Kids went on swimming with dolphins. It is a unique experience. You can get also a video and I recommend that you buy it, cause it is worth the money. It costs 30e.
• On the view point of Blue grotto there is a men from the falconry center. If you want he puts falconer on your hand and take photo of you. The kids were thrilled. And its for free.
• We went on salt pans. On the north coast of Gozo, just past Qbajjar Bay west of Marsalforn, the coast is characterised by a chequerboard of rock-cut saltpans protruding into the sea. These 350-year-old salt pans, which stretch about 3km along the coast, are more than just scenic. They are part of the centuries-old Gozitan tradition of Sea-Salt production that has been passed down within certain families for many generations. During the summer months, locals can still be seen scraping up the crystals of salt. Once collected, the salt is stored and processed in the caves that have been carved into the coastal rock.
• In Valletta we went in 5D cinema,( http://malta5d.com/ ). Is a new generation theatre where you feel the “real” emotions of the movie. In a short time, you may explore the colourful and impressive episodes of the Maltese history and culture, magnified with 3D film, moving seats, water spray, air blasts and leg ticklers. A unique experience for all ages! An exhibition of works by local artists will be on display in the foyer.
• A must see in Valletta it is also https://esplora.org.mt/. Esplora is Interactive Science Centre at Bighi. Great for kids and adults. Just one tip if you go there with teenagers. Skip the workshop about sounds, cause it is for small kids. We went and than make jokes about it the hole vacation, because of the songs we had to listen.
• Sanap cliffs on Gozo are the ones with the most beautiful views. Take a little snack with you and go there, to sit on the sun and adore those stunishing cliffs.
• The best desserts on Gozo we found in capital of Gozo Victoria. Rizzles cafe has yummy cakes and some other food ( https://rizzlescafe.com/ )
• If you want the best piza on the island, go to Mekren in Nadur. Delicious pizza and friendly staff. What a change to find a place so authentic. We had the best gozitan pizza with local cheese, sausage and olives.
• Calypso cave on Gozo is worth visit. It is hidden cave with big natural window, with beautiful view to Ramla bay.
• Marsaxlokk is small fishing village, with colorful boats. beautiful.

It’s true, Malta is small, but don’t let this fool you into thinking that there isn’t much to see or do. The truth of it is actually quite the contrary, which is why I wouldn’t recommend spending less than one week if you genuinely want to get the most out of your Malta itinerary. Spending a full seven days in Malta will allow you to explore its lovely cities and visit the myriad historical sites while also giving you enough time to relax in the Mediterranean sunshine and experience the stunning coastline with its crystal clear waters.

Visiting Malta was one of our best trips. Malta has special charm and we will definitely return there some day.

I do believe it is time for another adventure.

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