Malta
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General Travel Guide: The Essence of Malta
Malta is a destination that surprises and captivates. In this small archipelago, every corner tells a story of knights, great sieges and ancient civilizations. It is an open-air museum with temples older than the pyramids, honey-colored fortified cities and baroque palaces. But Malta is also a burst of Mediterranean life: deep blue waters perfect for diving, picturesque fishing villages and a cuisine that fuses Sicilian and Middle Eastern flavors. Get ready for a journey through time, a feast for the senses and an adventure under the Mediterranean sun.
Capital
Valletta
Population
535.047
Langue
Maltés, Inglés
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
3
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Malta
Expériences uniques
Sail on a 'Dghajsa' through the Grand Harbor
One of the most authentic ways to appreciate the majesty of Valletta and the Three Cities is aboard a 'dghajsa', a traditional gondola-like boat. This walk through the Grand Harbor offers a unique perspective of the area's imposing fortifications and beautiful architecture, especially at sunset.
Getting Lost Through the Narrow Streets of Mdina at Night
Visiting walled Mdina is like going back in time, but doing it at night is a magical experience. When most of the tourists have left, the 'City of Silence' lives up to its name. Walking through its narrow and winding streets, illuminated by lanterns, is a calm and evocative experience.
Bathing in St. Peter's Pool
This natural rock pool, located near Marsaxlokk, is a gem for sea lovers. Its crystal-clear waters and flat rock formations, ideal for sunbathing, make it a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling and, for the most daring, jumping into the water from the small cliffs that surround it.
Visit a Sunday Market in Marsaxlokk
Every Sunday, the seafront of this charming fishing village comes to life with a bustling market. It is the perfect place to observe local life, see the catch of the day straight from the 'Luzzu' boats and buy local products, from fresh fish to honey and Maltese crafts.
Explore the Megalithic Temples of Gozo
The island of Gozo is home to the Ggantija temples, prehistoric structures that are among the oldest in the world. Exploring these stone giants, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, allows you to connect with the archipelago's mysterious Neolithic past in a rural and peaceful setting.
A Crossroads of Mediterranean Flavors
Maltese cuisine is a delicious reflection of its history, a robust mix of Sicilian, North African, Middle Eastern and British influences. It is a rustic, generous cuisine based on seasonal products, from fresh fish to rabbit and local vegetables. Eating in Malta is discovering a culinary tradition with a unique identity and full of flavour.
Maltese cuisine is a delicious reflection of its history, a robust mix of Sicilian, North African, Middle Eastern and British influences. It is a rustic, generous cuisine based on seasonal products, from fresh fish to rabbit and local vegetables. Eating in Malta is discovering a culinary tradition with a unique identity and full of flavour.
Sicilian and Arab influence
The proximity to Italy is evident in the abundance of pasta dishes and the use of ingredients such as tomato and olive oil. The Arab heritage is manifested in the use of spices, dates and honey, creating a very characteristic fusion of flavors.
Street and Bakery Food
The Maltese are big fans of savory snacks that can be found in any 'pastizzeria'. Pastizzi are a fundamental element of everyday life, perfect for a quick bite at any time of the day.
Plats Iconiques
Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)
Considered the national dish of Malta, it is a stew simmered with red wine, garlic and herbs. The meat is incredibly tender and tasty, representing the essence of Maltese home cooking.
Pastizzi
Malta's most popular appetizer. They are small puff pastry dumplings, traditionally filled with cottage cheese (ricotta) or pea puree. They are inexpensive, delicious, and found everywhere.
Ftira
A traditional Maltese ring-shaped bread, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The 'Ftira biż-żejt', spread with tomato, oil and filled with tuna, capers, onion and olives, is a classic and delicious lunch.
Bragioli (Meat Olives)
Thin beef fillets rolled around a filling of minced meat, hard-boiled egg and herbs. They are simmered in a tomato and wine sauce. A hearty dish full of flavor.
Aljotta
A traditional fish soup with an intense flavor of garlic, tomato and herbs. It is a comforting dish, especially popular during Lent.
Tympana
A dish of macaroni with bolognese sauce and hard-boiled egg, all wrapped and baked inside a puff pastry dough. It is a calorie bomb and a classic of home cooking.
Boissons typiques
Cisk
The quintessential local lager beer, golden in color and easy to drink. It is the perfect drink to cool down on a hot day.
Kinnie
Malta's national soft drink. It has a unique sweet and sour flavor, made from bitter oranges and a mixture of aromatic herbs. You either love it or hate it, but it is a must-see experience.
Maltese Wine
Malta has a long winemaking tradition. Quality red and white wines are produced using both international and indigenous grape varieties, such as Gellewża and Girgentina.
Bajtra
A sweet liquor made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, which grows abundantly on the islands. It has a characteristic pink color and a unique flavor.
Desserts traditionnels
Imqaret
Fried dough pastries filled with a date paste, often flavored with anise and citrus. Of clear Arab influence, they are a delicacy that is usually found in markets and street stalls.
Kannoli
Similar to Sicilian ones, they are tubes of crispy fried dough filled with sweet ricotta, sometimes with bits of chocolate or candied fruit.
Qagħaq tal-Għasel
Honey rings. They are traditional ring-shaped sweets filled with a molasses mixture, although their name suggests honey. They are very popular at Christmas.
Helwa tat-Tork
A dense and sticky sweet made from crushed sesame and almonds, similar to soft nougat or halva. It is usually served in small pieces to accompany coffee.
Que voir par thème
Despite its small size, Malta offers an incredible density of attractions. Here we propose different ways to discover its many facets.
Fortified Cities and History
Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities are the historic heart of the country. Explore its imposing walls, visit the Co-Cathedral of St. John with its works by Caravaggio, the Grand Master's Palace and discover the countless forts and bastions that tell the story of the Knights of Malta.
Coasts, Beaches and Sea Caves
Malta is a paradise for sea lovers. From golden sand beaches like Golden Bay, to rocky coves like St. Peter's Pool. Don't miss the famous Blue Lagoon in Comino for an unforgettable swim, or the Blue Grotto, which is accessed by boat to admire its colors.
Prehistory and Megalithic Temples
Immerse yourself in the distant past by visiting the temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Ggantija (in Gozo), older than Stonehenge. A visit to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 5,000-year-old underground necropolis, is a unique experience (requires reservation well in advance).
Charming Towns and Local Life
Get away from the most touristy areas and discover authentic towns. Marsaxlokk, with its market and colorful boats, is a must-see. In Gozo, explore its quiet villages and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Movie Sets
Malta's landscapes and architecture have served as the setting for numerous film and television productions. You can visit 'Popeye Village', the original set of the 1980 film, or recognize locations from series like 'Game of Thrones' in Mdina and other parts of the island.
Conseils de voyage
Tips
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave between 5% and 10% in restaurants if the service has been good and it is not included in the bill.
Public transport
The bus network is the main means of public transport and connects practically the entire island. It is an economical option, although in summer they can be full and punctuality may vary. There are multi-day cards for tourists. VTCs like Bolt or Uber are also a popular and efficient option.
Plugs
Type G plugs are used in Malta, the same as in the UK (three flat pins). Don't forget to bring a power adapter.
Drinking water
Tap water in Malta is desalinated and drinkable, but it can have a strong taste that not everyone is used to. Most tourists and many locals prefer to drink bottled water.
This guide gives you an overview of Malta's incredible wealth. From the historic heritage of Valletta to the rural tranquility of Gozo, each island and city has a distinctive character. We encourage you to get lost in its streets, to chat with its friendly people, to savor its unique cuisine and to immerse yourself in its crystalline waters. Enjoy your trip (Bongu vjaġġ)!
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