TOURIST ANSWERS:

The Maltese archipelago is located in the heart of the Mediterranean. Interestingly, this tiny European state has the same geographical latitude as African Tunisia. The closest to Malta is Sicily (about 90 kilometers by sea), much further south - Libya.

Prices for a trip to Malta are comparable to tours to popular European countries. However, the impressions of the rest are much brighter. For those accustomed to the sandy beaches of Turkey and Egypt, the rocky Maltese coast (for the most part) may not be to your liking. Therefore, tourists who believe that Turkey is the best vacation in the world is not the place here. So that there are no disappointments and negative inadequate reviews about Malta. Understand that the perfect place to relax simply does not exist. Everyone sees it differently.

However, for lovers of history and architecture, it is difficult to find a better place to stay than Malta. Here you can see ancient temples, monuments of art of the Roman, Arab, Phoenician civilizations.

Despite the fact that Malta is a very small state, it has a rich history. There are so many monuments of architecture and culture here that they would be more than enough for several large states. To a large extent, this was facilitated by the geographical position. Let me remind you that the archipelago is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, and few ships passed by the Maltese islands. Malta was owned by many who had a strong fleet: the Carthaginians and the Phoenicians, the Byzantines and the Romans, then the island was granted to the Order of St. John, the last "owners" were the British. Naturally, each nation left at least something of its own on the islands of Malta. Only the Turks were not lucky, they were never able to conquer the heroic island.

Famous people have visited Malta at various times. The first was Odysseus, fascinated by the nymph Calypso. Then, in 60 AD, a ship was wrecked near the island as a result of a shipwreck, on which the apostle Paul traveled. Napoleon Bonaparte also visited the archipelago, by the way, who captured the islands without a fight at all. One of the most romantic couples, Admiral Nelson and Lady Hamilton, glorified Malta with their presence.

However, perhaps the most interesting history of the stone age (megaliths) and everything related to the reign Knights of St. John. Strictly speaking, Malta and the Order of Malta are inseparable.

More recently, it was believed that the Egyptian pyramids at Giza are the oldest structures on the planet. However, studies have confirmed that megalithic temples found in Malta 1000 - 1500 years older than the oldest of the pyramids! Like this. Is this not a reason to get acquainted with this mysterious country.

It is established that the Megaliths were built approximately 6000 - 7000 years ago from huge boulders. And until now, scientists have not been able to solve the problem of how, in those ancient times, people could move and lift such weights with primitive means. There are several similar places on the islands of Malta: in Gantia, on the island of Gozo. The best preserved structure is located in Hagar Kim ( Hagar Qim), near the village of Krendi.

It is proved that the construction was carried out with the help of stone tools and devices. Although by that time the metal was already universally known. And this is also one of the mysteries of this prehistoric culture.

Outwardly, the Megaliths are somewhat reminiscent of the English Stonehenge. But they actually look much cooler! And solid. But personally, I had a question: why have the Maltese still not “untwisted” these megalithic temples? After all, in fact, few ordinary people in the world know about these structures. It's a pity.

Many unresolved mysteries fraught with Hal Saflieni. This is a huge multi-storey underground structure. called hypogeum. The Hypogeum has been carved into the rock for several centuries. Also, which is not surprising for Malta, stone tools. The true purpose of the hypogeum is not known for certain. Since the remains of several thousand people (!) were found in Khal Saflieni, it is believed that the hypogeum served as a place of burial and cult worship. However, other finds prove that there was such a school for the training of priestesses.

But around 2000 BC, this prehistoric mysterious people completely disappears from view. And as always, only questions without answers. Only incomprehensible traces remained on the Maltese rocks, more precisely, furrows from primitive prehistoric carts on sledges.

The most glorious history of Malta is connected with history of the knightly Order of St. John, which has a different name - hospitallers. I'm not going to tell here about the whole history of the Order. I will only note that at the end of the 13th century, the knights, having lost their positions in the Holy Land, retreated to the island of Rhodes. There they lingered for more than 200 years, holding back Turkish raids on Europe. In 1522, the Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent managed to “knock out” the Ioannites from Rhodes. The knights had an urgent need for a new homeland. And in 1530, Emperor Charles V gave the Order of the Hospitallers land on the islands of Malta, which was very impoverished at that time.

The arrival of the Johnites in Malta revived trade. Almost immediately, defensive structures began to be built. The Order's fund began to receive large donations from all over Europe and booty from pirate attacks on Turkish merchant ships, and the knights' own incomes went up sharply.

Suleiman the Magnificent did not like this and, finally, in 1565 he attacked Malta, sending an army of almost 100,000 to its shores. The Turkish siege continued for several months with constant attacks and shelling from cannons, and the Turks often used the heads of the dead Maltese instead of cannonballs. There were just over a hundred knights in those heroic days on the island.. But they held firm and, however impossible it seemed, it was these knights who won a magnificent victory. They were able to organize the local population, consisting, in fact, of artisans and workers, to protect Malta. Many ordinary people were then granted a knighthood. In the end, the Turkish army of many thousands was forced to retreat.

The unparalleled defense of Malta still lives in people's memory. The Knights of St. John were recognized as the saviors of all of Europe. What happened next was what you can now see in Malta. Enormous funds flowed here in order to turn the country into an impregnable fortress. A masterpiece of fortification art was the newly built city, which was named after Jean Parisot de la Valletta, Grand Master of the Order of St. John and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense of Malta. Subsequently, the capital of the state was moved here.

In various museums in Valletta, the heroic defense of Malta is described in great detail.

Strong empires have come and gone, but the Maltese have remained. They survived everything, and not least thanks to diligence, patience and faith in a better future. At the same time, they managed not to get angry at the whole world. Even vice versa. There is no more friendly and open people on the entire Mediterranean coast. And what I personally liked was respect for the British and no enmity. But they, in fact, were the colonizers of Malta for more than 150 years. This is strange.

Finally, an interesting fact. In 1798, the Russian Emperor Paul I became the Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

Helpful answer?

Every year a huge number of tourists come to Malta, most of them Europeans. Russians perceive this small island nation as an educational destination for their children to learn English. There really are a lot of various programs here that will bring the child well to school, and simply increase the language level. However, Malta is underestimated by Russians in terms of sightseeing and beach tourism.

What Malta can please its guests: warm climate, sun, Mediterranean Sea, interesting history backed up by sights, hospitable locals always ready to help, delicious local cuisine, as well as its safety. There is practically no crime in Malta. And given that the situation is now unstable in many countries, choosing Malta for your vacation you guarantee yourself peace and quiet and that nothing bad will happen to you on your trip.

Holidays in Malta are perfect for all tourists. Here you can engage in active sports, the nightlife in Valletta is widely developed, there are many good children's camps.

The accommodation facilities are very diverse: hotels, and apartments, and apartments and even villas, designed for a large number of guests.

Evening Valletta

Pros of living in Malta

1. A large number of historical sights, among which there are very ancient buildings listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

2. In Malta, everyone speaks English - it is the state language, which is convenient for tourists. If you own at least a little of it, then there will be no problems on vacation.

3. Malta is a great place for diving, it is here that there are a huge number of various sunken objects that you can explore on your own.

4. The geographical location of Malta always guarantees a mild warm climate, it is the southernmost point in Europe.

5. The cleanest Mediterranean Sea.

6. Widely developed tourist infrastructure: restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos, cabarets, shops and more. Nobody will be bored.

7. Direct flights to Malta, there is no need to make transfers, it is very convenient with children.

8. The absence of any crime.

Cons of holidays in Malta.

1. Very little vegetation.

2. There are very few sandy beaches in Malta, as such, due to the peculiarities of the landscape of Malta. Therefore, if you are only interested in a beach holiday, then it is better not to go here, you may be very disappointed. This also applies to families with children.

3. In Malta, despite the mild climate, very high humidity, it is better to refuse to visit this country in July and August.

4. When choosing a hotel, you should focus not on its star rating, but on the reviews of tourists. Since a 4 * hotel can pull at most 2 *, and 3 * can be as chic as 5 *. Therefore, be careful.

5. Local public transport is very poor, it is better to rent a car. And the hospitality of local drivers leaves much to be desired.

Valletta

Information regarding sandy beaches in Malta.

Yes, indeed, in Malta there is a predominantly rocky entry into the water. But, there are a small number of sandy bays with a good entrance to the sea. There are about 15 of them. The most popular beach among tourists is golden bay- It is located on the west coast. A great place for swimming with children, the beach offers a large number of water activities. If the kids are very small and still swim poorly, then it makes sense to go to the beach Mellieha Bay- this is 50 meters of shallow water with a good entry into the sea, the bottom is fine sand. For lovers of a more secluded holiday and a small number of children on the beach, visit Ghajn Tuffieha- to get here, you will need to go down a steep staircase. But at the end you will find an excellent sandy bay with a good entry into the water.

Helpful answer?

Most tourists associate Malta with the Order of Malta, and not without reason. This is one of the few organizations that has passed through the centuries and has practically not changed its principles. There is only one small "but" - geographically the heart of the Order of Malta is located in Italy, and the Maltese archipelago itself was donated by Charles V to the Maltese in 1530, this wise comrade hoped in this way to protect his state from the Turks and pirates and he succeeded. The Order of Malta is an integral part of the archipelago, the monuments of the knightly past have harmoniously become a continuation of the present. Nobility is in the blood of the Maltese, going to Malta you can not worry about safety, here the spiritual and moral sources are so strong that the doors in the houses are often not locked. The islands are very beautiful, the mild climate of the Mediterranean and the sea make the rest truly useful, the picture is complemented by the presence of a huge number of architectural monuments and other attractions.

You can come here by ship or plane. The airport is called Gaudya, already from it you will go further to the chosen resort. You can take a taxi from the airport if you choose this method - take care of this in advance, it will be cheaper. The approximate cost of a taxi ordered through the airport website in two directions will be about 30 euros. If your itinerary allows and there is time and energy for a "passing" excursion - go by bus. The cost of a ticket for a bus from Gaudía to Valletta is approximately 60 euro cents, the number of this route is "8". The buses all look the same, but may differ in color, the route number is indicated on the left side behind the windshield.

Previously, a helicopter taxi was also available (60 euros per person), but probably due to low demand, this service is now unavailable. You can rent a car, but it is worth considering that the traffic is right-handed and you will have to pay not only the cost of renting a car, but also a deposit for it. For a used foreign car, they will take a deposit from 700 to 1000 euros. It doesn’t matter what transport you choose, the main thing is that the country is very hospitable and even if you get lost, they will definitely help you, they will almost bring you by the hand.

Get ready for architectural monuments to be everywhere. Even a simple walk along the street becomes an excursion.

If you are planning shopping as one of the purposes of the trip, then keep in mind that Malta is not the best place for this activity. Of course, there are also large shopping centers, and mono-brand shops, and just interesting shops with a good choice, but low prices are rare, since almost the entire range is imported. It is worth taking a walk in order to shop in Sliema, start the hike from the "parking" of pleasure steamers, walk along the narrow streets inland - there is still a chance to find interesting things, sometimes the price can be attractive. Actually, if you wish, even in Gozo you can make good purchases, especially we liked the shoes. In Valletta, for example, in a shoe shop not designed for tourists, two pairs of women's sandals were bought for 5 and 7 euros made of genuine leather. Most stores close very early and are open only five or six days a week, so it's best not to plan shopping trips on the weekend.

Most of the entertainment in Malta such as clubs / discos / restaurants / concerts is St. Julian's. For fans to "hang out" this is a good place, but there are clubs from the "over 30" category - there will be five people dancing there, the rest of the audience will sadly see the action on the dance floor.

Regarding food, restaurants, pubs, taverns - the cuisine is predominantly Mediterranean, many dishes are borrowed from Italian. They cook pretty well, but restaurants designed for tourists (for example, Paparazzi, Dolce Vita in St. Julian's) are better to bypass. There are two reasons, both are classic - the prices are inadequate, the quality is low. Choose taverns and restaurants away from tourist places, the islands are small, 10-15 minutes walk and you are already in the "outback". In such establishments, not only the cuisine is authentic, the atmosphere itself is conducive to a pleasant stay and getting not only benefit from food, but also pleasure. Before you go all out and order "first, second, third and compote", order a salad and wait for it. Portions are large enough for three people to eat one meal. One of the traditional names on the menu is rabbit. Look at the photo, there is half a rabbit carcass, half a kilo of potatoes and, in addition, carrots and beans - it is assumed that this is the second dish for one person.

Traditionally, in any tavern, delicious breads are presented, often their own pastries, cheese, olives, anchovies, a good selection of wines, fish dishes. Prices vary, as elsewhere, the bill can be 12-15 euros for a set lunch, 5 for a pizza for two, 30 for a three-course dinner and alcohol for two, or 30 for the same set for each.

If you come for a long time and rent an apartment, then you can cook it yourself, it is better to buy products in large chain markets, with the exception of cheese, bread and olives - these are better to choose in small private shops or markets.

You can come to Malta with children, the only thing worth considering is that there are practically no sandy beaches, the only option for kids is swimming pools, but there are enough of them at hotels. Also pay attention to the fact that in the winter months here, although rarely, there is quite windy weather.

All articles | Malta - the land of saints and knights

Tomichka Oksana recently returned from the island of Malta. An interesting country that has not set the teeth on edge with Russian tourists, not as popular as Italy or Spain, not exactly exotic, but there is some kind of romance in it and the promise of unforgettable impressions ... Were your hopes justified? What was your holiday like in Malta?

Oksana, where is Malta? Is it expensive to stay there?

Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Tunisia. The voucher was not at all cheap for Moscow - 32 thousand, no discounts. On the spot I spent another 350 euros. For this money, you can go to Turkey three times, you can go to Europe, and many other places))).

Since Malta is next to Italy, these countries are probably similar in many ways?

No, no, Malta is absolutely not Italy, the difference is cardinal.

What time were you in Malta and when is the best time to go there?

I was at the beginning of May. Everything was already blooming and smelling, I swam in the sea (+17, not quite the season), the average temperature is +27, it’s not cold at night.

June is probably the best time to go - it is already quite warm, but not so hot yet. Later it gets hot there, the grass burns out, and everything.
The number of Russians who want to learn English is growing, combining a relaxing holiday with communication among native speakers. For more than a century and a half, the state was a colony of Great Britain. until the 70s of the twentieth century. The Republic of Malta is still part of the British Commonwealth. Therefore, the second state language, after Maltese, is the language of the great Lord Byron. In the minds of the British, with the light hand of an English poet, the definition of the country as a “garrison greenhouse” was fixed for a long time, hinting at a hot climate and belonging to a great empire. The poem "Farewell to Malta"; was written by him during a visit to the island in 1809.

Scuba divers come to Malta all year round. The minimum water temperature in winter is 14 degrees and in summer 24 degrees favors scuba diving. There are several dozen training schools for beginner divers. The oldest Russian underwater club of Moscow State University has been taking its fans to the islands for many years and whether it is expensive in Malta, many of which have experience of diving in different parts of the world, known for their diving parties. The local rocky coast is famous for grottoes and beautiful marine architecture at depth. Underwater caves do not leave indifferent the most sophisticated divers.

The Maltese archipelago is surrounded by countries on two continents. There are no land borders, only sea ones. In the north, at a distance of 90 km across the strait, the islands border on Italian Sicily. Residents of the southern and western coasts, as before, meet sea caravans from Africa. Here the ancient trade routes of modern Egypt intersect. Libya and Tunisia. A little further to the east live neighbors on the Greek islands. Loaded caravels of the merchants of the Basque country used to sail from the west, now planes of Spanish airlines arrive.

The three miniature islands of Malta, Comino and Gozo are home to the entire population of the parliamentary Republic of about four hundred people. The other islands do not have cities or villages due to their tiny size. The largest of them, Malta, has a size of 246 square kilometers, which is three and a half times smaller than Moscow. The length of its territory from north to south is 27 km.

The Maltese capital Valletta bears the name of its most famous knight and protector. With his submission in 1566, the construction of a new city began. This happened immediately after the successful victory of the knights of the Order of St. John over the troops of the Ottoman Empire.

First, it's expensive
Prices are calculated for Europeans who came to have a cultural (or not quite) rest
Secondly, there are not many beaches in Malta, as the coast is mostly rocky.
Wonderful gardens in Malta
And it even has free Wi-Fi.
Even in Malta, beautiful evenings, this is a wonderful place for walking in the evening
Better - just do not think
The next day I continued my walk
Traditional attributes of London are often found in Malta
For example, a red telephone box: In general, the atmosphere in Malta is very interesting
In addition to the usual ones, there are such colorful Maltese buses
Like from the past
Architecture in Malta creates a special atmosphere where you do not feel the twenty-first century
Malta at its core is a kind of plexus of small towns
Moreover, the concept of "city" in Malta is not at all the same as ours.
Here you can walk through one city and suddenly a sign - the next city begins
And they all adjoin each other, so Malta is perceived as one big city.
The center of Malta is somewhat blurry
Not far from its beginning there is a Botanical Garden
the entrance is free
And the toilet is free
From here you have an unforgettable view.
The center of Malta - crowds of tourists, and architecture that takes you back for centuries
In some places you are completely lost, are you really in the twenty-first century
You lose the sense of time not only from the point of view of history, but also from the point of view of the time of day: you can walk among the sights for a very long time, and time flies very quickly
As I said before, Malta is an expensive place to stay
Therefore, expensive shops are also located there.
But it was getting late in the evening, and I had to return to visit the Maltese beach on the other side of the island the next day.
golden bay

Revealing the Eight Maltese "Nos".

What should not be talked about with the Maltese and why is it better to go into the passenger compartment of the bus, and not stand near the entrance? If you adopt these eight prohibitions, you will be able to more easily integrate into the atmosphere of the country and make friends with the locals.

Stand on the bus near the door

Maltese transport in guidebooks should be given special attention. At first glance, everything is normal: stops are marked with appropriate signs, bus schedules hang. But these schedules, to put it mildly, are conditional: buses can not only be late, but also leave earlier. And just don't stop at stops. Therefore, if you see the number you need, start actively voting, waving your hands - in general, do everything so that the driver understands that you are waiting for him.

Upon entering the salon, move away from the doors: they do not close, and buses, even at bus stops, never fully slow down. That is, standing near the door, when turning, you risk falling onto the road. To signal to the driver that you intend to get off at the next stop, press the manual bell.

Abuse the included light and water

There are no rivers in Malta, and therefore there is no cheap hydroelectricity. Fuel is delivered to thermal power plants by sea. Therefore, in the evenings, not all windows in the houses are lit. And although the lights on the main streets burn brightly, the same cannot be said about secondary roads.

The same problem is with water. Since the country does not have its own fresh source, water is imported from other countries. Can you imagine how much it costs the authorities?! Of course, no one will forbid you to bathe in a shower in a hotel, but you should be prepared for the fact that one day the tap water will not go very clean or not go at all. Need to save!

Comparing Maltese to Arabs or Tunisians

Charles Hamilton Photography

The inhabitants of this tiny country mixed many bloods. About 3000 years ago, the Maltese archipelago was inhabited by the Phoenicians, then by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Germans, English... Of course, all this was reflected in the character and appearance of the Maltese. They are lighter than Africans, but darker than Europeans, that is, they just resemble Arabs.

The Maltese themselves do not like such comparisons very much, they hurt their national pride. It can only be worse than a comparison with Tunisians, since quite a lot of people who want to find work have recently come to Malta from this country. And the natives of the country do not want to be like immigrants.

Refusing an invitation to tea or dinner

This will upset the Maltese, who are very hospitable. They themselves love to visit - simply because for them it is an extra opportunity to talk, and they love to talk. The main thing is to arrive on time. Usually the Maltese have dinner around 19:00 and do not welcome being late. Although they themselves are not distinguished by punctuality and live slowly. Here is such a paradox.

Argue

Raymond Kuilboer

If you are going to argue with the Maltese, keep in mind that you are unlikely to be able to convince him. Local residents can argue for hours, proving their case - about politics, sports, anything! It affects the willingness to compete always and in everything, which the Maltese owe to the hot Mediterranean temperament.

Be interested in the personal life of the interlocutor

Patricia Almeida

Questions about personal life are considered the height of indecency here, although in the first place for any Maltese is not a career, but the interests of the family. In Malta, they value relations with relatives very much and almost every week they gather children and grandchildren at the same table. It is customary for families to have three or more children, and divorces and abortions are still prohibited in Malta.

That is why, when introducing yourself to a Maltese, forget about your ranks and titles, it is better to say: “I am the mother of three children” - this will touch him much more.

sunbathing topless

The Maltese are very devout people. The Catholic faith is followed by 98% of the population. Most attend church during morning services, religion is studied in schools, and temples (of which there are more than 300 in the country) are always crowded. No wonder the devout Maltese don't like it when tourists forget about modesty. In Malta, it is not customary to sunbathe in a topless swimsuit. The same applies to nudism. This is evidenced by numerous signs installed along the coast, especially in cities. Violation of the ban threatens not only sidelong glances, but also a fine.

Doubt St. Paul's ship wrecked off the coast of Malta

Statue of St. Paul in the catacombs of his name

From childhood, every Maltese knows that in 56 AD. e. Apostle Paul went on a journey to preach Christianity. During his stay in Jerusalem, a rebellion arose against the apostle, and the Roman authorities took him into custody. After he had been there for a long time, he was sent to trial in Rome. However, near Malta, the ship was caught in a severe storm and wrecked. The Apostle Paul miraculously survived and began preaching Christianity in the Maltese archipelago. In the three months that he spent here, almost all the local residents, who had previously been pagans, converted to the new faith.

Doubting the veracity of this story, you will inflict a strong offense on the Maltese. Despite the fact that there is no reliable information about the shipwreck, there are many sights associated with the name of the saint on the archipelago. In the 16th century, the church of St. Paul was built in Valletta. And in Mdina there are catacombs named after him, where, as it is believed, he was hiding from persecution.

In addition, every year on February 10, Malta celebrates St. Paul's Shipwrecked Day. This day is considered a national holiday in the country.

And if you want to know why the Maltese watches lie, houses have names, and they do not consider it necessary to carry the keys to them, read our article.

Malta: budget holidays in Malta, hotels in Malta, prices in Malta

For many centuries, the Maltese archipelago was in the possession of the North African Moors and European crusaders and was the center of an epic struggle between them for control of this important center. Thanks to this, a unique culture has arisen on the island, which mixes architectural, culinary and cultural styles (in fact, the Maltese language is a mixture of Arabic and Italian), which can not be found anywhere else in the world, well, except in the south of Spain.

Nowadays, the country attracts people less for its historical past and more for its warm summer temperatures, pristine beaches, clear Mediterranean waters, hiking, friendly locals, and cheap prices.

Luckily, the country is fairly inexpensive (it's one of the cheapest countries in the Eurozone), so it's a great choice for the budget traveler.

So let's get down to the detailed guide for visiting Malta as a budget traveler:

How to get to Malta

Most European carriers operate seasonal flights to Malta, but there are not many airlines that fly to Malta all year round. Ryanair, Air Malta, EasyJet and Lufthansa are the major carriers that serve the island all year round. One-way flights from the mainland cost 50-100 euros ($53-106 USD), especially if you book tickets in advance. You can also take a ferry to/from Sicily: it's 2.5 hours and costs 61-127 euros ($65-135 USD) one way (depending on the season).

You can find cheap connecting flights from Ukraine, Russia and CIS countries to Malta using our search:

Prices in Malta

Malta is a cheap country. Most prices for food, cultural activities, and public transport remain the same throughout the year, regardless of the season. Below is a list of typical prices in Malta in 2017:

• Ferry to Valletta from Slim a: One way - 1.50 EUR ($ 1.60 USD), round trip: 2.80 EUR ($ 2.95 USD)
• Ferry from Malta to Gozo: Passenger: 4.65 EUR ($5 USD), Car and Driver: 15 EUR ($16 USD)
• Pastizzi(cheap snacks): 1-2 euros ($1-2.10 USD)
• Breakfast sandwich: 3-4 euros ($3.15-4.25 USD)
• Lunch: 8-9 euros ($8.50-9.50 USD)
• Dinner in a cafe: 8-10 euros ($8.50-10.50 USD)
• McDonald's cost of food: 5-6 euros ($5.25-6.50 USD)
• Sandwich: 6 EUR ($6.50 USD)
• Good lunch/dinner in a restaurant with wine: 25 EUR ($27 USD)
• Main courses: 10-14 EUR ($11-15 USD)
• Pizza: 6-9 EUR ($6.50-9.50 USD)
• Bottle of water: 1 EUR ($1 USD)
• Bottle of wine: 8-10 euros ($8.50-10.50 USD)
• Beer: 3 EUR ($3.15 USD)
• Museum entrance: 6 EUR ($ 6.50 USD)
• Car rental: 38-48 EUR ($40-50 USD)
• Taxi prices: 10-20 euros ($10.50-21 USD)
• Public bus ticket: 2 EUR ($2.10 USD)

On average, in Malta you will spend 30-45 EUR ($32-48 USD) per day, in summer your daily budget will probably reach up to 50 euros ($53 USD). For this money, you can live in a hostel or rent an apartment with a friend, use public transport, mostly visit free museums, cook your own breakfast, and have lunch / dinner in inexpensive cafes.

How to save money in Malta

Malta Hotels

There are several hostels on the islands that start at 9 euros ($9.50 USD) per night (although prices double during peak summer). ridiculously cheap - you can find an entire house for 35 euros ($37 USD) per night. Most budget hotels start at 40 euros ($42.50 USD), so we would still recommend using hostels or renting apartments on Airbnb. During the high season, hotel prices more than double to €80 ($84 USD) per night in summer; budget hotels already cost about 40-60 euros ($42-63 USD) at this time.

To save on accommodation, travel during the off-season and stay in hostels or rent an apartment on AirBnB. To save up to $21 on your first AirBnB booking, you can use .

Malta national cuisine

Food prices are relatively inexpensive, although you may encounter higher prices in tourist areas such as Valletta, st julians, Slim and Marsaxlokk.

To save money on groceries, snack on Pastizzi ( pastizzi, stuffed savory patties), cost 1-2 euros ($1-2.10 USD), eat in abundance at vegan and vegetarian restaurants across the country (see list below), try to avoid snacking, and cook as much of your own as possible.

Transport in Malta

There are three ways to travel around the island:

• buses
• Taxi
• car rental

Buses cost €1.50-2 ($1.60-2.10 USD) for a 2-hour ticket or €21 ($22 USD) for a week pass, while car rental costs €39 ($41 USD) at per day (during the summer, prices start closer to 50 euros or $53 USD per day). Many of the local car companies do not accept credit cards and require a cash deposit. By using the services of a large company, such as Hertz, for example, you can additionally protect yourself from potential risks.

A taxi costs 10-20 euros ($11-21 USD); although they are not ideal on the island, they can be ordered in advance via Whatsapp and are a good option if, for example, you are late because the bus did not come.

One note about buses - they run infrequently, so they fill up quickly. During the summer months, when the crowds are at their peak, there is a long wait. Therefore, do not rush if you use buses!

Tourist activities

When the weather is good, there are plenty of free activities to do, such as relaxing on the beach, hiking, swimming, and just walking around. In addition, admission to all churches is free. Many companies offer boat rides around the island for 25 euros ($27 USD). Most museums and attractions cost 5 euros ($5.25 USD), but you can buy Malta tourism card– there is one for Mdina and a separate one for Valletta, which will save you about 10-20 euros ($ 10.50-21 USD) depending on how many attractions you plan to visit.

More than just a piece of land in the Mediterranean, Malta is an island paradise full of beautiful beaches, amazing architecture and mouth-watering food. Maltese cuisine is "poor man's cuisine"! And that means you get more flavor for less money. If you find yourself in the Maltese lands, be sure to try:

• PASTIZZI

Pastizzi is the most popular snack. It's a small puff pastry topped with ricotta or, if you want a healthier option, mashed peas. A bit like a croissant, but still not quite.

• FTIRA

Ftira is a special type of flatbread with a hole in the middle filled with butter, tomato, garlic and onion. Something between a ciabatta and a bagel. The best ftirs can be found in Gozo! This is the favorite summer snack of the Maltese, so you will often find it on dinner tables!

• STUFFAT TAL-FENEK

Or is it better to just say "traditional stewed rabbit"? Stufat Tal Fenech is the national dish of Malta, so you simply must try it. Tender rabbit meat is complemented by a fragrant sauce of tomatoes, red wine and garlic .. mmm ... yummy! It is usually served with vegetables or pasta. Sometimes they just eat it with bread. It's incredibly delicious.

• Soppa ta' L-Armla

Also known as Widow's Soup, Soppa ta' L-Armla, is a vegetable soup made with fresh Maltese cheese and an egg.

• DESSERTS

When you live on an island where you can eat fresh cheese and enjoy fruits at any time, you somehow don’t think about desserts. But you need to make room for sweet goodies! Maltese cuisine has transformed various recipes. For example, cannoli: bread pudding or Christmas treat. The Maltese tend to make amazing cakes, pastries, so try as many baked goods as you can. If you are celebrating Christmas or Carnival in Malta, try Qagħaq tal-Għasel - confectionery rings with marmalade, citrus fruits, vanilla and spices.

• FTIRAOMELETTESANDWICH

The perfect and satisfying start to the day! This is an omelet - a sandwich served with potato chips. Breakfast is my favorite meal and the bigger the better, so the Maltese know the way to my heart.

• HOBZ BIZ-ZEJT

Hobz biz-zejt is an appetizing snack usually served in expensive restaurants and bars. This is a very tasty bread with olive oil and a mixture of chopped tomato, onion and herbs.

• ALJOTTA

Malta is surrounded by the sea, so only the lazy will not enjoy the freshest seafood here. Don't miss the traditional Maltese fish soup Aljotta with garlic and tomatoes.

• GOZO CHEESE

Gozo cheese is a special goat cheese that you must try. I promise you, after it, you will not be able to eat any other! The cheese just melts in your mouth.

• IMQARET

If you have a sweet tooth, like me, then Imqaret is a must-try, especially since you can find this dessert almost anywhere. What is it? It is a diamond-shaped pastry stuffed with deep-fried dates. Imqaret will remind you of Morocco or Tunisia. Arabic motifs are so strongly heard in it!