Finding yourself on the search for a tropical location? Much of northern Europe may have beautiful scenery, but cold temperatures will prevent you from hitting the beach for much of the year.
One location you might want to consider as a possible place to escape those winter blues is Malta. Malta is an archipelago located in the central Mediterranean. Warm temperatures all year long allow you to enjoy the beach (however, some people still might find the waters chilly!).
In addition to beautiful beaches, however, Malta also has plenty of culture to learn about and historical locations to explore. Malta’s rich history dates back to 5900 BC. The island has been shaped by various rulers, all of which have left a lasting impression on the island.
This post is part of our discover Europe series
If you’re interested in taking a holiday to Malta, here are some places you’ll want to keep in mind.
Mellieha
Staying in Mellieha allows visitors to have easy access to Mellieha Bay, which is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Malta. Located on the northern part of the island, Mellieha Bay is the largest sandy beach in Malta.
Waters surrounding the shores are shallow and calm, which is why families with young children prefer this location. However, deeper waters off the shore are perfect for those that love watersports. A number of different cafes and restaurants are located near the beach, allowing visitors to spend all day at the beach before grabbing a bite to eat and heading back to their hotel.
Sliema
Sliema is the major commercial area on the island, which makes it a favourite vacation spot for many tourists. While there are no sandy beaches in Sliema, public transportation in the area makes it easy to explore other parts of the island, including Mellieha Bay.
Walking the Sliema Promenade allows tourists to explore the stores, restaurants, and social hubs that Sliema has to offer. If you love food, you will not want to miss out on their chance to try some traditional Maltese street food. Savoury pastries filled with ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or sausage are extremely popular. Those that choose to dine in a restaurant will want to try the lampuka, which is a type of local fish.
Valletta
Those that are interested in learning about Malta’s rich history will want to find a hotel in Valletta. Valletta is Malta’s capital city and it has over 200 historical locations to explore, some of which date back to the 16th century. The city was first proposed by the Order of Saint John.
While there is no shortage of places to go to Valletta, one location you won’t want to miss is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. This church was built by the Order of Saint John and is one of the best examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe. There are also many museums to visit, including the National Museum of Archaeology.
Bugibba
If you’re looking to explore the nightlife scene on the island, you will want to stay in Bugibba, Malta. While Bugibba is considered a village, not a city, it is still a really popular tourist destination because of the number of bars and pubs located there.
While there are a few beaches near Bugibba, those that are looking to explore everything Malta has to offer will need to plan some day trips away from Bugibba. However, Bugibba offers public transportation options, allowing tourists to easily venture away during the day and then come back at night to hit the bar.
Gozo
Gozo is one of the smaller islands off the coast of Malta’s main island. This location tends to be less busy than other locations in Malta, perfect for those that are looking for a peaceful holiday. Some boats travel to the main island throughout the day, allowing visitors to explore some of Malta’s other locations.
Despite the small size, there is plenty to do in Gozo. Many enjoy exploring the megalithic temple complexes that are found there. Malta’s Megalithic Temples are some of the oldest monuments in the world. The beaches found throughout Gozo are also perfect locations for those that are looking to snorkel or go scuba diving.
In summary
If you’re interested in visiting Malta, there are plenty of unique locations you can choose from. No matter if you want a family-friendly vacation in Mellieha, a couple’s retreat in Gozo, or a bachelorette’s party in Bugibba, you’ll be able to plan the holiday of your dreams.
You may also want to check out this great guide to the top 10 things to see and do in Malta.
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