I never thought I would set foot in Malta, one of the underrated Schengen countries.
Truth be told that Malta is not as famous as other countries within the Schengen territory. You might have been to France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Belgium and other favourite European destinations but I bet, you’ve never been to Malta.
I also noticed that there aren’t as much travel information available regarding Maltese archipelago online. This is one of the proofs that there are less people that have been there as compared to more popular European cities. It’s fine, and at the same time, a sad fact, however, it’s never too late to discover the reasons why you should visit Malta when you get a chance. I, myself only knew the name of the country, and I was also clueless prior to my trip. I was only lured to come to Malta because of an Instagram image of one of the social media influencers that I follow; the photo was compelling enough to kill my curiosity about this tiny group of islands located between in the middle of Mediterranean Sea at the south of Italy and north of Libya.
I never imagined how culturally rich and how incomparable it is with anything else!
I really fell in love with Malta, it became one of my most favourite places!
Travel tip # 1 : Apply for Schengen Visa when necessary (and be able to know its use). Schengen Visa policy set by European Union allows the holder to move and travel around within Schengen area. Malta is one of the Schengen countries and my being Philippine passport-holder dictates me to obtain a Schengen Visa prior traveling. Since I was granted Schengen Visa by consulate of France in UAE when I applied last January 7, 2016, valid with multiple entry for 3 months until April 7th, I decided to maximise its use and travel to Malta last March 23, 2016 following my trip to Paris, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest last February 1 to 9, 2016.
Know that your passport will only be stamped twice within Schengen area – those are at point of entry and point of exit, however, authorities may at all times require you to present such document.
Bear in mind that place of application of Schengen Tourist Visa depends on 2 major factors – either you apply from the embassy of the country of your point of entry, or you apply from the embassy of the country where you will stay the longest. For more detailed information, visit their specific websites!
In my case, I already used my Schengen Visa granted by France when I entered Paris last February 2016, I did not need to reapply another visa to Malta for 2 reasons – Firstly, my Schengen Visa was granted with multiple entry, and secondly, because it remained valid until my travel date (entry and exit dates) to Malta.
I emphasised it here on this article because at the airport, on my departure from Dubai, one of the staffs of Turkish Airlines who was at the check-in-counter mentioned that I need to enter Paris for that trip to Malta, because France granted me my Schengen Visa. I explained to him politely that I already used the visa and entered Paris (with proper stamps on my passport, of course) last February and I can travel back anywhere in Schengen area because my visa was multiple entry, and remained valid.
Needless to say, I was allowed to board the aircraft from Dubai to Malta via Istanbul however, the words of the staff, “I will allow you to board this trip however, I am not sure if they will allow you to enter Malta because you’re supposed to enter Paris.” made me feel a bit uncomfortable and anxious on departure. The free flowing wines during meal time on board helped a lot! Hehehehe!
My first Schengen Visa. Valid for 3 months, multiple entry, 30 day-maximum stay.
Travel tip # 2 : Know the weather and the knowledge will guide you what to wear! Although I brought jackets and long sleeve-shirts to this trip, I forgot to bring sunblock or SPF-lotion and lip balm. It may still be winter in Malta during the time of my travel however, I never knew that they’re immensely blessed with sunshine in almost 300 days per year! Yes, people! Malta has sunny days even on winter, therefore be guided! Don’t be fooled by the misleading 15 degrees Celsius forecast or even colder; it may be winter but Mr. Sun is up the whole year round!
Malta is perfect for people who are sun-worshippers and summer-fanatics!
Malta never runs out of sunshine in both summer and winter!
Travel tip # 3 : Know the timings of your visit. Better if your travel period falls on the date of a feast, for you to witness a celebration in the island (unless you prefer a more quiet and less crowded place).
Knowing Malta as being predominantly Roman Catholic, I intentionally traveled during Holy Week, and availed of a half-day-tour in Zebbug from a kiosk in Sliema Ferries, whereby the package of 20 Euros included bus transport and guaranteed front-row-seats to watch the Good Friday procession in Zebbug. I also purchased tour-ticket for 17 Euros from the same kiosk for transport and to experience the Easter Sunday procession at Senglea, one of The Three Cities in Malta. I bought my tickets a day before the first tour.
The tour bus that took me and other tourists to Zebbug and Senglea respectively.
Good Friday procession in Zebbug in full regalia with live animals! Bible came so alive!
We have the same in our country but this one’s on a grander scale! Spectacular, actually!
Everyone’s in character. It was awe-inspiring, at the same time so fabulous and pretty!
Very Hollywood-ish! Stupendous!
From lavish costumes, to being traditional, Maltese know how to inspire!
Happy Easter from The Three Cities! I hope to experience this again in my lifetime!
DUBAI TO MALTA : A 9-DAY-TRIP ON THE TAIL END OF WINTER
From Dubai, I traveled to Malta last March 2016 via Turkish Airlines, with a short transit in Istanbul. Following an uneventful flight, I took a cab directly to my hostel in Sliema.
Travel tip # 4 : Know where to stay. There are a number of hotels and hostels in Malta that will absolutely suit your preferences and budget. It’s always better to personally choose and pre-book online, or ask details particularly location, from your travel agency if you have one.
Details of my Accommodation for 9 days :
Name of my hostel : Hostel 94
Address : 94 N Isouard Street Sliema, SLM 2080 Sliema, Malta
Where did I pre-booked : Booking(d0t)com
Type of room : Bunk bed in Mixed Dormitory (inclusive of breakfast!)
Duration of stay : 9 days from March 23 to March 31, 2016
Current rate at the time of stay : Total of 80 EUR (328 AED or 89 USD) for entire 9 days without hidden charges.
Reasons why I chose Hostel 94 : Accessibility, location and affordability. It’s only walking distance to bus stop, accessible to most tourist destinations in the islands, and a few minutes away from Malta International Airport. And their 10 Euros per night rate was such a steal!
My hostel room shared with 5 random and mixed roomies (And that’s not my bed).
I had little research about this trip, but one of my priorities was to purchase an unlimited access card to public bus for my transportation while in Malta. So upon check in at Hostel 94, the friendly Italian male receptionist on duty provided me a free map, and instructed me on where to buy that card. I walked my way to the bus stop, was amazed at the promenade and Sliema bay (it was love at first sight!), but my excitement was diminished when I found out that the kiosk at Sliema Ferries (that’s the name of bus stop across McDonald’s), was already closed as it was past 9 in the evening.
My first glimpse of Sliema bay, a stone’s throw away from my hostel.
Travel tip # 5 : Move like a Ninja with a Tallinja card! If you’re traveling to Malta on a DIY (Do-It-Youself) kinda-thing, I highly recommend for you to purchase a Tallinja card that gives you unlimited access to bus transportation in mainland Malta and in Gozo Island.
Where to avail Tallinja card : I purchased it from the kiosk at Sliema Ferries.
How much is a Talinja card : 7-day-pass is worth 21 Euros per adult passenger, and 15 Euros for 7 day-pass per child.
Validity of Tallinja card : It’s valid from the first day and time that the card is validated on the bus.
It’s also available for 12 single journeys worth 15 Euros.
Talinja card may be extended when you top it up (check their website for more details).
What about individual bus tickets ? If you don’t want to avail of the unlimited pass, then you may opt to purchase bus tickets valid for 2 hours for 2 Euros (depending if it’s summer or winter, bus ticket rates are cheaper on winter; like 1.50 Euros) from the bus captain directly.
Tallinja Card : One of my best purchases in Europe worth 21 Euros!
Travel tip # 6 : Know your bus stops. A free map is provided when you purchase a Tallinja card or you can just get one even if you only inquire from any kiosk of Malta Public Transport. The map contains bus numbers and bus stops per destination. It’s passenger-friendly and easy to read. Each bus stop has sign boards with timings, however keep in mind that there might be hiccups on the arrival of buses.
The current capital city of Malta is Valletta and expectedly, a major bus terminal is located just at the entrance to the city. From here, you may travel to south of the island, or up to the north and transfer to a ferry to get you into the other must-visit places particularly the islands of Comino and Gozo among others.
The very orderly major bus hub in Valletta with lots of food and souvenir kiosks!
Travel tip # 7 : Discover Marsaxlokk! This very charming, colourful and delicious part of the island down south called, Marsaxlokk is one of the most-visited fishing ports and harbors in Malta. I visited Marsaxlokk twice in 9 days (on my second and last days in the island because it’s that pretty!).
How to reach Marsaxlokk ? From Sliema, I took bus to Valletta, then walked to the major bus stop. From Valletta, I queued and waited for few minutes for the bus that took me directly to Marsaxlokk.
How long is the bus ride from Valletta to Marsaxlokk ? If my memory serves me right, it’s about an hour.
What to do in Marsaxlokk ? (Kindly refer to captions on succeeding photos below).
Spend a morning or an afternoon in Marsaxlokk. Indulge in the Mediterranean sea breeze!
Be fascinated with colourful Maltese wooden boats called, Luzzu (lutsu).
Luzzus are traditional fishing boats in vibrant hues with distinctive pair of eyes on the bow.
You may either rent a luzzu, or just watch it over water while the sun rises or while it sets.
Dine al fresco, by Marsaxlokk harbor! Savor freshest catch and local wine!
Meet and make new friends!
Have some gelato and immerse yourself in the moment!
Or simply spend your most precious and much-needed, “Me-time” in Marsaxlokk!
Travel tip # 8 : Discover Valletta! Valletta, the fortified capital city of Malta is accessible either via ferry from Sliema Ferries terminal or via bus. Although riding the ferry will take only 20 minutes or less from Sliema Ferries, I personally preferred and highly suggest you take the bus as well; despite the longer route, it gets you to the main gates of Valletta, and the experience of walking through it is priceless! It’s a great introduction to this otherworldly heritage city! Actually, I made efforts to discover and enjoy Valletta in two ways – one through public buses, and second, via touristy harbor cruise!
Valletta, viewed from Sliema Ferries.
Welcome to Valletta! The grand entrance to the walled city when you visit via bus.
I cannot understand why Valletta is not as frequently visited as other cities in Europe.
A fortified city filled with grandiose churches, palace, ports, restaurants and more!
If you’re into cities with old world charm, Valletta won’t disappoint you!
Every corner in Valletta is picturesque!
Every door and balcony, a charm!
Travel tip # 9 : Discover Valletta via Harbor Cruise! One of my fellow travel bloggers who’s based in the US informed me that “arriving in Valletta by boat is a spiritual experience”, and I can’t agree with her more. With her words in mind, I never missed to experience the Grand Harbour Cruise from Sliema Ferries, that featured a guided tour via boat of Valletta and the Three Cities! The views were breathtaking! You need to experience it as my photos don’t give it justice.
You may buy your ticket to Valletta Harbour Cruise in one of the kiosks at Sliema Ferries at the day of your tour!
Prices of Harbour tour range from about 15 to 20 EUR.
Get a glimpse of the Three Cities while on board the ferry, however, I highly suggest you visit them on foot, which I also did on an Easter Sunday!
I availed Harbour Tour tickets on the spot in Sliema Ferries for 20 Euros or less.
I have never been ashamed to be called as a tourist than a traveller. I enjoy being both!
My first view of The Three Cities! (Harbour tour happened before Easter Sunday in Senglea).
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN VALLETTA
Travel tip # 10 : Visit Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and appreciate original paintings of Caravaggio! It’s one of the must-do when in Valletta! I have been to Rome and Vatican City, and I’ve seen churches in Florence, Napoli, Amalfi Coast, Venice in Italy however, the churches in Malta, particularly Saint John’s Co-Cathedral are a sight to behold. These churches could be inviting to everyone even for non-Catholics, as architecture, interiors, and arts transcend religions and are screaming to be appreciated!
Entrance fee to Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is 10 Euros, including the gallery of Caravaggio.
Photography without flash is allowed *yey!* however, prohibited inside Caravaggio’s.
Don’t forget to appreciate Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John” but respect the no-photography-policy. It’s one of the best paintings I’ve seen thus far!
Behold. The Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. One of Malta’s precious crowning jewels!
About 400 Knights of the Order of Saint John are remembered on tombs on the floor.
Various chapels are found at the laterals of the cathedral.
Breathtaking gold carvings with Maltese crosses adorn the ceiling and walls of the cathedral.
Ornately decorated! One of the grandest churches I’ve seen next to Saint Peter’s Basilica!
Visit Saint John Co-Cathedral in Valletta, and please tell me what you think.
Travel tip # 11 : Visit the Grandmasters’ Palace and Armoury in Valletta!
A joint admission fee of 12 Euros for both State Rooms of Grandmasters’ Palace and Armoury could take you back in time during those period of chivalry, honour and glory at the time of Knights of the Order of St.John in Malta.
Today, it serves as Malta’s House of Representatives and the office of the President of the Republic of Malta.
Despite dilapidated murals, its glorious past is still apparent in its rooms and hallways.
Travel tip # 12 : Stroll along Valletta, get lost and appreciate the Maltese architecture, balconies and windows.
Walking along Valletta could take your senses to a different world; quite far from seeing skyscrapers, bright lights, traffic and urban life that we’re used to.
Travel tip # 13 : Visit century-old churches that might inspire you in more ways than one.
Although the archipelago is so tiny that you could discover it entirely in 2 days, it never runs out of sunshine and churches! There are a total of 359 churches (313 in Malta and 46 in Gozo)! Hence, there’ll be no shortage of churches per year if you visit 1 per day!
Travel tip # 14 : Commune with locals ! Spend even a few minutes to say Hi! You might learn a thing or two regarding the islands, or their way of life. Best, you might even win new friends!
Trying to blend in with the locals at Marsaxlokk!
Travel tip # 15 : Take your feet to the Blue Lagoon in the Island of Comino!
Take bus from Sliema or Valletta and head north!
Alight from the last bus station or at the terminal and walk towards the bay where a kiosk selling tickets to Comino Island is found. Buy the ticket there on the spot.
Alternatively, you may book a more expensive boat tour (with drinks and lunch) from kiosks at Sliema Ferries.
In my case, I opted to stretch the powers of my limited Euros, and took the longer route via bus and ferry. I enjoyed it extremely!
It is IMPORTANT to not forget that last ferry departs from Comino Island at 4 or 4:30PM, otherwise, you’ll be left alone in the island without accommodation until the first ferry arrive the next day at past 9AM!
Return ticket cost 10 Euros at the kiosk of Comino Ferries.
Thou shall not belittle that ferry! We sailed with loud song,“Sweet Dreams Are Made of These!”
We’re almost there, kids!
The arrival in Blue Lagoon!
Paradise! No wonder, Brad Pitt was awed and charmed by this tiny island! It’s gorgeous!
The smallest beach I’ve ever seen! One of the most pristine too!
The harbor at Comino is welcoming!
So bring your slippers, swimsuits and smiles to Blue Lagoon!
Travel tip # 16 : Explore Mdina, the former capital city of Malta!
From Valletta Bus Terminal, I took another bus that brought me to Mdina and Rabat.
It is relevant to mention that Mdina is located right across Rabat.
The imposing facade of Mdina!
Fantastic sweeping view from Mdina!
Although a treasured heritage site, Mdina remains to be a residential area.
Get lost in the cobblestone alleys in Mdina!
And of course, visit one or two churches too!
Or just stroll aimlessly.
Travel tip # 17 : Cross the road from Mdina and discover the more quiet town of Rabat!
Be fascinated with Maltese door knockers not only in Rabat but in the entire island!
Travel tip # 18 : Bring your feet and your appetite to Saint Julian’s!
Bustling with restaurants, fast-food, hotels, pizzeria and bars, Saint Julian’s and its long stretch of promenade up to Sliema is yet another great place in Malta to spend an afternoon with!
Highly recommended activities : Eat, drink, stroll while licking a cone of gelato, watch people go by!
Travel tip # 19 : Visit Millieha!
Take a bus that heads to Comino Island up north, and alight at Millieha!
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Millieha.
Stand at a great vantage point overlooking Millieha Bay! Be in the moment!
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Millieha.
Travel tip # 20 : From Millieha, take a bus or better, take a private taxi cab to Popeye Village!
Entrance fee at the time of visit : 15 EUR; comes with free voucher for welcome drink and boat ride!
Guests can stay whole day.
What to do in Popeye Village ? Eat, drink, roam around, get to know the former location of a Hollywood movie that starred the late Robin Williams as Popeye himself. Get to meet the cast in full costumes and in character!
In my case, I spent a morning in Millieha and the rest of the afternoon in Popeye Village.
Get a chance to act in the film that Popeye himself directs!
Roam around Popeye Village that was once used as a set in Hollywood film!
Feast your eyes at the gorgeous waters of Anchor Bay in Popeye Village!
Sail on a boat for 15 minutes for free; voucher comes with the admission ticket!
Travel tip # 21 : Discover Gozo Island!
Take the bus from Sliema and go up north, alight at the bus terminal and take a ferry to Gozo!
Ferry return tickets cost less than 5 EUR however, you only purchase it on your return form Gozo. So you’ll board the ferry for free from Malta, and pay return ticket when you depart Gozo Island!
Go to the upper deck of the ferry; be mesmerised by Mother Nature! Fresh air, sunshine, blue sea!
Eat snacks or drink coffee, or buy a good book from the shops inside the ferry!
Ferry ride from Malta to Gozo takes about more or less half an hour.
When you arrive in Victoria bus hub in Gozo, you can just walk towards Gozo Citadel!
At Citadel, visit the church, walk around and be amaze at the 360-degree-view of Gozo Island!
It is also in Gozo Island where the famous Azure Window is located. However, I didn’t get a chance to take my senses in that bay. At least I have a thousand and one reasons to revisit Gozo and the entire Malta when I get a chance again.
Imagine for less than 5 EUR return ticket, you get to sail from Malta to Gozo!
Enjoy the cafeteria inside the ferry!
The bus terminal in Victoria, Gozo. Exit from the ferry terminal and walk your way to Citadel!
The steep alley that goes up to Citadel!
Stunning view from the Citadel!
Travel tip # 22 : Enjoy Sliema!
If your accommodation is based in Sliema, you’ll get to enjoy a morning or afternoon walk by the stretch of their beautiful promenade! Watch people walk by; or simply count dogs passing by! Hehehe!
Engage yourself in jogging along the promenade!
Visit the rocky shores of Fond Ghadir Beach!
Sit by the benches and watch the sun go down.
Breathe unpolluted and fresh air, away from the city that you come from!
Enjoy activities that you can do for free!
Clean and long stretch of the promenade in Sliema!
Go to Fond Ghadir Beach which is located just by the road!
You may opt to walk from Sliema to Sliema Ferries and enjoy the glimpse of Valletta!
Pause for a while at Sliema Ferries and simply forget about everything!
I bet you’ll fall in love with Malta too!
Travel tip # 23 : Indulge in freshest seafood dishes, Stuffat Tal-Fenek or Maltese rabbit stew, pizza, pastizzi, aljotta soup, gelato and local wine!
Look for local bakeshops or pizzeria, or even in food kiosks at the bus stations, and sample Maltese pastry called, pastizzi. It’s flaky outside and so creamy inside! Best eaten any time of the day!
Try to dunk you fork at a Maltese traditional rabbit stew called, Stuffat Tal-Fenek! It tasted like Chicken stew or a Filipino Chicken Adobo!
Owing to its geographical location, Italian dishes are found frequently listed on every menu around Malta. So indulge in authentic pizza and pasta!
Wines, wines, wines! If you want to enjoy it at a cheaper price, head to a local supermarket or small groceries in between alleys, and you can buy a bottle of wine for only 4 EUR! Or you may sip red or white wine in any restaurant in Malta for only 2 EUR per glass!
I’m a gelato-monster and a cone of ice cream can melt my cloudy days in a blink; so you could imagine how happy the kid in me was, when I was in Malta!
Don’t forget to savor freshest catch of seafood when you visit Marsaxlokk!
They also serve a local fish soup with risotto called, Aljotta; it’s tasteful, a must-try when in Malta, and a complete meal to me!
Al fresco dining in Marsaxlokk calls for Seafood Platter, Aljotta and white wine by the bay!
Stuffat Tal-Fenek or traditional Maltese Rabbit stew and pastizzi in Valletta.
Refreshing and fruity ice slush from Blue Lagoon, Comino Island, Northern Malta!
English Breakfast and cappuccino in Sliema Ferries.
Pizza! From a restaurant near my hostel in Sliema.
Fried Seafood (the little fish is the best!) and white wine from Marsaxlokk!
Cappuccino and dark chocolate cake to start the day across Sliema Ferries.
Olive’s Special comes with pasta in white sauce from Popeye Village in Millieha!
Gelato from Valletta!
One of the best seafood pasta I’ve tasted from Sliema!
Gelato everyday in Sliema!
Eggs Benedict served with my favourite rocket leaves in an al fresco restaurant in Sliema!
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