Malta
 

Has anyone vacationed on Malta? Would you recommend it for families, and would you consider it too hot and crowded to visit in August? Thanks for the insight.

I went there 2 years ago, and didn't like it at all. The food (in all price-categories) was horrible, and I didn't see any nice beaches around. Try spain, france, italy, greece, turkey or northern africa instead!!!

What's everyone's opinion of the Algarve then?

I went to MALTA for the day, on a cruise. The city, buildings, navy port, etc is unbelievable, especially at sunrise, with the reflections of the sunrise on the water and buildings. Didnt seem like there is alot to do there. A day was enough for me, amd I travel Europe alot.

i did same as vegasguy, w/ same comments

I spent 4 days there last May. Stayed at Both the Westin and Hilton resort on the island (Hilton is the best). If you have not traveled very much I would not make Malta a top priority, as it is not very big, is very dry and the scenery although pleasant is not spectacular. I also found driving there (on the left) on narrow roads to be stressful and I too was not a big fan of the food. Even so, I’m glad I went there and had a nice time overall. The walled town of Mdina is a pleasant diversion and the ferry ride to the other Maltese Island of Gozo is a nice day trip. The best part about Malta is the fantastic and extensive rolling museum of ancient buses that ply the island: http://www.tramways.com/buses/malta/valletta1/

I was just in Malta for five nights in February. I loved it. I heard very little about this county/island and wanted to see it for myself so I went. I did not know what to expect which was good. I stayed in Sliema at and I recommend this village as all the buses go there and is right across the bay from Valletta. Malta was not that expensive to me. I ate at the hotel which was all inclusive. The food was not the best but it was good enough. I don't think that Malta is known for superior cuisine. Tours were very cheap. In fact, I had a tour booked for everyday that I was there. The island of Malta is full of history and culture that I did not get bored. The Maltese are said the be the oldest civilization in the world. Yes, even older than the Egyptians. A trip to Gozo should not be missed. There are tours that go there. I liked the island as there is a lot to see there too but more on Malta.
Some tours go to Comino for a stop at the blue lagoon. There is nothing there to see but blue water. If one likes to sunbathe, learn about cultures and relax, Malta is the place to be. I would definitely go back for another five nights.
Please keep in mind that the casino is highly over rated.

glenngpr,

I must admit that the busses on Malta were amazing. Also beutifully restored with bright mediteranean colors. No doors, however..lot's of fun.

Algarve is gorgeous. Try to hit it ASAP before the summer heat and tourism hits.

Sim and I have been to Malta twice this year. The first time we stayed at the Hilton for 3 or 4 days and decided to stay longer on the island, so went for the Westin (big mistake!). And we went again earlier this month, origionally for 3 days and ended up staying for 7, all at the Hilton.

I love the Hilton, wouldn't stay at the Westin again and wouldn't go to the capital again (even on a day trip).

I can see why people don't like the place. But if you travel alot and you just want to realx for a few days, have some decent food (the Thai restaurant in the Hilton is good as is the more expensive restaurant in the Westin complex) and loose a few dollars in the casino in the evening - Malta is fine.


Nick

Am old enough to remember Malta from WWII and am also a history buff and wanted to see where St. Paul, the Crusaders, and "the Knights" passed through.

Spent four days there in 1999 at the Radisson (OK); but food was mediocre everywhere. I drove all over the island (can handle LH driving). The walled city is worth seeing. The Popeye movie set was not all bad. I am a tourist sightseeer; and I have now seen it. But I'm glad I did!

I was in Malta for a week-end about 2 years ago. Luckily it was only a week-end. There is not much to do and the beaches were the worst I have seen in the world. I actually went SCUBA diving one day. What a joke.

I did meet a very nice girl from Tunisia who was studying in Malta. We still keep in touch. I am probably going to visit her and her family in Tunisia in October. The people are very nice but that is about all the country has going for it.

Does anyone else have any opinions or recommendations about Malta that has not already been mentioned in this thread, as I intend to be there for a few days on holiday?

I spent most of my time on Gozo, which is more relaxed and to me, more interesting. If you're into archeological stuff (I am) the oldest, free-standing, man-made structure in the world is there-- or so they say. It's not all that much to see (and covered with graffiti) but knowing you are looking at something that is older than the pyramids (or anything else made by man) is neat. Also, try to get a boat out into Valetta harbor-- it is very impressive when seen from the water.

I have friends there so I had a real good time, but, in the most critical terms, it can be considered a second-rate Italy-- but I found it to be very different and very interesting. I even liked some of the unique, local food. Great seafood and very tasty and dirt-cheap street-food. I actually crave some of the food I had there-- can't find it nowhere else.

There is only one, decent beach and it is too much trouble to bother with in season.

The main drinking area on mainland Malta, right outside the Westin hotel is pretty disgusting, IMHO w/ lots of bleeders even relatively early on a Friday night-- definitely skip it. Notice the big police presence in that area. The drinking age is either 13 or it is just totally un-enforced so the bars/clubs are filled with teens... I'll leave it at that.

Malta isn't the most exciting locale in the Mediterranean, but it has its charms. Here are some suggestions (some repetition of items posted earlier):

Main island:
* Hagar Qim ruins are a must-see; the other ruins are interesting
* take a boat cruise
* visit the Palace of the Grand Masters
* visit the walled town of Mdina
* St. Paul's Bay has a nice feel to it
* linger over a drink at the Communist Party bar in Valleta (on the main drag, second floor)
* ride the buses, photograph the cars (similar to Cuba, except you'll see old British gems)

Gozo:
* consider staying at L-Imgarr Hotel or Ta' Cenc
* rent a 4WD and explore the island's dirt roads (watch out for goats!) There's little traffic on Gozo, so if you're uneasy about driving left, it's not as risky as the main island. I doubt you'll find an automatic, though, if that's a problem...
* spend an afternoon hanging out at a cafe on Victoria's main square
* have a drink at the fisherman's pub at Mgarr Harbor, near the ferry dock (sorry, don't remember the name: it may be Fisherman's Bar)
* buy a bottle of local wine; there's a great liquor store on Victoria's main square (if my memory is correct)
* visit the ruins at Xaghra
* the island is quiet midweek but is often flooded by main-islanders on weekends

Food and Drink
* The cuisine isn't notable (British influence?): fish, pasta, and pizza are the safest bets. I remember having a nice lunch at the Lantern (20 Sappers Street, Valleta)
* The shandy is the perfect beverage for Malta; good local beers (e.g., Cisk); try Tamakari once; Gozo wines are a hoot, resembling homemade
* gelato (needless to say)

On the plane:
* read Pynchon's V., which is set, in part, in Valletta. (Perhaps you'll run into pynchonesque in Malta?)

Have a safe journey and enjoy the experience!

Malta is very nice for about 3 or 4 days but not longer...

Tim