What makes Malta such an attractive place to live in as an expat? Find out 10 reasons why people come to stay.
Flickr / Daniele Buch
We have seen more and more people move to Malta to live and work over the years, and even more so in the last decade. But what is it that makes Malta so appealing?
1. The sun
Have you already heard that Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine? Seriously, iffy weather is not that common, and will rarely last beyond three days in a row. Bikinis make an appearance as early as March and may comfortably last until October. Then, winter temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees Celsius during the day. It's mostly warm and bright, and that's tempting, to say the least.
2. The sea
The sparkling sea around the Maltese Islands is certainly one of its highlights. Crystal-clear warm waters with great visibility keep placing Malta and Gozo among top diving destinations worldwide. Furthermore, expect several picturesque coves and beaches with golden sands and azure waters. Add a multitude of water sports and boating opportunities, and you may begin to understand the attraction.
3. The fun
The sun and the sea have attracted tourists to many destinations and Malta is no exception. But there is so much more - this Mediterranean island has it all! Whether you're into the theatre and al fresco dining or all-night raves and music festivals, there's a healthy dose of it available. Apart from the entertainment, there are loads of sports and activities to do.
4. The history
Sea, sun and fun are certainly an attraction, but Malta and Gozo are not only fun and games. The Maltese Islands also have a very interesting history, and there are loads of archaeological sites (including three UNESCO World Heritage sites), historic buildings and museums to prove it and tell the story spanning 7,000 years. There's plenty to explore from prehistory to WWII.
5. The culture
The Maltese archipelago's unique location in the heart of the Mediterranean means it has attracted numerous visitors through the ages, from seafaring merchants to various occupations. Each has left its influence on the Maltese language and culture, a unique and colourful melange that is intriguing to discover. For example, discover the pagan-like traditional festa celebrations in honour of Catholic saints by devout Christians who call God 'Alla'!
6. The diversity
Malta is a country of extreme diversity. This is where history lives on in contemporary life, where the old and new exist side-by-side, where local traditions and foreign influences become one, where Maltese people and expats share life together day-by-day, and where each visitor brings a new energy or a new activity to this colourful island. Think of almost anything, and you're likely to find it here.
7. The proximity
Bless Malta, such wealth in such a little place! The entire archipelago of five islands add up to just 316 square kilometres. Only Malta (246 km²) and Gozo (67 km²) are inhabited. Think of the quality of life when there is so much to do and everything is within reach – can you imagine how easy it is to do so much more in less time?
8. The language
Forget trying to learn Maltese – apart from being rather difficult to grasp, you don't need to! English is also a national language in Malta, while many speak at least one or two other languages among Italian, French, Spanish, German and even Russian! Now doesn't that make things easy?
9. The work opportunities
Most of the people who have moved to Malta were first attracted by the work opportunities, only to discover a great island to live in as a massive perk. I-gaming, corporate services and tourism are big in Malta, and have opened up plenty of opportunities for foreign nationals speaking their native language. You can read more about why expats confirm that Malta is one of the best countries in the world to work.
10. The cost of living
Rent apart, as this has shot up in recent years due to the higher demand, everything else in Malta is really affordable. You could live quite comfortably with just 1,000 euro a month if you flat-share. Bus tickets start from 1.50, the average price of a local beer is 1.50 and Malta's favourite street food, pastizzi, start at just 30 cents! There's also plenty to entertain you for no money at all.
Are you convinced yet?