As the age-old expression goes ‘Google is your friend’. And, it is especially reliable when it comes to navigating your way through the streets and the culture of a new place. Here are five things we believe all people visiting Malta have googled...at least once.

1. The weather forecast for the next day...or week

Weather is somewhat unpredictable in Malta, especially between mid- September and mid-March. You can have a sunny day, ending with a heavy downpour in the evening. You can have five days of rain followed by one without a cloud in the sky. During the more reliable spring and summer seasons, you can be sure that the sun is going to be out, but you might want to check the weather to keep an eye on the UV index and the ideal time to chill on the beach.

2. Alternative modes of transport

The options given to tourists for modes of transport are not very broad, ranging from public bus to taxi to car rental. Roads can undoubtedly be a little scary if you are not used to driving on the left-hand side, or on Maltese roads in general. Meanwhile, bus routes are improving but still do not cover all parts of Malta, and relying on taxis for the whole trip may definitely cause you to step slightly out of your budget. What are the options, and the pros and cons of each? To find out just type in the request!

3. The too-commonly-used word ‘mela’

Even when a Maltese person is talking to a visitor in their most eloquent English, a Maltese word, very likely the word ‘mela’ is bound to slip in somewhere. ‘Mela’ can mean both ‘so’ as in ‘so..you need to go to the bus station’ and ‘of course’ as in ‘Do you serve pizza here? Why, of course’. Knowing this word is definitely helpful, and will help you fit right in with the locals!

4. How big is Malta?

Many visitors who come to Malta have told me how much bigger Malta feels when they are actually on land and trying to get around the different places. The visual of the islands on a map of Europe does not seem to tally with your first-hand experience of the place. Therefore, googling information on Malta’s size (and the surprised reaction in realising how small it actually is) is both expected and understandable.

5. Places where you can buy pastizzi 

There is some hype, on behalf of tourists, when it comes to pastizzi, (understandably so), but it is actually not that easy to track down  where to purchase some from. Perhaps they are not as readily available as one would think? Luckily, Google can provide some pastizzi location options and play the hero once again.