The best way to enjoy the island's most popular spots.
Too much attention can ruin a good thing, and in time, some of Malta's best attractions have become inundated in an attempt to exploit their appeal. Yet, in themselves, they remain marvellous and worth visiting. So how do you get the best out of what they have to offer? Well, hold on to your hats...
1. Paceville
It’s called Malta’s nightlife hotspot, though it would appear that Paceville had its heyday in the mid-nineties, when each bar and nightclub had its own theme and crowd. Today, expect a surprising number of Gentlemen’s Clubs, touts urging you into the various bars, commercial music and lots of drunken teens looking to get laid.
How to get past it: you can still find pleasant bars and restaurants on the outskirts of Paceville, in the area of Spinola Bay. The Hilton 22 Bar verges on the exclusive side and offers incredible panoramic views. Skip the nightclubs – if you want to dance the night away, go to an event or give Numero Uno in Ta’ Qali or Gianpula in Zebbug a try, where the crowd is a little more mature.
2. Sliema & St Julian's
Once upon a time, these were seaside villages with pretty Victorian houses lining the coast, but these have since been replaced with high rise buildings. The name ‘Sliema’ actually derives from the Maltese word for peace, but it is now one of the busiest places when it comes to traffic and construction.
How to get past it: it’s still worth visiting or staying in this area if you like action. In St Julian's, enjoy a swim at St George's Bay, which is a Blue Flag Beach, have coffee at Balluta Bay and relish a good meal at Spinola Bay. In Sliema, enjoy the shopping area around the Sliema Ferries and the promenade. Venture into the village core to admire the authentic Sliema streets and walk along the seaside promenade at sunrise.
3. Mdina
Mdina has been dubbed ‘The Silent City’ since any of us can remember. There is no traffic inside the bastioned city, but crowds of tourists following a tour leader’s umbrella and too many horse drawn carriages ringing their bells have killed that somewhat.
How to get past it: you should definitely not miss out on visiting this historic city. Just wander along the side and back roads – the city is so small, you’ll never get lost for long. Know that while the view from the bastions is a treat, the chocolate cake from Fontanella is to die for, and you can enjoy them both at once. Stay into the night, when the bastions are lit up in a warm orange hue and the city is truly silent.
4. Mnajdra & Hagar Qim Temples
These beautiful 5,500 year-old Megalithic structures were excavated less than 200 years ago but have quickly deteriorated due to the elements, leading to massive tents covering both temple complexes. Sadly, the sun doesn’t shine as it used to on these temples dedicated to the sun. Until quite recently, the temples were even unfenced and left to simply stand majestically in the countryside, but acts of vandalism required them to be protected.
How to get past it: tent or no tent, fence or no fence, the structures themselves are marvellous. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Go to Mnajdra and Hagar Qim for the equinox or solstice at sunrise to truly comprehend their magnificence. A visitor centre commanding the space leading to the temples offers good insight regarding the astronomical alignments as well as the hows and whys the temples were built.
5. The Blue Lagoon
In nature’s way, the Blue Lagoon in Comino must be one of the most stunning locations in the Mediterranean. But since everyone wants to see it, the lagoon is overrun by tourists, deckchairs and tourist boats. The beautiful Blue Lagoon loses some of its charm due to the crowd and noise.
How to get past it: also an unmissable attraction, (hence its popularity), you can enjoy the Blue Lagoon in its more pristine form by staying overnight – the lagoon is completely bare after 6pm and before 9am. If you must be home for the night, avoid the weekends and take a stroll to the nearby Crystal Lagoon to enjoy another stunning location in Comino that is mostly overlooked.
6. Golden Bay
Again, everyone wants to go to ‘Malta’s most beautiful beach,’ which means it gets busy. Thankfully, it is also one of Malta’s larger beaches, so doesn’t get too crammed. It does however get noisy, make the water murky, and deckchair and kiosk prices soar.
How to get past it: get there early to enjoy crystal clear water before the crowds upset the sandy bottom... or in the evening for a beautiful sunset. Avoiding weekends means you avoid the locals, who enjoy this beach throughout the summer. Lay a towel at the end of the beach and take a packed lunch if you want extra quiet.
7. The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto in Zurrieq is marvellous – just imagine your hand turning blue in the water through its play of light! Whether you will find the ticket price worth it to cross in a boat without a guarantee you’ll experience the phenomenon however, is another question.
How to get past it: definitely go to Wied iz-Zurrieq where the Blue Grotto departure point is. Enjoy the cafes and restaurants overlooking Filfla and bathe where the creek is. The boat ride is enjoyable, and even more so if you have no great expectations. Still, know that even if you decide to forgo the boat ride, the entire area is truly pleasant to enjoy. Wied Babu and the temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim are also nearby.