Located in the southern Mediterranean, nestled between Sicily and North Africa, Malta consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live in or retire in. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the English-speaking destination is also an ideal spot for your clients’ next European vacation.
While Malta is comprised of three islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino), its compact size means that travelers can see much of the sights without feeling rushed. A single day could include hiking the Dingli Cliffs and exploring the urban delights of capital city Valletta. That also means that travelers can base their Malta adventure out of a single hotel, instead of constantly packing and unpacking.
Malta is also an excellent add-on to other European itineraries and is a short flight from popular cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens. Direct flights from Valletta also reach Milan, London, Paris, and Munich—all in less than three hours.
With overtourism making headlines in many of the traditionally popular European cities, Malta provides a refreshing alternative, while still delivering much of what visitors come to the continent for. Ancient walls, fortifications, prehistoric temples, and stunning Baroque architecture can be experienced here, so delving into history is easy in Malta.
Valletta, Malta, boasts magnificent city walls dating from the 16th century. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)
Popular sites include St. John’s Co-Cathedral (home of the Caravaggio masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist); the ancient walled city of Mdina; the star-shaped Fort St. Elmo, which guards the Valletta harbor; and the Ħaġar Qim Archaeological Site, which dates to 3200 B.C.
Another great option for a Malta vacation is coming during the shoulder season, when crowds are smaller and the climate is milder. During the spring, visitors can expect temperatures between 63 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The ocean is warm enough for swimming by May, and with the stunning water colors in spots like the Blue Lagoon, the temptation to jump right in is hard to overcome. Fall is also a good option, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 82. The sea is still warm throughout October, and visiting during that month provides a great, quiet atmosphere in Malta.
And for Canadian and American travelers, the fact that English is an official (and widely spoken) language here makes the transition easier and more comfortable for many.
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