Hello, this is a quick post for anyone planning on going to Malta.
We stayed there in June 2015 for 5 days. Here is what you need to know about Malta.
In general, the whole island is very urbanised, some buildings are right on the beach. It's got a strong British flavor, everyone can speak English. The buses are very good but make sure you pick up a current map and see if you can also get a timetable (you can also see timetables at the bus stops). Make sure you go to Gonzo for at least 2 days!!!
We stayed in Sliema, it's pretty central and there are a lot of restaurants and bars to choose from.
On the first day we went to Valletta, which is ok. We went to the St John's cathedral there, it's pretty good. They give you an audio guide that helps a lot. Be ready to be hit with a lot of knowledge!
In Valletta, YOU HAVE TO GO to the Barrakka Gardens, we loved that place, very chilled, a bit cooler with a very nice view. Unfortunately, we didn't visit the Three Cities, it looked more typical but we didn't have time.
The best city on the island was Mdina. It feels very authentic, with great architecture, and quieter. This should be number 1 on Tripadvisor!!! We also found a little place to eat which was really cheap called Magpie Kiosk (it's downstairs, left handside, 5 minutes away from the main Mdina gate). They just sell snacks but it was nice not to feel rinsed by the locals.
We also went to a few beaches: Golden Bay was ok. It was quite crowded and a little dirty. I went snorkeling on the left handside of the beach near the rocks: I saw a flying gurnard and a fish laying eggs, #coolstorybro. We preferred Ghajn Tuffieha which is next door, we walked there from Golden Bay, it took 15 minutes. It was quieter and cleaner.
We took a boat ride to Blue Lagoon. That place is amazing but it is extremely crowded! There is not much space to sit. Most people stay in the shallow part though so you can swim away from them. If you want to see some good fish, go where the marines plants are, it was cool. Also, be aware of strong current in the water, we saw 3 people getting in difficulties, they were saved by the life guards! #happyending
WHERE YOU SHOULDN'T GO in Malta: Ghar Lapsi: worst place ever. Just a block of concrete (with big waves on the day). Blue Grotto = waste of time, it's just a hole in a rock (go to Azure Window instead, read below for more info).
We also spent two days in Gozo. We thought that was well worth it! We stayed in Rabat (aka Victoria) and we took the bus to go round the island. The ferry to get to Gozo is quite cheap, reliable and best of all it has free wifi.
Ramla Bay was my favorite beach of the trip. The sand was thin and the water was clear, it's not too busy and pretty clean. I went snorkeling in the rocks on the right handside of the beach, it was very good (although I got stung by a jelly fish and I thought I was gonna die, but I didn't!). We also went to Marsalforn: personally I wouldn't go there again! It's very urbanised, no sandy beach, buildings on the water front, not the best.
We also visited the Cittadella in Victoria: not the best, they were renovating it so it wasn't a good time! We checked out the Azure Window, it's cool. We found a little beach as well in a bay next door (which might be called Dwejra or Fungus Rock?). You keep on walking towards the South from the Azure Window with the sea on your right handside and you'll get there after 10 minutes. There's no sand there and it was quiet. It wasn't good for snorkeling but it was a nice place.
We also went to Xlendi Bay which is a nice little town. It's got more a family flavour. There are platforms to jump from, rocky beaches and some nice ice-cream parlors.
If you've read this post, I hope it's helped. Sorry there's no photo! If you're going to Malta, make sure you go to Ramla Bay! Goodbye.
