20 | MESMERISING MALTA


www.nitravelnews.com


November/December 2023


BY ANDREA MCVEIGH


MALTA is having a moment. Since 2018, when its capital, Valletta, was named European Capital of Culture, this Mediterranean hot- spot has been rivalling the likes of Croatia and Corsica as Europe’s most happening destination.


And its status as a hip holiday location is set to soar even higher next year when Jet2 starts flying direct to Malta from Belfast International Airport, offering weekly flights between March and October.


So what can Northern Irish visitors expect? Well, there’s the sun and good weather of course, with around 300 days of sunshine a


grilled fish, you’ll also see rabbit on a lot of menus. In fact, there’s a dish of stewed rabbit, known as Stuffat tal-Fenek, which is considered Malta’s national dish. But if neither seafood nor rich, meaty dishes are to your taste, then make sure to pick up a pastizzi – Malta’s favourite hand- held snack. It’s a small, savoury flaky pastry filled with either curried mushy peas or ricotta and can be as cheap as 50c. This is food on-the-go, best washed down with a local Cisk beer, and one of the best places to try it is Crystal Palace in the town of Rabat. You’ll locate it easily enough, due to the delicious smells wafting from the vicinity, as well as the crowds of people queueing outside. But if you do have trouble finding it, it’s across the


It was a British colony for 164 years, leading to English being one of its official languages (along with Maltese). Driving is on the left-hand-side of the road and it’s not uncommon to see a red telephone box or post box in the capital, Valletta (the EU’s smallest capital city).


It was also an important naval base for the


British Navy, and a home to Prince Philip when he was a serving First Lieutenant stationed there. A young Princess Elizabeth lived with him in Malta for three years, playing the role of the navy wife, before becoming Queen in 1952. It’s often been said that it was the happiest and most carefree time of her life.


Anyone interested in naval history will


eateries and rooftop bars attracting a young, fashionable crowd.


While Malta has enough to keep you


year blessing the three inhabited islands that comprise this small archipelago – Malta (the largest), Gozo and Comino (an additional two are uninhabited). High summer can see soaring, sometimes unpleasantly high, temperatures. So the shoulder months, March to May and September/October are perfect for those who want to be able to explore the sites without suffering in the sun too much.


Then there’s the relaxation factor. While Malta offers an abundance of activities, from paragliding to scuba diving, abseiling and hiking, it’s also a great place to chill out. So much so that laid-back Malta was named as one of Lonely Planet’s ‘best places to unwind 2023’. By going in March, I was able to enjoy the best of both worlds, some shopping, sightseeing and exploring on active days, and some rest days during which I enjoyed taking it easier and indulging in Malta’s gastronomic specialties, especially seafood. Along with octopus dishes, calamari and


road from the magnificently well-preserved Roman Villa (Domus Romana), one of Malta’s most popular tourist attractions, and a short walk from the entrance to the ancient walled city of Mdina, another must-see. Its incongruous name is said to derive


from its popularity amongst the British troops stationed in Malta during World War Two, but it was serving food to locals, under a different name, for around 30 years before that. These days, it’s open 24-hours at weekends and during holidays, with 300 pastries going into the oven at any one time, and it’s not unusual for more than 5000 to be sold on busy nights.


Don’t overlook the local wine either - Malta


is a small producer on the global stage and its wines don’t often get exported, so order a glass when you see it on the menu, and bring a few bottles home, you won’t regret it. Even if you’ve never been to Malta – which lies in the Mediterranean Sea between Tunisia and Sicily (although closer to Sicily) – it will seem familiar in many ways.


appreciate places such as the Kalkara Naval Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and the Malta Maritime Museum. To walk in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth,


and a host of other celebrities, spend time in the luxurious Hotel Phoenicia, on the outskirts of Valletta. This upscale hotel is not just one of Malta’s best, it’s also one of the oldest, and definitely worth checking out for dinner or drinks, if not actually staying there. Another prestigious grand hotel is The Corinthia Palace in San Anton, famous for its Maltese afternoon tea, with its dainty sandwiches and local pastries. The walled city of Valletta is undoubtedly


the jewel in Malta’s crown. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Centre,


with buildings


dating back to the 16th, and filled with grand museums, palaces and churches. But there’s another side to Valletta aside from the historic, and that’s its foodie offerings, from the Michelin star Noni restaurant, to Valetta’s waterfront, with its trendy


occupied, try not to miss out on a day trip to the second largest island, Gozo. Ferries make the 30-minute journey between the two islands numerous times a day, at around €5 for a round trip. As well as the beautiful scenery, not unlike coastal Northern Ireland (but with significantly better weather), there is a beautiful swim and dive site in dramatic Dwejra Bay on the southwest coast. Another little-known gem is the site of the two prehistoric Ġgantija Temples, which are older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of these prehistoric temples were only discovered in the 19th century, which is why they are so well preserved. By the end of a trip to Malta and its islands, you’ll understand why the late Queen Elizabeth II held it in such high regard. And after a visit filled with stunning architecture, luxury hotels and the finest dining, you’ll get the flight home feeling a bit like royalty yourself.


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