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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSituated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a compact country comprised of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It is an independent EU country located 50 miles south of Sicily and roughly 200 miles north of Libya. This charming nation is steeped in rich history, a vibrant party scene, and a delectable cuisine. Valletta, one of the smallest capital cities in the world, boasts a history dating back to the 16th century. Malta’s cinematic allure further enhances its charm, as it has served as the backdrop for popular movies and TV series such as Napoleon, Assassin’s Creed, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nCurrency: <\/strong>Euro (\u20ac)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Credit cards are widely accepted. If cash is necessary, you can find plenty of ATMs throughout the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The official language of Malta is both Maltese & English. And yes, Maltese is a language, not just a cute dog breed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Visa Requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n United States citizens do not require a visa and are allowed to stay within Malta for up to 90 days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Best Time To Visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What attracts numerous tourists to Malta is its year-round appeal of favorable weather. Winters are mild, with temperatures in the 50s (\u00b0F), making it a pleasant destination even in the cooler months. Warmer weather typically begins in early May, and while summers can be quite hot, the island remains a popular destination throughout the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Getting Around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n TAXI<\/strong>: Uber & Bolt are an affordable and accessible option that saves travelers the hassle of finding a parking spot. However, traveling from the north to the south or the east to the west of Malta takes about an hour and multiple rides can become expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FERRY:<\/strong>\u00a0To go from Malta to Comino or Gozo, you\u2019ll need to travel by ferry. During most of the year, the ferries leave at least 1-2 times per hour and the trip takes less than 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most incessant complaints from locals include heavy traffic, limited parking, and constant construction. Due to the influx of businesses, expats relocating to the island, and increased tourism, Malta has become extremely congested. Traffic can build up quickly, often doubling travel times during peak hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TRAVEL TIP:<\/em><\/strong> Staying in Valletta, St. Julian’s, or Sliema offers the advantage of having numerous restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. You can also catch a ferry that shuttles between Valletta and Sliema, a quick 10-minute ride that saves you valuable time avoiding traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where To Stay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n St. Julian’s and Sliema stand out as bustling tourist hubs in Malta. St. Julian’s caters particularly well to young travelers seeking a lively nightlife. On the other hand, Sliema, home to a diverse expat community, offers an array of excellent dining options and lively bars. However, it lacks the historical charm that defines Valletta. If it were my first time traveling to Malta, I would wholeheartedly recommend staying in Valletta. Valletta is centrally located and is undoubtedly the most unique and trendiest part of the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your main reason to visit Malta is to lounge in a beach, you might want to reconsider and choose other Mediterranean destinations like Italy or Greece. While Malta is undeniably beautiful, its sandy beaches are limited. However, what Malta lacks in sandy beaches, it more than makes up for with its rich history, cultural landmarks and vibrant party scene. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Valletta Hotels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pheonicia<\/a> – Grand Hotel Excelsior<\/a> – The Embassy<\/a> – Castille Hotel<\/a> – Palazzo Ignazio<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n St. Julian’s & Sliema Hotels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Westin Dragonara<\/a> – Hilton<\/a> – Marriot<\/a> – Cavalieri Art Hotel<\/a> – 1926 Le Soleil<\/a> – Corinthia Palace<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n WHERE TO EAT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malta boasts a myriad of dining establishments waiting to be explored. Over the next two years of living in Malta I’m excited to embark on a culinary adventure, sampling as many restaurants as possible, and sharing my top picks with you. As you’ll see, there are many great places listed, along with restaurants and bars recommended by friends that are high on the radar to check out in the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n TRAVEL TIP:<\/strong><\/em> Maltese food is quite interesting, though my husband and I haven’t had the chance to visit many authentic Maltese restaurants. If you’re adventurous enough to try dishes like fried rabbit, stewed horse meat, rabbit liver, and snails, don’t hesitate to make a reservation!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n BREAKFAST:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The Bagel Hole<\/a> (Valletta)- Nestled down the steps of a Maltese-style building, this small spot is the first and only bagel shop on the island. If you’re from New York and craving a NY-style, hand rolled bagel, this is where its at! It’s not the best bagel I’ve had, but definitely helps with those cravings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tribe<\/a> (Valletta): Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this establishment offers a trendy atmosphere with outdoor seating, where you can indulge in classic elevated dishes. Their brunch menu is the star!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Word of Mouth<\/a> (Sliema): This brunch spot offers a vibrant ambiance and a diverse menu with a mix of satisfying and healthy options. Overall the food lacked a wow factor, but I definitely would come again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Juice<\/a>: convenient locations scattered throughout the island, making it an effortless choice for grabbing a refreshing morning smoothie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunday in Scotland<\/a> (Sliema): Select from delicious pastries, sweet treats, and coffee – a perfect spot for indulging in a leisurely morning or afternoon break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n La Crema<\/a> (Sliema): Cozy, cute location to grab coffee and a pastry.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n As you know, breakfast in Europe isn’t a big affair. In Malta, they keep it simple with coffee and pastizzi. These savory pastries, similar to puff pastry, are filled with either ricotta cheese or a curried pea mixture. You’ll find numerous pastizzerias around the island\u2014I’m still sampling them, so I can’t recommend the best one just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DINNER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n N’duja Osteria <\/a>(Valletta)- small, quaint, charming Italian dining spot tucked away in one of the city’s historic streets. The star dish of the menu is undoubtedly the Orecchiette Ndjua, a pasta cooked with spicy Calabrian sausage. However, every item on the menu is exceptional!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 59 Republic Street<\/a> (Valletta) – Located in St. George’s Square, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. The food is trendy, though the portions are small for the price. However, the drinks are delicious. I\u2019d definitely return for a drink and some people-watching, but I wouldn’t rush back for the food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harbour Club<\/a> (Valletta) – incredible date-night spot, especially in the summer when you can book the upper terrace. It offers the best fine dining experience in Malta, surpassing even the one-star restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Portopalo<\/a> (Sliema) – Delicious seafood in a relaxed setting where the food outshines the ambiance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tora<\/a> (Sliema) – Upscale Chinese cuisine with breathtaking views of Valletta. This is one of the better sushi spots on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jungle Joy<\/a> (Sliema) – Crowds flock to this laid-back bar, while behind the glass doors in the back, you’ll find some of the best Thai food on the island. I’m obsessed with their panang curry!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hammet’s Gastro Bar<\/a> (Sliema) – Enjoy flavorful Asian fusion dishes paired with delicious cocktails and fantastic happy hour specials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taco Bar<\/a> (Sliema) – This is the closest you’ll get to authentic Mexican cuisine around here. We’ve practically become regulars! Don’t miss out on the Taco Smash cocktail\u2014it’s hands down the best drink on the menu!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waterpolo Club<\/a> (Ta’ Xbiex) – This waterside restaurant, inspired by Sicilian cuisine, offers iconic views of Valletta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Terron<\/a>e<\/a> (Birgu) – Dishes inspired by southern Italian and traditional Maltese cooking built within Fort St. Angelo. This is hands down one of my favorite spots on the island based off ambiance & food.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n ON THE RADAR:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Da Pippo<\/a> (Valletta)- N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar<\/a> (Valletta) – Noni<\/a> (Valletta) – Gracy’s Arts & Supper Club<\/a> (Valletta) – Casa Sotto<\/a> (Valletta) – Ion Habour<\/a> (Valletta) – Legligin Restaurant<\/a> (Valletta) – Zero Sei Trattoria Romano<\/a> (Valletta)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barracuda<\/a> (Sliema) – Manta<\/a> (Sliema) – Chophouse<\/a> (Sliema) – Picasso<\/a> (Sliema) – Ta’ Kris<\/a> (Sliema)<\/p>\n\n\n\n NAAR Restobar<\/a> (St. Julian’s) – Brasserie Rodin<\/a> (St. Julian’s) – Zen Sushi<\/a> – (St. Julain’s) – Hammett’s Mestizo<\/a> (St. Julian’s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seafood Market Grill<\/a> (Ta’ Xbiex) – The Black Egg<\/a> (Ta’ Xbiex) <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n BEST SPOTS TO GRAB A COCKTAIL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thehappyuphill.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Malta7-734x1024.jpg\")
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Rampila<\/a> (Valletta) – This restaurant’s walls were originally crafted by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century as a component of the protective fortifications surrounding Valletta. It now serves as a unique dining venue. The restaurant is nestled within a medieval tunnel, and provides outdoor terrace seating overlooking views of Valletta’s fortress. Rampilla offers an affordable selection of Mediterranean dishes. We were impressed with the beef carpaccio appetizer and thoroughly enjoyed the Paccheri pork cheek ragu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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