sciences

Since the people on this site were so helpful in my trip preparation, I decided to spend a few minutes to make my own contribution. Thank you to everybody who helped along the way!

I spent two weeks in Malta in July and had a fantastic holiday.
Some highlights included:
a) The Maltese people - very friendly and laid-back - always happy to help
b) The Hotel Kempinski San Lawrenz on Gozo - we were grossly overcharged by our tour operator but hell, it was still a great hotel
c) Going for evening passiggiata along the Sliema promenade - a great way to enjoy local colour on hot summer nights
d) the festas!!! Super dangerous but dazzling fireworks and fun street parties
e) the Hypogeum - book the tickets in advance, it's worth it
f) the Armoury and Palace Rooms at the Grandmaster's Palace - Malta is a great destination for History buffs

Again, I loved Malta, but after reading some of the other postings on this country, I have to say that research is a good idea, coupled with an open mind. Yes, Malta is scorching hot in the summer, o.k., not every restaurant is worthy of a Michelin star, but in my opinion, the friendly people and History make Malta a fascinating place to visit.

Cate22

I would be interested to hear what all you did for those two weeks. My fiance and I were thinking about making a stop in Malta on our trip to Europe next summer...but we would only have around 3 days!

How long is the ferry ride? And should we plan on staying there longer...we are a little flexible. Are there great beaches? and what city would be the best to base ourselves?

Thanks and I look forward to hearing reading your reply.

sciences

Dear Cate 22

With regards to the "ferry ride", if you mean the ferry from Sicily, I wouldn't know since I flew into Malta International. The only ferry that I took was the one from Cirkewwa,Malta to Mgarr, Gozo, and that was only about 25 mins.

As for the beaches, there are a few sandy beaches such as Ramla Bay on Gozo and Meliha on the North shore of Malta, but I am not really a beach person so I actually prefer the rocky beaches where the swimming and snorkelling are good draws.

If you are looking to combine Malta with a bigger European tour, it is hard for me to say. We decided to spend two weeks because I like to take the time to get to know a place before moving on, and honestly, sometimes adding flights can hike up the cost of a trip.

For a base camp, you have the choice between staying on Malta, where there is a lot of History tourism to do, as well as a more urban feel... in which case, I liked Sliema for all the activity in the evening. Or, if you are looking for a quieter experience, staying on Gozo is also a great choice. We did one week in each place and it was good for balance.

Hope that helps.

Cate22

sciences,
Thank you so much for your response. It sounds like a wonderful and tranquil place that we would like to visit, but like you said, if the costs of getting there turns out to be more than expected, then we might re-think it. We will be flying from Athens, Greece to Palermo or Catania, Sicily, but perhaps they have a flight that will go on to Malta. And then we would just have to take a ferry back to Sicily to continue our trip up the coast of Italy.

Thanks again!

sambo

I agree Malta is great. If u stay at the San Lawrenz Kempinski in Gozo there is a shuttle bus to Ramla Bay. Great hotel and lovely pools.

In Malta proper beach hotels in northern part away from Valetta. From Westin Dragonara u can swim in the ocean from their Beach Club.

If u go stay in Malta a few days and then go to Gozo.