Thinking of Malta, first week of March
 

Hello Fodorites, as a "special birthday surprise" I am thinking of taking my husband to Malta during the first week of March. Most of Europe (where we live) is bound to be still cold and often rainy. We like to concentrate on culture first but a bit of sunshine would be very welcome too. I understand that Malta has a 7000 year history with several different occupations so I'm looking forward to learning more. Weather wise: what can you experienced travellers tell me: is March still too early?
Any advise, as always, most welcome!

One weather forecast website (there are lots of them) suggests the average temperature in March is around 12 Celsius. Malta's history ping-pongs around domination by a number of the Mediterranean's colonial empires, plus England. The Crusaders' fortresses still define its centre, and its experiences during the Second World War were so severe that Britain awarded the whole island the Victoria Cross.

Malta, as I've said on here before, is like Marmite. Love it or hate it. I fall into the latter camp.

If I was looking for a March break, my first choice would be Madeira. Better weather, better food, more picturesque island, nicer hotels and Funchal is a nicer town than Valletta.

O dear, really Rubicund? We'll give it a second thought. Thanks to you both.

I spent a couple of weeks in Malta in December and was surprised at how warm it was, a light jacket was plenty. While the island is relatively small, I enjoyed staying in 3 locations, longest in Valletta, a few days each in Marsaxlokk and Mdina/Rabat. There was momentary culture shock but it wore off quickly and I especially loved the architecture, the easy pace and the bus service. I'm sorry Rubicund hates it but I suspect most would be in the other camp. And much better than Marmite.

What did you experience as a 'culture shock", Mme Perdu?

It's a long story and I hesitate to scare you off. Not long after the furor I seemed to create, all was well and I enjoyed the rest of my visit very much. It was in part, I'm sure, because I'd been at sea for some time, on a French cargo ship and treated exceptionally well. It was the contrast, after all the peace and quiet, that was likely my problem. You can read about it on these links:

The original post:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-most-rude.cfm

And when it hit the fan:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles...st-rude.449718

We were in Malta first week of March a few years ago. Big success. It wasn't tropical warm but sunny and pleasant. Not beach weather. We got about by public buses to Marsaxlokk, Mdina, Rabat, the island of Gozo. Stayed in Valetta and moved around from there every day. Great trip.

Decision time now - in the midst of the holiday buzz- but something nice to look forward to. Thank you all for your contributions.

P.S. I am sorry you had an unpleasant experience Mme Perdu. Maybe you were just unlucky. By the way, how would you describe Maltese cuisine, not unimportant of course. I know Malta has been under British rule = influence for a long time. Just interested, that's all.

We're planning a trip form the US to Malta for late April '16.

Can't decide whether to have one base for the entire 10 days, eg Sliema region close to Valletta, or to move around. Other option is a few days in Mdina/Rabat & Gozo, after Valletta.

For those that have been to Malta, any advice?

Staying in a location, even for a couple of days, is a very different experience than having lunch & a walk around, then moving on, as I'm sure most realize. Malta is small but, even so, I recommend staying in more than 1 locale, as I did and was glad I did (see my first reply at the top). I'd also recommend staying in the old city of Valletta proper, rather than the outskirts, so much to see on foot.

I really liked Malta. Spent 7 days in Valetta last summer. In that amount of time from that based I saw everything I wanted to on Malta. Did not get to Gozo. I would probably split my time with bases on both islands if I go back (which I hope to do). My trip report has lots of details of what there is and logistics of getting around.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ta-in-july.cfm

Photos - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/malta

Isabel- How many days would you stay on Gozo? I am traveling to Malta for 8 nights in mid-February and I'm trying to decided how to divide my days. Thanks!

Since I didn't get there I can't say for sure, but I would probably give it 2 nights to have one full day, maybe three. I think the most interesting stuff is probably on Malta and I would definitely base in Valletta again.

Have fun and write a trip report.