Just a short flight away from the grey of the UK is the sun-soaked paradise of Malta. Discover what this island has to offer from a mother and son who headed there for a 4 night stay in early October!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n \u00a9 Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Malta came highly recommended by a friend when we were searching for a short break. The flight from London is under 3 hours, the weather is warm and sunny, and there is an idyllic mix of sandy beaches, lush countryside, towns with beautiful architecture, and a lot of historical sights and attractions to explore.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To add to that, even though the island has a rich and very mixed heritage influenced by cultures all over the world, the recent British rule (ending in 1975) makes the island feel very familiar. You will find most signage and documentation in English, sockets are for three-pin plugs, they drive on the left, and you\u2019ll find red post boxes alongside British-style pelican crossings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Grand Harbour and Three Cities Malta, \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n There are a few main places people head for. We chose Il Mellieha because it seemed like a more chilled-out option with the kind of quiet beach vibe we were looking for. Our hotel of choice was Luna Holiday Complex<\/a>, and we booked a B&B option via EasyJet holidays<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n The hotel apartments were clean and spacious, the buffet breakfast was continental style with English breakfast buffet options, and it was perfect for fueling up before heading out to adventure for the day. The best bit about the hotel was the rooftop pool (over 17s only), and the gym was very well equipped.<\/span><\/p>\n Other recommended places to stay are:<\/b><\/p>\n Valletta:<\/strong> a jaw-droppingly beautiful historic city, very close to the airport, with sea views in every direction.<\/span><\/p>\n Bugibba:<\/strong> this is the place to head if you like a resort vibe and beaches are also good here.<\/span><\/p>\n Gozo:<\/strong> A small island just off Malta with exquisite views, beautiful beaches and great hiking.<\/span><\/p>\n The less enticing places, according to other holidaymakers are:\u00a0<\/strong> Paceville, unless you like an active nightlife, and the outskirts of St Paul\u2019s Bay.<\/span><\/p>\n Bear in mind that Malta is small (you can get round it in a day by car), so whatever you want to explore will only be a short bus, bolt, or hire car ride away wherever you stay!<\/span><\/p>\n Mellieha \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n See old stuff! From churches to ancient tombs, there is a lot of historical \u201cstuff\u201d to see in Malta. This is what we did:<\/span><\/p>\n Visited Parish Church of Mellieha <\/a><\/b>\u2013 dripping with incredible Catholic iconography, a stunning building with even more stunning statues, and sat on top of the hill affords fabulous views out to sea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Hiked the Xemxija Heritage Trail <\/a><\/b>\u2013 again, spectacular hilltop views out to sea whilst discovering well-reserved tombs, ruins, and ancient spaces that are as much as 2,500 years old. We explored a beehive \u201cfarm\u201d built into the rocks, a partially restored farmers cottage, burial tombs, roman baths, and got to enjoy the shade of the oldest carob tree on the island, estimated to be 1,000 years old!<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Full day tour of Valletta<\/a><\/b> \u2013 the buildings here are stunning; highly decorative, opulent and evoke a centuries old maritime vibe. The narrow streets are packed with bouji eateries and bars, and in every direction you can catch glimpses of the sea. Make sure you do a tour around the outskirts for full harbour views, and explore the fort and gardens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Valletta \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Other than that we spent time sunbathing and swimming in the sea at Mellieha Bay, and lounging by the pool at Luna\u2019s rooftop sky lounge.<\/span><\/p>\n Sky Lounge Rooftop Pool at Luna Holiday Complex \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Other top recommendations include:<\/b><\/p>\n Traditional Maltese food that isn\u2019t to be missed includes Pastizzi \u2013 a gorgeous light and fluffy pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or with peas (although we had ones that seemed more like lentil). They are a street-food that come in at 50c each, and are divine! Also Imqaret, a date-filled pastry that is best served hot with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of ice cream!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mellieha Bay Malta, \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is a difficult one and we were only there a short time, and everything was REALLY nice. If anything, I\u2019d pick that it is evidently being built-up in the quieter places. Lots of cranes putting up blocks of buildings, which will likely be hotels or apartments. Places like St Paul\u2019s Bay looked packed to the hills, it would be a shame if that will be the same fate for quieter places such as Mellieha.<\/span><\/p>\n Absolutely. In fact, I am hoping to return for a family holiday next October, will have to see what the prices are like during the October half term, but I think the weather will still be warm and there is just so much more that I wanted to do!<\/span><\/p>\n Kerry McCarthy is a travel writer, author, artist, and breathwork instructor. You can see more of her adventures on Instagram @kerrymccarthystars<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kerry Mcarthy at Mellieha Bay, Malta \u00a9Kerry McCarthy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n We have specialist travel insurance policies to suit a range of budgets and needs. All of our policies come with 24\/7 multilingual helpline access and each policy can be tailored to suit your unique needs, no matter where in the world you are!<\/p>\n Get in <\/b>touch with us for a quote<\/b><\/a> or call us on 01892 833338<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.worldwideinsure.com\/travel-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_3565-Medium.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhy holiday in Malta?<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhere to stay in Malta<\/b><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat to do in Malta<\/b><\/h2>\n
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What to love about Malta \u2013 The Food!<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nWhat we did not love<\/b><\/h3>\n
Would we go to Malta again?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Travel writer bio<\/b><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nGet your travel insurance!<\/b><\/h2>\n