Solo Travel Destination: Malta

I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Solo Travel Society member Jennifer, to complement an earlier one from Ann. Jennifer is from Canada, Ann is from the United States, and each submitted reports from their solo trips to Malta. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!

Languages spoken: Maltese, English

Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events and attractions)

The unique Maltese balconies

Jennifer's Visit to Malta

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is an island country about 100 km south off the coast of Sicily. Part of the European Union, is has a fascinating and storied history that dates back as far as 5200 BC.

Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world; within only about 315 square kilometers there are around 435,000 residents. With two official languages – Maltese and English – the vast majority of residents are native Maltese. The largest minority are Brits, many of whom relocated to this small country to retire, and I can see why.

I spent a month in this amazingly sunny place and throughout I did a lot of walking. There are so many streets to wander down which are snuggled into one another, filled with interesting shops, sculptures, and cafes. Many neighborhoods are crammed with rows of flats lining the streets with colorful balconies perched overhead.

Valletta, the capital, has many streets just like this, as well as being studded with an array of museums and art galleries housed in grand palaces dating back to The Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Because Malta was won and lost by many a ruler – Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and English among them – the layers of culture permeate everything from the architecture to the food. If you are looking for a cultural experience for your first time traveling solo, you will certainly find it here.

Although the city of Valletta is a popular place to stay while in Malta, I’d actually recommend the district of Sliema as your home base. It has great views of the Valletta skyline, lots of shops and restaurants, a three story grocery store, and some great graffiti art.

Many tours, including the Hop On/Hop Off bus have loading points nearby. There is a fast ferry that can take you across the water to Valletta, so it is also easy to visit the rest of Malta by bus, boat, or private hire. This neighborhood is also densely populated, but it feels less so than Valletta – and the rent is much cheaper which is a bonus if you are on a tight budget.

The winding, narrow streets of Mdina

Another must-see in Malta is Mdina. Pronounced “Em-deena,” this magical fortified city sits at the highest center point on the mainland of Malta. It’s known as the “Silent City” because it is insulated by bastions and is a largely pedestrian-only area inhabited by less than 300 residents. Its long history suggests that through the centuries it has been anything but silent given the number of battles won and lost for its possession. Throughout its colorful and noisy past, Mdina has been a crucial part of Malta’s heritage and a true symbol of the strength and resilience of the Maltese people.

Mdina is easily toured in less than a day, but with its winding narrow streets, ancient courtyards, and hidden gardens, it is worth taking the time to savor it all. There are a few cafes serving food and beverages, and the Mdina Experience audio and visual show does a great job of highlighting the many layers of this fort city’s history.

In all the areas I visited in Malta, I felt safe and well-oriented. The people are gracious and the streets are clean and well-lit in the evening. There are always lots of people around, including groups of tourists from all over the world, as well as a few fellow solo travelers. As with anywhere though, always be mindful of your safety and take precautions to avoid any unwanted attention. I felt very comfortable in Malta and fit in with the crowd.

There are many things that you can see and do in and around Malta, including harbor tours, shopping, and soaking up the sun. There are even day trips to Sicily if you want to test out a bit of time in Italy.

Although one of the more expensive countries in Europe – compared to those in Eastern Europe for instance – by staying in a district outside of Valletta and renting a short-let apartment so you can cook some of your own meals, it can be made affordable.

If you are thinking of traveling alone for the first time, are drawn to Europe but are anxious about language and safety, Malta is a great choice for English speakers looking to get out of their comfort zone – but not too much.

View of Valletta from Sliema

Solo Travel Destination Rating System

Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)

Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)

Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)

Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)

Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)

St. Julian's

Ann's Trip to Malta

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world. Located in the Mediterranean just south of Sicily, it has everything: diving, swimming, historic sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, great food, and very, very friendly people.

It's a small set of three islands (Malta, Comino, and Gozo) and it's very easy to get all around the islands using the bus system as well as the ferries.

Stay in San Gilian (St. Julian's) and you'll be close to the nightlife in Paceville or the historic capital of Valleta. It's a gorgeous and relaxing place to go with plenty of things for everyone to see and do.