There is a saying that there are more Maltese in Australia than in Malta, and its something I can believe. My favourable impressions of Malta are shaped by the dozens of amazingly warm and friendly Maltese people I have come to know over the years through work and other associations back home, and their influence permeates through our food (we too have Twistees, pastizzi cafes and a love of bitters in softdrinks. We even produce that bottle of Kinnie that all the locals are drinking) to our own commonly found surnames – from Azzopardi to Zammit.
My Maltese travel knowledge comes from all these friends and colleagues who have regailed me over 3 decades with stories, images and recommendations of their home nation. As chances of Malta winning the Eurovision ‘proper’ have yet to come to fruition, I really love the fact their excelling in Junior Eurovision finally gives me the excuse. You may not be a fan of the ‘kiddie’ contest, but by jove it visits some fantastic locations on peoples’ ‘I’ll get there one day… waiting for an excuse…’ lists – Armenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus…
For me, Malta clearly represents a country that I have actually dreamt for many years to visit but not made it to – till now. My prior two attempts to reach the historical and beautiful capital city of Valletta both then coincided with unfortunate trips to the world of unemployment (resulting in me having to cancel), including the plan to go to Junior Eurovision in 2014 when they last hosted. This third attempt is not much different, I have just finished a work contract and again, officially unemployed, but I was well prepped for this occurance and there was no way in hell that I was missing Maltas’ second hosting of Junior Eurovision in three years.
For many of you, I am sure you are reading this based in Europe – or at least a little closer to the plucky little Island than where I am located. You have probably beat me to it. Nevertheless, I still hope to impart some travel knowledge or destination awareness in this article that gives you a deep down wish to return.
Malta boasts a great location in the Meditteranean, with moderately warm winters, long hot summer days, crystal blue waters to swim in, and some extremely friendly local people. It doesn’t have to work hard to sell itself, but its little wonder that tourism makes up 40% of its GDP.
Its a easy 3-hour flight from London, and has airport connections across the world. It utilises the Euro, day to day costs like food and drink are reasonable (with the average cafe meal costing just 10 Euro), and even a stay in a 5 star hotel on the Valletta harbour doesn’t break the bank.
Even better is the fact that the Island is only 316km2, so you can literally explore the whole main territory in just one day. But of course, the longer you have, the better – so you can really get to see and experience the below activities.
Must-sees
Locked away in a press centre for 10 hours a day, its hard for you to remember what country you are in sometimes, let alone getting to see it. The beauty of attending Junior Eurovision however is that it is a much more relaxed affair and the schedules are friendly for the attendees to allow them free-time to embrace the destination.
Whilst the delegations will have access to the hop-on, hop-off bus system and also a glass bottom boat cruise through the week, I feel they may miss out on what I believe are the 3 must-sees of any trip here…
Gozo
The tranquil ‘second’ Island on the nation is best known for its coastline, which provides some of the best diving sites in the region. On the ground though, you can take in temples, the rugged and rural landscape and of course, the sunny beaches which you may be more familiar with thanks to this years Ira Losco filmclip.
Blue Lagoon
I’m not religious, but whenever I see photos of the Blue Grotto provided by my Maltese friends, the immediate word that springs to mind is heavenly. The Blue Grotto is located on the southern coast of Malta, and during the day when the sunlight hits the areas of overhanging rocks and surrounding chain of caves, it reflects the phosphorescent colours of the submerged flora and the deep dark shade of blue of the sea.
Mdina
Dating back more than 4000 years, Mdina is the ancient walled city that was once the capital of Malta. It is lamp lit by night and referred to as “the silent city”, making it fascinating to visit at any time during a visit. Full of cultural and religious treasures, there are catacombs to explore, medieval architecture and Roman ruins.
Food
The sun-drenched Island nation is best known in my mind as the birthplace of my own cook from the freezer staple – the pastizzi – a filo pastry snack usually filled with cheese, or locally, with peas. However, one cannot survive on these tasty but fattening snacks alone (at least beyond breakfast and lunch). You’ll find the typical Meditteranean diet of seafood, flavoursome tomatoes, olives, cheeses and seafood here, but ask any local what they recommend, it always comes back one thing – rabbit.
Looking for a good value option within the heart of Valletta that draws a local crowd and not just tourists, Cafe Ranieri offers up some of the tastiest local dishes including the famous local rabbit stew (39 Republic Street).
Meanwhile, if you fancy the more ‘touristy’ options for a special night out that combines your meal with some light entertainment, folk-dancing, history, as well as a tasty local buffet meal, you can indulge in the dinner-theatre of the ‘Chamber of Mysteries’.
The music, the nightlife
If you have ever watched a Maltese national final, you might be sharing my thoughts that everyone here fancies themselves as performers – its a small nation boasting many musicians; in styles ranging from Opera (big nod to the world-famous tenor Joseph Calleja), to family pop-bands (a nod to even more Callejas!).
So where can you expect to spot the next Chiara? Practically any and every wine bar in town.
Malta doesn’t actually have a huge music scene, certainly not one that can sustain a pure music career, but it seemingly encourages its local artists to perform in places like BJs which offers open mic nights of differing styles each night of the week.
If clubbing is more your thing though, there is AXM – popular with anyone and everyone to visit, but also the location of the only local gay club on the Island.