Malta is a Southern European country located in the center of the Mediterranean. Covering just over 120 square miles, the Republic of Malta is one of the smallest states in the world with a dense population. Named after the term for honey in Greek, Malta is known as the “land of honey” and a haven because of its bays and coves. If you have always dreamed of taking an international getaway, you should learn about the state or country you plan on visiting before you book your reservations. Learn what you can discover in and around Malta and witness 7000 years of history right before your eyes.

Experience Art in the Architecture of Malta

Before Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in the 1960’s, it was ruled by a number of different groups. The Phoenicians, the Romans, the Greeks, the Arabs, the Normans, the French, and the British all ruled the Maltese Islands before the country became a republic and the influences of each culture show in the architecture. If you are an art major or you just have a passion for beautiful architecture, you will appreciate every building you see before your eyes. The minute you step in Malta, you will notice the honey-colored buildings, the Renaissance cathedrals, and the Baroque Palaces made with ornate details. While some other islands are known for architecture, Malta is home to some of the oldest structures built by humans and is often labeled an open-air museum for visitors with a passion for art and history.

Learning About the Culture of Malta

As you now know, the island is one of the smallest states in the world and still has a dense population. Before you visit, you need to learn about the culture in Malta so you know what to expect when you come in contact with islanders that call Malta home. Throughout the centuries, the islanders have come into contact with several different cultures and societies. The contact was by choice at times and was by force at others. All of the contacts have influenced the islanders in one way or another and have developed the “culture of Malta” that is so well known across the world. Maltese islanders have a rich pattern of traditions, practices, and beliefs. Their beliefs are partially from adaption and partially from assimilation.

If you were to label the current culture in Malta it is easiest to describe the culture as a Latin European place with British influences. The language, traditions, and religion practiced in Malta are based on the those of the previous rulers. You will find more than 360 Catholic churches throughout the country, with more than half of the residents of the island attending these churches. There is freedom of religion in the country but 98 percent of the population profess Roman Catholicism as their religion of choice.

Weather in Malta

Now that you have a basic understanding of the history of Malta and the culture in the country, you need to learn about the weather so you can plan your getaway. When you are reserving Malta holidays, it is important to plan your trip around beautiful weather so you never have to worry about rain or cold. While Malta is warm most of the time throughout the year, you may run into wet patches if you do not plan right.

The hottest months on the island are July, August, and September with an average daily high of 85 degrees. Typical of a Mediterranean climate, you will experience short spells of rainfall between the months of December, January, and February. The average temperature in the winter months is between 60 degrees and 70 degrees. Humidity stays constant on the islands and measures in at about 70 percent year round, so you never have to worry about dry air or difficulty breathing.

Which Months Are Best for Malta Holidays?

If you do not mind rainfall on your getaway, you can travel for less in February and still escape most of the rain. February is considered a great travel month for the budget-minded tourist and you will find great deals on airfare and accommodations.

If you want to look forward to bright sunny days immediately following the rainy season, you can enjoy sightseeing in March and still save money on travel. Be aware that there is still a possibility for rain through the month of March.

In April and May, the weather will begin to get warmer although these months are still not dubbed beach season. If you want to experience the history of Malta or you want to wander around the island, this may be a wonderful time.

June is the official beginning of beach season and is the coolest month in summer. Temperatures rise drastically in July and August so you should travel during the early summer if you want to escape the rise in temperatures. Make sure you check an events calendar so you can browse what types of events are held on the island throughout the time you traveling.

How to Get Around the Islands of Malta

Now that you know what the climate is like, you can start to price the cost of airline tickets so you know just how much you are going to spend to get to the islands. After you get to the islands, you should learn how to get around the island so you can sight see and save money at the same time. The Maltese Islands are not large so getting around to all of the historic sights is not a difficult task. There is a public bus service on Malta and Gonzo that will take you to all of the major tourist areas throughout the island. The bus system is efficient and affordable and is the most popular choice for travelers on a budget.

If you want to get to every corner of the island so you do not miss any piece of architecture, you might want to consider renting a vehicle. The road signs throughout the island are printed in English so you can easily understand the laws of the road and the speed limit. You might want to practice the fact that you drive on the left side of the road in Malta. If you are traveling alone, you might want to rent a motorbike or a scooter so you can get through traffic quicker. Not all of the roads designed throughout the island are two-wheel friendly so you should keep this in mind.

If you want to travel between islands, you can take a ferry service that will take about 20 minutes each way. The ferries will show you a new side of the island and will give you a break from the roads and driving. Water taxi services are also available if you do not need to take a car over the Mediterranean.

Things to Do in Malta

You know the history of the islands, the climate, how to get around, and when to travel, but do you know what there is to do in Malta? If you answered no, you have come to the right place. There is no shortage of activities to do in Malta if you are a tourist. When you are traveling to Malta, you may want to review all of the places of interest so you can map out your route in advance. If you do not map out the route in advance, you may miss things that you really wanted to see while you were on your vacation.

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and is home to some of the world’s oldest Baroque architecture. If you want to identify all of these structures, there are more than 320 monuments around the city like the cathedral signed by famous architect Caravaggio. Mdina, nicknamed the silent city, is home to just 400 people. This car-free city has palaces, cathedrals, and museums and is one of the most fascinating cities.

If you want to visit a more urban area, Mosta is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. This large, urbanized city is home to the Rotunda dome and a dome that was bombed and left standing during WWII.

If you are the type of person who wants to participate in activities in the islands, there are dozens of things to choose from. Splash and Fun Water Park is perfect for the family followed by a relaxing Segway tour. If you love exotic animals, you can see what type of wildlife is found at the LWS Animal Park and then see whats under the ocean’s surface by taking a diving lesson. If you love culture, history, the arts, the beach, or nature, there is something for you to enjoy in Malta.

There is nothing more exciting than experiencing a foreign land where so much history took place. You do not have to visit France, Italy, Greece, and Normandy to learn about each of the cultures. See everything you need to know on a beautiful Mediterranean island in Malta and surround yourself with friendly islanders who will welcome you.