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Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.

What I Discuss

• Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capital
• Stepping back in time in the Silent City of Mdina
• Exploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

Practical Bits:

Ferry from Sicily:

• Virtu Ferries operates the main route from Pozzallo to Valletta
• Up to 4 daily crossings in summer, 3 in winter, with crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes
• Book in advance for best prices, especially during summer months

Best Time to Visit:

• May through October for warmest weather (25-30°C)
• Shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds
• Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually

Local Insights:

Language & Culture:

• Both Maltese and English are official languages - super accessible for English speakers
• Predominantly Catholic with conservative values - dress modestly in churches
• Sunday mornings see many attractions closed for church services

Food & Drink:

• Cheese pastizzi
• Maltese Ravioli
• Try local specialties and enjoy generous portions at reasonable prices

Key Takeaways

1. Malta exceeds expectations - incredible history and beauty packed into a tiny area
2. Book prehistoric sites in advance - Hypogeum allows only 80 visitors daily
3. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 316 square kilometres
4. Perfect for island hopping - Malta, Gozo, and Comino each offer unique experiences
5. Excellent value destination compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
6. Ferry from Sicily is easy - great way to combine both destinations

Useful Apps/Websites:

• Truly Expat Travel - 10 of Malta's Hidden Gems
• Ferryscanner - Sicily to Malta ferry bookings
• GetYourGuide - tours and skip-the-line tickets
• Airalo - for an automatic 15% discount for all new users

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Patsy about our "girls" trip to Sri Lanka, why she fell in love with the destination and why this trip was different to anything she's been on before? 

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at [email protected] - I'd love to hear your story!

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