Unmissable Malta Experiences You Won’t Find In A Guide Book
Malta’s is inarguably a tiny place, so it’s really not difficult to do a whole lot of awesome things while you’re visiting. Although most of what’s written down in guide books is totally legit, we reckon the best parts of Maltese life is what’s not written down.
Here’s a few examples of what you can do to experience Malta like a local.
1. Grab a ħobża for breakfast
A Maltese ħobża is a salty, crusty, sourdough bread which will annihilate your carb craving – in a good way. You’ve got to try one of these for a late breakfast. If you want true authenticity head to Andrews’ Bar or Duke’s and ask for ton taż-żejt filling.
2. Go for a long walk at Fomm ir-Riħ
One of Malta’s most beautiful bays. It’s not super accessible, so wear comfy shoes and clothes and get ready for a short hike. The pay-off is totally worth it – especially if you stay till sunset.
3. Snack on a kannol from Busy Bee
And eating it on the Ta’ Xbiex promenade with a view of Valletta. Pure. Bliss.
4. Visit a boċċi club
If you want to experience everything that’s typically Maltese in one place, then visit one of the few remaining boċċi clubs around Malta. Have a cheap drink, maybe even a pastizz, and watch the seasoned players compete in one of Malta’s most traditional games.
Photo: Visit Malta / Facebook
5. Drop in on a beloved institution
Speaking of pastizzi – a snack consisting of a savoury filling and a flaky, buttery outer pastry – your’re not going to want to miss out on Malta’s pastizzi mecca – Is-Serkin. Make this the highlight of your visit. Oh and you might want to pop into Mdina – the town that served as island’s capital from antiquity to the medieval period. #priorities
6. Take in the limestone wonders
If it’s outdoor vistas you’re into, you’ve got to visit Malta’s most stunning rock formations. We’ve already pulled together a handy list of these. Some of them you will find in a guide book, some you might not – all are totally worth checking out.
PHOTO: ALEX TURNBULL / FACEBOOK
7. Eat pizza on the steps of St Paul’s Street
This one’s easy – go to Valletta, find Vecchia Taranto on the gorgeous and dramatic St Paul’s Street, order a pizza to go, pay basically nothing, grab it, and it eat with your hands on the steps outside the church of San Pawl Nawfraġju. You won’t regret it.
8. Play Bingo (tombla) in Msida
If you want some classic Maltese fun with not another foreigner in sight, look out for the Msida tombla events. They’re pretty hard to pin down, but every once in a while the locality’s Parish church or the Msida Sea Scouts will post a notice on Facebook announcing their next tombla night.
9. Have a swim and a beer in Sliema
Most people overlook Sliema’s rocky beaches in favour of Malta’s sandy bays – but it would be a mistake to miss out on the awesomely refreshing swim you’ll get on this side of the island. The best thing about it is that you can head over to the Exiles area and have a pint after your swim. Heaven.