10 reasons to love Malta

It’s impossible not to love Malta. There’s year-round sun, more beautiful beaches than your little heart could ever desire, a vibrant nightlife and lots of opportunities for sports and adventure.

This list will leave you wondering why we aren’t all living in Malta. Seriously.

1. The sun always shines

The Mediterranean nation enjoys a whopping eight-month long summer, so there’s never a bad time to experience the island’s rustic charms. Stretching from April to November, Malta basks in temperatures upwards of 30 °C much of the year. It’s also one of the sunniest places in Europe, enjoying over 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. Even in the ‘winter’ you can enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters or top-up your suntan on any of Malta’s pristine beaches.

2. The beaches are beautiful

Malta has too many gorgeous beaches to mention. Whether you take a dip in the inviting waters of St Peter’s Pool or party with your friends on the golden sand of Ghajn Tuffieha- Malta’s islands have the perfect beach for you. The only problem is that once you’ve experienced the likes of Golden Bay or the secluded inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini-.you’ll find it near impossible to pull yourself away.

3. The Blue Lagoon is there

Malta consists of three main islands. Sandwiched in between the two main islands of Malta and Gozo, lies the tiny island of Comino. The rugged isle is home to just four permanent residents, but it’s a favourite with locals and tourists who seek unspoilt landscapes and hidden coves. No trip to Malta is complete without experiencing the luscious, azure waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon- one of Malta’s many stunning natural pools.

4. The nightlife’s world class

The Maltese might enjoy the relaxed, Mediterranean way of life during the day, but don’t make the mistake of thinking Malta has a sleepy nightlife. Far from it. Look behind the ancient facade, and you’ll discover that the Maltese sure know how to party with top international DJs such as Tiesto playing sets on the island. The nation’s nightlife is thriving with St Julian’s a particular hotspot.

5. The history’s ancient

The earliest signs of human habitation and culture on Malta date back more than 7,000 years – way older than the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It’s no wonder then that its charming streets make the island feel like a picturesque open-air museum.  The walled town of Mdina is steeped in a rich, colorful history that stretches back some 4,000 years. The capital, Valletta, is so beautiful that the whole city is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

6. The locals are lovely

If you stay with a Maltese family, you won’t be a guest- you’ll be part of the family. The Maltese are some of the most welcoming people on the planet. They are also amongst the most language-loving people with both Maltese and English acknowledged as the official languages. Italian is also spoken by two thirds of the population.

7. And the food rocks

Everyone knows that the Mediterranean cuisine is one of the tastiest around. Maltese dishes are an enchanting concoction of the many nations that have influenced Malta over the years. The Maltese take great pride in their delicious cuisine with scrumptious fish dishes featuring heavily.

8. It’s compact

One of the perks of visiting such a small island is that you’re never too far from the next adventure. Stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and quiet coves are never out of reach or a long trip away. Malta might only measure 27km long and 14km wide, but it packs in a whole lot of wonder into such a small size.

9. The waters are turquoise

Malta’s inviting waters make for some of Europe’s best snorkelling spots. Make sure to snorkel through the caves and reefs of Comino to experience the Mediterranean waters at their turquoise finest. Malta is also a haven for other water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing and jet skiing. For those who enjoy a more gentle time on water, you can paddle your way around the coast in a kayak or rock the windswept look while sailing.

10. Adventure is always near

If you can drag yourself away from the water, there are horse riding treks and epic mountain biking routes that will take you far away from the tourist trail. Experienced guides, who are passionate about showcasing their nation’s natural beauty, will take you on a journey through pristine countryside where you’ll discover secret beauty spots.

Images by (top): Jon Rawlinson, Flickr/Creative Commons