We just booked a great airfare to Malta for the month of December. Now to figure out what area to stay in. We have thought about visiting Malta for some time. First area that comes to mind is Valletta. We will stay in one place for the month, we will not have a car. Where would you stay if you had a month? Thanks for any ideas of places or areas to stay and things to do!
Posted by
5366 posts
ETA I read that as not wanting to stay in one place, but I'd really want a change of pace in evening. At the least, I would consider staying on Gozo as well. But then I just also realized it is December, so maybe the city is the best option!
I'd stay the most time on Malta, then maybe about 1/4 to 1/3 on Gozo.
I liked Valletta's old world charm, and it will be easy to catch bus from there. Some like the modern towns like St Julian's/Sliema (which I avoided entirely). The island is small so you can stay wherever you like with a bus stop--I think I'd go with three bases.
Posted by
Ashburn VA
867 posts
You are so lucky! It will be easy to fill a month between Valletta and Gozo. I'd probably suggest 3/4 in Valletta to 1/3 in Gozo or perhaps 2/3 to 1/3. There's a lot more to see on Malta, in my view, anyway, like museums (tons of WWII history), the co-cathedral, archeological sites, the ancient city of Mdina. A day trip to Marsaxlokk would be an excellent way to spend a day. So would going out to the cart tracks, although I'd only go with a guide who could explain what you're seeing. For me Gozo was more a beach/eat/party destination. Not bad things, just not me. The Lonely Planet Malta book was very helpful to us, as were a couple of tours outside of Valletta we arranged through Tours by Locals. Looking at their tours will give you an excellent idea of what people view as Malta's highlights. Don't worry about not having a car. There are lots of buses--taking them is an adventure in itself -- and they also have a local version of Uber that worked very well and was not expensive at all.
Posted by
OP
Florence, Oregon
65 posts
Thanks for the replies. We have booked an apartment in the old town area in Valletta and will take day trips from there. Everyone please continue with the excellent suggestions for things to do, budget places to eat, etcetera. Thanks Wanderlust58, there is a new version of the Lonely Planet guide coming out in the middle of February so we will wait for that one. Do you remember the name of the rideshare app? Care to elaborate on "There are lots of buses--taking them is an adventure in itself" ? We are comfortable using public transportation most anywhere.
Posted by
Ashburn VA
867 posts
The ride share app we used ECabs. Bolt and Cool, although we didn't use them, are also available. For us, the bus system was very slow, hot, and overcrowded. Since we were there for only a short time, it was easier and more comfortable for us to use the ride share app. I should have also mentioned the Bradt Guide as a good way to help with your planning. I'll send you more ideas via a private message.