What do you really know about Malta?
Malta is a small and beautiful island, located in the waters of the Mediterranean. The official language is Maltese and the second language is English. The truth is that I personally heard a lot of Italian too. Malta is one of the most multicultural countries, as there you can find people literally from all over the world and you get to see new mentalities and cultures. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it has nothing to envy from the big European states. Spending 7 days on the island, I have to say that I will definitely visit it again, as soon as I get the chance!
What are the most popular places and the biggest tourist attractions of the island?
1. Saint Peter’s Pool
This natural pool is located in Marsaxlokk, on the south side of the island. The crystal clear green waters combined with the countless fish you can see there, make Saint Peter’s Pool one of the first destinations for tourists to visit. Personally, I enjoyed the sea and the sun with a slight fear of the deep water I had to swim in. Anyway, it’s a very beautiful place to visit for sure!
2. Saint George’s Bay
I can say that this beach really reminded me of Halkidiki in Greece. Crystal clear water and full of shops, restaurants and cafes. And of course, the shopping mall of the island. There, I really found everything! After all, Saint Julian’s, where this beach is located, is literally full of tourists, so there would be no excuse not to build luxury hotels with all the amenities.
3. Blue Lagoon
And of course, last but not least, is the famous Blue Lagoon! Honestly, there are not enough words to describe this place. Crystal clear water and beautiful rocks compose this beautiful landscape. We went there with a ferry boat, which made our short passage even better, because we got to see all the caves that were created from the sea over the years.
What can you do in Blue Lagoon?
The main thing you need to do is to go early! And when I say early, I mean it. Unfortunately, Malta has too many rocky beaches and almost no sand at all. So, if you want to be able to find a sunbed or even a stone to leave your towel on, you must go early. So, after I was so lucky to sit in front of the sea, it was time for a cocktail. Yes, we enjoyed our cocktails in sliced pineapples with paper straws and a large amount of alcohol, as the capacity was incredible. In my opinion this was the best place in Malta!
4. Mdina, the silent city
Mdina is the old capital of the island and has been inhabited since 700 B.C. This medieval city consists of narrow alleys and high walls. There is the Roman villa, the catacombs and the Cathedral. Personally, I have to tell you that it is indescribably beautiful. It is no coincidence that the filming of the much-discussed Game of Thrones took place there! I suggest, however, before you go in to take a picture of the map at the entrance, if you don’t want to get lost, as these alleyways look a little scary. Of course there are restaurants and shops in the city that attract a lot of tourists and you can spend your time beautifully.
And what about the vegan cuisine on the island?
I used the “Happy Cow” app to a great extent (if you don’t have it already on your mobile, go and download it now, as it is free) and I enjoyed my food every single day. There were truly a lot of vegan/vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurants and I overate to a big extend, because I wanted to try as many things as possible. Selectively, these are my favorites ones…
1. Foam and Fork
I start with my favorite one! I fell in love! I think this restaurant is one of the main reasons to return to the island. Its vegan choices were many and everything was well cooked. I won’t forget the beetroot hummus, but also the Caesar’s salad, which was the best I have ever eaten. I’ll be back for sure!
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foamandfork/
2. Balance Bowl
Balance Bowl is a purely vegan store with people who believe and love this lifestyle. There I tried burgers, falafel and wonderful dips. But what excited me most was the nachos. The hot sauce that accompanied them made me eat them all and then of course I had that burning sensation for the rest of the day. But I don’t regret it, because it was perfect!
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balance_bowl/
3. Choco Kebab Cafe
Choco Kebab Cafe had the most polite staff ever! We were welcomed and treated to the fullest. We tried a wonderful pasta and a delicious sandwich, but these steaks enchanted me. When I first tried it, I was shocked, as they clearly reminded me of animal-by foods. They were absolutely amazing!
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chocokebabcafe/
4. Falafel Street
And here of course you see the best falafel restaurant on the island! I ate in 3 separate times there and if I had stayed more, I would definitely choose it again. This store is located in Valletta, the capital of the island, where we stayed. The guy who works there is so helpful and makes the best sandwiches you can try on the island. Also, don’t hesitate to add lots of vegan sauces with your falafel. They fit perfectly together and the make the taste even more better.
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falafel_street_malta/
5. Pastaus
If you are a pasta lover, like me, and you are looking on your travels to find the best spaghetti, I am here for you. Visit Pastaus in the center of Valletta and enjoy their wonderful handmade pasta and you won’t be disappointed!
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastaus_/
6. Amorino
Of course I tried some! After all, you can’t have summer without some ice cream? This perfect ice cream store named “Amorino” located in Valletta has many vegan flavors to choose from. Of course, the wonderful design with this rose also won my heart. So, don’t forget to visit it for sure, if you go to Malta!
Find it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amorinogelato/
And if you need more information about the island, I definitely encourage you to visit the following accounts, because they personally helped me get to know the island before I even got there:
Thank you for being with me on this journey too!
I wish you a wonderful time!