Hey guys,
My vacation in Malta has come to an end—I returned home yesterday—so it's time to wrap up my Malta posts with a summary of what I did and my overall opinion about the country.
Sliema
Sliema is a city on the opposite side of Valletta, and you can easily get there by taking the ferry. The ride takes just 10 minutes. I loved this city—it feels more vibrant, with fewer tourists wandering around. You’ll also find better restaurants, and everything is cleaner and more modern compared to other areas.
National Aquarium
Whenever I visit a new country, I always check out the zoo and aquarium because I love seeing exotic animals and fish. Based on what I read, I expected the Malta National Aquarium to be quite large, but in reality, it wasn’t. Sure, it had two sharks and a tank with piranhas (which I saw for the first time), but overall, it wasn’t worth it. I paid €20 for entry and €15 for an Uber to get there, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Popeye Village
One of Malta’s biggest strengths is its role as a filming location for many movies, thanks to its fortifications and stunning beaches. That’s how Popeye Village was created—the set was originally built for the movie Popeye, and the Maltese have since turned it into a tourist attraction. The village is located on a breathtaking beach with amazing, colorful waters. It’s definitely worth visiting, both for the natural beauty and to see what a real movie set looks like.
The Three Cities
On the other side of Valletta, you’ll find the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These cities are heavily fortified, and some episodes of Game of Thrones were filmed there. Walking through their streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages and the era of the Knights. During World War II, these cities were heavily bombed because Britain’s Mediterranean fleet was stationed there.
Final Verdict
Malta is definitely a spring and autumn destination because it essentially feels like summer year-round. The cities are beautiful, and the views are amazing everywhere you go. However, the country has way too many tourists, and I wasn’t even there during peak season. Still, I’d definitely recommend visiting Malta!
