A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Magical Malta

If a heady Mediterranean cocktail of timeless cultures and electrifying nightlife delight you, Malta is where you should head. Its walled cities, cerulean beaches and perennial carnivals offer the experience of several holidays clubbed in one! Soak up the feeling of timelessness as you stroll through the lanes of this small country, with its distinct old-world charm.

Why Visit Malta

Visit Malta for its beautiful landscapes and enjoy the different hues of nature. For those looking for some adventure, Malta offers a range of outdoor activities like paragliding, diving and snorkeling.

For those who want to get a slice of the Maltese culture, be a part of the various festivals or attend the local music bands' performance.

When to Visit

Malta is an all-season country, although the peak tourist season is from July to August. You can soak in the festive spirit during this time, since the island celebrates several festivals, including the Maltese harvest festival. However, brace yourself for a hot, dry climate and long queues at popular destinations.

Great hotel deals are available during the winter, since the country sees fewer visitors during this time. The days are cool with chilly winds and you will need to carry a jacket when you are out sightseeing.

Visa for Malta

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Malta. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Air Malta, Malta's airline, connects it to European, North African and Middle Eastern countries. You can also take a ferry from Italy, but check the schedule to ensure there is a service plying on the day you want to visit.

Opting for Malta's public transport is a great way to explore the country. Apart from the regular buses that ply across popular routes, the hop-on-hop-off buses, which link popular routes, are convenient for tourists.

You can rent a car or bike from the various agencies or hire a taxi. Being an island country, boats and ferries are available across different points, so you can enjoy the scenic delights on the way.

Where to Stay

Malta is one of the world's smallest countries and you can easily move from one location to another in less than an hour. Therefore, your itinerary does not have to determine your place of stay.

Besides hotels, there are plenty of other accommodation options. Renting an apartment is economical if you are visiting as a large group.

Malta is also a popular hub for business travelers, with a number of industrial estates. The most popular industrial estates are San Gwann Industrial Estate, Xewkija Industrial Estate, Safi Aviation Park, etc.

Things to Do

• St. John's Co-Cathedral
  Visit this cathedral to enjoy its spectacular interiors crafted with intricate detail. The interiors are an art-lover's delight with its exquisite Caravaggio paintings and artistic sculptures. Do not miss the floor marbles and upholstery crafted with extraordinary finesse.
• Manoel Theatre
  Get acquainted with local culture of Malta at the Manoel theatre, by watching the dance, drama and opera performances by artists of repute. Savor the intricate interiors of the theatre, while you enjoy these cultural shows.
• The Hypogeum
  The Hypogeum or Hypogeum of al-Saflieni is a pre-historic underground site discovered in 1902. Feel yourself transported back in time as you step across its thresholds! The paintings on the walls are a remarkable depiction of the bygone eras.
• Upper Barraka Gardens
  Built on the highest point of Malta, enjoy the breathtaking views of the medieval city from these stunning gardens. In addition to the several varieties of flowers, admire the monuments and statues that grace this garden.
• Palazzo Parisio
  Apart from the magnificent architecture that the palace boasts of, the Palazzo Parisio has on display rare works of art and sculpture. The beautifully landscaped Mediterranean gardens add to the charm of the palace.

Do's & Don'ts in Malta

Here are some tips to make your stay in Malta pleasurable.

• Malta experiences almost perennial sunshine. Therefore, protect yourself suitably by wearing hats, sunglasses, and loose fitting clothing while you explore the island. Remember to apply waterproof sunscreen before you head for a swim.
• While incidents of pickpocket are lesser in Malta as compared to other European countries, it is advisable to keep your valuables within your sight always, especially in beaches and other crowded areas.
• Overcharging tourists is popular in Malta, so it is better if you read a review before you visit a restaurant or important places of interest.

Make your stay as magical as Malta by availing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Change Country Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia