Rookie Tourist Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. It’s a beautiful country with a rich history and culture – known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, French and British. With so much history, it’s no wonder that Malta is now a popular tourist destination. However, as with any country, there are certain things that visitors should avoid doing in order to make the most of their trip. If you’re planning a trip to Malta, here are some rookie errors to avoid:

Don’t assume that everyone speaks English

While English is widely spoken in Malta, it’s not the only language. Maltese is the official language, and you’ll find that many signs and menus are written in Maltese. If you don’t know any Maltese, don’t worry. Just make an effort to learn a few basic phrases before you arrive. It’ll go a long way in making locals feel appreciated, and you might even pick up a new skill.

Don’t forget sunscreen

Malta is known for its sunny weather, so you shouldn’t skimp on the sun cream. The UV levels can be quite high, so make sure to apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day. And if you’re planning on spending any time in the water, be sure to use a waterproof sunscreen. No one wants to start their holiday with a nasty sunburn.

Don’t miss out on the local food

Malta has some delicious traditional dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Be sure to try at least one of these while you’re here: pastizzi (cheesy pastry), ftira (Maltese bread), lampuki pie (fish pie), and rabbit stew (a national dish). And of course, no visit to Malta would be complete without trying some of the local wine.

Don’t neglect your safety

While Malta is generally a safe place to visit, there are always risks when travelling to new places. Be sure to take all the usual precautions: don’t leave your belongings unguarded in busy areas, don’t walk alone at night, and keep an eye out for pickpockets and scammers. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and walk away from the situation.

Don’t just stick to Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and while it’s definitely worth a visit, there’s so much more to see on this beautiful island. Mdina, also known as the Silent City, is definitely worth a visit. This fortified city was the old capital of Malta and its narrow streets and beautiful architecture are something out of a fairytale. Or take a day trip to Gozo where you can explore the collapsed Azure Window – still incredibly beautiful.

But don’t try to see everything

Malta may be small but there’s still a lot to see and do. Trying to pack too much into one trip will just leave you feeling exhausted. Instead, focus on a few areas that interest you most and take your time exploring them. That way you’ll have time to really soak up the culture and enjoy your surroundings instead of rushing from one place to the next.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip to Malta. By avoiding these rookie mistakes, you’re sure to have a wonderful time exploring everything this beautiful island has to offer.