Category: Travel

To make your journey smooth and enjoyable, here’s a comprehensive guide on transportation options, accommodation, and essential travel tips.

Currency

First things first, the local currency in Malta is the Euro (€). Ensure you have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and transportation needs.

Arriving in Malta

By Sea/Car from Pozzallo

If you’re traveling from Italy, consider taking the ferry from Pozzallo with Virtu Ferries. This scenic route allows you to bring your car and enjoy the sea journey. For schedules and ticket bookings, visit the Virtu Ferries website.

By Airplane

Malta is well-connected by air with several airlines offering direct flights:

• Wizz Air
• Air Malta
• Ryanair
• Lufthansa
• Turkish Airlines

For those looking for a layover option, a stop in Catania, Sicily, provides an excellent opportunity to explore another beautiful destination. To compare flights and find the best deals, use Skyscanner.

Getting Around the Island

Local Bus Service

Buses are a reliable and cost-effective way to explore Malta. Key routes include trips to our conference place Bugibba / St. Paul’s Bay. Use the trip planner for detailed routes and schedules which are also available on Google Maps.

• Ticket Options: A one-way ticket costs €2 and can be purchased directly from the bus driver.
• Explorer Ticket: For unlimited travel, consider the 7-day Explorer Ticket available at the airport. You can also buy your Explorer Ticket at the Burgibba Bus station located 300 meters from the conference venue. Find more details here.

Cab/Taxi Services

For more personalized travel, several cab services operate throughout Malta:

• Bolt: Download the Bolt app for easy booking.
• eCabs: Similarly, use the eCabs app for service.
• White Local Cabs: While more expensive, these traditional taxis are readily available.

Visiting Gozo and Comino

To reach Gozo from Malta, you can take the Gozo Channel ferry, which operates daily between Ċirkewwa in Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, with schedules and ticket information available on the Gozo Channel website.

For Comino, renowned for its stunning Blue Lagoon, ferries depart from both Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour.

Operators like Comino Ferries and Ebsons Comino Ferries offer regular services, with schedules varying by season.

It’s advisable to check the latest timetables and weather conditions before planning your trip.

Accommodation Options

Finding a place to stay in Malta is easy with various online platforms. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment or a luxury hotel, consider using:

• Double Tree by Hilton (Conference Venue)
• Airbnb
• Trivago
• Booking.com

Travel Essentials

When packing for your trip, remember that Malta uses UK-style power sockets. Ensure you bring a suitable electric adapter to charge your devices.(Voltage is 230V).

Credit Cards

Visa and MasterCard are accepted in many places, but it is always a good idea to carry a little cash for smaller purchases.

Conclusion

With this guide, you’re all set to navigate Malta’s transportation system with ease and find the perfect accommodation for your stay. Enjoy your trip to this enchanting island, where history meets natural beauty in perfect harmony.

Malta’s coastline is dotted with pristine beaches offering crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and breathtaking views. Here are three must-visit beaches for your Maltese adventure:

1. Mellieha Bay (Ghadira Bay)

Mellieha Bay, also known as Ghadira Bay, is the largest and one of the most popular beaches in Malta. Located in the northern part of the island, it’s perfect for families and beach lovers alike. The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming, especially for kids, while the wide, sandy shore offers plenty of space to sunbathe.

You’ll find water sports activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing here, making it a great destination for those looking for both relaxation and adventure. Mellieha Bay’s convenient amenities, such as beachside cafes, restrooms, and easy access to parking, also make it a top pick for visitors.

2. Golden Bay

As the name suggests, Golden Bay is known for its golden sands and striking sunset views. Nestled on the northwest coast, this beach is slightly more secluded, offering a tranquil escape from the busier areas of Malta. The surrounding cliffs and rugged terrain add to its scenic beauty, creating a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day at the beach.

Golden Bay is also a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the nearby hiking trails or take part in various water sports. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and snack bars, so you can relax in comfort while soaking up the Maltese sunshine.

3. Blue Lagoon (Comino)

If you’re looking for something truly spectacular, a trip to Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is a must. Famous for its clear turquoise waters, Blue Lagoon looks like a scene straight out of a tropical paradise. Though it’s not a sandy beach, the smooth rocks and shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating in the crystal-clear sea.

During the summer months, the Blue Lagoon can get quite crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or during the shoulder season. The surrounding island of Comino is car-free, giving you a true sense of isolation and natural beauty. It’s the ideal spot for those looking to experience Malta’s untouched landscapes.

Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, from family-friendly shores to dramatic cliffs and secluded bays. Whether you’re after relaxation, water sports, or stunning scenery, Malta’s beaches are guaranteed to leave you in awe. Be sure to visit at least one during your stay and make your Maltese getaway even more memorable!

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and love exploring local traditions, there’s one place you absolutely have to visit: the Marsaxlokk Sunday Fish Market. Located in a picturesque fishing village in the southeastern part of Malta, this vibrant and bustling market is the heart of Maltese culture, serving up more than just fresh seafood.

A Traditional Fishing Village Frozen in Time

Marsaxlokk (pronounced “Marsashlock”) is a charming coastal village with deep-rooted fishing traditions. As you approach, you’ll see brightly colored traditional Maltese fishing boats, known as luzzus, bobbing in the harbor. These boats, painted in vivid blues, yellows, and reds, often have the “Eye of Osiris” on their bow, believed to ward off evil spirits—a practice passed down from the Phoenicians.

The market, which takes place every Sunday, stretches along the waterfront, where you’ll find local fishermen displaying the morning’s fresh catch. The combination of the picturesque harbor, the colorful luzzus, and the busy market creates a scene straight out of a postcard. It’s the perfect way to start your Sunday morning.

Fresh Seafood and So Much More

The highlight of Marsaxlokk’s Sunday market is, of course, the fresh seafood. From octopus and swordfish to prawns and mussels, the market offers a wide variety of seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea. The freshness is unbeatable—much of the fish on display was caught just hours before. If you’re lucky, you might even witness fishermen unloading their boats and preparing their catch for sale.

But the market offers more than just seafood. Stalls brimming with local produce, cheeses, honey, olives, and Maltese sweets add to the mix. Whether you’re stocking up for a picnic or simply sampling the local fare, there’s no shortage of culinary delights to discover.

And don’t worry if you don’t have a kitchen at your disposal. Many of the nearby restaurants serve seafood dishes straight from the market, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, authentic Maltese meal right by the sea. One popular local dish to try is aljotta, a traditional Maltese fish soup that’s packed with flavor.

Beyond the Market: Marsaxlokk’s Charm

While the Sunday market is a big draw, Marsaxlokk itself is worth exploring. This small, quiet village has retained much of its old-world charm. After the market, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you’ll find quaint cafes and local vendors selling handmade crafts, souvenirs, and clothes. The vibe is relaxed and unhurried, perfect for soaking in the slow-paced Maltese lifestyle.

For history buffs, a visit to the nearby St. Peter’s Pool is a must. This natural swimming spot is located just a short distance from Marsaxlokk and is one of Malta’s hidden gems. Crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations make it an idyllic place to unwind after a morning at the market.

A Window into Maltese Life

The Marsaxlokk Fish Market is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a living snapshot of Maltese life. It’s where locals come to shop, socialize, and keep long-standing traditions alive. As a visitor, walking through the market feels like stepping into the heart of Malta’s rich maritime culture. The experience is both lively and authentic, offering an intimate glimpse into the island’s daily rhythms.

Plan Your Visit

Marsaxlokk is easily accessible by bus or car from Valletta, Malta’s capital, making it a convenient day trip for tourists. To get the full experience, arrive early in the morning when the market is at its busiest. And don’t forget your camera—whether it’s the colorful boats, the fresh fish, or the scenic harbor, Marsaxlokk offers plenty of photo-worthy moments.