[Closed] Malta

There are literally loads in the area, but you're on the edge of Paceville which is basically strippers and fast food.

Lots of open air restaurants in Portomaso (same complex as the Hilton), all decent food. Also a good supermarket in same area.

Walk around Spinola Bay to find a few more - it's been a while since we've been but the big open air restaurant on the north side of the bay is good food if leisurely service.

Having seen the standard of driving, I wouldn't be too keen on hitting the coast road on a road bike, but there might be some nice stuff in the interior (scorcio).

St Juilian is the party area of that beautiful island.  Not so great for cycling as it’s quite densely populated and as said the driving is quite agressive.

As above. There are plenty of good open air restaurants around St Julian's. My brother moved to Malta last summer. He cycles on the coastal paths but avoids the roads as the driving standards are shocking.

Also, worth taking road cycling gear?

If you're the sort of person who's idea of a good time is to fill your camelback  with nitro glycerin and ride downhill courses blindfolded while juggling chainsaws then go for it. My mum and dad once asked a taxi driver there which side of the road they drove on as it appeared rather unclear on their journey. "In the shade" he replied. 🙂

We're off there in July for a week, haven't been for 20 odd years, used to love it, it'll be interesting to see how much if at all it's changed. Going to Melleiha bay which is a bit quieter, I need to find me some proper waterproof suncream, as the snorkelling can last for hours!.

Yes, the roads are mental!

Lore and fitch steak restaurant in St Julians is lovely , Valletta is worth a trip too , walk down the coast to the boats (couple of km from St Julians)  then 5 mins on boat much better than bus as buses are packed and roads are mental. Boats run every 30 mins and it was 3 euro return when I was there a couple of weeks ago. Enjoy

Valletta is stunning, as firestarter says, so much history as well.

Take a day trip to Gozo and jump on one of the tour buses that you'll find at the Mgurr ferry terminal.  We took a red one with buses running every 45 minutes, jump off get the next one or the the one after.  Go early and allow time for the Inland Sea and Blue Hole (Dwerja) and watching Game of Thrones fans trying to find the Azure Window (fell down last year).  Another touristy thing is the boat tours round the Grand Harbour to appreciate what an amazing fortification Valetta is. At the Sliema side where the boat tours leave from there's a load of other boat tours worth checking out.  Valetta itself is well worth most of a day with a pretty good icecreamery next to the city square.  The co-cathedral should definitely be on your list.  Someone above mentioned Mellieha, if you're there English Rose tours do a reasonably priced trip to the Blue and Crystal Lagoons on Comino. Boat is on the Mellieha side of the bay, at the bottom of the hill.  Also, spend some time wandering round Mdina, not much there but very atmospheric.  If you're in Mosta, check out the Mosta Dome and the Miracle of Mosta.

Apparently the Citadel in Rabat/Victoria on Gozo is worth some time but I haven't been so can't comment

PS - next month I'll probably be buying a flat in Xlendi on Gozo

PPS - echo what others have said about bikes - I wouldn't.  Gozo's better but would still think twice

Gozo is good for mountain biking, loads of trails - no one seems to mind were you cycle

Malta is all about the diving, give it a try, it's ace!

Divewise is your best bet if you're staying in St Juliens.

Lovely stuff

I wouldn’t go because of this. But I am a weird nature obsessed type person .

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QDZi2mdbvSo

The Maltese government turn a blind eye, whilst the hunters of this tiny island are responsible for the extinction (within Europe) of an estimated 20 bird species in 10 years.

Thanks for the replies. Don’t think I’ll bother cycling then! Looks like it is beer and seafood then.

Speak to Mtb Malta Rob Magro us your guy

Did some mtb in Malta it's ace.

The hunters are every where though...

Went for a conference a couple of years ago, had a few days spare so i’d booked a bike. The drive from the Airport to the hotel convinced me that a bike was a bad idea, cancelled it.

Driving standards are appalling, even the bus drivers think nothing of “making progress” along tiny streets.

Don’t think I’ll bother cycling then!

I wasn't really suggesting that you don't cycle just that if you do don't waste money on a return flight. 🙂

Haha!