Once I ran into a couple in an airport coming home from Malta and they were singing its praises and I?ve had the country it on the top of my list every since. Every now and then I?d check flight prices and one day Malta popped up as an affordable destination with a bonus stopover in Istanbul so I booked to visit in early April.
Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, north of Libya and south of Sicily, so wherever you go you?re surrounded by coastlines made of steep limestone cliffs indented by bays, inlets, and coves. I arrived on a warm spring day as the rainy season was just ending so I experienced beautiful blue skies during my four days.
 

 
 
 
Malta has a rich history, the Maltese people are descended from the Phonecians and the language is a blend of Arabic and the Sicilian dialect of Italian. Britain occupied Malta for 150 years up until 1964 and Malta is a member of the Commonwealth so English is also spoken. Throughout the country you?ll see the influences of the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, French, and British. I rented a wonderful Airbnb apartment with views of the harbor and within walking distance to everything in the capital city of Valetta. All around Valetta, visitors and residents enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

 
My first day I spent on foot exploring the capital, it?s small and a very walkable city. What charmed me was all the colorful doors and door knockers on every street!

 

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