Where is Malta?

That's the first thing I was asked when I told people Malta was on my list of travel destinations.

I've now visited four European microstates: Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, and Malta. Throw in Luxembourg for good measure because while it's not a microstate it definitely feels like one.

Malta is by far the most happening of all these places and I was pleasantly surprised to discover the fascinating history, vibrant nightlife, and thriving economy which were on full display during my stay.

So...Where Is It?

Malta lies below Italy, about halfway between Europe and Africa. Despite only having a population of 500,000, it's a member of the EU and boasts its own distinct culture.

The locals speak Maltese (a blend of Arabic and Italian) and eat Maltese food, which consists of exotic meats such as horse, quail, and rabbit.

I can live with that :)

The islands were under the control of Muslims from North Africa for hundreds of years, and the architecture thus resembles that of other Muslim countries I've visited like Morocco and Jordan.

It's definitely the least European-feeling EU country I've been to, but it was cool to see they've stayed true to their own identity over the decades since their independence.

Beaches and Beauty

The main attraction to Malta is its beauty. You could see the sea from almost everywhere in the country, and even in February, the weather was extremely pleasant.

Some of the most picturesque cities in Malta line the coast and include the capital Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian's. Other countries might call these "neighborhoods," because you could walk from one to the next within about 15-20 minutes, but hey 🤷🏻‍♂️. They each give off their own unique flavor, especially Valletta which is ancient and majestic.

The other side of Malta's main island has some picturesque beaches including Golden Bay, Riviera Beach, and Gnejna. They faced west and were ideal for Mediterranean sunset vibes.

Malta also has a small cove called Blue Lagoon boasting some of the clearest waters in the world.

Party in Paceville

I've never had great experiences at European party hostels that are frequented by locals. Often, they'll come and only speak their native language, creating a weird disconnect between locals and travelers.

The hostel I stayed at in Malta, Marco Polo Hostel, is the exception to that. Everyone in Malta speaks English and the hostel staff did a great job of facilitating connection between groups. Every night, I got to meet new locals and found them to be friendly and welcoming.

It was also cool to find that people had settled in Malta from all over–Colombia, France, Morocco, and more. How they ended up there is largely a mystery, but none had any intention of leaving.

Can you blame them?

However, only a 4-minute walk from Marco Polo, the nightlife got even better. I went out to an area called Paceville which was littered with clubs with no cover fees.

It seemed like the entire country was there on the weekend, and I got to meet up with a local friend Kresida who was celebrating her birthday in Paceville. We partied it up with her friend group well into the early hours of the morning.

With how good the nightlife was, it was easy to forget that we were on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean with a population smaller than Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What's Not To Like?

Because of its size, I felt like giving it a metaphorical hug, but because of its dynamism, I wanted to step back and simply admire how they've pulled it all off.

Malta felt developed, vivacious, and homey, and it exceeded my expectations compared to the other European microstates. I could have easily spent a week there exploring, sitting seaside, or partying it up in the hostel or Paceville.

Countless budget airlines fly there from mainland Europe, and nearly every other traveler I met was there because "it was a cheap flight." It's also one of the few fair-weather places in Europe in February, making it a no-brainer winter getaway.

Honestly, Malta Tourism should just sponsor this post at this point. I'm doing their work for them.

Consider making Malta a stopover during your travel plans and you won't be disappointed!