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Imagine a small chain of islands in the warm southern Mediterranean between Italy and North Africa with a unique culture, ancient UNESCO sites, incredible cuisine, and friendly locals who speak English.
Thankfully, this place exists, and now is the time to add it to your travel bucket list.
Malta is a beautiful European archipelago that’s easy to get to, easy to get around, and full of incredible sights and experiences.
No matter if you love cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or exciting cuisine, Malta is truly special.
It’s no wonder this gem of a destination is becoming so popular with American travelers and is part of National Geographic’s Cool List 2024.
It’s The Filming Location For Blockbusters
Malta has been the film location for many major films and TV shows, including World War Z, Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Game of Thrones.
The new movie Napoleon was also filmed here in the Grand Harbour area.
Sir Ridley Scott and his team are back at it in Malta this year, filming the anticipated sequel to the hit movie Gladiator.
This is as good of a time as ever to visit the island before the hordes of movie fans arrive.
It’s Safe and Perfect For Solo Travelers
Malta is a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and high safety rating for solo travelers. The islands have a relaxed vibe, with friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and foreigners.
Even the capital city is safe. With just under 7000 people, Valletta is a capital city with a neighborly feel, plenty of helpful locals, and easy-to-navigate streets that are perfect for walking day and night.
Solo Travelers love Malta because of its community feel, lower cost, and great tourism infrastructure. Plus, the country feels like you’re a world away from everywhere else on earth.
Year-round Perfect Weather
If you’re looking for sunshine and warmth, Malta’s the place for you.
This European archipelago enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, with 5 hours of sunshine or more, even in December.
Because of its location tucked between the southern Italian Island of Sicily and Tunisia, Malta enjoys the perfect Mediterranean climate with no freezing temperatures or snow.
It’s not just the temperatures on land that attract visitors. Sea temperatures rarely drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and are above 70 for over half of the year.
English Speaking
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese evolved from Arabic back when the region was part of the Fatimid Caliphate over 1000 years ago.
Because of centuries of British rule, over 90% of the population in Malta speaks English, and all road signs are written in English as well.
Because of this, you’ll have no problems getting around or asking for directions.
Malta Doesn’t Quite Feel Like Europe
When you walk the narrow streets of Valletta or ancient sites like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum burial chambers, you feel like you’re stepping into history.
Sandwiched between North Africa and Southern Europe, Malta’s been a mixing pot of cultures for a long time.
Yet, all these cultures have made the country truly unique. Its world-famous food scene mixes influences from both sides of the Mediterranean, and its stunning architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites make exploring the islands seem like a dream.
For anyone looking to experience a warm island destination with endless natural beauty, unique culture, ancient history, and divine cuisine, Malta is the place to go.
It’s Easy To Get Around
With its English signs, great taxis and buses, and walkability, Malta is one of the easiest countries in Europe to navigate.
There are also ferries that take you cheaply from one island to another and even from the walled capital of Valletta to the city of Sliema across the bay.
Of course, it’s the joy and ease of walking that most visitors love. The capital of Valletta was built on a narrow peninsula. It takes under 30 minutes to walk from the ancient city gates to the historic Fort Elmo on the peninsula’s rugged point.
Because of the island’s layout, you can hike for under an hour in any direction and find yourself in new towns with romantic views of the countryside and the sea.
Malta Is Growing In Popularity
Word is out, and more people are choosing to travel to Malta. The country’s tourism numbers are up around 7% from before the pandemic in 2019.
With its easy connections to other cities in Europe and cheap fares, it’s easier than ever to get there. Plus, this trend doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon, so now is the best time to go before it gets even more popular.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com