Flight Destinations
Flights to Malta
Destinations in Malta
Situated in the Mediterranean is the island nation of Malta. There are seven islands in the archipelago altogether, though only three are inhabited, and densely so, making this one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Even so, Malta’s history, culture and warm weather have long made this a popular tourist destination.
Flights to Malta
Malta’s only airport is the Malta International Airport (airport code: MLA), situated 3 miles outside of the capital city, Valletta. From the UK there are flights to Malta with both low cost airlines and scheduled airlines. Air Malta is the nation’s airline and they have flights to Malta from many cities in the UK including London Gatwick and Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham. BMIBaby offers seasonal flights to Malta from East Midlands airport, and there are also numerous flights to Malta with Easyjet, Ryanair, Thomsonfly, and Thomas Cook Airlines.
Malta Tourist Attractions
Although Malta is a very densely populated place where the historical buildings all seem to be fighting for their own space it’s a culturally and historically rich country that has long been popular as a tourist destination. Malta appeals on several levels because of its location in the Mediterranean, giving the islands lovely weather and making them perfect for a beach holiday. Combine this with all the culture and history, and Malta will appeal to many different visitors.
Valletta
Malta’s capital city is Valletta and this is certainly a destination that’s rich in that Maltese history and culture. Much of the city is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was declared because it is so culturally rich. Valletta was mainly built during the 16th century by the Hospitallers and features such attractions as St John’s Cathedral. This was the religious home of the Knights of St John and although impressive from the outside, the inside is amazingly beautiful with its ornate decorations and stunning frescoes. Next door is the Cathedral Museum which features two famous Caravaggio works of art, and describes some of the history of the cathedral.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of Malta in general then the Malta Experience is highly recommended.
Mdina
The compact city of Mdina is another popular place to visit in Malta. It features narrow, maze like streets that are more reminiscent of a city in the Middle East, and very atmospheric. This hilltop city is confined within city walls and one of the main attractions is St Paul’s Cathedral which features more wonderful frescoes inside.
The Cathedral Museum, as well as palaces, museums and the Dungeons are some of the other attractions in Mdina.
Cottonera
Not far from Valletta is Cottonera, also known as The Three Cities because there are three cities grouped together within historical fortifications. Though much of all three cities was destroyed during World War 2 they have now been rebuilt and offer a glimpse at life in Malta’s past. Of the three Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu) is the most popular with tourists as there’s most to see here, though the other two cities each hold their own attractions too.
When Should You Visit Malta?
Being situated in the Mediterranean, Malta has a typical Med climate with long and fairly hot summers, and little rainfall. The average high in August is 26C, which is great for enjoying some of Malta’s beaches. During the winter you could make use of the mild temperatures are enjoy quieter sightseeing, though be prepared for rainfall as winters in Malta are the wettest time of year.