Malta. A country that has fascinated Phoenicians, Romans and the Knights of St John – not to mention thousands who pack their suitcase to head to explore the island’s 7000 years of history each year. With its 60th anniversary of independence from Britain coming up (September 21), Europesure Travel Insurance has taken a look at what makes it such an appealing destination for Brits, other Europeans and expat holidaymakers and provided travel tips.
The attractions of a holiday in Malta
With three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a capital renowned for its cultural offering and glorious beaches, Malta has it all. It’s never particularly chilly and those dipping their toe in the water can enjoy higher sea temperatures than in other parts of the Mediterranean.
It can be idyliic, whether exploring Popeye Village with the kids, breathing in the vibe in the winding, narrow, cobbled streets of Valetta’s Mdina or relishing the old city’s baroque and medieval architecture.
What are the highlights?
Bagging the view of the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua), from the spectacular Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must, whilst those with a love of archaeology should make a beeline for the country’s megalithic temples and impressive, prehistoric Hypogeum.
Whether you hit the beach at St Paul’s Bay, to enjoy the view of the island on which the Apostle is said to have been shipwrecked, or choose the island’s largest sandy bay at Mellieha, Malta will not disappoint. But, as a traveller, what do you need to bear in mind and what could catch you out?
Travel tips and travel insurance advice for Malta
Let’s start with the beach. You might well be tempted to hire a car, to perhaps visit a different one each day of your trip, but do be careful. The island is not blessed with particularly proficient drivers and roads can be poorly maintained, potentially causing motoring issues.
You will also have to park up. Do so with caution. Malta is a pretty safe island but most issues related to crime are thefts, often from parked cars. Do not leave anything on display or even take valuables out with you in the first place, as keeping them in a bag on the beach may also be ill-advised. Try to leave as much as possible, including much of your cash and passport, locked in a safe back at your accommodation. Take a photocopy of your passport before you travel, just in case you should lose it or have it stolen.
Staying safe in Maltese seas
Then there are water activities. Malta has some well-patrolled, safe beaches and gently shelving bays like Balluta near Sliema, but do watch out for other places where you could be caught out by rip-tides or hidden rocks that make diving dangerous. Swim and dive only where it is safe and be cautious if snorkelling, or heading to somewhere like the Blue Lagoon, 25 minutes by ferry from Malta, where there are cave systems. Watch out for jellyfish too!
Remember the rules of water safety and reference our guide, if you need to.
Not doing things alone is often key and also having the means to contact other people, should you get into any trouble, is essential. Always make sure someone can track where you are, either visibly or through mobile phone signal. Keep your phone charged, if you intend doing a spot of exploring.
Wildlife and pocket hunters
In the Maltese countryside, such exploring can come with a more unusual risk. Bird-hunting is a big sport on the island, particularly in spring and autumn and in the two hours before sunrise and after sunset. You could unwittingly wander into a firing range so always pay attention, particularly if hiking or camping. Some hunting areas are pretty close to campsites!
Hunters will also gather around ATMs in Malta, so be extra careful when withdrawing cash. Try only to do so within shops or shopping centres, where it may be safer.
Pocket hunters, on the other hand, operate on the public bus system, especially on busy summer routes such as Valletta to St Julian’s, so watch your phone, wallet and bag. Wear bags to the front of you, where possible, and opt for a cross-body style, if you can.
Nature and health risks
Nature could cause you an issue, with the mosquito population very hungry in Malta. Wear a DEET-based insect repellent and opt for accommodation with air-conditioning and mosquito nets or window screens. There is also a small scorpion that can give you a mild dose of poison, so do watch out and keep an eye on the kids when they’re playing. Do be aware that, should you arrive in Malta from a country where Yellow Fever transmission is an issue – even because you passed through such a country in transit – you will need a Yellow Fever certificate.
Another thing you might not expect to need is a facemask, but these are still worn in medical and clinical environments in Malta.
Healthwise, be extra alert if you suffer heart or breathing issues. Traffic congestion in Valletta can cause high pollution but there is also a risk of dust travelling on the wind from North Africa and this could cause you particular issues. Make sure your pre-existing health conditions are covered by your travel insurance before you set off, or any claim may well not be valid.
Spiking, scams and sensible behaviour
Finally, there are human interactions to beware in Malta. Spiking incidents have been reported in certain areas such as the Paceville district, with the intention typically being theft or financial gain. Do not leave drinks unattended and be careful where you buy them.
Scams are also fairly prevalent, whether they relate to romance fraud, property purchases, business ventures or job offers. Be sensible and do not allow yourself to be duped. If it all sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Similarly, do not accept any drugs. There are severe penalties for drug possession, use and trafficking in Malta.
Then, as with so many locations in which tourists gather, there is always a risk of terrorism, so stay alert and report anything that seems amiss. The local emergency number is 112, if you need help from police, civil guard or medics.
Travel insurance: added security in your suitcase
Get all of your planning and pre-trip awareness in shape and you should have a brilliant time on this amazing island. Just make sure you take a Europesure travel insurance policy along as your travelling companion, particularly as specialist medical care might see you having to be repatriated off the island and to the UK or another European country.
With flexible single trip and annual policies available to travellers across the UK and Europe, whether residents or expats, and a choice of paying in Pounds or Euros, Europesure has you covered, from more or less wherever you venture in Europe.
