Miniature, graceful Malta attracts with a wonderful climate, rich history and incredible hospitality. Thanks to the cordiality and friendly atmosphere, thousands of tourists feel absolutely comfortable on this small island. And you can come here not only during the beach season. At different times of the year, Malta attracts with educational tourism, ecological, eventful and, of course, gastronomic. For every tourist there is an optimally suitable season when it is best to go to Malta.
Types of tourist seasons in Malta
The favorable climate of the island attracts visitors to Malta at any time of the year. Therefore, the division into seasons is very arbitrary, although there is still a difference.
Beach season
This, of course, is summer - the time for vacations and vacations. It is believed that the swimming season lasts here from May to October. In reality, the water temperature in May does not exceed + 19 degrees and not everyone is suitable for swimming, although the sun is already baking. Beaches become crowded in June. They are small and cozy in Malta, located mainly in picturesque bays. Sandy beaches - colorful, to choose from. The sand is found white, golden, red. There are pink sand beaches. Sandy beaches are popular and therefore full of tourists. Lovers of solitude choose pebble or rocky beaches, there are also many of them. The absence of many kilometers of beaches makes it possible to “specialize” isolated places - for families, for noisy youth, for fans of windsurfing, for divers from rocks, etc. Many beaches are awarded the Blue Flag every year - a certificate of the cleanliness of the sea and the safety of swimming.
The peak beach season is July and August. At this time, the warmest water in the sea and there are practically no winds. High season attracts a huge number of visitors to Malta, which is reflected in prices. You can correct the situation by booking early.
Diving season
Although the sea water temperature on the island allows diving all year round, it is believed that in summer Malta has fewer underwater currents and better water visibility. Therefore, during the beach season, fans of diving and underwater photo hunting also come to the island, who are attracted by the incredible wealth of underwater landscapes and the diversity of Mediterranean flora and fauna. Every year on the island, the international photo competition "The Blue Dolphin of Malta" is held for them.
In addition to underwater landscapes, divers are attracted by sunken ships of different times, stunning underwater caves and a 40-meter underwater statue of Jesus Christ. This famous sculpture with raised arms can be seen under the waters of St. Paul's Bay.
Scuba divers come to the island of Gozo because of the Blue Hole 26 meters deep and the Coral Cave. And on the island of Comino, the underwater cave of St. Mary attracts.
By the way, the recently collapsed Azure Window now also attracts divers.
Ecotourism season
The magnificent velvet season begins in September. The heat leaves, leaving a comfortable sun. It's time for long walks in the picturesque places of the island. In addition to the wealth of architecture, Malta has many landscapes of natural beauty miraculous. It was these places that were chosen for the filming of the famous TV series "Game of Thrones".
Shores, coves, rocks and bays - everything is worthy of attention. Hikers can admire the picturesque landscapes, literally moving from city to city.
An interesting natural monument is the Blue Grotto, where excursionists travel by sea. The observation deck offers stunning views of the coastal cliffs and tiny islets.
In a small area of the island, the Maltese have contrived to set up parks and gardens with orange, lime and lemon trees. The Buschetto Forest, the Baracco Gardens with access to the Grand Harbor, and the Hastings Gardens with a beautiful view of the bays and islands are fascinating for walks. The national park is laid out on the site of a former military airfield - with a beautiful portal and wide alleys.
The Adira Nature Reserve has a large lake decorated with round islets. The lake is full of water all year round thanks to underground springs. Migratory birds rest there and locals live there. They can be watched from a special house for tourists. The reserve was created to preserve the remaining species of birds, as the legendary Maltese falcon disappeared due to local birders.
The Mediterraneo Marine Park features exotic reptiles, amphibians and birds. Dolphin and sea lion shows are held here.
Excursion season
The best way to get to know the island is through guided tours or self-guided travel. Autumn and winter are the best times for interesting excursions.
Malta can be called an open-air museum. In terms of the number of attractions, it is almost comparable to Rome. The world's oldest man-made structures - megalithic temples - are located here. The mystery of the construction of these complexes of huge stone structures has not yet been solved. There is a hypothesis that the island is a wreck of a sunken Atlantis. The history of the Order of Malta is fraught with mysteries.
The fabulous island of Gozo, according to Greek mythology, once belonged to the nymph Calypso who sheltered Odysseus.
Valletta, one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage cities, is full of architectural landmarks - from the medieval fort to the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta. The city is home to famous cathedrals - St. John and St. Paul. And also the Church of the shipwreck of St. Paul, which houses famous Christian shrines.
Malta's top attractions also include:
- Basilica of the Virgin Mary on the island of Gozo;
- the former capital of Mdina, now a city-museum;
- Casa Rossa Piccola, an ancient palace that has preserved its original appearance;
- Fort Sant'Angelo, an 11th century fortress;
- Hypogeum Khal Saflieni, a megalithic structure 7 thousand years old;
- megalithic temple complex Mnajdra.
Wellness, educational and business season
From October to May, in the absence of a beach holiday, everything that is interesting to Malta comes to the fore. Specialized thalassotherapy centers offer a variety of therapeutic and anti-aging programs. They usually pass with maximum benefit, that is, in the absence of summer heat, which does not allow you to feel the air saturated with iodine salts.
The period from November to January is also considered the business season in Malta. International business representatives organize conferences, meetings, congresses here. Business tourism accounts for about six to seven percent of the annual inbound flow.
The island is an ideal place for those wishing to speak English in a short time at a relatively low price. Malta has several language centers with high teaching standards. Among the countries that teach English, Malta is second only to the UK in the ranking.
Malta climate
The climate is Mediterranean subtropical - mild warm winters and dry hot summers. In winter, it rains, which alternate with clear sunny days. Air humidity remains sufficient all year round. Average annual daytime temperatures on the islands are + 20-22 ° С, night temperatures are around + 15 ° С.
Summer in Malta
The country is the southernmost of all European states. In summer, a sultry wind sometimes blows - the African neighborhood affects. There is practically no rain. And only the sea breeze softens the hot wind of the Sahara. Due to the absence of high mountains and forests, the island is completely blown by the sea wind. Already in July, daytime temperatures exceed 30 degrees. The architectural features of Malta - the narrow streets of the Middle Ages - save you from the heat. As in all southern countries, many establishments close for siesta in the summer. After 4 pm, the activity of the sun decreases and the activity of residents and visitors to the island increases. And so - until the end of August.
Autumn in Malta
In September, the heat drops to pleasant temperatures, leaving warm seawater. Young people return to school, and older tourists come to replace them. And this is still considered the beach season.
You can swim perfectly in October, although the wind is already blowing more often, by the end of the month it starts to rain. Great time to visit the country: prices are falling, beaches are emptying. And the temperature for swimming and sunbathing remains suitable. You can visit excursions without fear of the heat.
November by European standards can be called the first autumn month. It is rainy and foggy, although it is still warm. The water temperature in the sea is also kept at an average mark of + 20 ° C.
The highlight of the velvet season is the regatta in honor of the end of the Turkish siege. It ended in victory on September 8, 1565. This is an important holiday for residents and spectacular for guests.
Winter in Malta
In winter, it rains often - fine and drizzling, humidity rises. But there are enough fine days when the temperature drops to + 10 ° С only in the evening. No freezing temperatures, snow and frost. And in February, fresh greens already appear, almonds and citrus fruits are blooming. During this period, prices are much lower, but there are still a lot of tourists.
The bright event of the winter months is the carnival. With a few exceptions, believers in Maltese are Catholics. Religion is quite influential here - over 350 churches operate on a small island. All public holidays are of a religious nature - in honor of this or that saint. The traditional carnival is timed to coincide with the beginning of the Catholic Lent. Here you can see everything - giant dolls on multi-colored platforms, performances by artists from among local enthusiasts, Maltese in bright carnival costumes. Very picturesque and fun.
Spring in Malta
A wonderful period begins in March. Everything blooms, the islands are covered with greenery. It's still a long way from swimming, but the beauty of nature and the air make spring a wonderful season. The temperature reaches + 19 ° C during the day.
April can be considered the beginning of summer: the temperature rises to + 22 °, sunny days prevail, the embankments are filled with tourists. But the sea water is not yet warmed up and is kept at + 15-16 ° С. In May, the heat begins, seawater often heats up to + 20 ° C.
The main event of the spring cultural program is the Easter procession. People dress up in costumes of biblical characters, carry or carry thematic sculptural compositions on platforms.
The island has everything for relaxation, treatment, sports and cultural activities. Therefore, everyone chooses the season when it is better to go to Malta - depending on their interests.
