HOW TO GET AROUND
The public transport system in Malta is very cost-effective, eliminating the need to rent a car. I highly recommend not renting a car in Malta as the streets can be extremely narrow, and drivers are quite unforgiving. You’ll save yourself money and stress by taking the bus. Here’s how:
BY BUS
Get an early start (8:30am or earlier). Busses in Malta can be very crowded.
Since fares can fluctuate from €1.50 by day to €3.00 by night (depending on the day and season you’re visiting) getting a Tallinja card will make your life much easier! You can pick one up at the Agenda Bookshop or Departures Hall right in Malta International Airport. Hopping on the X4 directly out front from the bookshop will get you into Malta’s city centre, Valletta, in roughly 35 minutes.
We personally went with a single 12-journey card, knowing we wouldn’t be making more than 12 journeys between us but the Explore Tallinja Card offers great value for those making more trips—costing €21 and offering unlimited trips for 7 days.
BY BOAT
A small ferry service runs from Valletta to Sliema, where you can board formal cruise lines or fishermen’s boats to visit Malta’s other islands, Comino and Gozo.
You can reap major savings by booking a cruise with DealToday (effectively a Maltese Groupon site) instead of direct from the boardwalk. Our cruise was with Luzzu Cruises and only cost €15 each. I overheard a couple booking the same trip for a whopping €75 on the day of departure.
*Pro-tip: Double-down on your trip to Malta by taking the ferry to Sicily! Cost = roughly €90.
WHERE TO FILL YOUR BELLY WITHOUT EMPTYING YOUR WALLET
A golden rule of budget travel is to opt for buying groceries instead of eating out for all of your meals, but when you’re on holiday you may want to live a little. We splurged on a 7-course tasting menu on this stay and can confirm it was worth every cent!
But if you’re looking for cheap fixings sure to fill you up, be sure to check out street carts selling traditional Maltese Pastizzi, savory pies, and qassatat.
These are flakey pastries stuffed with either a cheese filling, mushy peas, or chicken and mushroom sauce. They’re typically no more than a euro a pop and are equally filling and delicious! We ate them every single day. On the occasions we sat down for a meal, our favorites for value were at:
- Pastahaus: A quirky build-your-own pasta bar with fresh noodles made daily! Enjoy the outdoor seating and hefty pasta portions at this fine establishment. While the basil pesto was lacking a little salt (no problem), the carbonara tagliatelle was divine and had a very generous amount of thick pancetta folded in. €8-12 per main.
- Cafe Capitolino: The Amorino ice cream shop is no rival in terms of taste or value to this place. While everyone else is shelling out €11 for some flower-shaped gelato in a skinny cone, walk 100 feet in the direction of town and you’ll find Cafe Capitolino on the left-hand side. Waffle cones are 50c extra but well worth it as they fill them deeply. Our favorite flavors included: coffee, boccia (chocolate hazelnut), pistachio, white chocolate, and spagnola (cherry). €2.50 for 2 big scoops in a cone.
- Legligin: A recommendation from our AirBnb Superhost and site of the most amazing white chocolate cheesecake I’ve ever tasted (this coming from a woman who used to work in a famous New York City bakery). 5-7 course tasting menu will set you back €29; add a bottle of wine and dessert for a €100 bill that will arrive at your table on a wooden board with two rather tall, complimentary limoncello shots. €28.50 per person.
WHERE TO STAY
Our tiny balcony offered stunning views of the harbor and just enough space to dine al fresco! If you’re keen, you could stay in the same perfect little Valletta AirBnb that we did! Our Superhost offered amazing service and manages 5 additional properties in the area.
Locals recommended the Astis Guesthouse for value and central location.
WHAT YOU’LL WANT TO PACK
If you haven’t packed bug spray, you’ll want to. The mosquitos in Malta arrive early and stay late. Similarly, sun screen is an absolute must no matter how cloudy it may appear.
A cheap tote bag is a brilliant thing to have in your back pocket–one that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet for beach trips. If you’re planning on kayaking or doing other water sports, a few ziplock bags would also be wise to bring.
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FAR AWAY FEVER 