Malta - is it just me that didn't really like it?

[NCTDN]

I don't get the love for Malta. Each to their own and all that, but there's so many posts saying how beautiful it is as a country. We explored the whole island of so I thought. Did I miss somewhere ? (Loved Valletta btw)

I love Valetta, didn't care much about the rest of the island.
But Valetta as a city break is fab, I'm off there again in December. Beautiful

It isn't a destination people choose by preference.
We totally chose it specifically and would do again

I do like it, but then we know people who are from there/live there and so we get to see things that maybe the average tourist wouldn't.
I am not much of a beach person, but I like exploring and they have a number of casinos which I like going to for a small flutter.

It is a 20 minute flight from Sicily, so if people are looking for beaches, you could combine the two.

The largest Great White Shark ever captured was in Malta

@Hoppinggreen that was my takeaway too 😆

Only been to Malta once which was 15 years ago. Didn't do mg research before booking (was last minute desk). Stayed in Bugibba and it was the worst place I've been. Did visit the rest of the island and found Valletta lovely.

The most boring destination I've ever been to

I went and quite liked the fact it wasn’t as overly developed as other places. Medina was beautiful one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to and was buzzing about the Game of Thrones locations. Didn’t get to Valletta. I also didn’t appreciate the history and its strategic importance during WWII until I went.

Saying all that though there are other places I would go to rather than go back there. Worth going once and I’d maybe go back to go to Valletta.

I don't know what's with Malta this year - I know about 5 separate people going there.

Not sure I have known of anyone going before!

I used to live in Malta so have a big soft spot as I had a lovely life there and great memories (childhood and then 19-22, no responsibilities, sunshine, cheap alcohol). I feel very comfortable there and that can be nice for a holiday/break sometimes.

Loved learning about the history and culture over a long weekend in Valletta and Mdina, food was interesting and tasty. Didn't go to any beaches but we are planning to go back and visit Gozo.

Bus services were appalling!

I loved Malta . Was there in June . So much history and friendly people . Valletta is a great city . Yes, it’s all rock . I really enjoyed the culture .

I've been to Malta twice, for a short break each time (no longer than a week) and really enjoyed it (especially in the winter).

However, I think it is a bit of a "marmite" destination, you either love it or hate it and I would be very careful who I recommend it to.

I was taken to see Jaws as a 5 year old and whenever we look at a holiday destination I look up whether there are sharks there , doesn't mean we don't go but I always let my family know what the shark situation is

Why did you find Malta boring?

Malta would be the last place that I'd choose for a holiday on the basis of their hatred for wildlife.
Every year the Maltese trap and kill millions of migratory songbirds, swallows, and raptors, for fun. Europe and the RSPB have been begging them to stop for decades but still they carry on.

These are birds that are protected by the rest of Europe and many breed in the UK.
If you haven't heard a cuckoo for a while then it's probably because Malta is killing them all.

I know a few people that enjoy and regularly return to Malta. I'm going for the first time next month for a short break.

I've done my research and will be based in Valletta, will visit ruins and have a day on Gozo and expect it will be a nice trip.

As with most things, research is key to check if there's enough to meet your interests and what you enjoy doing in a holiday.

Went in 2004, loved it. Historical, magical, clear water so warm. Went again in 2019, a building site. Such a shame it was so so so beautiful.

i remember sitting on a hill in a restaurant and a wonderful view.

now so many cranes

If you like greenery, don't go to Malta. There is none. It's built on a bloody great bit of rock.

We went once and have never been back. Made the mistake of staying in St Julians although we were given the penthouse because it was available after we complained about the noise from the nightclub across the road. I'm no killjoy but it felt like our room was housing the bass speakers.

Valetta is beautiful though and well worth a visit. The architecture is absolutely stunning. I'd consider going back and staying there.

Also, Gozo was worth a trip too. Far less touristy and more rural.

Malta has a lot of history, not least its darkest period in WW2. I think you just have to know where to go to get the best of the island.

The mate who recommended St Julians to us is now known as the Maltese Budgie!

I never knew this!

But I just looked it up, and you are quite right.

I think it depends what kind of holiday you want. Not great for a beach holiday, fabulous if you can visit out of season and enjoy historical sites, walking etc.
Agree with PPs re buses, absolutely fabulous.
PP who said 'food was terrible' was eating in the wrong places, we had some absolutely amazing meals, but had done our research

TIL; Many thanks to @BigDahliaFan :9.41am for "bellwether" 🌻

@OMGitsnotgood I agree about the food- we had amazing oriental , Italian and even a Michelin meal ( very affordable) - but we were staying in valleta- we also had 4 days in Gozo staying at the kempinski and the food there was fabulous too - it's great for historical sites, and going on boats and sea swimming if you do the boat 'jump offs' but I wouldn't say it's a great family' destination or great for beaches etc.

@hairbearbunches st Julian's is horrible !!

My daughter has just returned from Gozo and absolutely loved it - late teen girls all just wanting to swim, go on a boat trip, visit some nice sites and have a decent cheap holiday. Her pics look gorgeous and the water was beautifully crystal clear. She was happy that eating out was cheap too.

My mum went years ago, and while they loved touring round the island and visiting the towns and historical sites, the hotel they were in was really grim and they hated the resort. Their hotel was named worst hotel in Malta...

That was back before internet reviews and when you got a cheap package from Ceefax without knowing where you were going.

I really didn't enjoy Malta at all. I found it boring, the food was terrible and it just seemed to be a rock full of expats with a mishmash of cultures, but no culture properly of their own. Valetta was also very strange, I didn't get a good vibe from it. Other PPs mentioned it seemed half finished, and I totally agree. It reminds me a bit of if Aldi made a version of Italy.