Any advice for visiting Malta next month?

dllive

Hi all,

We're 2 adults going to Malta on the 5th August for 3 days.

We're staying in a hotel in Qrendi.

Does anyone have any general travel advice for Malta? For example:

1. Do they have the same plug sockets as the UK, or will I need my plug adaptor?
2. Are cards generally accepted everywhere, or should I take cash?
3. If I take cash, should I wait until Im out there and get cash at an ATM?
4. Is tipping the norm?
5. What the best way to get around - Uber or public transport?
6. We have to checkout at 11am, but the flight from Valletta isnt until 10pm. Are there any activities to do to kill time?
7. Will I have to go through teh new Entry/Exit registration thing at Bristol and Malta airports? (Ive heard some countries have put a temporary halt on this)

Any other advice/recomemndations/guidance gratefully receievd.

Thanks!

strawb_shortcake

Mdina was beautiful, I've been amazed by the number of people I've known gone but not bothered with Mdina.

We had hire cars, but heard the public transport was good. Maltese driving was interesting at times.

Lots of museums and places to visit on WW2 if this is your thing, Lascarus war rooms, Rinella Fort and another museum I can't recall the name, but you can still access the tunnels and shelters used during WW2.

aussie_in_wales

Hey,

Plug sockets are the same as in the UK

I took cash and card. The markets and smaller shops prefer cash. You can use the ATMs over there but some charge a lot, so check.

I did tip for good service, its not mandatory

Buses are okay but can get really busy. Can use Uber but Bolt is more commonly used and we got our taxi's quicker using it.

I went last year so no idea about the entry/exit system at the moment.

Definitely go to Gozo while you're there.

la531983

There is no "entry/exit registration thing" at Bristol. Or any UK airport for that matter. Its all done at the EU side.

XzavierWalnut

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82067772#Comment_82067772

Second that about Gozo. Just use the ferries.

dllive

Thank so much! Very helpful.

I was thinking about visiting Gozo, but we're only there for 3 days. Having said that, Malta a small island so perhaps we could get a Bolt to Gozo and back in a day.

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6676067/any-advice-for-visiting-malta-next-month

Public transport is great in Malta, plenty of buses to get around. Card accepted in almost all places.

la531983

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82067804#Comment_82067804

No, you would need to get a taxi to the ferry terminal at the north of the island and then go on the boat as a foot passenger, the taxi wouldnt go on the ferry. I have no idea what the taxi service is like on Gozo.

Personally unless you have a car or on an organised trip with a coach I wouldnt bother going to Gozo. The public transport there isnt as good as the main island and many of the main sights are on more rural bits of the island.

I also wouldnt bother going to the Blue Lagoon. Never have I been more disappointed with a "tourist attraction", a wonderful place with beautiful water absolutely ruined by burger vans cluttered around the place.

TheShape

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6676067/any-advice-for-visiting-malta-next-month

On point 6. You say you're flying from Valetta but from Qrendi the airport is closer than Valetta is to the airport so on your last day you may want to consider leaving luggage with your hotel/accomodation and exploring in/around Qrendi on the last day. That may be easier than heading elsewhere, storing lugage and then heading to the airport.

I'd probably check the weather before you go, though. It may be very hot and you may want to plan the last day around being able to visit some cooler/cooler indoor places on that last day.

When I was in Malta last summer I was seeking out aircon on the day of my flight due to the heat.

marlot

Buses are frequent and easy to use.

It can feel very much like a missing part of the UK. Malta voted to join the UK after WW2. UK type electricity sockets. There's even an M&S in Valhetta!

If you're interested in history, I'd recommend a visit to Lascaris War Rooms - would be a good activity in Valhetta on a hot day.

maman

We used public transport too, bought a three day pass. I'd second a visit to Mdina although you could easily spend your 3 days in Valetta.

I'd definitely visit the Co-Cathedral in Valetta, the interior is stunning.

The Anglican cathedral is interesting too if you have time.

We also enjoyed a boat trip around the harbour.