Malta in April?

Auntie_Pram

My husband and I went last May - we found it expensive, dirty and most of the shopkeepers ripoff merchants (tried to make us pay 2.90 maltese pounds for one large packof crisps marked as 60 cents). Not one item on a till receipt corresponded to the price displayed in the shops. We were even done by a bus driver out of 4 maltese pounds. Also we found most of the locals very rude (we live in Cornwall so are used to visitors all year around and try to be as polite as we can).

The only places that could not overcharge you were bars and restaurants. The food we found to be good overall - some places were outstanding value for money, and, on the whole, most of the waiters were very polite and helpful. The only problem is that they all like football. Everywhere you go (bars and restaurants) there will be a lot of large plasma screens that they all like to watch while serving you and play very loudly (they even have them in the kitchens).

We, personally, would not go back there or recommend it to anyone. We are not normally whingers or moaners and go with the flow (we like quite, laid back holidays) but this place took the biscuit, we actually had our money for the holiday returned.

Dasnookster

I think it is all down to perspective. My husband and myself are going to Malta next February - we've just booked the flights so far, still searching around on various accomodation sites because we don't want to get stuck in the main nightlife areas, so waiting for the right place to come up.

Basically my advice is to hire a car because in Malta they drive on the same side of the road as us in the UK - I have seen some awesome photographs of both Malta and Gozo and there is definitely some great scenery to see - it all depends on your tastes of course.

You can easily get to Gozo and Comino - the two neighbouring islands as they have a ferry going several times a day for foot passengers and car passengers - I believe Gozo is something like a 25 minute trip and Comino is slightly less. Malta is easy to get around because most people there speak English - its their second language - so don't be put off to go and investigate.

LittleOne83

I love Malta, been so many times and can't get enough of it. There's loads of culture, beautiful scenery and is just a nice relaxed place. I've always stayed in Bugibba and found it easy to get around the island using the busses. If you drive be prepared for no road manners! They are a law unto themselves over there and anything goes!
Mdina is great, it's the silent city with churches and history and an amazing panoramic view of Malta.
I've always gone self catering and find it works well. The local grocery stores have some popular brands but also some that I've never heard of before.
Last time I went my friend and I took a boat trip round the Island and up to Comino with it's crystal clear sea and a lovely little beach to chill and relax on.
There are a few beaches, the best being Golden Bay. It's the most popular beach and can get quite busy but off peak it shouldn't be too bad.
There are loads of places to go and explore, you can go on jeep excursions or just explore by yourselves. The people I have found to be very polite and helpful.
Yes it's not the tidiest of places, but no where's perfect. If you want a relaxed chilled out break it's the place to go.
I love it there and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Skint_Catt

Well I'm off to Malta! Found a good deal to Sliema staying at the Preluna Spa Hotel (all the travel agents suggested The Regency but we found some awful reviews of it!) B&B for a week. Can't wait - we leave 29th April - I really need this holiday!! (Plus when I get back I'll be starting a new job! )

sloppychops

Skint_Catt wrote: »

Well I'm off to Malta! Found a good deal to Sliema staying at the Preluna Spa Hotel (all the travel agents suggested The Regency but we found some awful reviews of it!) B&B for a week. Can't wait - we leave 29th April - I really need this holiday!! (Plus when I get back I'll be starting a new job! )

Oh glad you didnt book the Plaza Regency as IMHO its not in the same league as the Preluna.
My MIL booked the Plaza Regency even after i told her it was awful and showed her numerous bad reviews and she came back and all we heard for weeks was her complaining about it.

We are also off to Malta for a week on the 29th April,leaving from Newcastle.

GrannyKate

We went to Malta a couple of years ago - we had 2 very elderly ladies with us and I cannot speak highly enough of the natural kindness and assistance given by the Maltese people. Okay the streets need some work and there was building (but where isn't there any these days). Valetta is well worth a visit and we did the harbour boat tour. We found the food at our hotel very good even it was sited a little out of the way. We had arranged taxis from the airport because of our elderly relatives and one driver offered us a price for a day out visiting some tourist spots including Mdina and Valetta. Well worth the money - an air conditioned luxury car and half the prize of the organised trips and no problems with the wheelchair. Its a small island and he just dropped us off places, arranged a pick up time and presumably went off to earn money in between. We managed to avoid the timeshare sellers - they got my 89 year old Mum instead when they rang - I bet that confused them!!

Have a good time. Just look on it as a new experience - I look on all holidays that way - after all if it was the same as at home why go at all. Find out about the island for yourself - the reps sell a select number of tours which do not include some nice places to be found in guide books.

:j :j wish I was going on holiday next month.

Francophile

totmalysh wrote: »

You either love Malta or hate it. I went in January a couple of years ago, absolutely loved it. It is tranquil and historical, no rush and everything is very close.

i totally agree you either love it or you hate it. We hated it. The food was good the people were nice but it was soooo boring. Have spoken to others who loved it so it's a matter of personal choice.

ames123_2

I LOVE Malta! Have stayed in a few places across the island but love Mellieha Bay Hotel. Go over to Gozo, Comino/Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto. To get to the Blue Lagoon go opposite Paradise Bay Hotel, next to the ferry terminal and there are little boats that will take you over. A lot of the Count of Monte Crispo was filmed in Malta, if you've ever seen that.

I'm disappointed Malta are getting the Euro soon, I liked the Liraand the fact that Malta was different to normal places people go to!

If you want any more advice about Malta, then just ask. What sort of stuff are you into at home? Might give an idea if you will like it or not. But I am sure you will, I love the place!

Inactive

ames123 wrote: »

I'm disappointed Malta are getting the Euro soon, I liked the Liraand the fact that Malta was different to normal places people go to!

I thought Malta had already gone to the Euro??

Stephen_Leak

Skint_Catt wrote: »

Well I'm off to Malta! Found a good deal to Sliema staying at the Preluna Spa Hotel (all the travel agents suggested The Regency but we found some awful reviews of it!) B&B for a week. Can't wait - we leave 29th April - I really need this holiday!! (Plus when I get back I'll be starting a new job! )

I love Malta.

Take a trip on the buses - every one has a little shrine to the Virgin Mary - the drivers need all the help they can get! Try the lampuki (dolphin fish) pie, if it's in season. Also the imqaret (deep fried fig parcels) from street vendors. And the pastizzi (little pea pasties), too. Visit Gozo and get OH to buy you something in the hand-made Gozitan lace as a souvenir!. And the weekly market at the unpronouncable Marsaxlokk. And the luzzu, the fishing boats in red, blue and yellow with the eyes on the bows to ward off evil spirits - they've been painted that way, handed down from father to son, since the 13th century - the 13th century BC!

Do you want someone to carry your cases?

PS. There was a really nice bar, run by a couple of ex-pats, right on the bay in Sliema. IIRC, it was called something like Snoopy's.

PPS. The locals are called Maltese, not Maltesers!