Even though Malta is a famous place to visit in the summer, the winter has its own special charm. In fact, winter is a wonderful time to visit Malta for many reasons. If you do decide to visit, you should think about staying at the be.Hotel, which is one of the best hotels in St Julian’s, Malta.
To begin, the mild and inviting weather makes it a great place to go for people who want to get away from the harsh winters in other parts of Europe. Also, the island’s natural surroundings are at their most beautiful in the winter, when they are full of lush greenery and stunning views that are great for exploring outside. And because there aren’t as many tourists in the winter, you can learn about the island’s past and culture in a more natural and relaxed way.
For the Maltese, tradition and society are very important, and their holiday celebrations show this in many ways. There’s something for everyone to do during Malta’s winter holidays, whether you want to try traditional Maltese sweets and treats, see a live play, or join a walk through the streets. Malta should be at the top of your list if you want to go somewhere in the winter that has both beautiful nature and a lot of history.
Travel tips and advice for Malta in winter
If you want to see Malta, you should go in the winter instead of the busy summer months. The small size of the island makes it easy to get around, and there are many ways to get there.
• Public Transport: Buses are a great way for people to get to most of the places they want to see in Malta. Also, they’re very cheap. You should know, though, that during the winter, some lines don’t run, mostly ones that go to beaches. The Malta Public Transport website and app have the most up-to-date information on bus times and routes, which makes it easy to plan your trips.
• Car Rentals: Because Malta is so small, renting a car here can be a good idea. It’s easy to get around and doesn’t take long. In other words, you can go where buses don’t go and at your own pace. But keep in mind that the worst times to go are between 8 and 10 AM and 4 to 6 PM if you want to avoid traffic. Don’t forget that you need to be able to drive on the left and possibly through tight streets. It’s also important to know that Maltese drivers are often cocky and quick, and they can get clever with the rules (double parking and sudden moves are common).
• Walking and Cycling: You can walk or ride a bike to see Malta’s towns, such as Valletta, Mdina, and the Three towns. Most of the old towns are small and simple to get around on foot. Bike riding is a thrilling way to see the outdoors if you like more exciting things. Be careful, though, because roads can get busy, and not all of them have bike paths. Also, Malta has a lot of hills, so you should know how to ride a bike before you go there.
• By ferry: It is possible to take a ferry from Valletta to the Three Cities or from Malta to Gozo. When bad weather hits, schedules can change, or boats may not run at all. To find out the latest information, visit the Valletta Ferry Services Facebook page and the Gozo Channel website. You can also take the fast boat from Valletta to Gozo. For more information, visit the Gozo Highspeed Facebook page.
• Reduced Boat Tour Schedules: Some boat tours may run less often in the winter than they do in the summer. Boat tours go to places like the Blue Grotto all year long. Some things, like bad weather and low demand, can change plans. Take a look at this before you plan a boat trip.
Finally, the ideas and tips above will help you get the most out of your winter trip to Malta. Malta is a great place for everyone because it is warm there in the winter. You can play sports outside, enjoy the beautiful beaches and old towns, and eat food from the area. Avoid the sun’s rays and don’t forget to bring rain gear, warm items, and clothes that you can style in different ways. If you remember these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your winter vacation in Malta and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Carnival
Winter in Malta isn’t just about Christmas and New Year’s Eve; it’s also time for the exciting and colourful Carnival. In February, this event lights up the island with its unique charm and excitement.
• Carnival Atmosphere: During Carnival, Malta turns into a place full of colour and joy. Valletta hosts a family-friendly, midday street party that is full of typical funfair fun and suitable for all ages. On the other hand, Nadur, on the nearby island of Gozo, provides a different experience with its midnight street party that caters to adults and has a livelier, more sophisticated vibe.
• Parades and Vibrant Floats: The Carnival procession is a major attraction. The streets of Valletta are lined with elaborate floats that are adorned with colourful decorations and frequently have dancers on top. These floats, which range from the brilliant to the grotesque and the noisy, are the product of months of effort and imagination.
• Costumes and Masks: Carnival participants in the Carnival don unique costumes and masks, ranging from the traditional to the whimsical. These add a sense of mystery and fun to the event. In Nadur, you’ll find especially unique and funny costumes, often going beyond what you’d usually expect in a traditional religious celebration.
• Dance and Music: Dancing and music are two of the most important parts of the Carnival. Around Malta, both traditional and modern music is played to liven up the celebrations. Dancers often act on floats or the ground as part of the Carnival parade.
• Food Delights: Carnival is a great time to try traditional Maltese food. For example, the “prinjolata” is a tall dessert made of sponge cake, biscuits, almonds, and citrus fruits. It is topped with cream and decorated with pine nuts and “perlini,” which are sugar-coated almonds that come in many beautiful colours. Visitors to Valletta during Carnival can buy these from street vendors all over the city.
Carnival is one of the most lively and exciting events on the island’s winter calendar, and it’s the best time to experience Malta’s unique culture and traditions. Carnival has an unmistakable energy and excitement that can be felt in the air, from the lively parades and street performers to the lively parties and fireworks shows!
Exploring Malta’s winter charms beyond main festivities
In the winter, there are many things to do in Malta besides the big events.
Along with the enjoyable things that have already been said, winter in Malta is a great time for people who like culture. Because life goes more slowly in the autumn and winter, those months are ideal for exploring the island’s rich history and culture.
• Religious Feasts: Another religious holiday is the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, which is held on February 10. On this feast day, people remember the death of Saint Paul in Malta, who is believed to have brought Christianity to the island. The feast is very important in Valletta, where there is a parade, religious events, and parties. During the winter, different towns and villages also hold a number of other faith celebrations and fêtes. Maltese religious traditions have been around for a long time and often include processions, special church events, and community get-togethers.
• Cultural Activities: It’s simpler to take in Malta’s history and culture when there are fewer visitors. Quieter and more serene are museums, historical sites, and galleries. Winter also brings with it a variety of cultural activities, including plays, art exhibits, and music performances by both local and foreign performers.
• Nature’s Beauty: The winter months transform Malta’s countryside. Thanks to the rain, the landscapes turn lush and green, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking and nature walks. The trails across the island are especially nice in the cooler weather. Given that the sea isn’t particularly chilly, it’s also noteworthy that some individuals swim all year round.
• Maltese Cuisine: Winter is a great season to sample Malta’s cuisine. You can find these dishes at most traditional Maltese restaurants—and you can find timpana at any ‘pastizzeria’ (small shops dedicated to preparing baked, savoury goods you can eat on the go).
• Affordable Travel: Travelling to Malta in winter can be more budget-friendly since it is off-season. It is a financially advantageous choice for tourists because airfare and hotel rates are typically lower.
In a nutshell, discovering Malta’s winter attractions is a singular and fulfilling experience that offers pleasant temperatures, long days, and verdant scenery. Malta offers something for everyone in the winter, regardless of your interests—history, culture, nature, or just lounging in the Mediterranean heat.
What time of year is best for winter travel to Malta?
What you want to experience will determine the ideal time of year to visit Malta during the cold months. Every month of January, February, and March has its own attractions.
January is the heart of Malta’s winter and the coldest month of the year. Still, the sun shows itself often in spite of all. January ends up being calm since the busy holiday season would have ended and the island is left peaceful and magical. It’s ideal for unhurried exploration of Malta’s history and culture without the crowd.
February is a month packed with colourful festivals, including the Carnival events. Observed before Lent, this old ritual brightens the streets with colourful costumes and vibrant times. Parades, floats, and performers highlight Malta’s creative side and ethnic variety. In Valletta, there also are processions and fanfare for the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck. This month is perfect for everyone who likes Malta’s amazing cultural events.
March: The end of winter and cultural diversity While the sun shines in Malta for a longer length of time, the cooler temperatures in March make it perfect for visiting historical sites and walking in the countryside.
Staying in style at the be.Hotel will help you to have the ideal winter vacation in Malta
Get ready for your winter trip to Malta. Make your house a hotel to strike the perfect mix between luxury and convenience. From our Superior Sea-view suites, breath-taking views of St. George’s Bay abound. be.Hotel is handy near the top attractions and conveniences of the busy St. Julian area. Your winter vacation just turned out to be mild. Rest in your cosy apartment or savour a relaxing dive in our heated indoor pool following a day of island exploration.
To find further information, contact us or reserve your room right now. Are suggestions for your trip needed? Visit our blog for guidance and must-see Malta recommendations.
