Can You Visit Malta In The Winter Time?

Thoughts of Malta usually conjure up images of lying on the beach soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm, clear waters. So what’s there to do when it’s not hot enough to swim? Well actually, this little island has so much more to offer than just the beach, making it the perfect holiday destination pretty much all year round. Here are some of the things you can enjoy in the winter time…

The Sunshine

When other European countries start experiencing cooler climates and darker days, the weather in Malta is often still pleasant and sunny. Winters are generally mild, with temperatures hardly ever dropping below double digits. But the best thing is that even in the coldest months of January and February, the island still experiences plenty of sunshine. In fact, Malta has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. So a trip in the winter could give you a much-needed vitamin D boost!

The Culture

Generally speaking, you can enjoy most of the same places in Malta all year round. But in winter the weather is not guaranteed to always be favourable for outdoor activities. That being said, Malta is an island steeped in history, so it’s not surprising that there are so many places of cultural interest to visit. On rainy days, it’s well worth a trip to one of the 30 museums around the island. You’ll find the Malta War Museum, the Classic Cars Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology –  so there’s pretty much something for everyone.

The island is also home to over 350 churches – one for almost every day of the year! There is plenty to admire about these emblematic buildings, from their unique designs to their fascinating histories. Did you know that the painter Caravaggio spent time in Malta and left behind some of his masterpieces? These are still on display for visitors to admire today.

The Food

The island is pretty much foodie heaven, so you could easily base your days around sampling the local delights. Due to its colourful past, Maltese cuisine is a bit of a mish-mash of Mediterranean, British and Arabic influences. You’ll find a range of restaurants there, the predominant cuisine being Italian.

There are plenty of places to get a delicious bowl of pasta or a pizza, and of course, fresh fish. But visitors should give the traditional cuisine a go too. A must-try are ‘pastizzi’ – small flaky hot pastries filled with peas or ricotta cheese – a cheap, delicious snack you’ll find on any street corner. And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could go for a typical Maltese ‘fenkata’ (rabbit) and try one of the many traditional ways this meat is cooked.

So is it worth visiting Malta in the winter time? The short answer is: definitely! Even though you may not be able to swim in the sea, there’s still plenty to do, see and experience – and all without the sweltering heat and crowds often found in the summer months.

Photo Credits

1. Cover Image by JanneG from Pixabay
2. Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash
3. Photo by Mars Immigrant on Unsplash
4. Photo by Jonathan Farber on Unsplash

This is a collaborative post, in partnership with Berkeley Mckenzy, Media Consultant, which helps me keep this free content on line and ad free.